I HOPE THEY SERVE BEER IN HELL by Max Tucker

I HOPE THEY SERVE BEER IN HELL by Tucker Max

Max, T. (2006). I hope they serve beer in Hell. New York: Citadel Press.

GENRE: Popular Non-Fiction

ANNOTATION: Tucker Max embodies the essence of excess, but most often in vice.

SUMMARY: The book is a series of personal anecdotes detailing the many adventures and encounters of the author, Tucker Max. Drunkenness and promiscuity rise to the level of idols in this cleverly written, autobiography of sorts. Ultimately though, his outright contempt for decency spoils the wit of his satire.

EVALUATION: 4 - The author is a pioneer in new, culturally reactive genre that extols the excesses of youth, celebrating Aristotle’s youth-full character: “Young men have strong passions, and tend to gratify them indiscriminately.”

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: The book did not fare well in film adaptation, mostly due to the change in narrative format.

WHIPLASH by Catherine Coulter

WHIPLASH by Catherine Coulter

Coulter, C. (2010). Whiplash. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

GENRE: Suspense – Thriller

ANNOTATION: When a drug company stops producing a very important drug for cancer patients, it seems suspicious but when an executive turns up dead behind their facility, it seems obvious it’s foul play. FBI agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich are on the case again – this time with help.

SUMMARY: FBI agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich aren’t just partners, they’re husband and wife. Since Savich is no rookie to the paranormal, they’re investigating Senator David Hoffman’s mysterious apparition when they’re called to work the Culovort case. The drug company stopped production of Culovort, a very important drug for cancer patients, due to production problems but this excuse just doesn’t seem right. When an executive turns up dead behind their facility, it seems obvious it’s foul play. Meanwhile Erin Pulaski, private investigator, is interested in this case for her own reasons. When fate brings her together with Savich and Sherlock, they work together to solve the case for their own reasons. But as they get closer to finding answers, there are more murders and they must fight defend one another and solve the case before it’s too late.

EVALUATION: 4 - This book is totally unrealistic but fun and full of suspense. Readers will be hooked in the first five pages and may enjoy the light spark or romance too. The premise raises interesting questions regarding the ethical responsibilities of pharmaceutical companies.

MAISIE DOBBS by Jaqueline Winspear

MAISIE DOBBS by Jacqueline Winspear

Winspear, J. (2003). Maisie Dobbs. NY: Penguin.

GENRE: Mystery – Historical Fiction

ANNOTATION: Maisie Dobbs, female sleuth in post World War I London, does detective work. But the real mystery is in her own story. She must face the past to turn to the future.

SUMMARY: Maisie Dobbs, private investigator in post World War I London, reveals her past as she solves a case combining flashbacks with the present. As she investigates for a man who believes his wife may be having an affair, what she finds is a woman haunted by the war and memories of the past. As she investigates she uses her wits and the great knowledge she’d gained through her education as well as her mentor, Maurice Blanche. As she digs deeper she finds a concerning commune for the shell-shocked soldiers. But is it really the safe haven it seems? As she investigates this community, she must face her own past and deal with unacknowledged pains in her memories.

EVALUATION: 5 - This book perfects a seamless blending of genres including historical fiction, romance, and mystery. The character development sets the stage for further books as well as provides the true mystery of this story itself.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: This is the first in a seven book series named for the first book and character.

ONE FIFTH AVENUE by Candace Bushnell

ONE FIFTH AVENUE by Candace Bushnell

Bushnell, C. (2008). One Fifth Avenue. New York: Voice.

GENRE: Chick Lit

ANNOTATION: The height of New York society is put in a frenzy when they are faced with the end of one era and the beginning of a new one.

SUMMARY: One Fifth Avenue explores the inner workings of social hierarchy in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city that never sleeps. Bushnell includes in her cast of characters those who have climbed the social ladder rung by rung and others who have bought their way to the top. The main source of action occurs when the Queen Bee of New York society and owner of the most coveted penthouse at One Fifth Ave dies in a freak accident leaving her property up for grabs. The story unfolds as friendships are made and broken over who will get the apartment. Readers may have to suspend belief with some outrageous characters and plot lines but overall the book is an enjoyable, light read.

EVALUATION: 3 - A little slow starting regarding the plot, but the characters are interesting enough to keep the pages turning.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: This is Bushnell's 5th novel.

STIFF: THE CURIOUS LIFE OF HUMAN CADAVERS by Mary Roach

STIFF: THE CURIOUS LIFE OF HUMAN CADAVERS by Mary Roach

Roach, M. (2003). Stiff: The curious lives of human cadavers. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.

GENRE: Popular Non-Fiction

ANNOTATION: In this humorous – but not irreverent – book, Mary Roach explores the science of death, decomposition, and the world of human cadavers.

SUMMARY: This book scientifically explores the complex world of human cadavers and explains it in layman’s terms in a fun and witty – but never irreverent – way that the common person can enjoy. It explores the many functions of dead bodies from scientific research to crash test dummies and cannibalism. She also explores common methods of body disposal such as burial, cremation, and composting as well as the topic of the book – body donation and human cadavers.

EVALUATION: 4 - The author brings humor and approachability to an otherwise serious and often avoided subject. This book is unique and interesting despite the occasional (but unavoidable) grotesque moments.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Mary Roach has written three other popular non-fiction books putting an interesting and approachable spin on science.