All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren

Recommended by: Susan Kraat, Librarian
Call Number: PS3545.A748 A4 1963

I first read All the King’s Men, while vacationing in Maine this summer. No, I had never been assigned to read it, or picked it up until now. In preparation for our trip, I noticed that more than one “best novel” list included Robert Penn Warren’s classic tale of southern politics, based upon Huey Long, former governor (and senator) of Louisiana. It is a vivid story of ambition, blackmail, deception, hubris, and murder, told by a narrator who attempts to distance himself from the dirty nature of his work, as well as from his past. The poetic language draws you into a world of southern politics and competing ideologies from the first page, and never disappoints. This is a story about a man of humble origins who rises to power, uses his oratory skills and his influence to commit dark deeds in the name of idealism, and who must suffer for his sins in the end. It tells of the struggle between the old South and the new South, and lets us know that politics remains a dirty business. But after the turmoil and bloodshed there is still a bit of hope at the end. Penn Warren quotes Dante at the beginning of the book: “Mentre che la speranza ha fior del verde” I did not look for the translation until the end and I am glad that I waited.

I'll sleep When I'm Dead: the Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon

Recommended by: Stephan J. Macaluso, Librarian
Stacks ML420.Z475 Z58 2008

Poetry, joy and sarcasm flowed from Warren Zevon’s imagination. Zevon was a gifted and intelligent songwriter and performer whose depth goes far beyond “Werewolves of London.” He was admired by David Letterman, Linda Ronstadt and Hunter S. Thompson. Zevon had profound demons: substance abuse, womanizing, OCD and odd, paralyzing superstitions. Even as a recovering alcoholic, he rode an uneasy rollercoaster of family issues, touring, and middle-list record sales; he died of cancer in 2003, when many believe he was at the height of his powers. Zevon’s life is uniquely memorialized here by his former wife and longtime friend, Crystal Zevon. She lets Warren's story unfold through interviews and statements from his collaborators and friends (Bruce Springsteen, Stephen King, Dave Barry and Billy Bob Thornton, to name a few), his family and through Warren’s diaries. The result is an insightful and riveting picture of one of our greatest songwriters. Be sure to listen to Zevon’s impressive output while you read!

August: Osage County by Tracy Letts

Recommended by Gianna Cioffi (Theatre Major, NPblogger 09’-10’)
Call number: PS3612.E887 A75 2008

When I first saw this play performed it wasn’t August and I wasn’t anywhere near Osage County. In fact it was January and I was in London. It’s an American story that shows the American family at its absolute best as well as absolute worst. Even in the totality of its Uncle Samness, I was amazed how the humor and strife transcended cultural differences. Maybe it’s because families are the same whether they speak in Spanish, English or Tagalog, all families share the ability to be the best and worst things in life.

I then read it in the oppressive summer heat of New York in contrast to seeing it performed in the English cold. Once more I was swept up into the world of a family returning home to face the tragedy of a father lost to suicide. That only should suffice enough humor and drama for a play. However, Letts doesn’t stop there; instead he splinters the play into multiple plot lines. This makes for a story both complex and truthful. The main plot line centers on the relationship between prescription pill popping addict mother Violet and the oldest daughter Barbara whose own marriage is rapidly deteriorating. This relationship stands strongest amidst the swirling family dramas perhaps because it is clearest in its question that Letts seems to be asking all of us: Why do we destroy the things we love most? Quick, humorous, and thought provoking August: Osage County is the perfect summer read.

Water For Elephants: A Novel by Sara Gruen

Recommended by: Robin, Information Desk student assistant
Call Number: Stacks PS3607.R696 W38 2007

Sara Gruen has a vivid set of characters, to be sure. Jacob Jankowski recalls the most influential year of his life, one that began his career as a circus veterinarian, from his confines in a nursing home at the age of "90, or 93". He alternates between venting his frustration at being trapped in an old man's body, and vividly remembering his past experiences. I am 100% in love with this old man. Gruen did an exceptional job of wrenching my heart in every direction, aided no doubt by the fabulous voices of David LeDoux and John Randolph Jones. A moving, informative story not only about the circus but also about the Great Depression, growing old, and elephants. This book opened up an entirely unfamiliar topic for me, and I've enjoyed reading about it since I finished the book last week.

For more of Robin's book recommendations, visit her lovely blog at: http://robinmsills.blogspot.com/

Magnetic appeal: MRI and the Myth of Transparency by Kelly A. Joyce

Recommended by: Stephan J. Macaluso, Librarian
Call Number: Stacks RC78.7.N83 J69 2008


Ever wonder why Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is today’s “go-to” diagnostic procedure? Why radiologists prefer black & white MRI images to color? Or why they prefer to look at the images instead of the equally revealing numerical data created by the same machines? Kelly’s investigation into MRI technologies uncover a number of myths about whether an MRI is always useful or required. Like the one perpetuated by movies and TV dramas, where MRI can see exactly what's wrong with patients, and even fix what ails them. Our own highly visual culture is also to blame for this misperception. And insurance companies, MRI and drug manufacturers, the legal system and even physicians themselves are also complicit in the overuse and over reliance on MRI technology. A very readable current history of MRI that may change the way you see the medical profession.

Schuyler’s Monster: A Father’s Journey with His Wordless Daughter by Robert Rummel-Hudson

Recommended by: Stephan J. Macaluso, Librarian
Call Number: Stacks RJ506.D47 H83 2008

Robert and Julie’s daughter, Schuyler, was born with a malformation of the folds of the brain. It robs Schuyler of speech and fine motor control. Robert refers to her condition as a Monster: it is a very rare disease with dire consequences and a frightening name; it lay in wait from before Schuyler’s birth, only to manifest itself at age three. Schuyler, Robert and Julie endured years of testing before her diagnosis--Schuyler was originally thought to be autistic. After much research, consultations with leading experts and a series of unforgettably enervating meetings with school officials, Schuyler began special classes and was given an electronic speech device, paid for in part by readers of Robert’s blog. This book is as much about a father’s unconditional love for his daughter as it is about a child with a complicated disease. Robert is a fine storyteller and this memoir is an honest, inspiring and very real look at fatherhood, coping, and a family’s resilience.

What is the What : The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng by Dave Eggers

Recommended by: Megan Coder, Librarian
Call Number: Stacks PS3605.G48 W43 2006

What is the What is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story about Valentino Achak Deng, a Lost Boy of Sudan. Dave Eggers tells his story through fact and some fictionalized accounts. It’s amazing to read all that Valentino went through during his flight from Sudan to escape the civil war where over two million people died. He had to leave his family without ever seeing them again, watch many of his dear friends die on the treks to Ethiopia and Kenya, endure countless days without food or water, and tolerate many trials and tribulations at various refugee camps. However, Valentino is a hopeful soul and though his tale is full of much sorrow What is the What is an inspirational read because of his positive attitude and resilience.