December 15, 2000 January/February 2001 Book Sense 76   THE LAST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE by Rodman Philbrick (Scholastic, $16.95, 0439087589) "In the world of this novel for readers of all ages, reading is no longer practiced and humans use mind-probes to plug into a virtual reality. When the young hero learns his sister is dying of the ancient disease, leukemia, he begins an adventure with the help of a mysterious friend that may shake the foundations of the world. An excellent novel in the tradition of Fahrenheit 451." -Drew Needham, Scott's Bookstore, Mount Vernon, WA THE DEATH OF VISHNU, by Manil Suri (Norton, $24.95, 0393050424) "This first novel tells the story of Vishnu, a poor man who lives and dies on the stairs of a Bombay apartment house. As he remembers his mother and his great love, the lives of the other residents continue on quite eventfully. This beautifully formed and carefully expressed work is a remarkable achievement."-Carla Cohen, Politics & Prose, Washington, DC Also an audiobook. GOB'S GRIEF, by Chris Adrian (Broadway, $24.95, 0767902815; in stores Jan. 16) "This novel has an exquisite tension that keeps pulling you through; it's unlike almost anything else I've read. There's Walt Whitman, Victoria Woodhull, the Civil War and the years after, and incredible and fantastical images. If this book doesn't win some major awards, I'd like to talk to the judges."-Tom Campbell, Regulator Books, Durham, NC TAKE ME WITH YOU: A Round-the-World Journey to Invite a Stranger Home, by Brad Newsham (Travelers' Tales, $24, 1885211511) "This book will appeal to anyone interested in journeys for the sake of opening one's heart and mind to others, and the experiences that attitude brings. It's a beautiful tale of a young man's exploration into his own generosity. A wonderful read and a gift for the spiritual traveler in all of us." -Debi Echlin, 2nd Edition, Oakland, CA IN SUNLIGHT, IN A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN, by Kathleen Cambor (Farrar, $23, 0374165378) "This wonderful novel is about the town of Johnstown in the years before the great flood. The author's handling of a cast of characters from the valley and the clash of classes result in some of the most beautiful and descriptive passages I have read in a long time."-Sue Boucher, Lake Forest Book Store, Lake Forest, IL FIREBRINGER, by David Clement-Davies (Dutton, $19.95, 0525464921) "I read this book in a day, then gave it to my 13-year-old son and he read it in a day. We LOVED it!!! Set in ancient Scotland, it's a story with a little mythology, fantasy, and mystery. It reminds me of Redwall and Watership Down, and I've told people here that it's my 'Harry Potter pick' for this year. I enjoyed it that much."-Suzanne Droppert, Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA GRANDPA'S CORNER STORE, by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan (HarperCollins, $15.95, 0688167160) Ages 4-8. "A tribute to independently owned community businesses. Lucy's Grandpa's corner grocery store is a vital part of the neighborhood. Grandpa knows every customer and what they need. A huge supermarket opens up nearby and Lucy's Grandpa fears he may have to shut down, but the community pulls together to support the store."-Dana Harper, Brystone Books, Watauga, TX STORM RIDERS, by Craig Lesley (Picador, $13, paper, 0312263988; in stores mid-Jan.) "Lesley pours it all into this novel: all the doubt, the heartache, and the unknown as he wrestles with a failed marriage and the safety of his children. Throughout, this novel is a search for truth and it deals with life as it really is, not some whitewashed, watered-down version. It is human without being maudlin, honest without being moralistic."-Pat Rutledge, A Book for All Seasons, Leavenworth, KS CROOKED RIVER BURNING, by Mark Winegardner (Harcourt, $27, 0151002940; due out early Jan.) "If you like a big, involved, warm and funny story, this is your book. It's got romance, early rock and roll, Elliott Ness, politics, and the Cuyahoga River (burning, of course). What more could you want?"-Anne Whalen, Brookline Booksmith, Brookline, MA THE HIDING PLACE, by Trezza Azzopardi (Atlantic Monthly Press, $24, 0871138158) "What a debut novel! The author takes us to Wales and tells us the story of the Gauci family through the eyes of the youngest daughter. Part one is completely captivating, but just wait until you get to part two. It's absolutely brilliant!"