Social Sciences

Toronto Globe and Mail television critic Doyle makes the arrival of television in Ireland the framework for this engaging and very readable memoir about growing up in the smallest of small towns in the Emerald Isle. The book explores the familiar territory of Irish family, growing up in a small town, and the towering power of the Church in Ireland. Doyle has a way of taking something that might be mundane and even campy to American eyes (e.g., Dallas) and filling it with whole new worlds of meaning from his vantage point in time and place. He writes with a real affection for Ireland (and for the medium of television), yet it is clear from his memoir why he now resides in Canada. More an autobiography than a scholarly work, this is an optional purchase for academic libraries; public libraries will probably want it.—Felicity D. Walsh, Emory Univ., Decatur, GA

Long before Lewis and Clark, American explorer John Ledyard planned an audacious cross-country journey to explore the uncharted interior of North America. Starting in 1786, he intended to travel on foot from west to east, first crossing Russia and then the Bering Strait to Alaska and continuing across the continent toward Virginia. Sadly, his plan failed after he was expelled from Russia, and his fame as an explorer dimmed over time. Journalist Gifford attempts to revive Ledyard's place in history with this in-depth biography. Unfortunately, the hapless and rakish Ledyard, now best known for his Journal of Captain Cook's Last Voyage (on which Ledyard had served) is often a less than appealing subject, and Gifford's frequent reliance on Ledyard's abstruse letters and journals does not make for easy reading. While thorough, well researched, and spiced with a few tales of Gifford's own adventures during his research, this stodgily written account only intermittently succeeds in bringing Ledyard to life. Best suited for historians or dedicated history buffs, who may also want to consider James Zug's American Traveler: The Life and Adventures of John Ledyard.—Ingrid Levin, Florida Atlantic Univ. Libs., Jupiter

In this debut by a former actress using a pen name, Holloway recounts her childhood fascination with death, which led to a close friendship with the local undertaker's daughter. As teenagers, the two drove a hearse to pick up bodies at the airport. This is not just Holloway's story but also that of her older siblings, a brother and two sisters, who are all doomed by the hopeless combination of one neglectful and one abusive parent. The children grow into damaged adults, each responding differently to his or her shared difficulties—Holloway's brother through alcoholism and violence, one sister through total denial, the other sister through suicidal tendencies, and Holloway herself through an unwanted pregnancy. In summing up her life, Holloway relates how she seemingly waited forever for the cavalry to show up before finally realizing that, as the only financial and emotional salvation for her suicidal sister, she is the cavalry. Throughout, Holloway ingeniously presents her life via the theme of death. Recommended for larger public libraries.—Dorris Douglass, Williamson Cty. P.L., Franklin, TN

An earnest tale of an idyllic childhood in a missionary family in Papua New Guinea, this German best seller (Dschungelkind) has touched the hearts of readers around the world. The glow of family love and the agony of coming of age are just as poignant in an exotic locale. Exotic it certainly was; Kuegler's family were among the first Westerners ever encountered by the tribe called Fayu, who, according to Kuegler, were influenced by her family's example to refrain from blood feuds and to accept some aspects of Western technology, hygiene, and, yes, Christianity. While the missionary aspect of her book has drawn criticism, Kuegler describes Fayu life from the practical perspective of a child innocent of racism. She is equally honest about her shock and dismay when she eventually encounters European life as a teenager. Kuegler ends her book in despair of ever adjusting fully to the Western world. Since she plans a return visit to Papua, however, a sequel may be expected. Recommended for all public libraries.—Lisa Klopfer, Eastern Michigan Univ., Ypsilanti

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Kenyan environmental and political activist Maathai, currently an assistant minister in the Ministry for the Environment, Natural Resources, and Wildlife, Kenya, here offers an autobiography written with honesty, humility, and depth. She relates her early interest in the natural world, her formal studies at a Catholic school far from home, the terror as the Mau Mau rebellion began, and her U.S. college studies in biology. Although she encountered incidents of racial discrimination, her U.S. education proved to be a liberating experience. Having earned a master's in biology in 1965, she was asked to return to the newly independent Kenya to work as a lab assistant at the University of Nairobi and complete her Ph.D. She founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977, providing rural women with work planting trees to reforest Kenya, and moved into political activism as well. Her achievements, accomplished as they were in the face of incarceration by those in power, will astonish the reader. Maathai's fairness, activism, and determination to make her country and the continent she loves healthy again are palpable. For all academic libraries as well as public libraries with African collections. [For an interview with Maathai, see "Fall Editors' Picks," LJ 9/1/06.—Ed.]—James Thorsen, Madison Cty. Schs., Weaverville, NC

The coming-of-age genre has long been a nonfiction staple and, apart from its function in memoir, has been employed by many writers, including freelance journalist Millner (coauthor, with Oral Lee Brown, The Promise: How One Woman Made Good on Her Extraordinary Pact To Send a Classroom of First Graders to College), to examine such issues as race and gender. Millner (born 1979) uses her own story to explore geographic and personal notions of place and the effects of change on both. The product of a troubled family and raised in Latino and Caucasian neighborhoods, she searches for her identity as a black woman, a search complicated by her parents' efforts to succeed in white America and their determination that their children do the same. As in any memoir, personal relationships here play important roles. Some of the book's most vivid passages concern the occasionally stranger-than-fiction characters she has known. Whether about family, friends, or acquaintances, these stories stand alone, not simply as chapters of her story. In quietly mesmerizing prose informed throughout by an attitude of wry objectivity, Millner makes her life thus far compelling reading and an outstanding addition to a crowded field. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/06.]—M.C. Duhig, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh

Richards, born Richard Raskind, picks up her life story some 30 years after her famous sex-change operation. While her first book, Second Serve: The Renee Richards Story, also coauthored with Ames, concentrated on her early life and highlighted her efforts to play professional tennis on the women's tour, this book chronicles her later years and attempts to clear up an earlier misconception that she regretted her decision to change her sex. The first chapter recaps her childhood, including urges to wear her sister's clothes, and then covers her serial episodes of hormone treatments, surgery, and highly publicized but short-lived tennis career. But what happened after the media circus subsided and Dr. Richards—a practicing ophthalmologist—had to determine how she would live the rest of her life? Richards considers her relationships with her friends, her colleagues, and her son in a straightforward manner but still manages to reveal little about the people closest to her or their feelings about what she's done. In one instance, although she recognizes that her decision to undergo the surgery greatly affected her son and her relationship with him, her conclusion that the experience may have inspired him sounds overly optimistic. Recommended for public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/06.]—Regina M. Beard, Kansas State Libs., Manhattan

For many, the first question about this book will be, "Who is Poppa Neutrino?" He was born David Pearlman and took the name Neutrino after being bitten by a dog in the 1980s and almost dying. A neutrino is an itinerant particle so small it cannot be detected. (Pearlman thought, incorrectly, that its existence was theoretical.) The second question readers will have is, "What has he done to merit a book?" The answer depends on how one defines success. Neutrino has been, among other things, a beatnik, a street musician, a football fan, and a raft maker who has attempted to sail his homemade vessel across the Pacific. This book is an expansion of Wilkinson's (A Violent Act) 2005 article about Neutrino, published in The New Yorker. Wilkinson spent several years traveling with Neutrino, his followers, and his three wives. Readers will find the book—and Neutrino—to be sometimes humorous but will come to the end wondering what the point of it all was. Not an essential purchase.—Ron Ratliff, Manhattan Christian Coll. Lib., KS

