Book briefs: Sunday, February 17, 2008

Zarah Ghahramani presents her story of being a political prisoner in Iran. She tells about her life before her arrest and imprisonment. Ghahramani was from an intellectual family that kept their opinions of the Islamic Republic to themselves. As a student at Tehran University, she became involved in student protests against the Iranian government.

She tells in her book how the interrogators and guards at Evin Prison treated her. They used several kinds of psychological and physical torture methods.

The reader's attention is kept by her story of horrible torture and wondering what is going to happen to her next. This book is highly recommended to those interested in Iran, interrogations and torture.

— Benet Exton

•"Faith, Reason and the War Against Jihadism: A Call to Action” by George Weigel (Doubleday, $18.95).

This book is not easy to read. Some readers will need to keep a dictionary near while reading because Weigel uses big words, but this should not keep anyone from reading this book.

Weigel's message is pertinent in this time of war on terrorism. He does not hold back from expressing his views on how to live and how to confront jihadism.

He calls Islamists and Muslim fundamentalists "jihadists.” He says some Christians and Western secularists are too tolerant or silent about outrages committed against them while they denounce outrages against Islam. It would seem it is OK to bash Christianity but not OK to bash Islam.

This book is highly recommended to those interested in the confrontation with jihadism.

— Benet Exton

This is a novel describing murder and sworn revenge by a madman who planned a wedding in culmination of his lifelong family vendetta.

The story is set in the developing Northwest at a time of horse-drawn carriages when land is being obtained by John Gram to lay track on the Northwest Railways. His listed partner, William Morris, becomes owner of the newest railroad in the divided country when Gram dies of unknown causes.

When Morris files papers on an oil claim, he puts the new venture in his son's name, as he regrets not having been much of a father to Jeff Morris. When later confronted by Jeff, his father says, "Your mother was never a concern to me. She was nothing but a whore, but you are my son and will keep the wealth in the family.” Jeff trips William Morris on the stairs, and his father dies a horrible death.

In the town where Rep. Sanders, who is running for governor, and Sgt. Charles Hubbard plan a campaign, they hope to get the four-year Bubonic Plague quarantine lifted to support their promised improvements in business conditions. Complications develop when Jeff Morris falls in love with Charles Hubbard's wife, Monica, and, later, Charles is kidnapped and held in a dungeon. There are many sexually explicit scenes described. The author lives in Tulsa.

— Russ Long

Young Ludlow hitches a ride on a carriage to the remote village of Pagus Parvus. He flees his dismal life in the city as a petty thief and pawn of his cruel, drunken parents.

In the dead of the night, he accepts the hospitality of a strange man and, in so doing, seals his fate. Ludlow agrees to work for the stranger, Joe Zabbidou, who claims to be a pawnbroker.

However, as Ludlow's second night in Pagus Parvus approaches, he discovers that Joe is no ordinary pawnbroker. Joe buys people's secrets.

Ludlow obediently carries out his job writing down the townspeople's secrets in Joe's black book, but he soon begins to doubt Joe's motives. Comfortable in his new life, Ludlow is reluctant to question the pawnbroker. However, after a prominent town member is murdered at Joe's hands, Ludlow has no choice but to turn on his new master.

Higgins has created a uniquely grim fantasy world teeming with a Dickensian feel. Readers will relish the gruesome revelations of the townsfolk, and most will be compelled to keep reading until all of Joe Zabbidou's mysteries are revealed. Higgins' debut novel may be just the thing for fans who enjoyed series such as "Harry Potter” or Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events.”

— Kim Ventrella

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Beautiful new clothes, outstanding jewelry display cases, a gorgeous staircase and the second floor of brand new make-up items made guests so happy that Balliet’s at Classen Curve is finally open and a reality. The grand opening of the store at 5801 NW Grand Blvd. was September 1. A private reception, ribbon cutting and open house was held throughout the day. 1,000 friends, guests, customers and VIP’s attended the event hosted by Dede and Bob Benham. Felix Cutillo, New York City, provided music. He “mixes” custom music for Balliet’s, as well as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Barney’s. Special guest was Matt Shay, head of the National Retailer Federation. Guests also enjoyed seeing the very special dressing rooms at the store. They are all decorated with different museum piece furniture. Another fun feature was the elevator, with a very red interior. It took them to the second floor. The courtyard outside the store is lighted and has beautiful water fountains.

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