Sarah B.'s Picks

To say Detroit is in trouble is an understatement, and there are many writers who have flocked there like anthropologists to the Amazon to study its startling poverty, violence and decay. Don’t read their books — this is the book you need to read. Charlie LeDuff is a native of Detroit, and in this amazing book he turns his unblinking eye on his hometown. He also turns his journalists gaze on himself; the book is intensely personal, as LeDuff tells stories of his own family’s rise and fall that mirror that of the Motor City. Detroit: An American Autopsy will make you cry, laugh and shake your head in disbelief and anger. This is not an easy book to read, but it is one you should read — and you will never forget. Oh, and one more thing — God bless and keep the people of Detroit, Michigan.

You may remember Jeff Sharlet from his last book, The Family, an expose about a shady religious group that wields tremendous influence in Washington, D.C. In his latest, Sharlet takes on a similar topic — faith in America. Sweet Heaven When I Die is a collection of essays based on Sharlet's experiences exploring faith and culture around the country, and he writes with surprising earnestness about groups ranging from born-again Christian teens to a New Age New York ex-lawyer. With each group Sharlet exposes the faults and strengths of its beliefs, without demeaning the individuals involved, making for an interesting, moving read.

The morning after my brother's wedding, I had the best sandwich of my life. I immediately asked who was catering the brunch, and found out it was the Williamsburg restaurant Saltie. Since then, I have made Saltie a must-visit on any trip to New York, and now my sister-in-law works there! I am so excited to finally get to try and make Saltie's original sandwiches, pastries, homemade foccacia and egg bowls at home. This cookbook is worth its weight in gold (or maybe truffles)!

I never thought I could learn so much from a True Crime book! In People Who Eat Darkness Richard Lloyd Parry tells the story of Lucie Blackman, a young British woman who disappeared while working in one of Tokyo's hostess clubs, and the frantic search to find her. Parry also tells us the story of the man responsible for her disappearance, and at the same time illuminates many aspects of Japanese culture that had a hand in this crime. Very entertaining, interesting and well written!

Brilliant cultural critic Geoff Dyer explores the world of film and his own life through Andrei Tarkovsky's phenomenal film Stalker in this one of a kind book. I highly recommend watching the film and reading the book - it was one of the most extremely enjoyable intellectual exercises I've had lately. If you don't see the film, the book still holds its own - reading Dyer is always interesting, challenging and educational!

Without Joe Hill there would be no Woodie Guthrie, Utah Phillips or Bob Dylan. Without Joe Hill, the Wobblies of the IWW would not have had the widespread influence they enjoyed in the early 20th century. Joe Hill is an American hero, unjustly executed by the state of Utah, and one we should never forget - especially now as unions come under attack as never before. When you punch out after 8 hours, or take two days off on the weekend, think of Joe Hill and that famous song: "...I never died said he."

This book is simply amazing! The story behind one of America's most beloved books comes to life in this annotated version, with notes by Leonard S. Marcus. Find out how Norton Juster and Jules Feiffer met, how they came up with Milo and the tollbooth, and how their lives were changed by The Phantom Tollbooth's publication. For everyone who loves intelligent
childrens books, and who wants to ride along with Milo again! —Sarah B.

One sign of a brilliant author is one who writes credibly on many different subjects. Russell Banks has written novels about John Brown, alcoholism, a school bus accident, African politics and Rastafarians—and all were extremely well-written and entertaining. Banks’ new book Lost Memory of Skin tackles the difficult subject of how we treat sexual offenders. As always, Banks delivers a nuanced, thoughtful and intelligent commentary on our society. “The Kid” is a young, skinny sex offender forced to live in limbo under a bridge with other offenders in Florida (this scenario actually comes straight from the headlines). Here he meets “The Professor,” a giant genius interested in studying him. The story of these two misfits is heart-rending and beautiful, and forces readers to reflect on our own definitions of humanity and compassion. I strongly recommend this book!   —Sarah B.