Klinenberg (sociology, NYU; Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago) offers a scathing evaluation of media consolidation and its negative effects on American society. Using examples from popular culture and current events, particularly the recent phenomenon of massive corporate mergers throughout the entertainment world, he shows us why consolidation in various media formats—e.g., radio, television news, alternative media, and the Internet—results in a poor information stream for Americans. Among the examples he cites are Clear Channel Communications' takeover and standardization of local radio stations nationwide, the lack of critical local coverage resulting from newspaper consolidation, and how television stations are no longer considered local. Drawing on interviews, independent observations, and Federal Communications Commission proceedings, Klinenberg convincingly argues that media consolidation is limiting choices and opinions in America. His book will make readers examine today's media culture in new and critical ways. Highly recommended for all types of libraries.—Jenny Emanuel, Univ. of Central Missouri Lib., Warrensburg

Project Censored at Sonoma State University in California has been monitoring the news media for the past 30 years to produce an annual compilation of the most censored (that is, important and under-reported) stories. This carefully orchestrated project involves faculty and student researchers, community evaluators, and a national panel of judges representing a range of journalists and academics. The 2007 edition, overseen by project director Phillips, presents 25 stories for 2005 and 2006, with top honors going to the issue of network neutrality regarding regulation of the Internet. Other stories include the deteriorating health of the world's oceans, the increase in hunger and homelessness in the United States, and Halliburton's involvement in both selling nuclear technologies to Iran and building detention camps in the United States. Stories from the previous year are updated, as are the number one stories back to 1976. Supplementary sources and web sites are included, while additional chapters summarize the current state of the media and, on a lighter note, the excessive coverage of "junk food news" such as the possible wedding of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. Cartoon illustrations by Tom Tomorrow provide welcome humor. This well-researched work is highly recommended for most libraries.—Judy Solberg, Seattle Univ.

Former hedge fund manager Cramer is becoming an investment icon. He hosts both a national radio program, Real Money with Jim Cramer, and CNBC's Mad Money. His new book is a companion to the TV show and an extension of his best-selling investment guide, Jim Cramer's Real Money. In his new book, Cramer takes examples from his TV show to explain stock investing concepts such as forward earnings, sector momentum, institutional traders, and why stocks are different from their underlying companies. He explains how he does his TV show's "lightning round," in which he evaluates viewers' stock ideas on the fly. The best part of the new book is a set of updated investment rules that he distilled from doing the show. As he does on TV, Cramer comes across as somewhat over the top, which makes him as entertaining as he is educational. His new book needs to be read in concert with Jim Cramer's Real Money and should be popular with his fans. Both books are required reading for individual investors and both should be in all public and most academic libraries.—Lawrence R. Maxted, Gannon Univ., Erie, PA

With her first book, CPA and personal finance expert Herigstad aims to walk readers through times of personal money difficulties toward solvency and responsible money management. She draws on her own past personal financial crisis to offer guidance on how to assess the facts of one's financial situation, generate cash, and manage money. Herigstad reviews the common causes of troublesome debt but concentrates on methods for digging out and improving control of finances going forward. Readers are counseled on how to raise cash by selling personal items, taking second or temporary jobs, and reviewing tax returns for overlooked deductions. There are tips on cutting expenses, understanding what debts need to be paid first, getting a financial plan, and staying organized. Included are sample IRS forms, a letter to creditors, and a sample budget. Written in a sympathetic and encouraging tone, this book is recommended for public libraries. However, libraries that can afford just one title on the subject should consider Robin Leonard's Solve Your Money Troubles, which is similar in scope and content but adds detailed coverage of the bankruptcy option.—Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY

Guides for maximizing scores on the SAT and other standardized admissions tests are a popular area for publishers. Quite often, their products blend into one another, but that's not the case here. Johnson (founder, PrepMatters) and Eskelsen (tutor, PrepMatters) take a different approach. Rather than providing lists of vocabulary words and math problems aimed at helping students maximize their score, the authors unlock the secrets of how the test is constructed. Through promoting an understanding of that process, they give parents and students strategies for lessening anxiety and doing well on the SAT. The authors examine the various sections of the test, explain why people underperform, and provide strategies for doing well. They also look at factors such as learning differences, self-image, and the importance of self-confidence. Finally, they explain the value of goal setting and putting the SAT score in context as only a part of a student's educational plans. They offer examples of actual students and how they turned their particular principles into action. Throughout, the writing is lively and easy to digest. This book should be in the collection of every public and high school library, even if other SAT prep materials are there.—Mark Bay, Univ. of the Cumberlands Lib., Williamsburg, KY

What truth lurks behind the bloody tales of the legendary vampire? Crusades historian Bartlett (The Crusades: An Illustrated History) and philologist Idriceanu explore various themes that relate to the depiction of vampires in myth, folklore, historical accounts, literature, and mass media. Motifs, including blood, eroticism, and Nature, are presented in a universal sense instead of within a historical-cultural context and rarely engage with the literature on the topic. Supporting evidence leaps from continent to continent, from ancient times to the present, and from fiction to myth in a jarring fashion, with quoted sources connected only marginally to vampires. Some chapters, such as that on the power of the mind, display new insights into our conception of these creatures, while others, such as that on the magus, cannot sustain the chosen topic. This book is sure to please vampire aficionados, but a tighter focus would have made it more appealing to a wider audience. Recommended for large public libraries.—Dan Harms, SUNY at Cortland Lib.

Although the subtitle indicates this book's eventual focus, Black (history, Exeter Univ.; The British Seaborne Empire) begins this concise and comprehensive military history with an overview going back to the Roman invasion of Britain in 55 and 54 B.C.E. The book is organized into three parts: Britain as "imperial parent" (through 1775), as "imperial rival" (1775–1904), and as "imperial partner" (from 1904). The first part deals with Britain's maritime tradition, its relatively small army, and its growing struggle with France. The second part begins with the War for American Independence, covers the rise of Napoleon, and ends with the ascendancy of Great Britain as the master of imperialism. The third part concentrates on the role of Britain as imperial partner in the 20th century and the challenges contained therein: the retraction of Britain's Far Eastern policies, its membership in NATO, and modern conflicts from the Falklands to Iraq. Black presents new perspectives on his subject (since military history cannot be studied in a vacuum) and thus challenges established assumptions (e.g., that the Crimean failures were owing simply to aging generals). His discussion of military history as an interrelated part of the nation's history is most enlightening. Recommended.—David Lee Poremba, Haines City P.L., FL

In this study of the 18th-century French military and political leader, the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), who came to America to aid in its Revolution, Clary (history, Eastern New Mexico Univ.; Rocket Man: Robert H. Goddard and the Birth of the Space Age) focuses on the relationship between Lafayette and George Washington. He says that Lafayette found in the older Washington a father figure whom he could emulate, while Washington discovered in Lafayette a courageous and loyal admirer to mentor and love as a son. Clary ably portrays how the immature and excitable Lafayette grew under General Washington's tutelage. He then chronicles the sad missteps that the politically naïve Lafayette took in trying to transform France into a constitutional monarchy and the years of imprisonment and exile that resulted. Clary admirably contributes to an understanding of Lafayette's importance to American independence; of the uncertainty, in Lafayette's time, of that independence; and of the private side of Washington. This well-researched work is generally quite readable, but its length and Clary's tendency to pepper his text with quotations (e.g., "Knox scarcely ever quitted the batteries,' the chevalier de Chastellex reported") may put off some casual readers. It would be a valuable addition to most academic and larger public libraries.—Lawrence R. Maxted/Gannon Univ., Erie, PA

