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Biography

Review

Review by bookpagedev

They don’t make ’em like they used to. That feeling reverberates while reading the new biography of a screen iconoclast. Author Lee Server has written Robert Mitchum: Baby, I Don’t Care in the hip, loose style of Mitchum’s decidedly debauched life and career, and if the result sometimes feels a bit hammy (after all, no one can outcool Mitchum), this is a comprehensive and satisfying look at Hollywood’s baddest bad boy.

Based on dozens of interviews mostly of professional colleagues as well as extensive print sources, this book underscores the Mitchum enigma. He went through women like booze, but enjoyed an enduring marriage. He delighted in his two-fisted image, but was also a closet intellectual who grew up writing sonnets and short stories. On the set he could be rude, insolent and downright vulgar (in language and behavior). Yet opposite fragile leading ladies like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth, he was kindly, even protective. Mitchum got his start in Hopalong Cassidy programs, went on to etch memorable portraits in movies ranging from World War II sagas (notably, The Story of G.I. Joe) to thrillers. In several titles made at RKO under Howard Hughes’ reign he romanced Jane Russell; in Night of the Hunter (1955) he terrorized children; in Cape Fear (1962) he was a sadistic rapist and killer. He made 120 movies some of them just to get out of the house. Though he never won an Oscar, he was capable of Oscar-caliber work, beginning with an arena for which he was eerily suited. As Server notes, Mitchum’s "brooding bemusement and simmering violence" made him the perfect fit for the genre "of shadows and cynicism" that came to be known as film noir. Fittingly, the book derives its title from the 1947 noir classic, Out of the Past, in which wealthy criminal Kirk Douglas hires detective Mitchum to track down the no-good Jane Greer. After finding her, Mitchum falls for her. Ever cunning, she insists to him that she’s an innocent. Mitchum’s retort: "Baby, I don’t care." Pat H. Broeske interviewed Robert Mitchum over lunch in 1996. She still has the swizzle sticks.

 

They don’t make ’em like they used to. That feeling reverberates while reading the new biography of a screen iconoclast. Author Lee Server has written Robert Mitchum: Baby, I Don’t Care in the hip, loose style of Mitchum’s decidedly debauched life and career, and if the result sometimes feels a bit hammy (after all, no […]
Children's & YA

Circus Train

Review by bookpagedev

has what every children’s book should have: mystery, adventure, beautiful illustrations and a trainload full of excitement. Young Timothy has just moved in, and his parents have gone to run errands in the nearby town of Yonderville, leaving Timothy and his dog Curly behind. While sitting on the steps of his new home, Timothy’s how-will-I make-new-friends worries are interrupted by a strange rumble. What meets Timothy’s eyes is a circus train that has gotten stuck on the wrong track. He runs to inspect this surprising site. “What a train this was! The more he saw, the better it got.” Suddenly Timothy’s mundane Saturday morning was filled with clowns, tigers, elephants, hand-painted railway cars, tightrope walkers and a band. Why, even the engineer had a red-nosed clown face, wild orange hair and was named Mr. Carrot Top! Alas, the bridge has collapsed and the circus is due to perform in Yonderville. So Timothy comes up with an ingenious rescue, using the elephants, a cannon and a performer aptly named Captain Von Boom, all visible thanks to a big, delightful multi-page foldout! Timothy springs to action, barking orders left and right. And when he, the train and the circus reach their destination, Timothy’s gaping parents are among the circus-awaiting crowd.

Here’s a whopping tale for any kid who has ever dreamed of a daring exploit or of running away to the circus, as artist Jos. Smith explains. A professor of fine arts at Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute, Smith was inspired by an old photograph of a steam engine and a yard crew, which in turn inspired a series of fantasy train watercolors and, eventually, this book. His illustrations manage to combine the boldness and brightness of a circus adventure with the delicateness and subtlety appropriate for a heartfelt, magical fantasy.

Pair Circus Train with Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express, and you’ll have a super combo of magical train rides. All aboard for steam engine fun! Alice Cary leads her own circus of three young children in central Massachusetts.

has what every children’s book should have: mystery, adventure, beautiful illustrations and a trainload full of excitement. Young Timothy has just moved in, and his parents have gone to run errands in the nearby town of Yonderville, leaving Timothy and his dog Curly behind. While sitting on the steps of his new home, Timothy’s how-will-I […]
Children's & YA

Review

Review by bookpagedev

lovers unite! Stephen Huneck loves dogs, especially his dog Sally, and that love shines through in his newest picture book. Like his previous two books featuring Sally, My Dog’s Brain and Sally Goes to the Beach, Sally Goes to the Mountains is a celebration of All Things Dog. Big Dog.

