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Shelf Life
We can't review them all, but in our quest to call attention to the best new books, we introduce some that are sure to be around a long time. |
For Francophiles and history buffs alike, this extraordinary biography chronicles the life of a midwife who changed the course of French history. Gelbart provides not only a glimpse into French culture during the Enlightenment, but into the inner life of a woman before her time. Quelle femme!
A History and Mystery of Madame du Coudray By Nina Rattner Gelbart University of California Press, $35 ISBN 0520210360
By Harold H. Bloomfield HarperCollins, $23 ISBN 0060191279
Simon Mawer takes on the plaintive ruminations of a brilliant scientist who, as the title suggests, happens to be the stunted progeny of the father of genetics, Gregor Mendel. Reminiscent of Katherine Dunn's great dwarf narrative Geek Love, Mawer's new novel is as insightful as it is uproarious.
By Simon Mawer Harmony Books, $23 ISBN 0609601067
By Sheneska Jackson Simon & Schuster, $23 ISBN 0684850354
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If you count yourself as one of more than 65 million Americans who suffer from anxiety, this could be your ticket to calm. We first read the title as "Having Anxiety with Herbs," so we know we need help. All your questions about theraputic herbs, including Saint-John's-wort, will be answered in these pages. Now if only they could find a use for kudzu . . .
Jackson's third novel invites its readers into the lives and loves of four incredible women. Centered around Blessings Beauty Parlor, Jackson's story unfolds with all the grace, power, and humor of her two previous novels. You'll be hooked from the start.