A prominent
humanitarian has died in a fiery plane crash near San Diego and the FBI calls
on Dr. Bill Brockton for assistance, the director of the University of
Tennessee’s forensic laboratory known as the “Body Farm,” in “The Breaking
Point” by Jefferson Bass. Finding and examining the pieces of the crash tells a
tale involving federal agents, drug lords and a secretive celebrity.
The book is
actually written by the team of Jon Jefferson and Dr. Bill Bass, the latter a
forensic anthropologist who created UT’s Anthropology Research Facility, dubbed
the Body Farm. The duo published Bass’s memoir, “Death’s Acre,” before writing several
fictional books based on the Body Farm, beginning with the New York Times
bestseller “Carved in Bone.”
In “The
Breaking Point,” Brockton juggles the mysterious plane crash along with a local
news station blowing out of proportion his use of body donations for university
research. To top it all, an old killer sends Brockton a threatening message.
But the largest blow comes when his wife of 30 years receives the worst news of
all.
I’ve always been curious about UT’s
“Body Farm” and forensic research and “The Breaking Point” offers intricate
details on both. CSI fans will not want to miss this, the latest in a
long-running series. “The Breaking Point” features a solid mystery at its core
with lots of action and conflict to continue in future books, but it’s also a
tender love story complete with heartache, the action of which may push Dr.
Brockton to the breaking point.
Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection
will release its latest book, for “The Katrina Decade: Images of an Altered
City” by photographer David Spielman with a book launch from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday at the HNOC, 533 Royal Street in the French Quarter. Spielman will discuss his experiences
documenting post-Katrina New Orleans for the book, which includes more than 125
images of the city over the past 10 years. A light reception will follow the
presentation.
A free companion exhibition will
also be on view beginning Aug. 22 and running through Jan. 9, 2016, at THNOC’s
dedicated art gallery, 400 Chartres St.
This is the second book released
this summer by THNOC, the first being the gorgeous coffee table tome, “Henry
Howard: Louisiana’s Architect” by New Orleans‒based architectural photographer
Robert S. Brantley. Howard is one of the most prolific architects of the 19th
century yet so little is known of the Irish immigrant who made New Orleans his
home. Madewood, Bocage and Nottoway plantations, Plaquemine courthouses, the
Pontalba buildings of Jackson Square and numerous churches, schools and private
residences of New Orleans are only a few of his many accomplishments.
Brantley details Howard’s life and
career accented by photographs by the author and Jan White Brantley. The book, co-published
with Princeton Architectural Press, also includes historic photos,
architectural drawings, articles and advertisements, documents, site plans and
more — it’s a virtual stroll through New Orleans history through the realm of
an amazing architect.
The book retails for $60 and is
available at The Shop at The Collection, independent bookstores and national
retailers. An exhibition on Howard’s years in New Orleans is set to open this
fall at THNOC.
Book events July 12-18, 2015
Harper
Lee’s new novel, “Go Set a Watchman,” goes on sale Tuesday and Barnes &
Noble Lafayette will open at 7 a.m., with those who purchase a book before 10
a.m. receiving a free tall hot coffee in the store’s café. The first 20
customers to buy the book in every store will receive a free “To Kill a
Mockingbird” reusable tote. The store will also host a Harper Lee
Celebration Monday in which all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide will
read Harper Lee’s classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” from start to
finish. The Read-A-Thon will feature a variety of special guest readers,
including local authors or celebrities.
Events this week at Barnes &
Noble’s second annual “Get Pop-Cultured with Barnes & Noble,” are DC Comics
Days and The Comic Convention Collectibles today, heading to the 1980s on
Throwback Thursday, Minions Fun at 7 p.m. Friday, “Stars Wars” Saturday for
fans of all ages and Manga Mania on Sunday, July 19. In addition, the store is
offering sweepstakes and giveaways. For more information on what’s happening
during Get Pop-Cultured with Barnes & Noble month at Barnes & Noble
Lafayette customers can visit the store or
www.bn.com/getpop-cultured.
The General Raymond E. Mason Jr.
Distinguished Lecture Series on World War II Jonathan W. Jordan presents
"American Warlords: How Roosevelt's High Command Led America to Victory in
World War II"
(the same title as his new book) at Thursday at the World
War II Museum in New Orleans. There will be a 5 p.m. reception, 6 p.m.
presentation and Q&A and a 7 p.m. book signing.
Tony Dunbar discusses and signs his
eighth book in the Tubby Dubonnet series, “Night Watchman,” at 6 p.m. Thursday
at Garden District Book Shop of New Orleans.
Chris Rose, a New York Times
best-selling writer, journalist and author of "1 Dead in Attic" will
be among the authors participating in the Jefferson Parish Library’s literary
festival Aug. 8 at the East Bank Regional Library in Metairie. The festival
will focus on more than a dozen New Orleans authors as well as books that relate
to Hurricane Katrina.