It’s a big book, too, the kind I loved as a kid. It fills the whole lap. The illustrations are simple, bold, imaginative, and they make you laugh. They’ll also take your breath away.

Huneck is an artist and sculptor who has created a series of woodcut prints to showcase Sally’s adventures. They are drop-dead gorgeous and almost vibrate with anticipation and action the way children do when they know they are going on an adventure.

In my family, we take a trip to the mountains each summer and stay in a cabin in the woods. How well I remember my small children wondering what they would find, itching to get there, to explore. We read books, preparing for our first trip, in much the same way that Sally prepares for hers. By the time she is in the car and on the road, she can’t wait to get there.

Children will identify with Sally, as they listen to her first-person narrative of her trip. Huneck gets inside a child’s world, using simple sentences (“I want to play with a rabbit.”) that speak to the basic desires children have on a long trip, including having lots of food close at hand. Adults are shown only peripherally an arm or a hand which is just the right perspective from a dog’s view . . . and a kid’s! Sally, a carbon-copy of Huneck’s real-life black lab, is alternately energetic, patient, boisterous, confused, innocent and always hungry, as she dreams of what her trip to the mountains will be like. Here is a concept book, a storybook, a reference book for the very young. Here is a grand introduction to the mountains, to adventure, to the life of a big dog who is well loved. Here is a doorway opening wide for a small child to discover the delights in the everyday wonders of the world.

Deborah Wiles’ first two books for children, Freedom Summer and Love, Ruby Lavender, were published this spring.

lovers unite! Stephen Huneck loves dogs, especially his dog Sally, and that love shines through in his newest picture book. Like his previous two books featuring Sally, My Dog’s Brain and Sally Goes to the Beach, Sally Goes to the Mountains is a celebration of All Things Dog. Big Dog. It’s a big book, too, […]
Children's & YA

Review

Review by bookpagedev

The topic and approach of Fannie in the Kitchen is best described by its subtitle: The Whole Story from Soup to Nuts of How Fannie Farmer Invented Recipes with Precise Measurements. Deborah Hopkinson’s story-telling style is amusing, full of timeless child rationale, and Carpenter’s illustrations are charming and clever. A perfect pair to introduce us to one of the legendary cooks in history and her unofficial apprentice, an adventurous girl named Marcia.

Young Marcia Shaw loves being her mother’s helper, but with a new baby on the way Mama also needs a cook. Enter a young woman who is coming to live with the family: Fannie Farmer yes, that Fannie Farmer. Afraid of losing her mother’s affections and being relegated to a lesser role, Marcia hopes Fannie is a culinary failure. Ah, well, life is full of disappointment. Naturally, Fannie can cook like an angel. Marcia tries to pout, but finds herself quickly drawn into Fannie’s kitchen as her assistant. After a few disasters which Fannie overcomes with patience Marcia learns the importance of precise measurements, careful attention to detail and a passion for food. In the meantime, Fannie Farmer realizes that she has a great deal of knowledge in her head, and it wouldn’t hurt to write it down and share it. A cookbook. What a great idea.

Blue ribbons to Hopkinson for giving the picture book genre a new, fresh story line with characters full of personality, while introducing young ones to an icon in American history. Even today, many of our kitchen shelves house Fannie Farmer’s original recipes. What a terrific idea to share with kids a fun, realistic story about a kitchen role model who wasn’t just a Sara Lee or Aunt Jemima. Fannie Farmer was real. However, be prepared when Hopkinson skillfully describes Fannie’s mouthwatering biscuits and fluffy pancakes. Your little one will want to drag a stepstool up to the counter and start mixing, stirring, folding and flipping.

Fannie in the Kitchen is delectable and nicely served by the illustrations. A single scene, for example, will contain drawings of Marcia and Fannie in a setting of catalogue-worthy trunks, shoes, dress forms and bureaus. Best of all are the extras Carpenter sneaks in here and there, like Marcia’s reflection (looking petulant) peering back from within several items glasses, a carafe and a cream pitcher. The style works beautifully and lends the book a curious combination of freshness and classical texture that is irresistible.

The topic and approach of Fannie in the Kitchen is best described by its subtitle: The Whole Story from Soup to Nuts of How Fannie Farmer Invented Recipes with Precise Measurements. Deborah Hopkinson’s story-telling style is amusing, full of timeless child rationale, and Carpenter’s illustrations are charming and clever. A perfect pair to introduce us […]
Family & Relationships

Review

Review by bookpagedev

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery.