This may be the first time you’ve heard of Suzanne Rivecca, but it will not be the last. Take note of the Lorrie Moore quote on the front cover, and the Jim Shepard quote on the back—two masters of the short story are blurbing her first book! In Death is Not an Option, Rivecca demonstrates a deep understanding of human beings when facing major turning points in their lives. In one story, a woman confronting a stalker is forced to examine her own dishonest past. In another, a first-year teacher struggles with confronting parents she suspects of child abuse, only to have the most unlikely resolution when she visits their home. In each story you will experience moments of sharp recognition; I was especially moved by her depiction of adolescent girls at camp (did I really act like that?!). I urge you to check out these stories by a rising literary talent! —Sarah B.

Dean Kuiper's first book, Burning Rainbow Farm, brilliantly examined and exposed our nation’s ridiculous drug laws. Now he explores the radical environmental movement through the story of Rod Coronado, an activist who became notorious for taking on the fur industry. Rod’s story is one of courage and idealism, but it is not black and white. Kuipers is able to convey the ambivalence and struggles of someone who sees the earth being rapidly destroyed around him, and wants to do something about it. But Rod’s story reveals something deeply disturbing, as well: the U.S. government has changed the definition of “terrorist” to include people who destroy property in the name of a cause. What kind of nation are we living in when someone who burns an SUV or releases some minks is considered as threatening to our country as a suicide bomber? I take comfort in the fact that Dean Kuipers is out there writing, and continuing to expose issues like these. —Sarah B.

What creeps you out? This laugh-out-loud gift book points out things from the oddball to the everyday that will make you giggle with recognition. Making the list are hairless cats, "grandma candy," really long hair and lifelike baby dolls. Once you start reading, you can't look away!  -Sarah B.

This impressive book is a must-have for the hip-hop fan in your life. Bradley continues exploring the idea of rap as poetry in this extensive anthology, which has introductions by Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Billy Collins, and afterwords by Chuck D. and Common! Look for Bradley in our December 2010 events calendar—come and find out how he chose the artists and songs for this landmark work. —Sarah B.

In college I had the opportunity to take a team-taught class on the Vietnam war; one of the professors was a well-known Quaker anti-war activist, and the other was a vet who had served two tours in-country. It was an amazing experience, and one that has led to a lifetime of reading fiction and non-fiction about the war in Vietnam. Which brings me to Matterhorn. I love this book, and I think I can safely say that both of my professors would feel the same. Karl Marlantes (himself a veteran) has written an amazing novel—historically accurate, beautifully written, and incredibly moving. This book will appeal to lovers of literary fiction and war-time thrillers alike. When the book ends, you won’t want to leave the soldiers of Matterhorn behind.    
—Sarah B.

Lips Touch Three Times by Laini Taylor is a magical book. Seriously magical. Taylor's three fairy tales conjure up that powerful feeling of yearning I had as a teenager in love. That feeling of "if I don't get to kiss that cute boy, I may die." The thing is, in Laini's world love is a matter of life and death. This is a great read for teens and for women who still nurture the raging teen romantic within (and Twilight fans, too)! —Sarah B.

Wunderkind Nick McDonell has done it again. In his latest novel, An Expensive Education, he brings together two seemingly disparate parts of the world: the world of the Boston Ivy-League elite and the world of war-torn, poverty-stricken Africa. McDonell explores ideas of class, race and nationalism in this story of intrigue about Harvard and it's influence on African politics. In this book we meet: Teak, a Harvard alum CIA operative, Susan Lowell, liberal Harvard professor, David Ayan, an African student adjusting to the Ivy League and his girlfriend, the spoiled, wealthy bohemian Jane. All of these individuals come together to create a spy novel with a conscience, in the tradition of John LeCarre and Graham Greene. I highly recommend reading this book—and discussing it with friends when you finish! —Sarah B.

