Little theatre, big shows
October 18, 2011
‘Beasts of Burden’ added to circus fare
October 19, 2011
EYES OF AN EAGLE
By CHRISTOPHER E. CENAC SR. with
CLAIRE DOMANGUE JOLLER
University Press of Mississippi, $49.95
Dr. Chris Cenac Sr. has assembled an incredible collection of memorabilia in telling the story of his grandfather, Jean-Pierre Cenac who ventured from Bordeaux, France, to New Orleans in 1860 where he stayed until Louisiana joined the Confederacy and went to war.
Granpere Cenac then wisely moved to Houma, where he knew people from his region had settled. Where there are gaps in the family history, co-author Claire Joller joins Dr. Chris in creating alternating, fictional chapters, based on reasonable assumptions that enrich the story.
The collection of 1,000 photographs and illustrations of schools, churches, businesses, early life on the bayous and more, telling the history of Houma and south Louisiana, is a nostalgic treasure. This marvelous book should inspire many budding genealogists.
FEAST DAY OF FOOLS
By JAMES LEE BURKE
Simon and Schuster, $26.99
In this sequel to “Rain Gods,” Burke returns to the small town on the Tex-Mex border where Sheriff Hackberry Holland comes face to face with some colorful characters, good and evil; the mysterious La Magdalena, whose resemblance to Hack’s late wife stirs a dangerous attraction; and villains with unforgettable names: Krill, Negrito, Noie Barnum, Cody Daniels, Temple Dowling and despicable Preacher Jack Collins, seemingly returned from the dead.
At age 75, having written 30 novels, Burke just keeps getting better and better, and this may be his very best.
THE TROUBLED MAN
By HENNING MANKELL
Knopf, $26.95
Veteran detective, Kurt Wallander is 60, diabetic and fearful of his occasional memory lapses. Thrilled to learn his daughter is expecting his grandchild, he attends a party for her future father-in-law who tells him of an incident that happened years before when he was ordered to allow a Russian submarine discovered in Swedish waters to escape. Shortly afterward, the man disappears without a trace and not long after, his wife disappears as well.
Although this case is out of his bailiwick, Wallander is determined to find the truth for his daughter’s sake.
NO REST FOR THE DEAD
Edited by ANDREW F. GULLI and LAMIA J. GULLI
Touchstone Books, $24.99
Twenty-six bestselling authors collaborate in the story of Rosemary Thomas who, 10 years earlier, was tried, convicted and executed for murdering her husband. Now, detective Joe Nunn, who cracked the case, has reason to believe she was innocent and sets his mind to finding the real killer.
Each chapter moves seamlessly from author to author advancing the story to its surprising end. What’s unique, too, is that all net proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
THE PIRATES OF SOMALIA
By JAY BAHADUR
Pantheon, $26.95
Pirates in Somalia are nothing new. They’ve been active ever since their civil war began 20 years ago. However, they’ve never gained worldwide notoriety until they captured the American-crewed Maersk Alabama in 2009 followed by the killing of four Americans on a private yacht.
Author Bahadur, took great risks in meeting with pirates like Boyah, one of their leaders, learning how the pirates lived and how they used the money they took in ransom. It’s the stuff of movies and I’m sure one must certainly now be on the drawing board.
THE WINE TRIALS 2011
By ROBIN GOLDSTEIN, ALEXIS
HERSCHKOWITSCH and TYCE WALTERS
Fearless Critic Media, $14.95
If you select a bottle of wine only by price, you may be paying too much. In this all-new guide you’ll discover outstanding values not only in price, (all $15 and under) but in taste as well. Each wine has been tested in brown-bag tastings by wine connoisseurs, including professional sommeliers, chefs and ordinary wine lovers, and in every case, the cheaper wines in this guide were preferred.
At $14.95, the book is as cheap as any of the wines, so what’s there to lose?
Next month: Ray’s Gift
Book Recommendations
