BOOKSHELF
From the Other Side of the Water: Laughing, Fearing, Singing,
Loving, Ending by Malcolm S. Mason ’30. The
third volume of the author’s memoirs describes life experiences
and includes family pictures with the newest generation (Xlibris,
$22.99).
Limiting Democracy: The Erosion of Electoral Rights in Australia by Colin
A. Hughes ’49 and Brian Costar. A study of how Australia’s
distinct electoral system — with compulsory voting, an independent
electoral commission and uniform national rules — has proven
to be fair and transparent, but new legislation by the Howard government
is arguably endangering democracy and eroding the right to vote (UNSW
Press, $14.95).
Jewish Relational Care A-Z: We Are Our Other’s Keeper edited
by Rabbi Jack H. Bloom ’54. This collection of essays
uses self-relations and Jewish tradition to shape perspectives on caregiving
and includes suggested strategies for caregivers(The
Haworth Press, $39.95).
The Hijacking of Jesus: How the Religious Right Distorts
Christianity and Promotes Prejudice and Hate by Dan
Wakefield ’55. In order to explore the politics of Christianity,
the author travels the United States and interviews figures from various
political and spiritual affiliations (Nation Books, $23.95).
Raiders Night by Robert Lipsyte ’57. In
this novel about the dark side of “jock culture,” Matt,
co-captain of the high school football team, thinks his performance
will give him everything: good friends, girls, scholarships and his
father’s pride. But when the team turns on a teammate, he must
make the tough decision of whether to follow (HarperTempest, $15.99).
Raised by Wolves: The Turbulent Art and Times of Quentin
Tarantino by Jerome Charyn ’59. A look at
pop film director Quentin Tarantino as man and as public phenomenon
(Thunder’s Mouth Press, $14.95).
Cruising on the Queen Elizabeth 2: Around the World in 91
Days by Dr. Bernard M. Patten ’62. The author
recounts his trip on one of the most luxurious and most technically
well-constructed cruise ships of the 20th century. Patten and his
wife experience almost every aspect of the ship’s accommodations
as they move from the least expensive class to the Penthouse Suite
(Prometheus Books, $24).
Superpower on Crusade: The Bush Doctrine in U.S. Foreign
Policy by Mel Gurtov ’63. In this concise
assessment of the origins and implementation of President Bush’s “radical” foreign
policy agenda, the author describes how it differs and how it builds
on past U.S. foreign policy (Lynne Rienner Publisher, $22.50).
Inquiry by Design: Environment/
Behavior/Neuroscience in Architecture, Interiors, Landscape, and Planning by John
Zeisel ’65. Explaining theories and exploring case studies,
the author describes the physical and psychological effects that people’s
environment can have on their thoughts and behavior (W.W. Norton, $34.95).
Medical Records and the Law by William H.
Roach Jr. ’66, Robert G. Hoban, Bernadette M. Broccolo, Andrew
B. Roth and Timothy P. Blanchard. A comprehensive resource
for health information professionals and management, the fourth edition
of this textbook addresses new laws and regulations affecting medical
records (Jones and Bartlett, $74.95).
The Fog Mound: Travels of Thelonious by Susan
Schade and Jon Buller ’67. Thelonious Chipmunk believes
the ancient legend that humans once ruled the earth, so he sets out
on a quest — meeting three friends along the way: a bear, a
porcupine and a lizard — to learn more about the old civilization
and find the far-off Fog Mound (Simon & Schuster, $14.95).
The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems by Norman
Friedman ’67. A complete reference volume on weapons and
systems in ships, submarines and naval aircraft and how new technologies
have changed tactics and services in navies all around the world (Naval
Institute Press, $250).
Brothers from the North: The Polish Democratic Society and
the European Revolutions of 1848-1849 by Eugene J. Kisluk ’71. A
detailed history of the group of Polish exiles in France that banded
together in 1832 to form the Polish Democratic Society and their intense
efforts in France to generate support for Polish political developments
and independence (East European Monographs, $40).
The Internet and Health Care: Theory, Research, and Practice edited
by Monica Murero and Ronald E. Rice ’71. With contributors
from all around the globe, this volume provides an in-depth discussion
of the Internet’s relationship to health care (Lawrence Erlbaum
Associates, $39.95).
Signature Architects of the San Francisco Bay Area by Dave
Weinstein ’73, photography by Linda Svendsen. Although
it’s debatable whether there is a specific Bay Area architecture,
San Francisco clearly has been shaped by the architects featured in
this photo-filled book (Gibbs Smith, $29.95).
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Intelligent
Design by Christopher Carlisle ’75 with W.
Thomas Smith Jr. A basic guide to understanding the facts of
intelligent design — how it relates to the traditional science
taught in schools, the different arguments on this hotly debated topic
and the responses of American courts (Alpha, $18.95).
Divided Loyalties by Richard E. Witten ’75.
An illustration of how people may become pawns in war and business,
this novel is based on the Wall Street career of the author and his
father-in-law’s experiences in WWII (BookSurge, $15.99).
Wisdom of a Parent Through the Eyes of a Child: For Childhood
and the Inner Child During Adulthood by Sigmund Hough ’78 and Brian
H. Hough. A children’s book of poems filled with meanings
and morals that serve as useful lessons for children and great reminders
for adults. A portion of the sale proceeds will be donated to children’s
charities and the Children’s Hospital in Boston (BookSurge,
$15.99).
