Turn over a new leaf
Our fourth annual fall books guide provides options for readers of all interests
Society has changed, and so have our reading habits. Many Americans would rather stare at a screen than read a book, and that’s a shame. But we at Cityview champion the written word, and we think you should, too, which is why we are pleased to publish our fourth annual fall books guide.
Inside, you’ll find an array of styles and topics from local authors (with a few national ones as well) featuring non-fiction, fiction, biographies, humor and coming-of-age tales. Sure, you won’t find the majority of these books on The New York Times Best Seller list, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek out these titles and enjoy them. But don’t stop here. There is an entire world of entertaining books out there, so turn the TV off, log out of Facebook and curl up with a good book. You’ll be glad you did.
“Cycles of Death”
By Lee Shearer
AuthorHouse; pp 223; $13.04
The title aptly refers to both a fictional roving murderer and a group of single, semi-retired wealthy men trying to deal with the twilight years of their lives. The book claims to be a fiction, however Shearer’s observations on retirement, golf and challenges and fears of aging are based on personal experiences and is not fiction.
The story revolves around RAGBRAI, where a group of gentlemen are fascinated with proving their stamina — on bikes and off. They take it upon themselves to connect the dots and prove that the numerous “incidents” causing untimely deaths of a handful of fit, healthy and vivacious women are not accident. Through numerous felonies they must commit to catch the killer, mission is accomplished.
The book is a quick read and certainly keeps your attention, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it was every elder gentleman’s fantasy to recapture his youth by “hooking up” with as many available women as possible. Is there really that much sex going on at RAGBRAI? The characters become a bit blurred toward the end, however it is enjoyable to read a book that mentions our beloved state and things we can relate to. — Michelle Haupts
“Did Somebody Step on a Duck?”
By Jim Dawson
Ten Speed Press; 184 pp; $9.99
Jim Dawson’s “Did Somebody Step on a Duck?” is labeled as a natural history of the fart and derives its name from the famous line by Rodney Dangerfield in “Caddyshack.” This book has all the same immature, disgusting and rancid humor of that movie — and I loved it.
The latest fart book is the third in Dawson’s trilogy, with “Who Cut the Cheese?” and “Blame it on the Dog” preceding. Dawson, a former editor of Hustler magazine, astounds readers with flatulence stories as they relate to George W. Bush, Emily Dickinson, Tiger Woods and the Apollo astronauts. But the most laughs come from the chapter, “Twenty Celebrity Farts,” which details moments including Leonardo DiCaprio breaking wind under his long coat and sweeping it over the good-humored Kate Winslet’s face, and Seth Rogan explaining why farting on airplanes is OK because no one can figure out who did it. Dawson points out how even the word “fart” has become more accepted, with more than 100,000 movies on the subject being uploaded to YouTube alone.
We could all benefit by stepping away from life’s serious issues and laughing over one of our most natural bodily functions. Don’t pass on this book. — Shane Goodman
“Don’t Talk to Strangers”
By Jerry Hooten
Books By Mode; 196 pp; $20
The last week on the job as an under-employed bank teller leaves long-suffering Roger Wardlow with one more change than he anticipated. A series of accidents and poor decisions force Roger to leave Des Moines quickly. Surviving on his wits, a surprising (under the circumstances) practicality and the unwitting assistance of others, Roger begins anew out West. What started as accidents becomes calculated behavior. When Roger ends up in the Pacific Northwest, he finds a contentment that has eluded him his whole life. Will Roger’s newly found peace and enjoyment last, or will the past catch up with him? Is this finally Roger’s chance at happiness? As the book’s title suggests, the admonition “Don’t Talk to Strangers” is often good advice.
Written by Iowa Jerry Hooten, “Don’t Talk to Strangers” is an easy-to-read crime novel; I could not put it down and read it in an afternoon. With more than 25 years of law enforcement to his name, Hooten’s experience and knowledge comes through his writing. Hooten has written several books, including “Dead End,” which picks up where “Don’t Talk to Strangers” left off. — Karen Ericson
“Bryant & May Off the Rails”
By Christopher Fowler
Bantam Books; 352 pp; $25
Detectives Arthur Bryant and John May are back in another installment of Christopher Fowler’s addictive “Peculiar Crimes Unit” mysteries.
