Science & Technology

By Staff -- Library Journal, 5/15/2007

Agriculture

Short and simple is how this book delivers. And just as the title promises, it showcases 37 of the hardiest house plants around. This quirky guide could inspire almost anyone to take another chance with the life of an indoor plant. Hogan covers the basics with short chapters like "Let There be Light" and "Find a Home Sweet Home." Also included is information about plant propagation, problem solving, and the art of display. The text is sparse but will well serve the audience of lackadaisical plant lovers. The author includes goof-proof lists like plants that can go without water for up to a month and low-light plants that can practically live in the dark. The directory of plants is divided into foliage plants, flowering plants, and cacti. A nice color photo accompanies each entry, which includes basic care and a "Grow-Like-A-Pro" tip. Hogan concludes with a quick reference to "When a Plant Is Past Its Time." The limited scope is the one slight drawback. Recommended for medium to large public libraries.—Tracy Mohaidheen, M.L.I.S., West Bloomfield, MI

The trend in best-selling memoirs about dogs sparked by John Grogan's Marley & Me bodes well for this engaging new work by National Outdoor Book Award-winning author Kerasote, who introduces readers to a stray Labrador retriever mix to whom he became attached while on a camping trip in Utah. Their paths cross on the banks of the San Juan River, and for dog and man, life is forever altered. Merle is a free spirit with an enormous zest for life, good survival skills, and the dangerous habit of killing calves—he needs training! But Merle's lessons, Karasote writes, aren't as much about training as about partnership. Drawing on an extensive and exceptional list of references and including informative background on how animals learn and perceive their world, Kerasote gives readers much to consider that will enrich their own relationships with their pets. His book is highly recommended, but it does come with a tissue alert. And, because people seem to love well-written dog stories as much as they love their dogs, libraries may also want to stock up on similar titles, such as Jon Katz's A Good Dog.—Edell M. Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI

Hospital births today may mean continuous fetal monitors, limited mobility, medications to manage labor, episiotomies, and a good chance at a cesarean section, often with little opportunity for the mother to express her own personal wishes. Why are so many C-sections performed in the United States? How many, if any, birthing choices are dependent on liability issues or convenience? What are the possible consequences for low-risk mothers seeking a more natural birthing experience in their own home? Block (former editor, Ms.; coeditor, Our Bodies, Ourselves: A New Edition for a New Era) asks all of these questions and answers with a stirring discussion of reproductive rights, informed consent, and the rights of the mother vs. the fetus. Although obviously in favor of fewer medical interventions, Block does a reasonable job of presenting other points of view. This complement to Marsden Wagner's Born in the USA is recommended for public, academic, and health science libraries.—Tina Neville, Univ. of South Florida Lib., St. Petersburg

In this controversial book, Lamm (codirector, Inst. for Public Policy Studies, Univ. of Denver) and Blank (research scholar, New Coll.) searingly criticize the nation's failing healthcare system. They argue that draconian measures must be taken to reform it before it bankrupts the nation. They recommend instituting a new system of universal coverage coupled with the explicit rationing of healthcare. Under their proposed system, all citizens would receive basic healthcare, but costly care benefiting only a few would be limited or even denied. New medical technologies would be rigorously assessed before they became widely used. And more emphasis would be placed on public health and disease management programs. Although the book makes broad recommendations, it fails to discuss specifics, not to mention such issues as excessive administrative costs, fraud and abuse, profiteering by drug and other companies, and the quality of healthcare. Despite these limitations, this book does an excellent job of framing many important health policy issues, which politicians and society often refuse to address. Recommended for all academic and medical libraries.—Ross Mullner, Sch. of Public Health, Univ. of Illinois, Chicago

Celebrity psychologist and former Radio America talk-show host Lynn teams up with veteran freelance writer Isaacs (Just a Note To Say…Perfect Words for Every Occasion), who nursed her husband through several major illnesses, to write a cogent and practical self-help book for women with seriously ill male partners. Divided into sections that address the adaptation women, their partners, and their relationship have to make to medical problems, the work is clearly structured and easy to read. It effectively combines psychological advice with vignettes, exercises, checklists, and recommendations. While the authors articulate all the emotional issues involved, they also offer pragmatic advice on getting support from others and dealing with medical bureaucracy. A brief list of resources appears at the end. This smart and effective book will be useful to a general audience but speaks primarily to women in the baby-boom generation who are facing the challenges of aging. Recommended for all public libraries.—Fran Mentch, Cleveland State Univ. Lib.

Pediatrician Ryder's updated edition of his earlier self-published Handbook for Pediatric Health Problems at Home and on the Road is an excellent reference resource not just for parents traveling within the United States but for those staying at home. Whether a child has traveler's stomach or dysentery, sunburn or heat stroke, Ryder, who has worked in three countries across three continents, spells out potential symptoms, what they might mean, and how parents should react to them. In some cases, he writes, children simply need children-strength acetaminophen; in others, medical care must be immediate, and Ryder makes those distinctions clearly. Perhaps most useful is the final section dedicated to helping parents make up medical kits for their children (an important feature, as most medical kits are geared to adults). Recommended for all public libraries and for hospital and walk-in medical center libraries, especially those supplying immunizations for world travel. Collection development librarians may want to purchase a copy for the stacks as well as for reference.—Rachel M. Minkin, Graduate Theological Union Lib., Berkeley, CA

