Che Guevara

Gr 7—11—There is a lot to entice readers in the story of a privileged boy growing up in an intellectual, eccentric family who becomes one of the most iconic revolutionaries of the 20th century. Bodden's biography, however, feels incomplete. Full chapters are devoted to Guevara's childhood and his summer trips around South America as a college student, providing context for his eventual transformation into a Communist rebel, but the coverage of his later experiences in Africa and Bolivia is somewhat sketchy. Also, readers never gain a sense of the tense relationship between the U.S. and Cuba. Rockefeller is presented as a shrewd businessman and person of faith who never questioned his ruthless tactics in gaining control of oil production and distribution in America. Readers will also get a short history of American oil development in this story of one of the 19th century's best-known "robber barons." Plenty of sidebars and well-chosen photographs break up the text. Vander Hook's biography is basically a history of Murdoch's financial dealings, acquisitions, and scandals. Murdoch is shown as a heartless but unstoppable figure who is grudgingly admired even by some of his enemies. The author focuses on controversies, such as Murdock's interview with David Frost, the kidnapping of a business partner's wife, and his use of sensationalism to sell newspapers. Readers will certainly gain a sense of what it takes to dominate a global business, but they may feel that they have learned far more about News Corporation than about the man behind it.—Rebecca Donnelly, Loma Colorado Public Library, Rio Rancho, NM