-Linda Johnson, Books at Stonehenge, Raleigh, NC (This novel was also shortlisted for the 2000 Booker Prize.) African-American BLANCHE ON THE LAM, by Barbara Neely (Penguin, $4.95 paper, 0140174397) "Blanche is a black domestic worker who finds herself becoming a sleuth by accident. Plenty of humor and charm while touching on social issues. This is the first in a wonderful series."-Juanita Koukoui, It's a Mystery to Me, Yeadon, PA SOME LOVE, SOME PAIN, SOMETIME, by J. California Cooper (Anchor, $11.95 paper, 0385467885) "Please get the word out on this book! Cooper deserves a far greater audience."-Cassandra Burton, Sisterspace and Books, Washington, DC Business SHAMELESS MARKETING FOR BRAZEN HUSSIES: 347 Awesome Marketing Strategies for Savvy Entrepreneurs, by Marilyn Ross (Communication Creativity, $19.95, 0918880440) "This book is filled with great ideas for promoting and marketing your small business. It's written for real people, not just marketing pros. It's even a fun read and I'm using many of Marilyn's ideas right now!"-DeDe Teeters, Armchair Books, Port Orchard, WA   Why 76? 1776 * Independence * Independents Every two months, thousands of independent booksellers passionately nominate their favorite new books from a great array of publishers. From these, 76 eclectic and diverse books of quality are chosen.   Children's/Young Readers See also the Fiction Rediscoveries section and the Top Ten ARIA OF THE SEA, by Dia Calhoun (Winslow Press, $15.95, 1890817252) Ages 9-12. "A beautifully written fantasy of a young girl's search for her true bliss. Should she follow her dead mother's dream and dance on the royal stage, or accept the gift of the goddess and become a healer like her grandmother? A wonderful look at the conflicts young people face as they try to determine who they will become."-Colleen Moore, 20-Mile Book Stop, Parker, CO THE BABY BEEBEE BIRD, by Diane Redfield Massie; illus. by S. Kellogg (HarperCollins, $15.95, 0060280832) Ages 4-8. "We love it, our customers love it, and the kids are saying beebeebobbibobbi all over town! Great for storytime, great for snuggle time!"-Nancy Tebeau, Not Just For Kids Bookstore, Wake Forest, NC THE OTHER SIDE, by Jacqueline Woodson; illus. by E.B. Lewis (Putnam, $16.99, 0399231161; in stores in Jan.) Ages 4-8. "Set in the the '50's, it shows two young girls, not quite knowing why they can't play together. One is African-American, the other white. They sit on their own side of the fence that runs between the two. As the summer progresses, they start to talk, then to play together. At the end of the book, things still aren't perfect, but hope prevails. A wonderful book."-Molly Cook, Magnolia's Bookstore & Second Story Bookstore, Seattle, WA A PERFECT FRIEND, by Reynolds Price (Atheneum, $16, 0689830297) "A young boy who has isolated himself in his grief for his dead mother is comforted by his trusting relationship with his old family dog and by an almost magical contact with a traveling circus elephant. A new book from Price is always a treat, and this novel, while ostensibly for ages 9-12, is a moving story to be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates fine writing."-Nancy Olson, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, NC STELLA, QUEEN OF THE SNOW, by Marie-Louise Gay (Groundwood, $15.95, 0888994044) Preschool. "It was Sam's first snow day and big sister Stella takes him on a tour of the winter wonderland outside. Stella, a seasoned veteran of the white stuff, answers Sam's many questions with the knowledge that only an older sibling can possess. The lively dialogue and the enchanting illustrations bring the magic of a first snowfall into any heart or home."-Nikki Mutch, UConn Co-op, Storrs, CT TIME STOPS FOR NO MOUSE, by Michael Hoeye (Terfle Books, $12.95 paper, 0967511119) "I cannot rest until the world knows about this self-published gem! This is possibly the most delightful book I have ever fondled and perused. The plot might be described as Wind in the Willows meets Carl Hiassen! Hermux, the village watchmaker, is smitten by Linka -- adventuress, daredevil, aviatrix and a fine looking mouse to boot. When she disappears, the action takes off. I am just so excited about this book. Once people pick it up & begin to read, they cannot resist it."