The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating world. The author, former cohost of MTV’s Loveline and a contributor of dating advice to Cosmopolitan, uses a cheeky, up-front tone that befits advice on modern liaisons. As an “homage to friendship,” it is a welcome antidote to the plethora of dating “rule books” prescribing pre-feminist deceit and manipulation. It even dares to assert that a woman can be complete without a man. (She does, however, need good girlfriends.) The code offers inventive vernacular for various body parts, dating situations and types of men. With it, you too can respect the Ugly Underwear Rule, identify the Bad Hygiene Stage with Mr. Right Now, deal with Rug Burn and endorse Girl Patrol. For etiquette any single girl could use, check out the tongue-in-cheek, yet entirely sensible “Code of Behavior &and Ethics,” which details boundaries good girlfriends never cross. The Girl Code makes a great bridesmaid token or gift for a buddy in any stage of the dating drama.

Thirty marriage and family experts team up in Why Do Fools Fall in Love? Experiencing the Magic, Mystery, and Meaning of Successful Relationships, edited by Janice R. Levine and Howard J. Markman. Diverse essays attempt to explain how we fall in love, stay in love, and how love gives life meaning. By looking at evidence from master marriages (as opposed to disaster marriages), we can learn what “chemistry” really is beyond endocrine glands. Sneak peeks at celebrity marriages and insightful marginalia jazz up a thoughtful, attractive book good for ailing or successful relationships.

Another approach to the mysteries of enduring love is a systematic plan from therapist and relationship coach Dr. Mark Goulston.

In The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship: How To Fall in Love Again and Stay There, he identifies and explores six “pillars” upon which every relationship rests: chemistry, respect, enjoyment, acceptance, trust and empathy. Case studies, worksheets and insights go beyond theory to offer realistic steps toward goals. The plan is tailored to appeal to the sensibilities of women and men, which is a refreshing change from the many self-help books aimed solely at women. The Marriage Plan: How to Marry Your Soul Mate in One Year or Less by Aggie Jordan also takes the high road with a plan based on honesty and self awareness. The goal is not just to make it to the altar, but to make it there with a soul mate. A 13-step plan will, if not guarantee complete victory within the time limit, at least leave you exquisitely attuned to authentic needs and clear-cut goals, not to mention poised to recognize and attract Mr. Right. The author’s credentials are impressive. After decades of teaching goal-setting and achievement to Fortune 500 executives, Jordan simply applies the same positive, practical approaches to marriage. Be careful what you wish for: with a plan like this, it is likely to come true.

Another new book that gets right down to the business of love is Prenups for Lovers: A Romantic Guide to Prenuptial Agreements, by Arlene G. Dubin. At first glance, the title may seem like an oxymoron, but smart couples will find this a wise guide from the ring to the altar. The very first chapter will convince skeptical readers the dreaded p-word is not just for celebrities or creeps with more cash than commitment. Think of a prenup as a financial housekeeping tool, a handy way to start a lifetime commitment to financial planning. The author admits money is harder to talk about than sex, but couples who “invest” in a prenup will be more likely to remain a couple (70% of all divorces are caused by financial conflict). Prenups require full disclosure, compromise and open communication: three things crucial to the beginning of a lasting marriage. Samples and individual profiles show how a prenup can easily be tailored for any situation, even when the couple is already married. What if prenups and pragmatic plans aren’t your cup of tea? Brew up your own Love Potion #9 with Silver’s Spells for Love. Best-selling author Silver Raven Wolf shares over a hundred “magikcal” recipes to get love, keep love and even get rid of love. Romantic love gets the most attention with intricate spells like Lust Powder and “Come Jump Me” Love-Drawing Oil, but other kinds of love get neat spells too. Summon a new pet into your life, find a job you adore, open yourself to new friendships, welcome a baby into the world. Spells require fairly ordinary supplies like candles, herbs and common household items. The most potent ingredient, however, seems to be intent: the sincerity and focus of the weaver of the spell. Lest casual readers think a few magic words and white tapers will make them blissfully happy ever after, the author reminds us “love isn’t a trifle . . . it takes courage, perseverance and wisdom to make any relationship work.” Joanna Brichetto lives and loves in Nashville.

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery. The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating […]
Technology

Review

Review by bookpagedev

Nokia sends a wake-up call Many people mistakenly assume Nokia is a Japanese company. Its name sounds faintly Eastern and its field, mobile communications, could be part of a stereotypically Japanese electronics brand. But the 140-year-old Finnish company, named after a local mill and its river, made nearly a quarter of the 165 million cellular phones that were sold in 1998. From humble beginnings in the forestry industry, Nokia has transformed itself into the world’s leading supplier of telecommunications systems and equipment. Despite this recent growth, Nokia isn’t an overnight success, according to Dan Steinbock, author of The Nokia Revolution. In this fascinating evolutionary story, Steinbock chronicles the ups and downs, history and innovation Nokia has forged to build its strategic advantage. An intensely private company, Nokia has permitted few to enter its inner sanctum, but Steinbock, a professor at both Columbia Business School and the Helsinki School of Economics, has managed to do just that. He demonstrates how Nokia’s current strategic dominance was built from the company’s existing capabilities, documenting the creation and evolution of Nokia’s global strategy. Steinbock also explores the extraordinary care Nokia has given to its R&andD and innovative processes. Not to be missed, The Nokia Revolution is a story of competitive advantage and the strategy and vision required to achieve it.