“Bryant and May Off the Rails” is the eighth novel to feature “London’s most senior detectives,” the elderly and unlikely partners who spearhead the Home Office’s Peculiar Crimes Unit. Bryant is a disheveled, gaunt, “disreputable old salmon” who lives in the past and deals in facts. May is a dapper, techno-savvy, one-time ladies’ man who handles “the messy human stuff.”
As “Off the Rails” opens, the Peculiar Crimes Unit is in disgrace for allowing a serial killer to escape custody. Relegated to a dilapidated warehouse, the PCU faces an ultimatum: Recapture the King’s Cross Executioner, aka Mr. Fox, within six days, or the Unit will be disbanded.
Complicating the detectives’ search is a spate of murders in the King’s Cross tube station. What links the deaths of a young mother, a hapless junkie, a university student and a bar manager? What meaning lies behind the Unit’s only clue — a Victorian symbol denoting both lunacy and anarchy? Are the new murders the work of Mr. Fox, or are Bryant and May dealing with another, more fearsome predator, a giant bat-like creature said to haunt the Underground?
In “Off the Rails,” Fowler once again creates an array of convincing characters and a suspenseful, intricate plot. He displays his impressive knowledge of London past and present, this time capturing the shadowy world of the Underground and bringing that menacing labyrinth vividly to life. — Owana McLester-Greenfield
“The Weight of Silence”
By Heather Gudenkauf
Mira; 384 pp; $9.04
“The Weight of Silence” is a fictional novel based in Willow Creek, Iowa. Two young girls are found missing on an August morning. Seven-year-old Calli is a sweet, gentle dreamer who suffers from selective mutism brought on by tragedy as a toddler. Calli’s mother, Antonia, tried to be the best mother she could within the confines of her marriage. Petra Gregory is Calli’s best friend, soul mate and voice. Neither Petra nor Calli had been heard from since their disappearance. The story and suspense unfold, telling the “keep you glued” story that occurs within a 24-hour period.
This was Gudenkauf’s first novel, which is surprising due to the style of the book, the wonderful storyline and her ability to bring out strong emotions for the majority of characters she introduces. The author keeps the storyline moving along, creates suspense and keeps it all straightforward by changing each chapter’s perspective. “The Weight of Silence” is a thoroughly enjoyable book from start to end. When you begin this book, be ready to sit and read as long as you can because you will have a hard time putting it down. — Michelle Haupts
“Celara Sun”
By Lee McQueen
McQueen Press; 313 pp; $16.99
Delving into an increasingly global issue, the novel “Celara Sun” attempts to combine two worlds: renewable energy and suspense.
In this novel, Martina Butler matches Alexander King step for step in a battle of wills to control Lake City’s solar and wind energy markets. “Clean energy is dirty business,” and “You have to go green to get green,” sums up Alex’s philosophy toward power. During the green revolution, the players realize that life moves forward, never backward — and it certainly doesn’t stand still.
Even though the book briefly highlights aspects of the renewable energy industry, this should not scare anyone away. The industry fades into the background as the quick sentences plunge the reader into the minds of the central characters. Unfortunately, the two-to three-word sentences make you feel like a 5-year-old trying to learn to read all over again. I would have liked to dive deeper into this important issue, and less into the sulking mind of the main character. Perhaps suspense and renewable energy should not be combined within two book covers just yet. — Ashley Loneman
“The Wishing Trees”
By John Shors
New American Library; 338 pp; $15
Author John Shors has graced the pages of our annual Fall Books Guide in the past with his novel “Dragon House,” so it comes as no surprise that this Des Moines native once again appears with his new work, “The Wishing Trees.” Having already written the critically-acclaimed novels “Beneath a Marble Sky,” “Beside a Burning Sea” and “Dragon House,” Shors now presents the story of Mattie and Ian, a 10-year-old daughter and husband, who lost their mother and wife, Kate.