The analysis of military tactics and players should be a carefully crafted exercise in historiography. It cannot be merely a laundry list of troop numbers (which should be in an appendix), but it cannot offer too much narrative elaboration, or one can end up with virtually fictional characters. Unfortunately, Dando-Collins (Caesar's Legion) displays both tendencies in his new book. The author is a good storyteller, but his habit of describing how ancient figures reacted emotionally in given situations is inappropriate for a historian. Claiming, e.g., that Roman statesman and general Mark Antony was smiling while making a decision is pointless and unreliable, even if an ancient commentator might have written it. The author's lack of discussion about his sources is particularly disturbing and throws many of his conclusions into doubt. Even though he goes into remarkable detail about the number of soldiers in each situation and the exact mileage of their marches, such unsourced statistics become wearying. The period he covers is fascinating for the historiography it has inspired (e.g., Victor Davis Hanson's The Western Way of War), yet this work seems not to recognize those discussions. Not recommended.—Clay Williams, Hunter Coll. Lib., New York

Dunand (history of religion, Marc Bloch Univ., Strasbourg, France) and Lichtenberg, a radiologist and archaeologist, present this study of burial practices and the development of mummification in ancient Egypt from prehistory through the Roman period. A wealth of scientific material is included, yet this study continually reminds readers of the religious context within which mummification occurred. In the first part of the book, Dunand studies burial practices from the predynastic period through the early dynastic period; the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms; the Kushite, Saite, and Persian periods; and the Greco-Roman period. Included are developments in funerary architecture; tomb furnishings; coffins, sarcophagi, and cartonnages; funerary texts for royalty and nonroyalty; funerary beliefs; and the mummification of animals. In the second part, Lichtenberg presents a history of the scientific study of mummies, both in the field and in museums, and the technologies employed, from photography and x-rays to electron microscopy. An appendix includes a case-by-case summary of the findings on various mummies, many of them royal, such as Tutmoses III and Ramses II. With excellent scholarly notes; recommended for scholars, students, and interested lay readers alike.—Joan Gartland, Detroit P.L.

Most Civil War history books focus on presidents, generals, politics, and military maneuvers. The experience of the common solider, women, children, and African Americans are discussed more rarely. Through the use of over 440 textual and visual sources, this work sheds light on the experiences of all those affected by the war. Edited by Kagan (former publisher & managing editor, Time-Life Books; Great Battles of the Civil War), with contributing author Stephen Hyslop (National Geographic Almanac of World History) and contributing military historian Harris J. Andrews (Echoes of Glory), the book is divided into seven lavishly illustrated sections. The chronologically arranged chapters take the reader from the divisive years leading to the war through the end of Reconstruction in 1877. Each chapter includes a chronology and draws from diaries and letters, newspaper articles and illustrations, and photographs and maps to tell stories of the participants from both the battlefield and the home front. Appendixes include statistics on casualties of the war, a selected list of milestones, a glossary, and a list of sources for the images used. Archival collections from around the country were tapped, and the photographs have been reproduced using the most modern techniques. Though any work of this nature must simplify the story, this is a good introductory volume for those not already knowledgeable about the war. It would be a fine addition to circulating or reference collections in larger public libraries whose shelves are not already overflowing with Civil War volumes, but it is not recommended for larger academic collections.—Theresa McDevitt, Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

As the title suggests, this book has a large agenda. Aldrich (European history, Univ. of Sydney; The Seduction of the Mediterranean: Writing, Art, and Homosexual Fantasy) is one of the best-known gay historians writing today, and he is well equipped for the task, bringing together 14 scholars from all over the world to address topics from ancient times to the present. The essays are aimed at a general audience, but scholarly notes and bibliographies are appended. While some of the history is well known, many readers will be surprised by the varieties of same-sex love in Asian and Islamic cultures. Still, Western cultures are better covered than others; for example, there is no essay on sub-Saharan Africa. The illustrations are the glory of the volume. It would be easy to have simply selected clichéd images, but here they are uniformly fresh and interesting. The main strength of this volume, however, is its drawing together into one volume disparate histories that had hitherto been accessible only in specialist works. Recommended for larger public and academic libraries.—David S. Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

After Ronald Reagan publicly expressed his admiration for "Silent Cal," interest in the 30th President increased. Instead of a true biography, Greenberg (history & media studies, Rutgers Univ.; Nixon's Shadow: The History of an Image) has produced a rather penetrating analysis of Coolidge. We learn just enough of Coolidge's formative years and his time in Massachusetts politics as a state legislator and governor to understand his unbending rectitude and deep faith in traditional American values. Moving quickly through his years as vice president under Harding, Greenberg gets to his focus on Coolidge as President, establishing a context for Coolidge's administration and detailing its accomplishments and failures. Widely satirized for his bland character, Coolidge here is presented as a more complex and engaging individual. Although a product of the 19th century governing in a time of dramatic changes he personally disdained, Coolidge guided the nation through upheavals like the scandals of Harding's administration, the reemergence of the KKK, and battles over immigration policy. The reader is left with a somewhat sympathetic appraisal of the man but a more critical evaluation (and justly so) of the President. Engaging and thoroughly researched, this book is recommended for all academic libraries. Public libraries with limited resources that already possess Robert Ferrell's The Presidency of Calvin Coolidge may not wish to purchase, but the two books complement each other very well.—Thomas J. Baldino, Wilkes Univ., Wilkes-Barre, PA

These two books on the slave trade, particularly the Middle Passage, reach beyond the bounds of traditional historical writing to great effect. Hartman (English, Univ. of California, Berkeley; Scenes of Subjection) is one of the first scholars to examine critically today's African American pilgrimages to Ghana and the complexities of slavery tourism in the region. Having traveled to Ghana to research the slave trade, Hartman became embroiled in the rituals at certain historical sites (e.g., Elmina Castle) associated with Ghana's part in enslavement, as well as the uneasy local politics of tourism. While other authors have covered the history of the slave trade in greater detail, Hartman's strength is how she interweaves vivid scenes of the terror of the slave trade with her own internal struggle to confront the pain of slavery in her family's past.

