Spring ’00 Books Quarterly

When a recent book of feminist essays published by local Seal Press featured images of Barbie on its cover, Mattel responded with a lawsuit. Kristy Ojala finds out just how much power a 40-year-old doll wields around here. Roger Downey postulates that science sells, despite the lack of current readable evidence; Kurt B. Reighley lends an ear to a new Kathy Acker CD; Michaelangelo Matos decides if Dave Eggers really is a Genius; and David Massengill takes on the nature vs. nurture debate. Plus, book excerpts from Weekly writers, short reviews, and a call for more Metro bus poetry!

Seal of disapproval A local publisher meets Barbie’s makers—in court. by Kristy Ojala

Barbierians at the gate by Diane Sepanski

Spoken words A posthumous CD release captures the spark of a talent gone too soon. by Kurt B. Reighley

Looking for the Perfect Beat by Kurt B. Reighley

Boys will be boys The case that shattered theories about gender identity. by David Massengill

Heartbreaker A Chinese American chef loves ’em and leaves ’em. by Soyon Im

Remember the . . . ? The bloody Texan battle is captured in a compelling new novel. by J. Kingston Pierce

Truth—or tabloid? Respectable publishers use sensationalism to sell science. by Roger Downey

And, for the (fossil) record… by Roger Downey

First the Web, then the shelf A novel makes its on-screen debut. by Angela Gunn

Rough roads A Southern author shines so bright he could blot out the sun. by Richard A. Martin

A cautiously enthusiastic book review First book by the editor of McSweeney’s touching, gimmicky. by Michaelangelo Matos

Book Shorts by Seattle Weekly Staff

Poetry to go How to bring your verse to the masses. . by Brian Miller