Informed by experiences from Shors’ own travels in Asia, the two venture through Japan, Nepal, India, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Egypt honoring their lost loved one and leaving “paper” wishes in ancient trees symbolizing their connection to Kate. Throughout the 338-page novel, the pair helps those in need and opens the reader’s eyes to the concept of an everlasting love that no matter where the family goes, it never seems to diminish. — Matt Miller
“Zagi: The Rise of Dra’Kain”
By Derek Long
RoseDog Books; 65 pp; $9.35
It doesn’t take long to realize that author Derek Long enjoys science fiction and fantasy — just take a look at the cover featuring fire-breathing dragons and aliens drifting through space. As an avid fan of the “Star Wars” trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings” and “Dune,” Long, a 2007 graduate from Grand View University, seems destined for this line of work.
The paperback novel — only 65 pages — didn’t grab my attention; maybe it was its unique title or perhaps the proper nouns like “Thermopyale,” “Guardon,” “Armeggon” and “Mer’Zal” scattered throughout the opening couple of pages that immediately discombobulated my mind. From my perspective, I clearly didn’t have and probably won’t have an interest in a galaxy where the Zagi are overthrown by a demon and their salvation rests within an elite leader and his warriors. On the other hand, readers who have creative imaginations that are worlds away will enjoy this novel. The book is full of small chapters and one could finish it in a couple of hours. — Matt Miller
“Dewey’s Nine Lives”
By Vicki Myron
Penguin Group Inc.; 306 pp; $11.97
Let’s get one thing clear — I’m allergic to cats. They are cute animals that can bask in the sun all day, but they make me sniffle, sneeze and wheeze if I come in contact with the. The closest I need to come to a cat is Vicki Myron’s book entitled “Dewey’s Nine Lives.” The book is Myron’s second work, following the 2008 book “Dewey,” a cat that was found in the public library in Spencer, Iowa. The book became a bestseller and remained there for 34 weeks.
Just recently released, “Dewey’s Nine Lives” is a complication of feline-friendly stories told from the perspective of “Dewey’s Mom,” librarian Vicki Myron. The book is a simple read as Myron tells of two stories about Dewey, and is also accompanied by seven other real-life tales drawn from fans across the United States. If you’re looking for a book on a rainy day, this is it. — Matt Miller
“Never Blame the Umpire”
By Gene Fehler
Zonderkidz; 192 pp; $12.99
For many of us, sports play a role in our lives in one way or another. It could be football, basketball, track, baseball, and swimming that make you who are you are today. Unfortunately, death is also a part of life. Kate Adams knows this firsthand, as the teenage girl loves playing baseball and tennis, and has discovered an interest in poetry. But suddenly Kate’s world is turned upside-down when her mom is diagnosed with terminal cancer. This threatens to tear the family apart, but it’s the loving embrace that the family shows each other that makes this book worthwhile.
I thoroughly enjoyed Fehler’s work “Never Blame the Umpire,” which was influenced by the death of his sister to cancer in 2004. Written in present-tense narration, Fehler’s descriptive dialogue between Kate and other family members kept my attention throughout.
Although the book is written for young people, life throws curveballs in unexpected ways to us all. It just depends on if you step up to the plate or not. — Matt Miller
‘I’m Not High (But I’ve Got Lots of Crazy Stories about Life as a Goat Boy, a Dad, and a Spiritual Warrior)’
By Jim Breuer
Gotham Books; 262 pp; $26
Comedian and actor Jim Breuer created a lot of funny characters during his time on “Saturday Night Live.” From Goat Boy to the Joe Pesci Show, his impressions and wild antics added a little something extra to the iconic sketch show. He is also known as a pot head (although he doesn’t smoke) due to his sleepy, cherry red eyes and has used his looks to his advantage starring in one of the greatest stoner movies ever, “Half Baked.”
In his new memoir, “I’m Not High,” Breuer entertains readers not with his impressions and toasted demeanor, but with funny and heartfelt stories about his family, career and life in general. He goes from chapter to chapter telling stories about growing up in Long Island (“Nearly Aborted”) being forced to move to Florida (“Florida Bound… and Gagged”), his days on “SNL” (“Joining ‘Saturday Night Live’… and Becoming Joe Pesci”) becoming a dad and raising a family (“Life in the Jersey Burbs”) to reconnecting with his father while on the road (“Dad Moves In”). Sure, the laughs are plenty, but it’s the heartfelt moments from Breuer that makes “I’m Not High” worth reading. — Jared Curtis
‘The Man Behind The Nose: Assassins, Astronauts, Cannibals, and Other Stupendous Tales’
By Larry “Bozo” Harmon and Thomas Scott McKenzie
It Books/Igniter; 256 pp; $25.99
I have fond memories of growing up in front of the TV. And during the afternoons I’d faithfully turn it over to WGN to watch “The Bozo Show.” I loved the clowns, the cartoons and the Grand Prize Game, but who knew the man who created the iconic clown had such an interesting life? Well, he did, and “The Man Behind The Nose: Assassins, Astronauts, Cannibals, and Other Stupendous Tales” is chock full of interesting tales.
