Gun Guys: A Road Trip

by Dan Baum    (Find this book)

To explore America's gun culture, Baum, a former staff writer for the New Yorker and author of Nine Lives: Death and Life in New Orleans, traverses the country talking to gun owners, shooting instructors, gun advocates, gun control supporters, and even a former gang member who used a gun to kill someone. As a "stoop-shouldered, bald-headed, middle-aged" Jewish Democrat, Baum isn't your typical gun owner, but he admits to having an "obsession" with guns and has one on his person for much of his road trip. Crisscrossing America he finds a lot of inconsistencies, like gun owners who think the government is coming for their guns despite the fact that "guns laws were getting looser everywhere" or gun control groups pushing for new legislation without understanding how guns work or the historical ineffectiveness of gun control. Though he tries to find diversity among the gun owners he interviews, many just spout antiliberal dogma or "play the role of victim, " so these encounters become repetitive. It's when the tone of the book shifts from travelogue to narrative, with stories like those of Tim White, who "used a gun in his criminal undertakings"; Rick Ector, an industrial engineer who turned gun carrier after a mugging; and Brandon Franklin, a young New Orleans man who was shot while trying to defend the mother of his children, that Baum's skill as a writer and journalist is revealed. Overall, this is a very balanced accounting of both sides of America's gun issue, and while Baum doesn't have all the answers, his solution that both sides come together to promote gun safety is both admirable and prudent. Baum can be lauded for trying to find an accommodating solution to the problem of guns, but no doubt gun lovers and gun haters both will vehemently disagree with him. (Mar.) Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly Used with permission. -- Publishers Weekly

Bomb: The Race to Build--And Steal--The World's Most Dangerous Weapon

by Steve Sheinkin   (Find this book)

In his highly readable storytelling style, Sheinkin (The Notorious Benedict Arnold) weaves together tales of scientific and technological discovery, back-alley espionage, and wartime sabotage in a riveting account of the race to build the first atomic weapon. The famous (Robert Oppenheimer) and infamous (spy Harry Gold) headline an enormous cast of characters, which also includes Norwegian resistance fighter Knut Haukelid, whose secret wartime missions prevented Hitler from acquiring an atom bomb. B&w portraits of key players appear in photo- montages that begin each of the book's four sections. Sheinkin pulls from numerous sources to supply every chapter with quotations that swiftly move the narrative forward. Suspenseful play-by-play moments will captivate, from the nuclear chain reaction test at the University of Chicago to the preparations for and dropping of the first bomb over Hiroshima. In a "genie out of the bottle" epilogue, details of the Cold War's escalating arms race and present-day weapons counts will give readers pause, especially Sheinkin's final thoughts: "It's a story with no end in sight. And, like it or not, you're in it." A must-read for students of history and science. Ages 10 up. (Sept.) Copyright 2012 Reed Business Information. -- Publishers Weekly

Cover of Snow

by Jenny Milchman    (Find this book)

Jenny Milchman's "Cover of Snow" is a remarkable debut, a gripping tale of suspense in the tradition of Gillian Flynn, Chris Bohjalian, and Nancy Pickard.
Waking up one wintry morning in her old farmhouse nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Nora Hamilton instantly knows that something is wrong. When her fog of sleep clears, she finds her world is suddenly, irretrievably shattered: Her husband, Brendan, has committed suicide.
The first few hours following Nora's devastating discovery pass for her in a blur of numbness and disbelief. Then, a disturbing awareness slowly settles in: Brendan left no note and gave no indication that he was contemplating taking his own life. Why would a rock-solid police officer with unwavering affection for his wife, job, and quaint hometown suddenly choose to end it all? Having spent a lifetime avoiding hard truths, Nora must now start facing them.
Unraveling her late husband's final days, Nora searches for an explanation--but finds a bewildering resistance from Brendan's best friend and partner, his fellow police officers, and his brittle mother. It quickly becomes clear to Nora that she is asking questions no one wants to answer. For beneath the soft cover of snow lies a powerful conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep its presence unknown . . . and its darkest secrets hidden.
Praise for "Cover of Snow"
"Well-defined characters take us on an emotional roller-coaster ride through the darkest night, with blinding twists and occasionally fatal turns. This is a richly woven story that not only looks at the devastating effects of suicide but also examines life in a small town and explores the complexity of marriage. Fans of Nancy Pickard, Margaret Maron, and C. J. Box will be delighted to find this new author."--"Booklist" (starred review)
"Milchman reveals an intimate knowledge of the psychology of grief, along with a painterly gift for converting frozen feelings into scenes of a forbidding winter landscape."--"The New York Times"
"Milchman makes [readers] feel the chill right down to their bones and casts a particularly effective mood in this stylish thriller."--"Kirkus Reviews"
"Milchman tackles small-town angst where evil can simmer under the surface with a breathless energy and a feel for realistic characters."--"The Seattle Times"
"The plot unfolds at an excellent clip . . . ultimately rushing headlong to a series of startling revelations."--San Francisco Journal of Books
"Milchman expertly conveys Nora's grief in a way that will warm hearts even in the dead of a Wedeskyull winter."--"Publishers Weekly" (starred review) -- Publisher Marketing