In her first book, Smallwood (history, Univ. of Washington, Seattle) aims to move away from the numbers game that has ensnared so many other historians studying the Middle Passage. Instead of ledgers and account books, she uses letters, journals, and narratives from around the trade route to get closer to the slave experience itself. As the narrative follows the progress of the newly enslaved across the Middle Passage, Smallwood's use of quotes brings to life the everyday horror experienced by Saltwater Slaves, as Africans first arriving in the Americas were described at the time. The clear explanations of the economics driving the slave trade and the process of human commodification will be especially helpful to new students of slavery history. Both books are highly recommended for academic libraries and large African American collections in public libraries.—Kathryn V. Stewart, SLIS student, Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City

Nepal-based American journalist Laird (Into Tibet: The CIA's First Atomic Spy and His Secret Expedition to Lhasa) has long been following events in Tibet. Between 1999 and 2000, he interviewed the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet in India, where His Holiness has been in exile since 1959. Laird asked the Dalai Lama about his life and his understanding of the history and development of Tibetan Buddhism. For this reason alone, this book makes a significant contribution to the outpouring of recent writings on Tibet. We see the human being behind all the media generated wherever the Dalai Lama goes, and we see how he interprets the events that have brought his native land and followers to where they are today. Laird does, however, comment and expand considerably on his subject's remarks, so the reader is given an edited, filtered, and sympathetic look at this remarkable man. Like most books on Tibet, this one is politically charged and highly critical of Chinese actions there. An epilog brings the continuing story up to 2006; the bibliography is commendably thorough. Laird's book will find a readership in both public and academic libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/06.]—Harold M. Otness, formerly with Southern Oregon Univ. Lib., Ashland

On his trip to China in February 1972, President Richard Nixon exclaimed in a toast to his hosts that his visit, the first such trip by an American President, was "the week that changed the world." However, Nixon, who considered the opening of China his greatest achievement, didn't bask in his glory for long because Watergate would soon put him on the defensive for the remainder of his presidency. MacMillan (history, Univ. of Toronto; Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World) presents a lively narrative of the people, diplomacy, and pomp of this memorable visit, which was orchestrated as much by National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and Premier Zhou En-Lai as it was by Nixon and Mao. Although the visit did not resolve the major issue for the People's Republic (reunification of Taiwan with mainland China) and for the United States (terminating the Vietnam War), Nixon's visit ended decades of Chinese diplomatic isolation from most of the world and began an important Cold War-era dialog between the two nations. The author is especially good at providing historical background on China and showing how the trip's aftermath reverberated among such American allies as Britain, Taiwan, Australia, and Japan and within its Cold War nemesis, the Soviet Union. Recommended for all public and academic collections.—Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, PA

For more than 230 years, the United States has intertwined itself with the Middle East. Starting in 1776 with the attacks by Barbary pirates on American ships and ending with a discussion of America's current involvement in the region, especially Iraq, Oren (senior fellow, Shalem Ctr.; Six Days of War) does a fine job of showing the circumstances that link our two cultures. As a comprehensive examination of the United States' association with the Middle East, his much-needed book fills a gap in the literature. Oren makes history come alive in the personal stories of famous and not-so-famous Americans and their connection with the Middle East through piracy, slavery, exploration, colonialism, missionary work, diplomacy, political and military issues, culture, tourism, economics, and the extension of such values as democracy and women's rights. This is a wonderfully rich and thought-provoking history, with an extensive bibliography, notes, a chronology, illustrations, and four original maps. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/1/06.]—Melissa Aho, Metropolitan State Univ. Lib., St. Paul, MN

In his preface to this interesting collection of essays, which grew out of a colloquium at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, editor Bankier (International Inst. for Holocaust Research, Yad Vashem) asserts that while Allied intelligence officials knew details about the Holocaust as early as 1941, it does not necessarily follow that they understood the significance of the information. Wartime intelligence sought information about military and diplomatic activities as factors that could help win the war; evidence about war crimes was not part of their mission briefs. For example, a senior British official stopped including details about the mass killings in his reports to Prime Minister Churchill not because he was trying to suppress knowledge of the Holocaust but because from an intelligence perspective once the extent of the atrocities had been confirmed, restating the fact was no longer necessary. One of the key themes behind these essays is how the historical study of intelligence sources can illuminate controversial issues such as rescue. The essay by Richard Breitman (history, American Univ.) also demonstrates how intelligence records provide documentary evidence of war crimes when such information, e.g., the role of the Order Police in the Holocaust, no longer exists in German archives. Recommended for specialized collections.—Frederic Krome, Jacob Rader Marcus Ctr. of the American Jewish Archives, Cincinnati

Copiously illustrated and lavishly crafted, this book, edited by explorer and conservationist Hanbury-Tenison (Oxford Book of Exploration), is a fine companion volume to the other "Seventy Great" titles (e.g., Mysteries of Ancient Egypt, Battles of All Time). Journeys deemed to have had an "epic quality," determined leadership, and a lasting impact on the world were selected for inclusion. Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan, American aviator Amelia Earhart, the Trail of Tears (the forced relocation of the Cherokee Native Americans to the western United States), and the Apollo space missions are some of the figures and journeys detailed. Divided into six sections—"Ancient World," "Medieval World," "Renaissance," "17th & 18th Centuries," "19th Century," and "Modern Times"—and 70 chapters, the book offers condensed narratives containing facts about the expeditions, information about the explorers and their motivations, specially commissioned maps, and 420 well-captioned photographs and illustrations, 331 of them in color. Resources for further reading appear before the index. More than 50 authors contributed to the volume, and brief biographies of each are included. Given this work's breadth, scope, and quality, public libraries will want to consider purchase.—Margaret Atwater-Singer, Univ. of Evansville Libs., IN

In his first book, historian and freelance writer Stuart explores the advocacy of vegetarianism by numerous individuals and groups in the West from 1600 to the present. Examining various vegetarian practices, he identifies common trends and beliefs while doing important work in highlighting connections between vegetarian advocates and political and social trends. Stuart also profiles influential individuals in the movement, providing historical context; for example, he thoroughly examines the beliefs and impact of 18th-century British vegetarian George Cheyne. Overall, this work is extensively researched and includes detailed descriptions of ideological arguments advocating vegetarianism. Though Stuart himself does not aim to promote vegetarianism, a pro-vegetarian viewpoint is evident throughout. With 24 pages of color illustrations; suitable for undergraduate and graduate readers.—Kristin Whitehair, Kansas State Univ. Libs., Manhattan

British historian Robert Tombs (French history, Cambridge Univ.) and the French-born Isabelle Tombs (French, Foreign & Commonwealth Office), whose doctorate is in modern British history, have attempted a vast and ambitious project—to weave together the complex tale of British-French interaction, rivalry, and cultural exchange across the last three centuries. Although utilizing a standard chronology and the usual political high-water marks like war and revolution, this is not a standard political history but a fascinating collection of reflections upon the changing nature of the British-French relationship. Maps, charts, cartoons, graphs, advertisements, and images of various kinds enrich the presentation, freshening familiar tales like Anglo-French rivalry in the New World. Fashion, art, and literature provide further examples of cultural exchange, e.g., the authors show how the work of Shakespeare has served as a "weathervane" for French attitudes toward English culture. The themes of rivalry and respect, as well as alliance and collision, are carried to the present, with discussions of how both the European Union and the Iraq War have provided opportunities for interaction and separation. Both British and French national identity, the authors conclude, have been created and shaped by this rivalry and connection. An impressive book that will delight scholars and informed lay readers alike; recommended for academic collections and large public libraries.—Marie Marmo Mullaney, Caldwell Coll., NJ

Trachtenberg (English & American studies, Yale Univ.; Shades of Hiawatha), the author of many books dealing with American culture, has compiled 19 of his lectures and essays from the past 40 years, which he divides into three sections. Part 1, which covers the mid-19th century, deals primarily with the new invention of photography, especially the Daguerreotype. Part 2 looks at the literature of the Gilded Age (e.g., Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn), with an excursion into architecture (Auditorium Building, Chicago). Finally, Part 3 focuses on aspects of the 20th century, especially its photography (e.g., the Depression-era photos collected by the Farm Security Administration), and includes essays on film noir and the Brooklyn Bridge. Many of the pieces are connected in that they offer close readings of artifacts, structures, and art forms that other critics would dismiss or discuss only in passing. Ultimately, they reflect Trachtenberg's passion for and advocacy of the field of American studies; after absorbing his essays on photography, for example, the reader will never look at a photograph again without considering the artistic and cultural questions he raises. Recommended for larger public library and university collections, especially those offering programs in American studies. (Photographs and index not seen.)—Morris Hounion, New York Coll. of Technology Lib., CUNY