A Pickpocket’s Tale: The Underworld of Nineteenth-Century
New York by Timothy J. Gilfoyle ’79. At once
a biography of George Washington Appo and a gritty study of 19th century
New York crime, this book chronicles the life of one of the most infamous “good
fellow” pickpockets of that time — Appo, a talented con
man who later renounced the life of crime (W.W. Norton, $27.95).
Incomplete Knowledge by Jeffrey Harrison ’80. The
poet captures the mystery and sadness of unknown but forthcoming tragic
events with wit and style and explores how to enjoy life without knowing
what lies ahead (Four Way Books, $14.95).
Martian Dawn by Michael Friedman ’82. In
this poet’s debut novel, a movie star couple, Richard and Julia — reminiscent
of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts — are reshooting a movie on
Mars (Turtle Point Press, $14.95).
Allurements and Lamentations by Lou Orfanella ’82. The
poet’s third collection includes 22 memoir poems with sections
on brotherhood and change of venue. Also included are collaborations,
including a poem with Michael Broder ’83 (Fine Tooth Press, $12.99).
The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American
Dream by Barack Obama ’83. Expanding on
themes from his rousing speech at the July 2004 Democratic Convention,
the author calls for a new brand of politics that is not focused on
partisanship but is instead based on faith, inclusiveness and the
desire for a better democracy (Crown, $25).
Buffalo Bill’s America: William Cody and The Wild
West Show by Louis S. Warren ’85. A comprehensive
biography of the Pony Express rider, trapper, Civil War soldier, hunter,
Indian fighter and actor William “Bill” Cody, whose performances
and fictional escapades embodied the ideal frontiersman of the Old
West (Knopf, $30).
After Life: An Ethnographic Novel by Tobias
Hecht ’86. While traveling through Brazil, Zoë, a
university researcher, becomes involved in a friendship with Iara,
a young transvestite living on the streets, and assists her in documenting
the hardships of her poverty-stricken life (Duke University Press,
$18.95).
Visual Diagnosis In Pediatrics edited by Esther
K. Chung ’87. A “visual compendium of pediatric conditions,” illustrated
with color photographs, designed to help practitioners diagnose quickly
and efficiently (Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, $99).
The Thinking Fan’s Guide to the World Cup edited
by Matt Weiland ’92 and Sean Wilsey. An anthology
of soccer essays by 32 writers — including literary stars such
as Nick Hornby and Dave Eggers — about the 32 competing countries
in the 2006 World Cup (HarperPerennial, $13.95).
Bass Ackwards and Belly Up by Elizabeth Craft ’93 and Sarah
Fain. In this novel, three college friends decide to attempt
the unimaginable — dropping out of college to pursue their dreams.
A fourth friend struggles to convince them otherwise, until they remind
her of her own forgotten dream (Little, Brown and Co., $16.99).
The Selected Correspondence of Aaron Copland edited
by Elizabeth B. Crist ’94 and Wayne Shirley. This
first collection of Copland’s letters (from ages 8–87)
provides insight into the gifted composer’s emotions (Yale University
Press, $45).
Gay Power: An American Revolution by David
Eisenbach ’94. The author chronicles the growth of the
modern gay rights movement: its first wave in the 1960s, the central
role of New York City, the first gay student group (formed at Columbia)
and the pioneers who gained political clout and media attention (Carroll & Graf,
$27).
Tasting Club: Gathering Together to Share and Savor Your
Favorite Tastes by Dina Cheney ’99. A fun
guide to home entertaining that offers descriptions and step-by-step
instructions for hosting themed tasting parties (chocolate, honey,
cheese, beer, cured meats) that are easy to organize and fun to attend
(DK Publishing, $22).
The Concerto Form by Anthony Hawley ’99. In
describing elements and aspects of the world around him, the author
uses taut lines and phrasing to simulate musical form in his poetry
(Shearsman Books, $14).
The Caregiver’s Tale: Loss and Renewal in Memoirs
of Family Life by Ann Burack-Weiss, professor of social
work. Exploring the difficult situation of caring for a dying
loved one, the author disputes the idea that caregiving is a burden,
suggesting that it also can be life-altering (Columbia University
Press, $22.50).
Democracy Past and Future by Pierre Rosanvallon, edited
by Samuel Moyn, assistant professor of history. The French
political theorist’s first English-language book combines a revisionist
analysis of democracy in history, theory and practice with an examination
of its contemporary problems and its prospects (Columbia University
Press, $40).
Rough Crossings: Britain, The Slaves, and the American Revolution by Simon
Schama, University Professor of Art History and History. The
author studies the seldom-discussed perspective of black slaves during
the American Revolution, including their belief that their freedom
lay in British rule, and describes their dangerous attempts to escape
to Nova Scotia and Sierra Leone (Ecco, $29.95).
CORRECTIONS: The name of Kirsten Fermaglich ’92, author
of American Dreams and Nazi Nightmares, was
misspelled in the November/December issue. Also, in the same issue,
the write-up of Bo’s Art, by Jamie Berger ’86,incorrectly
identified the pit bull mix as a beagle. CCT regrets the errors.
Carmen Jo Ponce ’08
Columbia College Today features books by alumni
and faculty as well as books about the College and its
people. For inclusion, please send review copies to:
Rose Kernochan, Bookshelf Editor, Columbia College Today,
475 Riverside Dr., Ste 917, New York, NY 10115-0998. |
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