The book follows the life of Larry Harmon, who was better known as Bozo The Clown. We learn about Harmon growing up in Cleveland, his stint in the Army and moving to Hollywood. After numerous movie and TV roles, he bought the rights to the clown, and the first incarnation of “The Bozo Show” premiered in 1959. But what he did after creating the character was fascinating. Sure, he’s no Chuck Barris (the host of “The Gong Show” who stated he was a trained assassin for the CIA in his autobiography), but he had plenty of interesting tales including a trip (in full clown make-up) to a cannibal tribe in New Guinea, training for space flights and surviving two assassination attempts. Some of the chapters fly by, while others creep along at a snail’s pace, but overall it’s an interesting tale of an interesting man who spent most his life in clown make-up. — Jared Curtis
‘The Party Bible: The Good Book For Great Times’
By Connor Pritchard and Dominic Russo
Adams Media; 223 pp; $14.95
Did you ever sit around with a group of friends looking for something fun to do? Well, look no further than “The Party Bible: The Good Book For Great Times.” Inside this hilarious and surprisingly informative book, you’ll find everything you’ll need to throw a rocking party, from drinking games to costumes to theme parties.
The book is perfect for a college frat house or for people who still live their lives like they reside in one. Some of the parties include: The bEaster Egg Hunt (“Substitute the plastic eggs with decorated cans of Milwaukee’s Best), The Donkey Punch Dinner Party (offering food like the Hot Carl Sloppy Joe and Dirty Sanchez Seven-Layer Dip), The Douche Vs. Hipster Party (Doesn’t that happen every weekend in downtown Des Moines?) and the Insomniac Photo Hunt (a scavenger hunt between 2 and 5 a.m.). But my personal favorite was the Chief Me! Party (Chiefing is the act of decorating/embarrassing a person who is passed out from drinking) which features a number of ways to embarrass your passed out friend, including the standard DickFore (draw a penis on his forehead) as well as The Harry Potter (draw a lighting bolt on the forehead, glasses around eyes) The Douche Trifecta (draw a Superman, barbwire and Chinese character tattoos on his body, also include an Ed Hardy logo on his chest) and The Dicken Pox (draw tiny penises all over his face). House parties have never been so fun! — Jared Curtis
‘A History of The great Zombie War: The Simpson Experience’
By the students in Simpson’s “History of the Great Zombie War” course
CreateSpace; 264 pp; $15
Much like the big screen, zombies have taken over literature as well. From Max Brooks’ two books, “The Zombie Survival Guide” and “World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War,” to the reimagining of a classic, “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” zombies are more popular then ever. So it’s no surprise that a handful of Simpson College students took on their own zombie war in “The History Of The Great Zombie War: The Simpson Experience.” Professor Nick Proctor had an idea and the facility let him run with it.
Based on the enthusiasm of the popular campus game, “Humans vs. Zombies,” and Proctor’s love of zombies, students in a creative writing class wrote an entire book based on the virus known as HIV-Z. The book is filled with journal entries, interviews, eyewitness accounts and stories about the zombies’ mass destruction of the world, shown from the standpoint of the people surviving on the Simpson campus. I’ve read a lot of zombie books and it’s safe to say that “A History of The great Zombie War: The Simpson Experience” is an entertaining and engulfing read. The small but vital details of the campus, Indianola and Des Moines, only added to my enjoyment. It’s really cool for a local professor and his students to create something on this caliber, but when the stories are good, it makes it that much better. The book is available at Cup o’ Kryptonite, 4521 Fleur Drive, and at www.amazon.com. — Jared Curtis CV