The consensus among past and present Soviet writers has been that fellow writer Maxim Gorky died in 1936 of natural causes. Using newly available archival materials, Vaksberg (Paris correspondent, Literaturnaia Gazeta) concludes that Gorky was in fact murdered during Stalin's purges. Vaksberg's revelations about Gorky include that he had intervened on behalf of many writers, saving them from exile and execution by Lenin. Because of his penchant for needling Lenin, Gorky was exiled to Sorrento, Italy, for four years. He eventually became an apologist for Lenin and Stalin, who later exiled Gorky to the Crimea. Stalin did not so much fear that Gorky would speak out openly against him as that the "cult of the living [i.e., the living Gorky]…was always unpredictable." Gorky developed the "flu" on June 1, 1936, and died a little over two weeks later. Piecing together disparate events, including the "murder" of Gorky's son one year earlier, Vaksberg concludes that Gorky was poisoned. Tovah Yedlin's Maxim Gorky examined much of the same material without reaching a definite conclusion about Gorky's death. Vaksberg's case is soft, though it does seem to fit the general pattern of the purges. Despite many long quotations that make this translated work choppy, it is recommended for libraries with Russian Revolution or Soviet history collections.—Harry Willems, Park City P.L., KS

Code, Lessig's seminal examination of the interrelationships among the Internet, privacy, and intellectual property, was published in 2000. It invigorated scholars of constitutional law with a fresh perspective on the nature, level, and extent of technology's reach into the realm of jurisprudence. Now this work has been collaboratively revised: Lessig (founder, Ctr. for the Internet & Society, Stanford Univ. Law Sch.; The Future of Ideas) and his readers call the shots alongside one another, with readers editing the original text via the author's wiki. The thesis of 2.0 remains essentially the same: the Internet's infrastructure will become increasingly controlled and regulable through digital identity technologies, enabling a partnership between government and commerce that will shape the characteristics and determine the boundaries of cyberspace in a manner favorable to these two powerful forces of social order. Drawing upon and expanding the works of first-generation cyberspace theorists, Lessig foresees an extension of control and regulation that cybernauts of the 1990s would have found Orwellian. He also delineates the legal and ethical values inherent within three major categories increasingly under assault by the nontraditional vagaries of cyberspace: privacy protection, free speech, and intellectual property rights. His solution here is the creation of a creative or intellectual Commons, a resource that anyone within a relevant community can use without seeking the permission of anyone else. Highly recommended for academic libraries and legal collections.—Philip Y. Blue, New York State Supreme Court Criminal Branch Law Lib., First Judicial Dist., New York

The components of judicial decision making have been covered extensively in academic journals and books. Here, Rosen uses a historical context to examine the influence of judicial temperament on the tenures of some of the most influential Supreme Court justices. The author is a law professor at George Washington University as well as legal affairs editor at the New Republic, but the book is concise and free of legal jargon. In each chapter, Rosen compares and contrasts the personalities and backgrounds of one pair of historical figures, beginning with John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson and ending with current justice Antonin Scalia and the late chief justice William Rehnquist. Rosen's approach to judicial decision making is informative, but it leads to some very pointed and seemingly personal criticism of current justices, particularly Anthony Kennedy. However, this is a minor point in an otherwise solid work. While academic libraries can find more scholarly works, this one will be useful for public libraries wanting to build Supreme Court collections.—Becky Kennedy, Atlanta-Fulton P.L.,

On July 7, 2005, four bombs were detonated in the heart of London, killing 52 people and injuring more than 700, the worst attack the British capital had experienced since World War II. Although the British government has published an official account of this terrorist attack, the entire episode still remains shrouded in mystery. The government's official narrative largely absolves the country's intelligence services of any wrongdoing. Ahmed (lecturer, international relations, Univ. of Sussex; Behind the War on Terror), who has written three previous books since 9/11 on the "war on terror," offers a devastating critique of the official British government's report. Using an array of sources in the public domain, Ahmed argues that British intelligence had received multiple credible warnings about the terrorists involved. He further asserts that the London bombers had close ties to al Qaeda and other terrorists with whom the British intelligence services had cooperated in such places as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and the Balkans. The author concludes that it is high time for an independent commission to investigate the London bombings and the sordid relationship between British intelligence and domestic and foreign extremist networks in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Nader Entessar, Univ. of South Alabama, Mobile

Here is an introspective study of the realities of modern India, the world's largest democracy and a country arguably poised to rival China and America as a global player. Assessing its social welfare programs, communalism, local and national politics, and place in today's globalization, Luce (Washington bureau chief, former South Asia bureau chief, Financial Times) commends India's progress in relation to other developed nations and throws light on areas where further progress is crucial, especially the need to bring the masses out of poverty. Although Luce is not native to India, he has produced an unbiased presentation, quoting people from all walks of life, from politicians, historians, and bureaucrats to those who are the victims of poverty or political bias. He thoroughly examines the varieties of corruption endemic from the grass roots up and points out the contradictions of a country that can boast of its nuclear strides while failing to invest in care for its urban and rural poor. Luce has produced a book as diversely focused as India itself. It will serve both general readers and specialists in international relations and the politics of India. Strongly recommended for academic libraries and large public libraries; college libraries and beginning politicians and bureaucrats in India would profit from it as well.—Uma Doraiswamy, Western Kentucky Univ. Lib., Bowling Green

Wall Street Journal science columnist Begley reports on a meeting on neuroplasticity held by the Mind and Life Institute, an organization under the patronage of the Dalai Lama that encourages dialog between Buddhism and modern science. Neuroplasticity is the theory that brain cells and structures can be physically changed by life experiences during adulthood. While the book comes with introductions by heavy hitters—a foreword by the Dalai Lama and a preface by Daniel Goleman (Emotional Intelligence)—most general readers will be left wondering what the fuss is all about. Neuroscientists may have been envisioning the adult brain as incapable of change, but this belief has never been as firmly lodged in the general consciousness. Begley does a workmanlike reporting job though not one engaging enough to convince the average reader to stick with this book. For academic and large public libraries.—Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, WA

Best known as the author of Loose Change, the quintessential book on coming of age in the turbulent 1960s, journalist Davidson takes her beloved baby-boomer readership on a long, strange trip through middle age and beyond. Like Gail Sheehy in Passages: Predictable Crises of Adult Life, Davidson skillfully examines the various stages of life, emphasizing the period that Erik H. Erikson, in his landmark Childhood and Society, designated "generative." In this stage, many people shift their energies from acquisitiveness and ambition to cultivating nurturing perspectives, focusing on contributing to the well-being of future generations as well as to self-fulfillment. Interviewing friends, colleagues, and cultural luminaries such as singer Carly Simon, actress/activist Jane Fonda, and spiritual teacher Ram Dass, Davidson scrutinizes ways in which personal values evolve with age. Along the way, she chronicles her own fascinating journey from mainstream media success to insecurity and back to security, this time on her own terms. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.—Lynne F. Maxwell, Villanova Univ. Sch. of Law Lib., PA