The Mayo Clinic Breast Cancer Book

by Lynn Hartman    (Find this book)

Comprising the expertise of numerous specialists, this exhaustive study of breast cancer is an excellent source of information for those struggling with the disease, as well as an invaluable guide for family members helping a loved one through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process. The Mayo Clinic experts provide everything from a basic understanding of cancer, to preventative measures, screening technologies, biopsy methods, a guide to processing the emotions that accompany a diagnosis, current and prospective treatment options, life after cancer, and much more all in technical yet accessible language. Interspersed throughout are helpful diagrams (one, for example, shows the difference between invasive and noninvasive cancers) and personal testimonials that highlight the many faces and possible courses of breast cancer. The closing chapters discuss additional topics that will interest patients and their families, such as handling the mental toll and anxiety of cancer, dealing with the side effects of treatments, and complementary medical therapies and their efficacies. Highly recommended for anyone involved in the fight against breast cancer patients, doctors, family members, and researchers included. Illus. (Oct.) Copyright 2012 Reed Business Information. -- Publishers Weekly

The Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Full Spectrum Treatments to Optimize Your Dog's Life Quality and Longevity

by Demian Dressler    (Find this book)

If your dog has cancer, you need this book.

No matter what you've heard, there are always steps you can take to help your dog fight (and even beat) cancer.

This scientifically researched guide is your complete reference for practical, evidence-based strategies that can optimize the life quality and longevity for your dog. No matter what diagnosis or stage of cancer your dog has, this book is packed with precious advice that can help now.

Discover the Full Spectrum approach to dog cancer care: Everything you need to know about conventional western veterinary treatments (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation) including how to reduce their side effects.The most effective non-conventional options, including botanical nutraceuticals, supplements, nutrition, and mind-body medicine.How to analyze the options and develop a specific plan for your own dog based on your dog's type of cancer, your dog's age, your financial and time budget, your personality, and many other personal factors.

Imagine looking back at this time in your life, five years from now, and having not a single regret. You can help your dog fight cancer and you can honor your dog's life by living each moment to the fullest, starting now. This book can help you as it has helped thousands of other dog lovers.

The Authors

Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM practices in Hawaii and is internationally recognized as "the dog cancer vet" and blogs at DogCancerBlog.com. Dr. Susan Ettinger, DVM is a veterinary oncologist and a diplomate of the American College of Internal Medicine who practices in New York.

Praise from Veterinarians, Authors & Book Reviewers

"The future is upon us and this ground-breaking book is a vital cornerstone. In dealing with cancer, our worst illness, this Survival Guide is educational, logical, expansive, embracing, honest and so needed."
Dr. Marty Goldstein, DVM
Holistic veterinarian and Host, Ask Martha Stewart's Vet on Sirius Radio

"The message of this book jumps off the written page and into the heart of every reader, and will become the at home bible for cancer care of dogs. The authors have given you a sensible and systematic approach that practicing veterinarians will cherish. I found the book inspiring and, clearly, it will become part of my daily approach to cancer therapy for my own patients."
Dr. Robert B. Cohen, VMD
Bay Street Animal Hospital, New York

"I wish that I had had The Dog Cancer Survival Guide when my dearly beloved Flat-coated Retriever, Odin, contracted cancer. It would have provided me alternative courses of action, as well as some well needed "reality checks" which were not available from conversations with my veterinarian. It should be on every dog owner's book shelf--just in case..."
Dr. Stanley Coren, PhD, FRSC
author of many books, including Born to Bark

"A comprehensive guide that distills both alternative and allopathic cancer treatments in dogs...With the overwhelming amount of conflicting information about cancer prevention and treatment, this book provides a pet owner with an easy to follow approach to one of the most serious diseases in animals."
Dr. Barbara Royal, DVM
The Royal Treatment Veterinary Center, Oprah Winfrey's Chicago veterinarian