-Bobbie Tichenor, Annie Bloom's, Portland, OR WHY I WILL NEVER EVER EVER EVER HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO READ THIS BOOK, by Remy Charlip; illus. by Jon J. Muth (Tricycle Press, $14.95, 1582460183) Ages 4-8. "Can't we all relate to the title of this book? Adults and children alike will sympathize with the plight of a little girl who has so many things to do in the course of her day that she fears she will never have time to read her book, which she carries around with her everywhere she goes. A winner!"-Harvada Elisberg, Children's Bookshop, Appleton, WI THE YELLOW STAR: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark, by Carmen Agra Deedy (Peachtree, $16.95, 0561452084) Ages 9-12. "This beautifully written and illustrated picture book recreates the Danish legend of the yellow star and the Nazi occupation of Denmark during World War II. A beautiful example of heroic justice and morality in the face of danger and adversity."-Judi Basskin, Kids Ink Children's Bookstores, Indianapolis, IN Cookbooks THE BAREFOOT CONTESSA: Secrets from the East Hampton Specialty Food Store for Simple Food and Party Platters You Can Make At Home, by Ina Garten (Clarkson Potter, $32.50, 0609602195) "This cookbook is as fun to read as it is to use. I wanted to jump on a plane and go visit the gourmet store that is its inspiration."-Angel Shields, Pic-A-Book, Spartanburg, SC THE VOLUPTUOUS VEGAN, by Myra Kornfeld and George R. Minot (Clarkson Potter, $18 paper, 0609804898) "If you've always thought vegan food was bland and unsatisfying, try this book and you'll see you're wrong. Eat healthy, lose weight, lower cholesterol, and help the planet all at the same time."-Jessica Schmitzer, Inkwood Books, Tampa, FL Fiction Rediscoveries Great books published in the last 4-40 years that independent booksellers feel deserve another look. FIFTH LIFE OF THE CATWOMAN, by Kathleen Dexter (Arania Books, $14.95 paper, 0965177009) "A fairy tale/love story/social commentary juxtaposition of two people brought back together after 4 lifetimes. This is so quirky, it works. I loved Kat's past lives and all that she strove to imbue in her students. I hope there is a sequel, because, well, it's ONLY her 5th life, after all."-Cheryl Townsend, cat's Impetuous Books, Kent, OH INTO THE FOREST, by Jean Hegland (Bantam, $12.95 paper, 0553379615) "A story of two sisters who increasingly must rely on their own resources and the increasing wild landscape that surrounds them. The energy from industrial society begins to dwindle away and the girl's natural instincts must take over. A coming-of-age novel with great depth and dimension."-Julie Schmuckie, Hawley-Cooke Booksellers, Louisville, KY MARIETTE IN ECSTASY, by Ron Hansen (HarperPerennial, $12 paper, 0060981180) "It has been nearly 10 years since I read this astonishing novel, but the memory of Mariette's rapture (whatever its true cause) is still indelible. Hansen's detailed portrait of convent life is itself something of a miracle."-Chuck Pacheco, Harvard Book Store, Cambridge, MA NATIVE TONGUE, by Suzette Hadin Elgin (Feminist, $14.95 paper, 1558612467) "Thank goodness for the Feminist Press and its reissue of this classic, a wonderfully told tale of the power of language to shape perception of the world. Elgin's story of women patiently & painstakingly creating a new language for the telling of new experience and emancipation from control is great subversive writing." -Melissa Horrar, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT THE OGRE, by Michel Tournier; trans. by Barbara Bray (Johns Hopkins U. Press, $16.95 paper, 080185590X) "An international bestseller and the Prix Goncourt winner in 1970. This is a deep and powerful book about naive, gentle Abel Tiffauges, first seen as a boy, then as an adult who strangely becomes 'the ogre' of a Hitler youth school. Tracing the corruption of his sweet soul through his many allegorical experiences provides an unforgettable read. A remarkable book."-Carol Greenman, The Bookstore, Pleasantville, NY REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, by Richard Yates (Vintage, $14 paper, 0375708448) "Published in 1961 and called by Kurt Vonnegut our generation's Great Gatsby. Set in the Connecticut suburbs of 1955, it portrays the essential, continuing, now exacerbated American dilemma: how a young person might well live in America without conforming to the tedium of upward mobility and suburban family life. Nothing I have ever been told could have prepared me for this book's brilliance."