America’s obsession with celebrity and its companion spread of illiteracy place our society in grave danger of collapse, according to Hedges’ darkest prediction to date. One need only surf the endless torrent of idiotic “reality shows,” pornography and casino capitalism to see the corrosion as it occurs. It is, indeed, most likely too late, says Hedges, to reverse a process that under similar conditions led to the military-industrial dictatorships of the last century. Lulled as we are by corporation-inspired happy fantasies, we are totally unprepared to deal with – or even face – the inevitable doom rushing to meet us.

Reviewed by Jim B., Main Library

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Author Dana Shapiro had just ended another long-term relationship and began to wonder why his relationships never progressed any further. Coming from the mindset that you learn more from failure than from success, he spent 4 years interviewing hundreds of divorced people to see what went wrong in their failed marriages and what they learned to do or not do again. He divides the book into 3 sections: accelerating the inevitable (dealing with quirks), discussing the dirty (sexual issues), and engaging the elephants (communication). Some of the stories are in more of an interview style while others are written out like a story. You Can Be Right (or You Can Be Married) is a very unique look at relationships with lots of great advice.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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The humble potato gets its due as the essential ingredient in nearly 100 recipes representing Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas: staples such our own comfortable Chicken & Dumplings; Britain’s Bangers & Mash and Shepherd’s Pie; Irish Stew; Mexican Enchiladas and Quesadillas; Greek Moussaka; Spanish Omelets and Tapas; and Steak and Frites from France. For dessert there’s Potato Coffee Cake! More exotic entrees include Argentinean Empanadas and Autumn Chestnut Rice: a Japanese dish served to celebrate the season’s first rice crop. Highly readable, the book begins with the basics: varieties, storage, kitchen aids and advice. Then you’re off on a culinary trip around the world where every region has its own idea about what makes a meal and a good potato salad!

Reviewed by Rita L., Independence Regional

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Best known for his roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Stand By Me, child actor turned adult comedian Will Wheaton gives an unflinchingly honest account of his life and personal motivations after leaving the staple of Sci-Fi TV. Spurred by demoralizing near-misses in his acting career and challenges in providing for his wife and two stepchildren, he began a now-legendary blog in 2001, not knowing it would prove therapeutic for him and others. In this book, he uses excerpts from the website as well as original writing to paint the picture of a bitter man coming to terms with real and perceived professional slights, and his own life choices. Filled with wit and honesty, this memoir of a geek legend is insightful and touching.

Reviewed by Jonathan W., Morrison Regional

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Consummate sock knitters work year-round, but typically most of their creations wait in the drawer for cooler weather. German knitwear designer Stephanie van der Linden challenges this notion in her Knit Socks for All Seasons: Fabulous, Fun Footwear for Any Time of Year collection. Linden steps through the year with six fun and challenging patterns each season, employing colorwork, cables, and lace, and includes instructions for stranded knitting, knotted edgings, knitting beads, and more. Most designs are placed at an intermediate skill level with just enough complexity to be challenging yet not too frustrating. “Rhombus” and “Nicely Structured” are two patterned possibilities that my spouse might actually wear!

Reviewed by Lydia T., Main Library

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Not all knitting needs to be serious. Toni Carr’s Knits for Nerds is as much a collection of knitting designs wearable at SciFi cons, as it is a glimpse into the world of the nerd subculture. Based on science fiction, fantasy, and anime literature, art, and cinema, each pattern is coupled with a description of its specific inspiration. Besides the obvious, such as Star Wars, Star Trek, and Lord of the Rings, consider knitting patterns evoked by vampires, Tank Girl, robots, and more. While most of the sweater, sock, and hat patterns tend to be kitschy, there are several elegant designs including the Summer Queen Shawl, the Light of Earendil Shrug, and Aim to Misbehave Brown Jacket, for the knitters not easily amused.

Reviewed by Lydia T., Main Library

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Novice knitters craving a challenge can easily overestimate the scope and complexity of designer patterns. They may get frustrated if well-fitting garments do not knit up in a timely manner. In One + One Scarves, Shawls, and Shrugs, knitters are offered many solutions to this dilemma. Along with the patterns from more than a dozen internationally renowned designers from around the globe, Iris Schreier gathers 25 projects that are unique and inspired, yet are certain to yield outstanding garments quickly. Most projects are geared toward intermediate knitters. Many designs combine yarns that contrast in terms of color, weight, and fiber. This book includes techniques and yarn substitutions which are useful now, and in the future.

Reviewed by Lydia T., Main Library

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Not only is Stephanie Pearl-McPhee a world-class knitter and author of many pattern and instructional guides, but she is also a storyteller. Fresh and funny, Pearl-McPhee’s essays are both for fiber addicts, as well as their friends and family who struggle to understand them. (Why knit your socks when you could just buy them?!) In Free Range Knitter: the Yarn Harlot Writes Again are grouped by politics, perseverance, families, belonging, and more. This native of Canada can turn a simple episode concerning a middle-aged mom trying to reclaim her childhood love of winter sports into a full-colored laugh fest. Everywhere knitting and the human condition collide, Pearl-McPhee is there with witty, thoughtful commentary.

Reviewed by Lydia T., Main Library

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Crochet design possibilities exist beyond granny square afghans and winter scarves. Beautiful and unique Japanese color-blended Noro yarns of all thicknesses and fiber blends inspire the challenging high-fashion designs in Crochet Noro: 30 Dazzling Designs. Beginners to either these yarns or crocheting will have success with free-size items like their “Puff Stitch Cowl” and “Felted Tote,” while patterns for more advanced garments, such as the “V-neck Pullover” or the “Boxy Caridgan,” will undoubtedly produce wonderful results. Numerous designs for hats, scarves, and poncho/wraps will excite all crocheters. This reviewer’s first choice is the “Strawberry Lace Scarf” using Noro Shiraito (cashmere/angora/wool) yarn. Yum!

Reviewed by Lydia T., Main Library

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Want to learn to parent effectively with less family distress and more peace of mind? This mom’s parenting book with one hundred chapters gives readers ideas to quickly reduce the stress. Each chapter focuses on an issue and how a mom takes personal responsibility for her own happiness by keeping things in perspective on her parenting journey. Carlson states being a mom and not a friend to your children and the sharing of a mother’s love are key to successful parenting. As a mother becomes happier, so that happiness, love and kindness will flow into her family and others around her. The mini chapters are written in a conversational style with a wide range of topics, like `Mom Takes Time Out!` and `Gratitude Is a Family Practice.`

Reviewed by Gay Ann L., Independence Regional

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