February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE
TO UNDERSTANDING CATHOLICISM
Bob O’Gorman and Mary Faulkner
The one thing you can be certain about this series of books is that complete idiots do not read them. The reader of this latest in the series will at least be curious about what is described in the publicity blurb as an account of "the largest single religious group in the world" together with the second largest, which, we are told, is made up of lapsed Catholics. But even for the most faithful of the faithful, this book is certain to throw up some interesting facts hitherto buried beneath the shrouds of a faith now 2000 years on the go, and while the title of the book might sound a tad flippant, the contents are by no means irreverent. published by Alpha Books/Macmillan. 409 pp. 16.95.
THE GIGGLER TREATMENT By Roddy Doyle
Roddy Doyle, possibly to his chagrin, did not dream up Harry Potter, but the Dublin writer has a highly fertile imagination nevertheless and one given full vent in his first children’s book – as opposed to book featuring children. The thrust of this book is a series of short tall tales depicting what happens to adults when they are mean to children. Good bed time reading indeed. Recommended for 8-12 year olds. Arthur A. Levine/ Scholastic. 112 pp. $14.95.
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SEAL MAIDEN
Karan Casey
Based on the movie "The Secret of Roan Inish," this CD features the narration and singing voice of former Solas lead singer Karan Casey and the talent of a host of top traditional musicians in what is described as a "Celtic Musical." The story, of interest to children and adults alike, centers on the mythical half-human, half-seal creatures known as Silkies. Available from all major retail outlets or by direct order from Music For Little People at 1 (800) 409-2457 or www.mflp.com.
U.S.S. SEAWOLF
Patrick Robinson
Dublin-based author Patrick Robinson’s latest seaborne adventure packs a punch, to say the least. Its publication was also uncannily timely, coinciding as it did with the Kursk disaster. The U.S.S. Seawolf is the U.S. Navy’s most potent hunter/killer submarine and it becomes embroiled in a deadly confrontation with an emboldened Chinese navy in the year 2005. It’s a long way from the usually peaceful waters of Dublin Bay to the South China Sea, but Robinson imagination is well backed up by a good grasp of military hardware and tactics. Harper Collins. 436 pp. $25.