Nokia sends a wake-up call Many people mistakenly assume Nokia is a Japanese company. Its name sounds faintly Eastern and its field, mobile communications, could be part of a stereotypically Japanese electronics brand. But the 140-year-old Finnish company, named after a local mill and its river, made nearly a quarter of the 165 million cellular […]
LifestylesFamily & Relationships

Review

Review by bookpagedev

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery.

The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating world. The author, former cohost of MTV’s Loveline and a contributor of dating advice to Cosmopolitan, uses a cheeky, up-front tone that befits advice on modern liaisons. As an “homage to friendship,” it is a welcome antidote to the plethora of dating “rule books” prescribing pre-feminist deceit and manipulation. It even dares to assert that a woman can be complete without a man. (She does, however, need good girlfriends.) The code offers inventive vernacular for various body parts, dating situations and types of men. With it, you too can respect the Ugly Underwear Rule, identify the Bad Hygiene Stage with Mr. Right Now, deal with Rug Burn and endorse Girl Patrol. For etiquette any single girl could use, check out the tongue-in-cheek, yet entirely sensible “Code of Behavior &and Ethics,” which details boundaries good girlfriends never cross. The Girl Code makes a great bridesmaid token or gift for a buddy in any stage of the dating drama.

Thirty marriage and family experts team up in Why Do Fools Fall in Love? Experiencing the Magic, Mystery, and Meaning of Successful Relationships, edited by Janice R. Levine and Howard J. Markman. Diverse essays attempt to explain how we fall in love, stay in love, and how love gives life meaning. By looking at evidence from master marriages (as opposed to disaster marriages), we can learn what “chemistry” really is beyond endocrine glands. Sneak peeks at celebrity marriages and insightful marginalia jazz up a thoughtful, attractive book good for ailing or successful relationships.

Another approach to the mysteries of enduring love is a systematic plan from therapist and relationship coach Dr. Mark Goulston.

In The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship: How To Fall in Love Again and Stay There, he identifies and explores six “pillars” upon which every relationship rests: chemistry, respect, enjoyment, acceptance, trust and empathy. Case studies, worksheets and insights go beyond theory to offer realistic steps toward goals. The plan is tailored to appeal to the sensibilities of women and men, which is a refreshing change from the many self-help books aimed solely at women. The Marriage Plan: How to Marry Your Soul Mate in One Year or Lessby Aggie Jordan also takes the high road with a plan based on honesty and self awareness. The goal is not just to make it to the altar, but to make it there with a soul mate. A 13-step plan will, if not guarantee complete victory within the time limit, at least leave you exquisitely attuned to authentic needs and clear-cut goals, not to mention poised to recognize and attract Mr. Right. The author’s credentials are impressive. After decades of teaching goal-setting and achievement to Fortune 500 executives, Jordan simply applies the same positive, practical approaches to marriage. Be careful what you wish for: with a plan like this, it is likely to come true.

Another new book that gets right down to the business of love is Prenups for Lovers: A Romantic Guide to Prenuptial Agreements, by Arlene G. Dubin. At first glance, the title may seem like an oxymoron, but smart couples will find this a wise guide from the ring to the altar. The very first chapter will convince skeptical readers the dreaded p-word is not just for celebrities or creeps with more cash than commitment. Think of a prenup as a financial housekeeping tool, a handy way to start a lifetime commitment to financial planning. The author admits money is harder to talk about than sex, but couples who “invest” in a prenup will be more likely to remain a couple (70% of all divorces are caused by financial conflict). Prenups require full disclosure, compromise and open communication: three things crucial to the beginning of a lasting marriage. Samples and individual profiles show how a prenup can easily be tailored for any situation, even when the couple is already married. What if prenups and pragmatic plans aren’t your cup of tea? Brew up your own Love Potion #9 with Silver’s Spells for Love. Best-selling author Silver Raven Wolf shares over a hundred “magikcal” recipes to get love, keep love and even get rid of love. Romantic love gets the most attention with intricate spells like Lust Powder and “Come Jump Me” Love-Drawing Oil, but other kinds of love get neat spells too. Summon a new pet into your life, find a job you adore, open yourself to new friendships, welcome a baby into the world. Spells require fairly ordinary supplies like candles, herbs and common household items. The most potent ingredient, however, seems to be intent: the sincerity and focus of the weaver of the spell. Lest casual readers think a few magic words and white tapers will make them blissfully happy ever after, the author reminds us “love isn’t a trifle . . . it takes courage, perseverance and wisdom to make any relationship work.” Joanna Brichetto lives and loves in Nashville.