Anthropologist Grinker (George Washington Univ. Inst. for Ethnographic Research; In the Arms of Africa) beautifully explores autism from three distinct vantage points. First, he probes its impact on the family through his daughter Isabel (b. 1991). While there are relatively standard passages documenting conflicts with school placement and services, he taps a different side of autism by showing her learning the cello. Next, Grinker examines the broader historical context of autism through the work and lives of key figures Leo Kanner (who first identified autistic children) and Bruno Bettleheim (who worked extensively with them). He also addresses the autism epidemic by pointing out that many people with autism were not seen as autistic before. Third, the text addresses autism in a larger global context, explaining how cultures in Africa, India, and South Korea cope with the condition. These three elements combine to create a book that ranks with Uta Frith's Autism: Explaining the Enigma as one of the great general books on autism. Highly recommended.—Corey Seeman, Univ. of Michigan Lib., Ann Arbor

Child psychiatrist Perry and journalist Szalavitz collaborate well in this meditation on what is known about brain function in deprivation and healing. Although he prescribes some medication to help his young patients, Perry's bedrock is listening well, recognizing cues, and relying on the power of trusting relationships. He reports on his experience working with the children who escaped from the Branch Davidian enclave in Waco, TX, as well as kids who witnessed or committed murder and who suffered in orphanages or were raised like animals. It takes a courageous healer to take on these travails, and Perry is unusually well suited to the task. Readable, informative about the workings of language, memory, trust, and choice, and ultimately optimistic—while critical of a society that exudes violence and ignores prevention—this book demands and deserves attention from parents, educators, policymakers, courts, and therapists. Highly recommended. E. James Lieberman, formerly with George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Washington, DC

Pinsky brings real-life experience to her topic. Not only is she a professional organizer and member of the National Association of Professional Organizers, but she is also the parent of a child with attention deficit disorder (ADD). These two roles led to her creating simplified organizational systems specific to the needs of those with ADD. The book's first section explains her organizational methods; the second targets specific areas, rooms, or events that are common to almost everyone and typically present a challenge to organize and keep organized. Pinsky uses an abundance of before-and-after color photographs as well as yellow Post-its®-styled notes to highlight tips for organization. Her organizational philosophy can apply to everyone, not just those with ADD. This book is easy to read, and the pictures clearly depict the look of organization. Highly recommended for all public libraries.—Lisa M. Jordan, Johnson Cty. Lib., KS

When Amanda rejected the idea of talking at the therapy sessions set up by her parents, child psychologist Sachs (The Good Enough Teen) initiated a series of letters (snail mail) between the two. This book contains about half of the doctor's letters, and they are gems. We learn about many issues in Amanda's life—her artistic talents, explosive relationship with her parents, smoking pot and drinking alcohol, her boyfriends, and defiance over undergoing treatment. Then, Sachs begins to explore how the early deaths of Amanda's aunt and grandmother changed family dynamics, how cutting represented her need to shed childhood, and how tragedies can transform lives. Throughout this short book, Amanda grows and changes, as do her parents and the author himself. An epilog updates readers on Amanda's college and career paths, and three sections of notes are directed to other teens, parents, and therapists. This excellent book will be savored again and again. Highly recommended for all psychology collections.—Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA

Journalist Vitzthum's first book approaches the hot topic of online dating from a new angle—this is not a how-to but an opinionated investigation. Included are profiles of several dozen e-daters and analyses of their experiences, approaches, and personalities. The subjects are diverse in terms of sexual orientation, marital status, and the type of relationships or encounters sought. Vitzthum also investigates the major dating and hook-up sites—how they work, the types of people who use them, and any recent changes the sites have undergone. Beyond those descriptions, however, this work is not useful and certainly not entertaining. Some of the e-daters and situations described verge on creepy; others are just depressing. And though Vitzthum quickly condemns the narcissists, perverts, and jerks, the effect is still disheartening. Can the online dating world really be so bleak? Vitzthum pays special attention to the consumerism of online dating, describing how e-daters market themselves and ruthlessly cull their prospects. The vulgar language and sexual descriptions will alienate many readers; the cynicism, even more so. Although this book may attract readers in big online-dating hubs (e.g., New York City), it is generally not recommended.—Erica L. Foley, Flint P.L., MI

An installment in a series of slim debates between acknowledged scholarly experts on significant public controversies, this volume takes up the position that, yes, Americans are indeed at "culture war." Hunter (sociology & religious studies, Univ. of Virginia; The Death of Character) introduced this concept to academe a year before politician Patrick Buchanan's incantation of the phrase at the 1992 Republican Convention. But Hunter—usually a lively writer—so overemphasizes the methodological deficiencies he perceives in the arguments for a prevailing mainstream consensus that lay readers might think the debate is in fact merely academic. With the exception of one real-world case presented in two paragraphs immediately preceding his conclusion, Hunter scolds liberal social scientists for relying too much on survey data that most of his peers believe are sound and useful. Offering a rejoinder, Wolfe (political science, Boston Coll.; Return to Greatness) readily romps in all that open undefended space, invoking various scandals and generally reminding the audience why the subject is important. In an afterword, the uninhibitedly traditionalist historian Gertrude Himmelfarb paints such a vividly witty but dismal portrait of American fractiousness that Hunter's turgidity becomes even more apparent. A great concept that falls flat; still, essential for serious academic collections.—Scott H. Silverman, Bryn Mawr Coll. Lib., PA

As he's done in the past, freelance journalist Magee (former columnist, Chattanooga Times Free Press; The John Deere Way) has brought to life a cultural icon: the chocolate-covered marshmallow and graham cracker sandwich confection familiar to many of us from our childhood or ongoing snacking days! This is the story of that true American product and the Chattanooga bakery that produced it. Tracing the history of this treat from its beginnings as a regional snack for the coal miners of Kentucky and Tennessee in 1917 to a favorite product of retail magnate Sam Walton in the 1980s, Magee thoughtfully and whimsically records the life of the MoonPie, skillfully mixing in quotes and recipes from MoonPie fans, thus adding further personal touches to the story. This is also the emblematic tale of a family-owned business and its struggle to survive and prosper. Librarians should not conclude from its title that this is a frivolous book: Magee's work is an important addition to the study of food in the American memory and is also fun and informative. Essential reading; recommended for all libraries—and snack-food fans.—Lisa A. Ennis, Univ. of Alabama at Birmingham Lib., Lister Hill

As she makes clear in the title, journalist Seligson (Going with the Grain) is a woman with size 32DDD breasts and a sense of humor. She sets out to discover whether life is really better for women with larger breasts. Seligson interviews women with various-sized breasts, women who have had breast augmentation or reduction, women with record setting-sized breasts, transvestites with removable breasts, and plastic surgeons who create breasts. She considers slang terms for breasts, the challenges of finding good bras for large breasts, the question of why breasts seem to play such a large role in our society, and more. Though she also addresses some serious issues, such as the physical damage and trauma surgery can cause and the higher suicide rate among women who have had breast augmentation, Seligson's tone is generally light and funny. She refers to some existing studies but provides no bibliography or notes. Recommended for large public libraries.—Debra Moore, Cerritos Coll., Norwalk, CA