"Picking up The Dog Cancer Survival Guide is anything but a downer: it's an 'empowerer.' It will make you feel like the best medical advocate for your dog. It covers canine cancer topics to an unprecedented depth and breadth from emotional coping strategies to prevention-in plain English.Read this book, and you will understand cancer stages, treatment options, and types, and much more. If you have just had the dreaded news, pick up a copy and it will guide the decisions your dog trusts you to make."
Laure-Anne Visel
Dog behavior specialist and technical dog writer, CanisBonus.com --Publisher Marketing

The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs

by The New Yorker Magazine    (Find this book)

Only "The New Yorker" could fetch such an unbelievable roster of talent on the subject of man's best friend. This copious collection, beautifully illustrated in full color, features articles, fiction, humor, poems, cartoons, cover art, drafts, and drawings from the magazine's archives. The roster of contributors includes John Cheever, Susan Orlean, Roddy Doyle, Ian Frazier, Arthur Miller, John Updike, Roald Dahl, E. B. White, A. J. Liebling, Alexandra Fuller, Jerome Groopman, Jeffrey Toobin, T. Coraghessan Boyle, Ogden Nash, Donald Barthelme, Jonathan Lethem, Mark Strand, Anne Sexton, and Cathleen Schine. Complete with a Foreword by Malcolm Gladwell and a new essay by Adam Gopnik on the immortal canines of James Thurber, this gorgeous keepsake is a gift to dog lovers everywhere from the greatest magazine in the world. -- Publisher Marketing

Essays in Biography

by Joseph Epstein    (Find this book)

Epstein (former editor of American Scholar and author of Gossip: The Untrivial Pursuit) brings an erudite gift for portraiture to the subjects of this volume's 40 essays. Focused primarily on figures from the 19th and 20th centuries (with occasional excursions into Greek antiquity and colonial America), Epstein offers eloquent assessments of philosophers, politicians, athletes, composers, social scientists, movie stars, and especially writers and critics. He is particularly drawn to figures whose renown is at odds with their personal and professional shortcomings hence, his evaluation of Ralph Ellison, author of The Invisible Man, as a writer whose inability to complete his second novel for the next 42 years suggests that "perhaps it is not a good idea to write a great book the first time out." His studies of Dwight Macdonald, Gore Vidal, Irving Howe, Alfred Kazin, and Irving Kristol create a lively, multifaceted portrait of America's postwar intelligentsia. Though not uncritical, Epstein is more adulatory of celebrities, among them George Gershwin ("a genius of the natural kind"), Irving Thalberg ("the most talented producer in the history of American movies"), and Michael Jordan ("this magnificent athlete who turned his sport into art"). Opinionated and sometimes personal (notably in his piece on Saul Bellow, who fell out with him), these essays are edifying and often very entertaining. Agent: Georges Borchardt Inc. (Oct.) Copyright 2012 Reed Business Information. --Publishers Weekly

Tombstone: The Great Chinese Famine, 1958-1962

by Jisheng Yang    (Find this book)

The much-anticipated definitive account of China's Great Famine
An estimated thirty-six million Chinese men, women and children starved to death during China's Great Leap Forward in the late 1950's and early '60's. One of the greatest tragedies of the twentieth century, the famine is poorly understood, and in China is still euphemistically referred to as the "three years of natural disaster."

As a journalist with privileged access to official and unofficial sources, Yang Jisheng spent twenty years piecing together the events that led to mass nationwide starvation, including the death of his own father. Finding no natural causes, Yang lays the deaths at the feet of China's totalitarian Communist system and the refusal of officials at every level to value human life over ideology and self-interest.

"Tombstone" is a testament to inhumanity and occasional heroism that pits collective memory against the historical amnesia imposed by those in power. Stunning in scale and arresting in its detailed account of the staggering human cost of this tragedy, "Tombstone" is written both as a memorial to the lives lost--an enduring tombstone in memory of the dead--and in hopeful anticipation of the final demise of the totalitarian system. Ian Johnson, writing in "The New York Review of Books," called the Chinese edition of "Tombstone ""groundbreaking...The most authoritative account of the great famine...One of the most important books to come out of China in recent years." -- Publisher Marketing

Reinventing Bach

by Paul Elie    (Find this book)

The story of a revolution in music and technology, told through a century of recordings of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach

In "Reinventing Bach," his remarkable second book, Paul Elie tells the electrifying story of how musicians of genius have made Bach's music new in our time, at once restoring Bach as a universally revered composer and revolutionizing the ways that music figures into our lives.