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery. The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating […]
Nonfiction

Review

Review by bookpagedev

say, can you sing The Star-Spangled Banner? America’s national anthem is undoubtedly one of the few that expresses its themes in the form of a question. From the opening line, (O say, can you see?) to the closing couplet (Does that star-spangled banner yet wave?) the song by Francis Scott Key manages to pose two questions central to our democracy. First, Key asks, will the American flag fly at dawn over Fort McHenry, after an important battle in the War of 1812? And lastly, almost 200 years later, does the flag still fly over a free nation? Although they think it’s a difficult song to sing, most Americans don’t know much about Francis Scott Key or how he came to write the Star-Spangled Banner. Now, just in time for Flag Day, New York Times reporter Irvin Molotsky has written a brief, informative history of Key’s poem and the flag that inspired him. The Flag, the Poet ∧ the Song brims with fascinating trivia about the anthem and clarifies many of the myths about the song and the flag. If you slept through your American history classes on the War of 1812, you’ll appreciate Molotsky’s clear explanation of what caused the war and why it was important to our young nation. You’ll learn why Key was on a mission of mercy that landed him near Fort McHenry on the night of the battle. And the next time you’re at a baseball game, straining to hit the high notes of our unsingable anthem, you can rest assured that you know more about “the rocket’s red glare” and “the bombs bursting in air” than anyone else in the stadium.

say, can you sing The Star-Spangled Banner? America’s national anthem is undoubtedly one of the few that expresses its themes in the form of a question. From the opening line, (O say, can you see?) to the closing couplet (Does that star-spangled banner yet wave?) the song by Francis Scott Key manages to pose two […]
Family & Relationships

Review

Review by bookpagedev

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery.

The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating world. The author, former cohost of MTV’s Loveline and a contributor of dating advice to Cosmopolitan, uses a cheeky, up-front tone that befits advice on modern liaisons. As an “homage to friendship,” it is a welcome antidote to the plethora of dating “rule books” prescribing pre-feminist deceit and manipulation. It even dares to assert that a woman can be complete without a man. (She does, however, need good girlfriends.) The code offers inventive vernacular for various body parts, dating situations and types of men. With it, you too can respect the Ugly Underwear Rule, identify the Bad Hygiene Stage with Mr. Right Now, deal with Rug Burn and endorse Girl Patrol. For etiquette any single girl could use, check out the tongue-in-cheek, yet entirely sensible “Code of Behavior &and Ethics,” which details boundaries good girlfriends never cross. The Girl Code makes a great bridesmaid token or gift for a buddy in any stage of the dating drama.

Thirty marriage and family experts team up in Why Do Fools Fall in Love? Experiencing the Magic, Mystery, and Meaning of Successful Relationships, edited by Janice R. Levine and Howard J. Markman. Diverse essays attempt to explain how we fall in love, stay in love, and how love gives life meaning. By looking at evidence from master marriages (as opposed to disaster marriages), we can learn what “chemistry” really is beyond endocrine glands. Sneak peeks at celebrity marriages and insightful marginalia jazz up a thoughtful, attractive book good for ailing or successful relationships.

Another approach to the mysteries of enduring love is a systematic plan from therapist and relationship coach Dr. Mark Goulston.

In The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship: How To Fall in Love Again and Stay There, he identifies and explores six “pillars” upon which every relationship rests: chemistry, respect, enjoyment, acceptance, trust and empathy. Case studies, worksheets and insights go beyond theory to offer realistic steps toward goals. The plan is tailored to appeal to the sensibilities of women and men, which is a refreshing change from the many self-help books aimed solely at women. The Marriage Plan: How to Marry Your Soul Mate in One Year or Less by Aggie Jordan also takes the high road with a plan based on honesty and self awareness. The goal is not just to make it to the altar, but to make it there with a soul mate. A 13-step plan will, if not guarantee complete victory within the time limit, at least leave you exquisitely attuned to authentic needs and clear-cut goals, not to mention poised to recognize and attract Mr. Right. The author’s credentials are impressive. After decades of teaching goal-setting and achievement to Fortune 500 executives, Jordan simply applies the same positive, practical approaches to marriage. Be careful what you wish for: with a plan like this, it is likely to come true.

