Books for Grownups June 2009

To Live or Perish Forever: Two Tumultuous Years in Pakistan
By Nicholas Schmidle (Henry Holt, $25)
Having witnessed President Pervez Musharraf's last days in power—and the rage that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto—journalist Schmidle offers this fresh, eloquent, informed contribution to the dialogue on Pakistan. He underscores the strategic urgency of engaging Central Asia in efforts toward peace and stability.

Eye of My Heart: 27 Writers Reveal the Hidden Pleasures and Perils of Being a Grandmother
Edited by Barbara Graham, intro by Mary Pipher (Harper, $24.95)
These honest, engaging essays transcend silly sayings and T-shirts with teddy bears. The authors—everyone from Elizabeth Berg and Beverly Lowry to Abigail Thomas, Susan Shreve, Kate Lehrer, and Judith Guest—articulate a wide range of often-conflicting emotions about their grandchildren.

LIFESTYLE/SELF-HELP

Happily Ever After Divorce: Notes of a Joyful Journey
By Jessica Bram (HCI, $14.95)
Life after divorce: Does it exist? Essayist Bram's frank, optimistic tale establishes that it does. It's not about survival, she proves by example—it's about thriving and discovering the possibilities available in a new life.

Move into Life: The Nine Essentials for Lifelong Vitality
By Anat Baniel (Harmony, $24.99)
Based on the work of her mentor, mind-body pioneer Moshe Feldenkrais, dancer and clinical psychologist Baniel developed a program that forges "positive communication pathways" between body and mind. Baniel's compassionate approach has wide appeal, not least to those with problems such as chronic pain or mental and emotional trauma that defy conventional treatment.

In the Black: Live Faithfully, Prosper Financially: The Ultimate 9-Step Plan for Financial Fitness
By Aaron W. Smith with Brenda Lane Richardson (Amistad/HarperCollins, $15.99)
Focusing on the financial needs of African Americans, Smith emphasizes the importance of saving, budgeting, investing in retirement plans, and risk management, all with an eye toward reversing historical patterns that may have impeded African-Americans' financial security. This timely volume urges individuals at all income levels to boost their financial literacy and control their economic futures.

Mediterranean Hot and Spicy
By Aglai Kremezi (Broadway, $19.95)
Award-winning author and Greek-cuisine expert Kremezi presents a collection of more than 100 recipes flavored with the subtle spices of the Mediterranean. Drawing on the traditions of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, these dishes employ a wide range of aromatics, from smoky Aleppo peppers to fragrant dried rosebuds and wild fennel.

Pintxos: Small Plates in the Basque Tradition
By Gerald Hirigoyen and Lisa Weiss (Ten Speed Press, $24.95)
Hirigoyen, chef/owner of San Francisco's Piperade and Bascadillos restaurants and author of The Basque Kitchen, makes a worthy contribution to the growing number of cookbooks from the Iberian Peninsula that focus on pintxos—Basque for tapas, or finger foods.

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