“The God I want to believe in has a voice and a sense of humor like Denis Johnson’s.” So says Jonathan Franzen (The Corrections), and I couldn’t agree more. Denis Johnson’s latest book, Nobody Move, is a gripping noir thriller that hijacked my attention for an entire afternoon. I read it once all the way through, and then started again. You don’t want to miss the story of Jimmy Luntz, a down-on-his-luck compulsive gambler on the run, and the crack-shot, drunk Native American Anita. Together they stagger through the dark, lawless underworld Johnson has created—a world that chillingly mirrors our own. —Sarah B.

My Abandonment by Peter Rock is one of the most unique and disquieting novels I’ve read in a long time. Caroline is a thirteen year old girl who lives with her father in Forest Park outside Portland. Her father has taught her everything about survival: how to stay hidden in the woods, how to leave no trace, how to avoid people at all costs. But when these two outsiders are discovered by the police and social services, everything will change. This novel will challenge your beliefs about many things: family relationships, social norms, and nature to name a few. But above all read this book for Caroline’s voice—I still can’t get it out of my head. —Sarah B.

Imagine this... you are a deadly mafia assassin, who escaped into the witness protection program, where you pursued your dream of becoming a doctor. One day in the ER, a thug from your former life recognizes you. This thug is infected with an unidentified disease that is quickly killing him, and he threatens to turn you in to the mafia if you can't cure him in 24 hours. Meanwhile, because of a three-stooges-like medical mishap, you become infected with the same incurable disease, so you'll have to not only outwit the mafia, but "beat the reaper" yourself. The clock is ticking. Ready, set, go!! —Sarah B.

This book slapped me in the face—who am I? Why do I participate in a consumer culture that disgusts me? How does anyone break free & live outside society? And how do those people who succeed at going off the grid keep their sanity? Tim Lane’s collection of graphic short stories, Abandoned Cars, is a brutal, gritty examination of the American Myth and what it’s become, as well as a portrait of a consummate outsider and how he lives—perfect for those of us who question our 9-to-5 existence. -Sarah B.

Political writer and comedic genius Matt Taibbi has done it again. He has produced another biting, insightful, hilarious look at our political system and culture at large. This time, he goes undercover in a right-wing fundamentalist mega-church in Texas. I laughed out loud at his on-the-fly decision to recite the Russian national anthem when asked to speak in tongues (church members congratulate him on his efforts)! Taibbi explores how Americans' frustrations and feelings of helplessness are leading us to turn to extreme philosophies on both sides of the aisle—from demons and Armageddon to 9/11 conspiracy theories, Taibbi nails them all. —Sarah B.

Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine is the most important political book of this generation. As in her previous book, No Logo, Klein is able to explain sweeping ideas with far-reaching consequences in an extremely readable way. Klein describes the hijacking of our country's economic and foreign policy by Milton Friedman's "Chicago School" of economics. She brilliantly lays out how Friedman's ideas led us to exploit the developing world to benefit corporations, for example in South America in the 70s and 80s, and in Poland and Russia after the fall of communism. But Klein goes a step further when she posits that these ideas are now being used in the wake of disasters to privatize industry, which reap huge financial rewards while populations are still in shock. For anyone who wants to understand what happened in the wake of Katrina, the Indonesian tsunami, and the American invasion of Iraq, this book is a must read. —Sarah B.

Monica Drake’s debut novel is about being an artist. In this case, the artist is a clown named Sniffles, and her medium is balloon animals and pratfalls. Sniffles is a clown purist who has been forced into doing corporate clown gigs to pay the bills. Life in Baloneytown is rough, and Sniffles struggles to survive, and to maintain her artistic integrity. This novel will resonate with anyone who has ever tried to make a living doing what they love, and anyone making a living doing something they don’t. Clown Girl will make you laugh out loud, squirm with discomfort, and ultimately make you think. —Sarah B.

Master of suspense writer Scott Smith (A Simple Plan) returns with this creepy novel of a tropical vacation gone horribly wrong. Pure terror interwoven with great characterization makes this book utterly enjoyable... but make sure and put it down before lunch! —Sarah B.