Another new book that gets right down to the business of love is Prenups for Lovers: A Romantic Guide to Prenuptial Agreements, by Arlene G. Dubin. At first glance, the title may seem like an oxymoron, but smart couples will find this a wise guide from the ring to the altar. The very first chapter will convince skeptical readers the dreaded p-word is not just for celebrities or creeps with more cash than commitment. Think of a prenup as a financial housekeeping tool, a handy way to start a lifetime commitment to financial planning. The author admits money is harder to talk about than sex, but couples who “invest” in a prenup will be more likely to remain a couple (70% of all divorces are caused by financial conflict). Prenups require full disclosure, compromise and open communication: three things crucial to the beginning of a lasting marriage. Samples and individual profiles show how a prenup can easily be tailored for any situation, even when the couple is already married. What if prenups and pragmatic plans aren’t your cup of tea? Brew up your own Love Potion #9 with Silver’s Spells for Love. Best-selling author Silver Raven Wolf shares over a hundred “magikcal” recipes to get love, keep love and even get rid of love. Romantic love gets the most attention with intricate spells like Lust Powder and “Come Jump Me” Love-Drawing Oil, but other kinds of love get neat spells too. Summon a new pet into your life, find a job you adore, open yourself to new friendships, welcome a baby into the world. Spells require fairly ordinary supplies like candles, herbs and common household items. The most potent ingredient, however, seems to be intent: the sincerity and focus of the weaver of the spell. Lest casual readers think a few magic words and white tapers will make them blissfully happy ever after, the author reminds us “love isn’t a trifle . . . it takes courage, perseverance and wisdom to make any relationship work.” Joanna Brichetto lives and loves in Nashville.

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery. The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating […]
History

Review

Review by bookpagedev

f you’re a history buff of any age, you will not be disappointed by The Good Fight: How World War II Was Won. Stephen E. Ambrose, a world-renowned author and historian, trumpets the feats of unsung American heroes as he chronicles the major military campaigns in Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Atlantic and Pacific arenas. Significant events including the Manhattan Project, the holocaust, the war conferences, war crimes trials and the Marshall Plan are woven into the fabric of this comprehensive WWII compendium.

In our age of technology, smart bombs, Star Wars movies and missile defense strategies, the younger generation will be astounded to learn that our armed forces trained for combat with wooden rifles, flour bags for grenades and trucks for tanks. Even the most knowledgeable reader may be struck by how unprepared the United States was for battle. By all accounts, we should have lost the war; but we didn’t. It is with heart-swelling pride that Ambrose attributes our ultimate success to the determination, initiative, commitment and courage of America’s fighting forces. Specific examples such as Operation Husky profile an American soldier who declined individual recognition and promotion to remain with his regiment. These men fought out of duty and loyalty and succeeded because of faith in a cause greater than their own. Authentic WWII photographs are very effective in tandem with the written account of events. Together with numerous maps, there are 38 full-page photos plus quarter-page photo inserts on the text pages. All of them are moments of triumph and reflections of devastation that transport the reader to another time and place.

Ambrose’s The Good Fight is a stunning portrait of America’s innate goodness as a beacon to freedom that could not be extinguished or even diminished by the world’s most ruthless tyrants. America rose to meet its greatest challenge and therein lies a lesson for us all.

C. Elizabeth Davis is a former marketing director for the education division of Turner Broadcasting System.

f you’re a history buff of any age, you will not be disappointed by The Good Fight: How World War II Was Won. Stephen E. Ambrose, a world-renowned author and historian, trumpets the feats of unsung American heroes as he chronicles the major military campaigns in Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Atlantic and Pacific arenas. […]
Family & Relationships

Review

Review by bookpagedev

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery.

The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating world. The author, former cohost of MTV’s Loveline and a contributor of dating advice to Cosmopolitan, uses a cheeky, up-front tone that befits advice on modern liaisons. As an “homage to friendship,” it is a welcome antidote to the plethora of dating “rule books” prescribing pre-feminist deceit and manipulation. It even dares to assert that a woman can be complete without a man. (She does, however, need good girlfriends.) The code offers inventive vernacular for various body parts, dating situations and types of men. With it, you too can respect the Ugly Underwear Rule, identify the Bad Hygiene Stage with Mr. Right Now, deal with Rug Burn and endorse Girl Patrol. For etiquette any single girl could use, check out the tongue-in-cheek, yet entirely sensible “Code of Behavior &and Ethics,” which details boundaries good girlfriends never cross. The Girl Code makes a great bridesmaid token or gift for a buddy in any stage of the dating drama.