-Richard Howorth, Square Books, Oxford, MS THE RIVER WHY, by David James Duncan (Bantam, $13.95 paper, 0553344862) "Life: It's not about democrats vs. republicans, pro-choice vs pro-life. It's about bait fishing vs. fly fishing. Very wise and very funny." -John McAndrew, DIESEL: A Bookstore, Oakland, CA (Additional comment from Book Sense staff: This has been one of our favorite books since its publication in 1988. What a family! This is Garp/Russo/Conroy territory. You will want to read parts out loud to loved ones.) THE WESTING GAME, by Ellen Raskin (Puffin, $5.99 paper, 0140386645) "Murder, mystery and millions of dollars. What better combination for the perfect book? Sixteen people are chosen to live in a new apartment building, only to discover that they are all possible heirs to the Westing fortune. The only catch is that one of them is a murderer. This 1979 Newbery Medal winner is meant to be enjoyed again and again. It tops my list of books to have on a desert island."-Gina Gulinger, Bailey-Coy Books, Seattle, WA A Chorus of Voices Each book in this 76 received many nominations as the best books published recently, as well as some older favorites. For space reasons, we've chosen just one of the many quotes from booksellers we received to describe the book to you here. Hope you enjoy these personal recommendations from real booksellers! New Fiction in paper EDDIE'S BASTARD, by William Kowalski (HarperPerennial, $14 paper, 0061098256) "Billy (son of the dead war hero Eddie) and his grandfather live alone on what's left of the Mann family fortune. Family, with all of its loves and hates, mistakes and courage, count much more than fortune. Billy's boy voice is wonderful; enjoy some laugh-out-loud passages…and who will ever forget the Schumachers!?" -Judy Rodel, Downtown Books, Hudson, WI THE GENIUS OF THE WORLD, by Alice Lichtenstein (Zoland, $13 paper, 1581950187) "This poignant first novel focuses on the achingly disparate members of the Stein family. There's Abbey, the patriarch and Nobel prize-winning physicist; grandson Ira, emerging from a troubled childhood to embrace Buddhism in lieu of science; and Phoebe, Ira's sister, struggling to understand the suffocating web her family spins around her. Very big ideas and emotions are filtered through the hearts and minds of the vulnerable people who inhabit these pages."-Bob Gray, Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, VT GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING, by Tracy Chevalier (Plume, $12 paper, 0452282152; in stores Jan. 8) "I found the cultural setting and the description of the artist's methods and tools a wonderful balance to this very simple story of love and worship."-Nancy Hancher, The Bookshelf, Cincinnati, OH THE LOST GLASS PLATES OF WILFRED ENG, by Thomas Orton (Counterpoint, $13 paper, 1582431256) "Book clubs take note: This book will prompt discussions of early photography, Chinese-American relationships, art dealers, and more. A juicy novel full of history and intrigue."-Barbara Theroux, Fact & Fiction, Missoula, MT LYING WITH THE ENEMY, by Tim Binding (Carroll & Graf, $12.95 paper, 0786708093) "This novel explores the delicate balance between locals and Nazis on an occupied island in the English Channel during WWII. When a local girl is found murdered, the ensuing investigation leads many directions. I could not recommend this book more highly."-Deborah Stevens, Toadstool Bookshop, Milford, NH NAMEDROPPER, by Emma Forrest (Scribner, $12 paper, 0684865386) "Forrest could take on Melissa Banks, Nick Hornby, and Bridget Jones and still come out on top! This is funny, sweet, sparkly and fresh…and as addictive as swedish fish."-Stuart Bloomfield, University Book Store, Seattle, WA THE STRANGENESS OF BEAUTY, by Lydia Minatoya (Norton, $14 paper, 0393321401) "As 3 generations of women living in Japan and America reunite in Japan on the eve of WWII, family bonds, sacred traditions and political strife weave through this delicately-crafted novel. I turned its pages with care, as if being abrupt might jar these beautiful words."-Cheryl McKeon, Third Place Books, Lake Forest, WA Page 2