As a musician in eighteenth-century Germany, Bach was on the technological frontier--restoring organs, inventing instruments, and perfecting the tuning system still in use today. Two centuries later, pioneering musicians began to take advantage of breakthroughs in audio recording to make Bach's music the sound of modern transcendence. The sainted organist Albert Schweitzer played to a mobile recording unit set up at London's Church of All Hallows in order to spread Bach's organ works to the world beyond the churches. Pablo Casals, recording at Abbey Road Studios, made Bach's cello suites existentialism for the living room; Leopold Stokowski and Walt Disney, with "Fantasia," made Bach the sound of children's playtime and Hollywood grandeur alike. Glenn Gould's "Goldberg Variations" opened and closed the LP era and made Bach the byword for postwar cool; and Yo-Yo Ma has brought Bach into the digital present, where computers and smartphones put the sound of Bach all around us. In this book we see these musicians and dozens of others searching, experimenting, and collaborating with one another in the service of Bach, who emerges as the very image of the spiritualized, technically savvy artist.

"Reinventing Bach" is a gorgeously written story of music, invention, and human passion--and a story with special relevance in our time, for it shows that great things can happen when high art meets new technology. -- Publisher Marketing

Former People: The Final Days of the Russian Aristocracy

by Douglas Smith    (Find this book)

Epic in scope, precise in detail, and heart-breaking in its human drama, "Former People "is the first book to recount the history of the aristocracy caught up in the maelstrom of the Bolshevik Revolution and the creation of Stalin's Russia. Filled with chilling tales of looted palaces and burning estates, of desperate flights in the night from marauding peasants and Red Army soldiers, of imprisonment, exile, and execution, it is the story of how a centuries'-old elite, famous for its glittering wealth, its service to the Tsar and Empire, and its promotion of the arts and culture, was dispossessed and destroyed along with the rest of old Russia.

Yet "Former People "is also a story of survival and accommodation, of how many of the tsarist ruling class--so-called "former people" and "class enemies"--overcame the psychological wounds inflicted by the loss of their world and decades of repression as they struggled to find a place for themselves and their families in the new, hostile order of the Soviet Union. Chronicling the fate of two great aristocratic families--the Sheremetevs and the Golitsyns--it reveals how even in the darkest depths of the terror, daily life went on.

Told with sensitivity and nuance by acclaimed historian Douglas Smith, "Former People "is the dramatic portrait of two of Russia's most powerful aristocratic families, and a sweeping account of their homeland in violent transition. -- Publisher Marketing

Parade's End

by Ford Madox Ford    (Find this book)

Ford Madox Ford's masterpiece, a tetra-logy set in England during World War I, is widely considered one of the best novels of the twentieth century.

First published as four separate novels ("Some Do Not . . ., No More Parades, A Man Could Stand Up--, and The Last Post) "between 1924 and 1928, "Parade's End" explores the world of the English ruling class as it descends into the chaos of war. Christopher Tietjens is an officer from a wealthy family who finds himself torn between his unfaithful socialite wife, Sylvia, and his suffragette mistress, Valentine. A profound portrait of one man's internal struggles during a time of brutal world conflict, "Parade's End" bears out Graham Greene's prediction that "There is no novelist of this century more likely to live than Ford Madox Ford." -- Publisher Marketing

Philip Roth: Nemeses: Everyman/Indignation/The Humbling/Nemesis ( Library of America #237 )

by Philip Roth    (Find this book)

What kind of choices fatally shape a life? How does the individual withstand the onslaught of circumstance? These are the dark questions that animate "Nemeses," the quartet of thematically related short novels that are published here together for the first time in this final volume of The Library of America's definitive edition of Philip Roth's collected works. "Everyman "(2006) is the sparse and affecting story of one man's lifelong skirmish with mortality. Set against the backdrop of the Korean War, "Indignation "(2008) is the extraordinary narrative of a young man struggling against the conformity of McCarthy-era America and his father's overwhelming fear. In "The Humbling "(2009), aging actor Simon Axler embarks on a risky and aberrant affair in a desperate attempt to recoup his lost artistic gifts. And in "Nemesis "(2010), Roth offers an exacting portrait of the emotions--fear and anger, bewilderment and grief--bred by a polio epidemic in Newark in the summer of 1944. Philip Roth is the only living American novelist to have his work published in a comprehensive, definitive edition by The Library of America. He has received the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award twice, the PEN/Faulkner Award three times, the National Medal of Arts, and the Gold Medal in Fiction, the highest award of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. -- Publisher Marketing