Martha's Summer 2010 Picks

Freakonomics and Superfreakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner. Non-fiction.
An easy and entertaining read, despite the subject of economics- the authors explore, in short chapters, the rarely seen side of the economy on both the national and global level. Freakonomics explores such subjects as the effect of cheating, crime, abortion and parenting on our daily financial interactions with the world. Superfreakonomics continues in the same vein touching upon the medical and prostitution industry, terrorism, and the boomerang effects of Al Gore and the greening of America on your wallet. Easy, fun, and informative!


The End by Marq de Villiers. Non-fiction.
How many ways can the world itself come to an end? This subject is addressed in a very thorough manner, and is surprisingly uplifting rather than depressing or frightening. Earthquakes, meteors, volcanoes, tsunamis, pandemics and other sundry cataclysms are discussed in realistic, factual and scientific depth. This book served as a great reminder that we are all part of a planetary and universal system that we cannot control. The positive aspect of the book included the author's ideas on what we CAN control on our planet and in our universe. A unique read by an author well-versed in environmental issues.


Lunch In Paris: A Love Story, With Recipes by Elizabeth Bard. Fiction/Non-Fiction.
As an avowed Francophile, I thoroughly enjoyed this little book which follows the story of an American woman who marries a French man, and delineates her adaptation to Parisian society via food experiences. The stories of the cultural exchanges between the American and French families are enlightening and delightful - best of all, the author has included many French recipes (and a few American ones) as a reflection of her cultural experiences. If you are not interested in the culture aspects of the book, it is worth the read for the easy and delicious French recipes that are interspersed throughout the story!

The Bone Parade by Mark Nykanen. Fiction.
Incredibly well-written suspense page-turner, but not for the squeamish! The subject matter is grisly, involving a serial-killer sculptor, but the plot and character as so well-developed that it is hard to put down. I give it an "R" for scenes of sex and violence, but an "A" for excellent writing!

The Strain by Guillermo del Torro and Chuck Hogan. Fiction.
The first in yet another vampire series..... due to great writing, this held my attention, made me slightly nervous and...looking forward to Book #2 : The Fall. Guillermo del Torro was responsible for the fantastical movie "Pan's Labyrinth", which lead me to be interested in this new series....I did not believe the vampire scenario could be redeveloped again, but I have proved myself wrong. The Fall has recently become available at local libraries, and you can bet I am on the waiting list!


Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. Fiction.
In short, a great medieval CSI (Crime Scene Investigation). The story line develops around the rare incidence of a female doctor (really a coroner, thus the title), who is invited to England to investigate a series of children's murders along with her associates. The author has really brought to life with flair the mood of medieval England and all the social, racial, religious and economic realities one would expect of the era. In addition, the investigation is intriguing, somewhat gruesome at times, and overall, a very easy, fast, and entertaining read! I would definitely read another book by this author!
Additional books by Ariana Franklin: City of Shadows, Grave Goods, A Murderous Procession, The Serpent's Tale.

Parisians: An Adventure History of Paris by Graham Robb. Non-Fiction.
Whether you have been to Paris or not, this is a fascinating collection of real-life stories, about people famous and not-so-famous who have left their mark on the "City of Lights". Personalities include Napoleon Bonaparte, Hitler, Marie Antoinette, Baudelaire, Proust, De Gaulle, the recent President of France N. Sarkozy, and my favorite, the man responsible for the "Catacombes" ( a series of underground passages in Paris, filled to the top with bones). Chapters are relatively short, and the narratives are told in a variety of styles. Anyone interested in the social history of Paris will enjoy this unusual literary approach to the old and venerable city of Paris, France.