MY KIND OF PLACE: TRAVEL STORIES FROM A WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN EVERYWHERE, by Susan Orlean, Random House, nonfiction, 285 pages
This is not your normal travel book. Not many of us would pick Sunshine Market in Jackson Heights, Queens or Portland Meadows Mobile-Home Park on the fringes of Portland, Ore., as a travel destination, but Susan Orlean does, and that is what makes this book entertaining reading. Reminiscent of Charles Kuralt with a little more spice, Orlean's witty writing drew me into places, people and experiences that I never even thought to wonder about before. Whether Orlean is marveling at boxes of "Soft Touch Duck Degreaser" while attending the World Taxidermy Championships in Springfield, Ill., or enjoying a Congolese ballad at Afric's Music in Paris, the short self-contained chapters make this a great book for those of us who only have time to read (or travel) in four-minute snatches. —Marlise Brough, Provo city librarian, 852-6661.
MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS: DEAN MARTIN THROUGH HIS DAUGHTER'S EYES, by Deana Martin, Harmony Books, non-fiction, 297 pages
Deana Martin delivers a fair account of her famous father known to the world for his songs, films, television and Vegas shows. When asked if he was a good father she replied, "No, he wasn't a good father, but he was a good man." And that is what the book shares. Martin was an emotionally absent father and husband but a great man who entertained the world and even his family at the dinner table.
Not only Dean Martin fans will enjoy reading this biography. Fans of old Hollywood will also find many interesting tidbits. The Martins' lives were filled with famous friends like Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland. Many enjoyable family photos illustrate the book. — Kelly Kloser, Provo city librarian, 852-6661