Falise Platt of
the 24/8
Book Club shares her top picks in new books. A voracious
reader with diverse interests, Falise chooses the best from
fiction and nonfiction alike, creating a selection that is both
fun and intelligent.
 The
kids are back in school and the summer months behind us. What
a great time to pick up a book.
 The
Devlin Diary
By Christi Phillips
Pocket Books, 2009
Philips deftly weaves two mysteries, taking place in two
different time periods, together in this thoughtfully thrilling
novel. In the present, Cambridge historians are working to
uncover the next historical myster—-to enhance their
professional status. Along the way, a professor with questionable
ethics and behavior is found murdered.
The second story takes place in Restoration-era London in
the King’s inner circle. Numerous courtiers are found
dead, marked with an intriguing set of symbols left by the
murder. Each mystery could stand on its own—but we’re
glad it doesn’t.
 The
Real Wizard of Oz
By Rebecca Loncraine
Gotham Books, 2009
This F.L. Baum biography shares the history, joy, frustrations
and losses of the author’s family. Baum assumed many
different professions throughout his life: salesman, barrel
maker, theater producer, store proprietor and magazine publisher,
to name a few. Additionally, Baum’s varied interests
and the obligation to make a living took him on a series of
adventures across the US-which makes a fascinating backdrop
for his story.
 Kiss
My Math
By Danica McKellar
Plume, 2009
Danica McKellar is back to take on pre-Algebra for our girls.
She stuffs each chapter with snappy tips, step-by-step examples
and tools that break down the concepts into tidbits that create
understanding, as well as—dare I say it—fun learning.
Clever chapter titles kick things off, for example, “Breath
Mints, Anyone?” in which McKellar argues that the word
“integer” is boring so therefore she is renaming
it “mint.” Chapter 4 is titled “A Relaxing
Day at the Spa,” and covers absolute values, which can
never be negative—just like the way you feel at the spa.
The look and feel is intended for girls of all ages tackling
pre-Algebra, and I only wish it had been around back when
was studying math. Bravo to McKellar.
 What
Do You Say When…?
By Florence Isaacs
Potter, 2009
Ever have one of those painful moments when you’re at a party
and can’t think of what to say? We’ve all been there, whether
at a schmoozing event or an interview, and it’s books full
of ideas like this one that can help land you that job, that
date or even just a plain ol’ good conversation.
One tip from Isaacs: ask open ended questions. It’ll encourage
conversation versus questions that can be answered with a
head shake or nod. Another tip: be prepared with a sound bite
about yourself, then turn the conversation back to dialogue
with another question.
Guides caught our eye this month. They run the gamut from
pregnancy fitness, to healthy child development and affordable
great wine.
 The
Wine Trials
By Robin Goldstein
with Alexis Herschkowitsch
Fearless Critic Media, 2008
This wine guide is produced through the efforts of more than
500 wine tasters who rated 560 different wines in blind tastings.
The result: 100 wines priced under $15 that rated higher than
$50-$150 bottles of wine.
Each wine gets its own page within one of the book’s
three sections: Nose, Mouth and Design. Personally, I knew
these Fearless folks were on to something when I spotted that
one of my favorite sparkling wines, Domaine Ste. Michelle
Brut, won the #1 ranking for sparkling wine. Cheers.
 Super
Fit Mama
By Tracey Mallet
DaCapo Press Lifelong Books, 2009
Know a pregnant or postpartum gal looking to stay in shape
during pregnancy and beyond? Look no further. Tracey Mallet
is a trainer, author and mother who knows this topic inside
and out, and has developed exercises, healthy recipes and
wellness tips just for moms. Forty-five women tested out the
program, and Mallet scattered their personal stories within
the book to help inspire readers.
 Taking
Back Childhood
By Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Ed.D.
Plume, 2009
Early childhood development expert Nancy Carlsson-Paige shares
tools and techniques to take back our children’s childhood.
She states that our children have three basic needs: creative
play, security and positive relationships. She argues that
by restoring these essential building blocks to our children,
we can provide them a path for healthy development.
Topics range from sharing power with your kids to eliminate
time outs, and helping children find peaceful ways to settle
issues in their relationships, to becoming a social and emotional
coach and work as an ally with your children. Carlsson-Paige
believes that it is our responsibility as parents, grandparents
and citizens to act for our children, and I believe her insights
can help us do just that.
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* The Good Reads Girl was drawn by
Denise Simon, a Chicago-based freelance illustrator.
Check out her work at deniseannsimon.com.
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