Thirty marriage and family experts team up in Why Do Fools Fall in Love? Experiencing the Magic, Mystery, and Meaning of Successful Relationships, edited by Janice R. Levine and Howard J. Markman. Diverse essays attempt to explain how we fall in love, stay in love, and how love gives life meaning. By looking at evidence from master marriages (as opposed to disaster marriages), we can learn what “chemistry” really is beyond endocrine glands. Sneak peeks at celebrity marriages and insightful marginalia jazz up a thoughtful, attractive book good for ailing or successful relationships.

Another approach to the mysteries of enduring love is a systematic plan from therapist and relationship coach Dr. Mark Goulston.

In The 6 Secrets of a Lasting Relationship: How To Fall in Love Again and Stay There, he identifies and explores six “pillars” upon which every relationship rests: chemistry, respect, enjoyment, acceptance, trust and empathy. Case studies, worksheets and insights go beyond theory to offer realistic steps toward goals. The plan is tailored to appeal to the sensibilities of women and men, which is a refreshing change from the many self-help books aimed solely at women. The Marriage Plan: How to Marry Your Soul Mate in One Year or Less by Aggie Jordan also takes the high road with a plan based on honesty and self awareness. The goal is not just to make it to the altar, but to make it there with a soul mate. A 13-step plan will, if not guarantee complete victory within the time limit, at least leave you exquisitely attuned to authentic needs and clear-cut goals, not to mention poised to recognize and attract Mr. Right. The author’s credentials are impressive. After decades of teaching goal-setting and achievement to Fortune 500 executives, Jordan simply applies the same positive, practical approaches to marriage. Be careful what you wish for: with a plan like this, it is likely to come true.

Another new book that gets right down to the business of love is Prenups for Lovers: A Romantic Guide to Prenuptial Agreements, by Arlene G. Dubin. At first glance, the title may seem like an oxymoron, but smart couples will find this a wise guide from the ring to the altar. The very first chapter will convince skeptical readers the dreaded p-word is not just for celebrities or creeps with more cash than commitment. Think of a prenup as a financial housekeeping tool, a handy way to start a lifetime commitment to financial planning. The author admits money is harder to talk about than sex, but couples who “invest” in a prenup will be more likely to remain a couple (70% of all divorces are caused by financial conflict). Prenups require full disclosure, compromise and open communication: three things crucial to the beginning of a lasting marriage. Samples and individual profiles show how a prenup can easily be tailored for any situation, even when the couple is already married. What if prenups and pragmatic plans aren’t your cup of tea? Brew up your own Love Potion #9 with Silver’s Spells for Love. Best-selling author Silver Raven Wolf shares over a hundred “magikcal” recipes to get love, keep love and even get rid of love. Romantic love gets the most attention with intricate spells like Lust Powder and “Come Jump Me” Love-Drawing Oil, but other kinds of love get neat spells too. Summon a new pet into your life, find a job you adore, open yourself to new friendships, welcome a baby into the world. Spells require fairly ordinary supplies like candles, herbs and common household items. The most potent ingredient, however, seems to be intent: the sincerity and focus of the weaver of the spell. Lest casual readers think a few magic words and white tapers will make them blissfully happy ever after, the author reminds us “love isn’t a trifle . . . it takes courage, perseverance and wisdom to make any relationship work.” Joanna Brichetto lives and loves in Nashville.

ous advice for would-be lovers Why do fools fall in love? Perhaps only fools attempt to reason why. Luckily for lovers and would-be lovers, an engaging new crop of books dares to delve into the mystery. The Girl Code: The Secret Language of Single Women by Diane Farr is a delightful romp through the dating […]
History

An exceptional biography of Adams

Review by bookpagedev

The extraordinary talents and outstanding accomplishments of John Adams tend to be overshadowed by the illustrious and colorful careers of his contemporaries George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Adams himself thought his own major attributes were "candor, probity, and decision," and those qualities were crucial as he shared in the leadership of a revolutionary people who made the difficult transition to a stable, responsible, representative government. David McCullough, who has received National Book Awards for both history and biography and whose Truman received the Pulitzer Prize, superbly captures the life and times of this remarkable figure in his compelling new book, John Adams.

In 1787, after completing a book that he thought would make him unpopular, Adams wrote to a friend, "Popularity was never my mistress, nor was I ever, or shall I ever be a popular man. But one thing I know, a man must be sensible of the errors of the people, and upon his guard against them, and must run the risk of their displeasure sometimes, or he will never do them any good in the long run." That quote, McCullough says, is "about as concise a synopsis of Adams’ course through public life as could be found."