Theroux (son of writer Paul Theroux) has worked for the BBC and TV Nation, covering the odd and entertaining. Here he returns to America to reconnect with people he filmed for earlier programs. These include porn film actors, neo-Nazis, prostitutes, gangsta rappers, a security agency for those harassed by hostile aliens, survivors of the Heaven's Gate cult's mass suicide, and white supremacists. Theroux's book explores his own fascination with these individuals, who are surviving in a sort of semi-legal subworld, often attracting other deluded followers or just enjoying making a lot of money as sex workers. He defines weird as not only offbeat but as a "self-sabotaging" way of life. These are not the amusing and eccentric people most of us work with and call weird; they are depressingly nuts. An optional purchase for larger public libraries or popular collections in academic libraries.—Melissa Stearns, Franklin Pierce Coll. Lib., Rindge, NH

For eight years now, Bushby has been doing what many think is not even possible: he is walking from the tip of South America to England—via Asia. On November 1998 he left Punta Arenas, Chile, taking one step at a time as he headed north to Alaska. From there, he walked across the frozen Bering Strait to Siberia. Bushby will ultimately head west to France and then walk along the service tunnel of the Chunnel into England. This book covers his trek, in diary form, from Chile to Alaska. (As of this review, he is waiting for legal paperwork to trek through Russia.) One would think that this would make an exciting page-turner, but many of the diary entries recount mechanical and mundane endeavors; a flat tire on his pack cart in one city is about as interesting as a flat tire in another. Also, not much historical or cultural context is given to the places Bushby is walking through, so the reader may not get a real sense of place—which is unfortunate given the variety of locales. There are, however, lots of interesting encounters with dangerous critters, thieves, army men and police, numerous kind souls, and young ladies who are eager to give him distractions of another sort. While this is not gripping travel literature, readers will want Bushby to succeed and will therefore keep on reading. Recommended for libraries with large travel or hiking/outdoors collections.—Lee Arnold, Historical Soc. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Venetian architect, historian, and filmmaker Da Mosto (Francesco's Venice) successfully assembles a wonderfully entertaining and educational companion to the BBC television presentation of the same name. This sequel to his dramatic history of Venice encompasses the life, legend, and lore of the entire Italian peninsula. Da Mosto covers not only the popular cities and the evolution of their art, architecture, and engineering advances but also some less well known delights, e.g., Cremona and the Isle of Capri. Peppered with insightful memories of his childhood travels and family vacations, Da Mosto's book goes well beyond the usual historical facts found in cookie-cutter travel guides. He includes fascinating vignettes on topics such as the historical balance of power between the popes and emperors, ending his journey on the island of Sicily, where his mother's relatives have lived for generations. Da Mosto brings to life all the splendor and intrigue that define Italy as he travels along the ancient roads of independent civilizations that have endured everything from volcanoes to war and still managed to embrace progress and the beauty of body and soul. Parker reprises his photographic expertise with breathtaking color images of, e.g., the majestic snow-capped Italian Alps. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.—Richard A. Dickey, Washington, DC

Freudenheim, who wrote about the New York City borough of Brooklyn in Brooklyn!: The Ultimate Guide to New York's Most Happening Borough, now tackles Queens. She organizes the book by neighborhood, with each section containing information on how to get there, things to see and do, history, shopping, restaurants, and points of cultural interest. Walking tours and brief essays by community members are also included. Small, detailed neighborhood street maps are helpful for finding attractions and navigating the area. Freudenheim presents some very compelling reasons to visit, such as the ethnic food, world culture, and proximity to New York's airports (you'll be passing through, anyway), and further provides practical information like tips on decoding Queens' complicated street addresses. Not every restaurant or attraction is covered and reviews are brief, but the guide is packed with useful and entertaining information and nicely fills a niche by covering the borough exclusively. Freudenheim's enthusiasm for Queens is contagious. Recommended for libraries with large travel collections, particularly for those collecting New York travel guides.—Louise Feldmann, Colorado State Univ. Lib., Fort Collins

Gorgeous full-color photographs of remote places can alone stir wanderlust and awe of the world around us. Combine such images with essays describing the experience of being away, apart, and often alone, and you have this book, which inspires travel and adventure even as it showcases places you may never choose to visit. Some of the 55 worldwide locations featured are traditional travel destinations, e.g., Mont Blanc, Alaska, and Easter Island. Others, e.g., the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan and the Neumayer Channel in Antarctica, while less conventional, are places that often unexpectedly provide meaning, solace, and surprise for adventurers willing to take a step away from the crowded travel hot spots. The text, through its pictures and short, personal travel essays, shares 38 travel writers' experiences of nowhere and inspires readers to look for remote places of their own. Brief information about accessing the places is included, but this book is not a travel guide, instead offering beauty and inspiration. Recommended for public libraries and travel collections.—Sheila Kasperek, Mansfield Univ. Lib., PA

They may lack the picture postcard beauty of the Yosemite Valley or the awe-inspiring grandeur of Yellowstone, but without the riches preserved by the National Grasslands of the United States and Canada, our agricultural economy would hardly be the "world's breadbasket" that it is now. It took a devastating drought, a crippling depression, a radical President, and a daring First Lady to preserve the more than four million acres of grass and wildflowers scattered over a large part of the western United States and Canada. Parks named Black Kettle, Pawnee Buttes, Rita Blanca, and Buffalo Gap are not on the top list of vacation travelers eager to see the beauties of America, but as this book shows, it might be wise to take a side trip to spend some hours in the total serenity of the National Grasslands. Moul writes with the passion and poetry needed to stimulate the traveler to look beyond the bold and the gaudy and see into the very heart of the American continent. The photographs by Georg Joutras (Along the Edge of Daylight: Photographic Travels from Nebraska and the Great Plains) are seductive enough to lure any traveler seeking a less hectic pace. The functions of the National Grasslands are extensively described, and the author is quick to point out that it would have been a very easy thing to place grasslands at the bottom of the "What Do We Fix First?" priorities of both the Hoover and Roosevelt administrations when faced with the calamitous Great Depression. This book is the first to describe each of the National Grasslands in a manner that emphasizes their value as well as their beauty. Essential for all school and public libraries.—Joseph L. Carlson, Allan Hancock Coll., Lompoc, CA

By Deborah Bigelow, Director, Leonia P.L., NJ

Finally, the key to unlocking the puzzling behavior of the male species has been discovered by Adler (president, Adler & Robin Books; Outwitting Squirrels), who explains the dynamics of the man, woman, and gadget triad. Instead of being substitutes for a relationship, says Adler, gadgets serve as a reflection of a man's personality and meet his need for freedom, power, and independence. Gadgets also relieve stress and satisfy the need to fidget. Of particular interest is Adler's classification of men based on the kind of toys with which they played as children (e.g., Legos, magic sets, fire trucks). A smart, fun read; for all public libraries.

Licensed clinical psychologist Condren (executive director, Women's Business Alliance) wants women everywhere to embrace ambition and pursue their goals without the fear of being labeled a bitch. Condren begins by describing how ambitious women hold themselves back and reveals the financial and emotional consequences. She then offers strategies for embracing ambition in every area of life, from confrontation to public speaking. She repeatedly points out that ambitious women can also be great wives and mothers and that good money buys good day care and other opportunities. This shot in the arm is recommended for most public libraries.

