Book Reviews

The Homeland Directive
by Robert Venditti; illustrated by Mike Huddleston

Robert Venditti has created a taut, fast-paced political thriller. His graphic novel is set in the present-day United States where corrupt government officials unleash domestic germ warfare on thousands of unsuspecting citizens solely to further their own agenda and secure political power. Frightening as this scenario is, the abundance of corrupt politicians in today’s world adds plausibility to the plot. Dr. Laura Regan, one of the world’s foremost authorities on viral and bacteriological study, becomes the scapegoat and hunted fugitive sought by every governmental security agency. Defying all odds, a team of three rogue federal agents discovers the conspiracy and sets out to aid Dr. Regan and expose the deadly plot.

Mike Huddleston’s illustrations fit well, with panels full of dramatic action and easily identifiable characters that show plenty of raw emotions. He doesn’t use four-color art on every page, but places it strategically, adding to the powerful storyline and character portrayals while intensifying the mood and action. He employs thought-provoking haziness, giving some anonymity to key government players. All story elements work together smoothly, creating a very satisfying read. Although marketed to the adult audience, teens who love edge-of-your-seat tension will be drawn to it as well. I highly recommend this title for all adult and YA collections.
--Jeannine Wiese, Collection Development

Against the Gates of Hell
by Mylow Young

Mylow Young writes with emotion, sympathy, and a strong message against addiction in his debut novel. When Herby’s twin brother Kerby loses his way to cocaine, Herby is torn between his duty as a policeman and his familial responsibilities to his brother. Kerby learns how low a man must fall before he finds a way out of hell. This novel is both encouraging and positive in its message and a noteworthy addition to African-American and Inspirational collections.
--Candy Ortman, Sales

The Train of Small Mercies
by David Rowell
After Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination, a funeral train carried his body from New York to Washington. The author presents six characters that have been deeply affected by the tragedy, showing through a series of vignettes how their lives were changed. It’s an unusual mode of storytelling, and an emotionally moving way to illustrate the impact of a singular day in American history. I highly recommend The Train of Small Mercies for literary fiction collections.
--Shannan Rosa, MSLS Collection Development

The Snow Child
by Eowyn Ivey

The Snow Child is a beautiful, quiet debut. Set in 1920, it tells the story of Jack and Mabel, an older couple that is attempting to make a living farming in Alaska. Having lost a child, Mabel drifts into a deep depression, pushing her husband away. When the first snowfall of the year occurs, they find a brief moment of happiness as they work together to build a snow child. The following morning the snow child is gone and Mabel sees a glimpse of a human child running through the forests. Is she real, or a figment of Mabel’s imagination? What follows is the bittersweet story of reconciliation, love, survival, and loss.

American Dervish
by Ayad Akhtar

American Dervish is the pre-9/11, coming-of-age story of Hayat, a Pakistani boy in Milwaukee, whose family takes in his mother’s divorced childhood friend and her son. Hayat forms a crush on his Mina-Auntie and begins to absorb her Muslim teachings, against the will of his non-practicing parents. As he matures, he is slow to learn the difference between Mina’s very loving and accepting instruction and the contradictory behaviors of the local Muslim elders. His naïve rebellions lead to a sorrowful, yet uplifting tale of love and respect and, eventually, forgiveness and understanding. This engrossing novel is appropriate for both adult and YA fiction collections.
--Dana Juriew, MLIS Collection Development

Birds of Paradise
by Diana Abu-Jaber

Miami is the land of sun, sand, and spring breaks, but like many major cities, it is also home to troubled teens. Birds of Paradise is the story of Felice, a 13-year-old girl who not only leaves home, but turns her back on her family to make her own way in the world around her. Her mother, Avis, is a pastry chef, and she never gives up on reaching out to her daughter. Readers will also be searching for the answer of what would make this young girl leave home with no intention of returning. Diana Abu-Jaber speaks with a modern voice and is both relevant and riveting.
--Candy Ortman, Sales

Sanctus
by Simon Toyne

A lone monk stands atop a mountain, gaining the world’s attention before plummeting to his death. The mountain contains a hidden monastery full of ancient secrets that the monks want to protect, while others will go to any lengths to uncover them. Sanctus is a top-notch, action-packed, full-of-twists-and-turns adventure story that should have great appeal to fans of hidden-knowledge thrillers, such as those by Dan Brown and Raymond Khoury.
--Shannan Rosa, MSLS Collection Development

Broken Identity
by Ashley Williams

The second book by the young, up-and-coming Christian fiction author Ashley Williams doesn’t disappoint. Drake Pearson, barely an adult, finds his home full of conflict and buried secrets, and he wants to run far away. Yet he manages to overcome many obstacles in his troubled life with an alcoholic father and absent mother, finding love and God along the way. Broken Identity is a welcome addition to both adult and teen Christian fiction collections.
--Dana Juriew, MLIS Collection Development