Certainly Adams made mistakes in judgment. But when one surveys the range of his thought and actions during his entire public career, it is remarkable how astute he was in both the long and short terms. For example, Adams chaired the committee that asked Jefferson to draft a Declaration of Independence. But, after much revision, it was Adams whose speech to the Continental Congress convinced the delegates to pass it. As a delegate from New Jersey remembered: "[Adams was] the man to whom the country is most indebted for the great measure of independency. . . . It was he who sustained the debate, and by the force of reasoning demonstrated not only the justice, but the expediency of the measure."

In February 1778, when Adams was appointed to serve as one of three men to negotiate an alliance with France, "It marked," for Adams, "the beginning of what would become a singular odyssey, in which he would journey farther in all, both by sea and land, than any other leader of the American cause." He would help negotiate the peace treaty that ended the war with Great Britain in 1783 and become our first ambassador to that country in 1785. His most important service abroad, however, may have been negotiating for bank loans. "With his success obtaining Dutch loans at the critical hour of the Revolution," McCullough says, "he felt, as did others, that he had truly saved his country."

As the second U.S. president, he presided over a divided country and a divided party. Despite these disadvantages, under his leadership the Navy was greatly strengthened and proved decisive in keeping the young country out of war with France. As Adams wrote to a friend: "I desire no other inscription over my gravestone than: ‘Here lies John Adams, who took upon himself the responsibility of peace with France in the year 1800.’ "

McCullough skillfully interweaves accounts of his subject’s private and public lives, focusing in particular on Adams’ marriage to Abigail Smith, who was "in all respects his equal." The author’s insight into the relationship and, at times, rivalry between Adams and Thomas Jefferson is also of particular interest. Their unique correspondence after both were out of office remains one of the most important literary treasures from the Founding Fathers. "The level and range of their discourse were always above and beyond the ordinary," McCullough writes. "At times memory failed; often hyperbole entered in . . . they were two of the leading statesmen of their time, but also two of the finest writers, and they were showing what they could do."

This exceptional biography should be enjoyed by anyone who wants to explore in some detail the complexity of the Revolutionary and Early American eras as experienced by one who was a crucial mover and shaker.

Roger Bishop is a regular contributor to BookPage.

The extraordinary talents and outstanding accomplishments of John Adams tend to be overshadowed by the illustrious and colorful careers of his contemporaries George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Adams himself thought his own major attributes were "candor, probity, and decision," and those qualities were crucial as he shared in the leadership of a revolutionary […]
Biography

Review

Review by bookpagedev

Moss Hart loved the theater from the day he was whisked away from his grade school studies by a demented aunt to attend a production at the Bronx Opera House. In the shows he would later write and direct, he never strayed far from the theater for his subject matter. Born into an impoverished and largely dysfunctional family in 1904, Hart dropped out of school just before his 15th birthday. By the time he was 20, he had co-written and acted in his first professional production.

In his fascinating new biography Dazzler, Steven Bach, author of Marlene Dietrich: Life and Legend takes the reader on a virtual week-by-week journey through Hart’s busy and glamorous life. In the process, he adds details, corrects errors and provides alternative interpretations to the events Hart described in his best-selling 1959 autobiography, Act One. Without drawing more sweeping conclusions than he can document, Bach points out what he sees as Hart’s conflicting sexual urges, a matter that appears to have been resolved when, at the age of 41, he married actress Kitty Carlisle. Bach also sheds light on the writer/director’s bouts with depression, which, while severe, never seemed to sideline him for long. Throughout his adult life, Hart sought the counsel of psychotherapists, a habit Bach meticulously chronicles.

Although Dazzler covers every known play and screenplay Hart wrote or directed, the book is especially valuable for its descriptions of the often arduous creation of such cultural gems as The Man Who Came to Dinner, which Hart wrote with George S. Kaufman, and the stage versions of My Fair Lady and Camelot, both of which Hart directed. In constructing these tales, Bach draws amusing sketches of dozens of famous folk, among them Cole Porter, Rex Harrison, George M. Cohan, Irving Berlin and Julie Andrews.

"Your last play shows up in your next electrocardiogram," Hart once said in a moment of grim whimsy. In December 1961, just a few months after he had finally whipped Camelot into champion shape, he suffered his third heart attack and died.

Hart’s widow declined to be interviewed for this book, and many of his closest friends and collaborators were dead by the time Bach began his project. Yet his book is thorough, and what he does exceedingly well is bring to life Broadway’s Golden Age and many of the giants who made it shine so brightly.

Edward Morris is a Nashville-based writer.

 

Moss Hart loved the theater from the day he was whisked away from his grade school studies by a demented aunt to attend a production at the Bronx Opera House. In the shows he would later write and direct, he never strayed far from the theater for his subject matter. Born into an impoverished and […]

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