If 50 is the new 30, then retirement has become the term for new beginnings, according to the authors of these two different books. Corbett (founder, New Directions, Inc.) encourages people to consider what they want out of the time bonus available at midlife. He offers the paradigm of the "life portfolio," a collection of an individual's unique interests, values, passions, and experience that serves as a means of making the most of midlife and beyond. The integral components in optimizing one's portfolio include working in the form one wants, learning and developing oneself, making time for personal pursuits and recreation, enjoying family and friends, and giving back to society. Corbett uses research, case studies, and assessment tools to help readers consider new directions for their lives and plan accordingly. Best friends Klimo (Labor Pains) and Shutt come at the subject of midlife from another perspective. In a chatty, girlfriend-to-girlfriend style, they share their personal experiences and advise on staying healthy, exercising, and dealing with parents and siblings. They bemoan clingy kids and clueless husbands and suggest tactics for coping and thriving. While little of the information in this book is new, it's all consolidated here, with helpful sidebars suggesting pertinent books and web sites. The perky "girl talk" can get tiresome, however, and one imagines that the book's title could easily be Barbie and Midge Do Midlife. An optional purchase; Corbett's upbeat and thought-provoking book is recommended for most libraries. Stronger and more universal than either book is Ellen Freudenheim's Looking Forward: An Optimist's Guide to Retirement.

Crider (The Guy's Guide to Surviving Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the First Year of Fatherhood) offers a uniquely male viewpoint on meeting the parents, popping the question, and settling down after the honeymoon. In the chapter titled "Men Are from Bars, Women Are from Versace," he highlights the differences between men and women, including their plumbing and senses of humor. He uses personal examples to discuss disagreements between a newly married husband and wife and states that the key to a long-lasting marriage is never to fall out of love at the same time. This very funny book offers a usually ignored audience a new take on the dating game. Recommended for libraries that serve the target audience.

One would be hard-pressed to come up with a more accurate title for this comprehensive guide. Kirsch, a former producer at Oxygen Media, provides a wealth of advice for women in their twenties and thirties on everything from body image and friendship to first jobs and money. For each subject, she includes pertinent articles and diagrams as well as relevant web sites and phone numbers. She shares handy tips on how to choose a credit card, whom and how much to tip, and how to get criticized without bursting into tears. Her well-designed book is pleasurable to read and encourages healthy, responsible behavior. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries.

While police officers have always encountered danger, events of the past few years have increased their vulnerability. In 1997, clinical psychologist Kirschman put together this coping guide for officers, their family members, and mental health professionals, drawing on her and her colleagues' files to discuss not only the everyday challenges that police officers face but also the measures families can take for dealing with trauma. With this revised edition, Kirschman addresses facets of post-9/11 and post-Katrina police work, including chapters on domestic and alcohol abuse and the special trials of female officers and cop couples. The author maintains that police families can, in fact, thrive, and she's got the success stories to prove it. Preparedness is one of the keys to that state, and this book, which should interest its intended audience and the general public, shows how to get there. For all libraries.

Similar in theme to Erin Torneo and Valerie Cabrera Krause's The Bridal Wave (see p. 130), these two books affirm a reader's marriage-free status. Patrons may recognize Schefft as star of ABC's The Bachelorette 3 and also as the woman who broke off an engagement to one of the country's most desired men on The Bachelor 3. Schefft delivers a pep talk to readers on standing up to pushy friends and relatives who feel that one can't be complete without a relationship. She encourages readers to be picky and offers some useful tactics for attending family gatherings and spending holidays alone.

Talbot (founder, www.SingularExistence.com) covers the same territory but in an in-your-face manner. She humorously debunks the happily-ever-after myth, skewers media fads, and deconstructs online dating. In a particularly helpful chapter, she offers avoidance tactics for an assortment of boundary violations, such as a man revisiting childhood trauma on the first date or needlessly dwelling on his ex. While both books are fairly interesting, they are essentially opinion pieces and offer negligible help. Optional.

This much-needed book by two licensed clinical psychologists empathetically guides readers through a partner's infidelity. Using case studies and sound psychological concepts, Solomon and Teagno detail the reasons why long-term love relationships (LTLR) succeed or fail, what causes infidelity, and how to build a true LTLR, should that be in everyone's best interest. The authors describe the three intimacies necessary in an LTLR—self-intimacy, conflict intimacy, and affection intimacy—as well as the three emotions that cause infidelity—fear, loneliness, and anger. Appendixes contain exercises to facilitate emotional self-awareness and communication. Invaluable to those suffering from betrayal and wondering where to turn; highly recommended for all public libraries.

Stoddard's (Living a Beautiful Life) guide, which invites readers to live a good, beautiful, and true life, fits right in with people's desire to live life differently in the new year. In 50 short essays, Stoddard incorporates the thoughts of great philosophers and leaders into commonsense ideas for daily application. She invites readers to embrace variety, e.g., by tasting a new flavor of ice cream or learning to identify constellations. Similarly, she encourages the celebration of simple rituals by using a special bar of soap or a beautiful towel for hand washing. Everyone will undoubtedly find something of value in this gem of a book for most public libraries.

Former Cosmopolitan editor Torneo and former advertising executive Krause have put together this funny yet serious handbook for all those young single women deluged with engagement parties, shower invitations, and, most of all, the intense pressure to find a husband. The authors discuss how to choose gifts and stick to a budget, what to do when one's best friend is totally caught up in wedding preparations, and how to enjoy the many opportunities of life while single. On a more serious note, they warn against marrying the wrong person for the wrong reasons. It's a book that will resonate with many women and a few men in their twenties and thirties. For all public libraries.

While books on clutter control abound, these two offerings delve into the emotional factors that prevent people from parting with their possessions. Library patrons might recognize Walsh (How To Organize (Just About) Everything) as the organizational guru of The Learning Channel's Clean Sweep. In a book geared to busy families, he draws on his experiences tackling family clutter issues to help readers assess the emotional cost of their clutter and their excuses for hanging on to things. He then provides a household assessment for determining each room's function and the items necessary for optimal use. There are also handy guidelines for holding a garage sale and selling items online.

Print and broadcast journalist Ware's book is aimed at those baby boomers making the transition to smaller quarters because of age, lifestyle, or illness. Through a seven-step program, she helps readers take account of their future finances and family situations to make a successful downsizing plan. She concentrates on the emotional factors that can interfere with the process, such as nostalgic partners, overattachment to possessions, and reluctant children. A particularly helpful section addresses an elderly parent's move to assisted-living quarters, a rarely covered topic. Both books offer valuable suggestions and are recommended for public libraries. If one must choose, however, Ware's is preferred because of the gap it fills in books about aging, though Walsh's high media profile may spark demand.

A prevalent issue for many women is their relationship with their mothers, which is addressed here by licensed marriage, family, and child therapist Wright and his daughter, illustrator Wright Macauley. While the mother-daughter relationship can be incredibly beneficial or destructive, it serves as a foundation for how women function in other relationships and society at large. Through case studies, psychological insights, and guided reflection, the authors help women set healthy boundaries with their mothers, deal with their mother's voices in their heads, and say what they really feel in a constructive manner. An especially helpful section looks at releasing one's anger and forgiving. Although the authors use Christian principles throughout, the message is universal and will be appreciated by people of any or no faith. Highly recommended for all libraries.