Aloni (Cooking for Company), a contributing writer for publications such as Better Homes and Gardens, packs this slim, pictorial text with tips, techniques, and tools for casual backyard (or anyplace) bartending. Chapters like "Martini Madness" and "Classic Cocktails" provide a foundation for beginners, while "Soon-To-Be Classics" and "Cooler and Tropical Cocktails" will challenge recreational mixologists. "Cocktails for a Crowd" presents popular drink recipes that allow hosts to spend less time mixing and more time mingling. Many recipes include nonalcoholic options, thus widening the appeal of this title for occasions such as children's parties. Aloni also supplies glassware recommendations and garnishing options for every recipe. Those interested in serving food with their summertime drinks may prefer Williams-Sonoma's Cocktail Parties. Recommended for public libraries with strong cookery collections.—Meagan Storey, Virginia Wesleyan Coll., Norfolk

Just in time for Father's Day, here are two child-rearing guides tailored to dads. A best-selling author and father of three, Brott (The Expectant Father) drolly delivers readable, practical guidance on fathering. Covering each year from three to nine, the chapters focus on the developmental states of child, father, and mother/partner as well as their relationships to one other. Considerable knowledge from parenting experts is woven into the text, and special issues (e.g., children with special needs, divorced dads) are also explored. Though there are overlaps in content from the earlier titles in the "Fathering" series (most recently Fathering Your Toddler, 2005), the presentation remains fresh. Plenty of appeal comes from Brott's ability to pinpoint when to accomplish certain developmental tasks, e.g., the age range of 5–6 is just the right time to hone toothbrushing and flossing skills.

A psychologist and father of four, Pickhardt (The Everything Parent's Guide to the Strong-Willed Child) stresses that teens "need the supportive, salient, and stabilizing presence of a father to help anchor, structure, and guide" them through life. Like Mark O'Connell in The Good Father: On Men, Masculinity, and Life in the Family, Pickhardt makes much of the different roles of mothers and fathers while warning that teen daughters often suffer nasty effects from paternal criticism, however well intended. Though provocative and confident, the book carries a scholarly, aloof tone and lacks concrete prescription (for that, try Kevin O'Shea and James Windell's The Fatherstyle Advantage). Pickhardt essentially offers quite a male way of dealing with that teeming mass of hormones known as adolescents; he will find an audience in larger public libraries, and his book is an appropriate on-demand choice for other libraries. Because of Brott's popularity, his latest is highly recommended for all public libraries.—Douglas C. Lord, Connecticut State Lib., Hartford

Rowley, a food writer and board member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, is knowledgeable about the libation known as moonshine and regales readers with anecdotes both experiential and historical about its appeal as well as its aftereffects and possible cures for overindulgence. Intrigued readers may be tempted to try brewing their own liquor, and detailed instructions are provided. The author's knowledge of the processes of mashing, fermenting, and sill construction is considerable, but its detail will be lost on the more casual reader, who may find more enjoyment in the first three chapters outlining moonshine's history and present-day artisanal production. Industrious readers will also find the recipes for various whiskies, brandies, and rums most inspiring. Libraries with strong collections in American foodways will find this book a delightful addition.—Shelley Brown, New Westminster P.L., B.C.

Hot on the (w)heels of John Youk's Big John's Speedway Grill, Race Day Grub is a cookbook that burns rubber. Skinner, wife of NASCAR star Mike Skinner, culls recipes from the NASCAR family: drivers, wives, technicians, etc., who work, live, and breathe this sport. The result is a smart, easy-to-handle cookbook for your everyday chef or grill master. Skinner tells a fun tale of crashing in the kitchen—she had a major fiasco during Thanksgiving—and then launches into her assumed role entertaining guests on the road before and after races. Here she shows how this role helped her develop and find exciting recipes that don't require much time but are big on flavor. Life can be every bit as quick as a racetrack, so families in a hurry can sink their forks into "The Lazy Meat and Egg Bake" and still make it to work and school on time. With six chapters of nearly 90 recipes, this work is your everyman's and every woman's cookbook. Highly recommended for large public libraries.—Steven G. Fullwood, Schomburg Ctr. Lib., New York

Much of this book is taken from the web site MediterrAsian.com, which Watson and Thelander created in 2004. Watson chronicles living through a horrific motorcycle accident that nearly killed him as a teenager in the 1980s; his recovery was spent living with an uncle and aunt in Britain who ate meals of pasta, beans, vegetables, rice, eggs, nuts, olive oil, and fruits. He then went to Australia, where he met Thelander, and together they started cooking and eating a diet of Mediterranean and Asian food. Their philosophy is not earth-shattering—eat wholesome food, be physically active, and make time for relaxation. Approximately half of the text is devoted to a discussion of this lifestyle, including suggestions for exercise and relaxation and sample menus. It appears that the authors are self-taught, but the book is sprinkled with results of scholarly studies, some of which are included in a bibliography. The rest of the work contains 150 recipes for pasta, stir-fries, pizza, soups, desserts, etc., which are simple and easy to prepare, with tomatoes, garlic, peppers, fish, chicken, and beans as the main ingredients. Recommended for libraries with patrons who are interested in a lifestyle not just a diet.—Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib.

Through the 1990s, neuroscience underwent a veritable revolution, thanks to the improved ability of health professionals to diagnose and treat ailments with more accuracy using advanced imaging techniques. Bloom, chair emeritus of the Department of Neuropharmacology at the Scripps Research Institute and a former editor of the journal Science, has compiled a remarkable volume of essays culled from the pages of Scientific American and Scientific American Mind that offer an outstanding overview of recent and emerging developments in the field since 1999. The first section, "Mind," explores consciousness via a series of essays that examine the human brain and creativity, the current outlook on Freudian theories, and how the brain gives rise to the human self. "Matter," the second section, investigates the specifics of the brain's biology and neurology, and includes articles on neuroplasticity as well as the neurobiology of schizophrenia, depression, and addiction. The final section, "Tomorrow's Brain," addresses upcoming puzzles and challenges in brain research. Highly recommended for all public and undergraduate college libraries.—Candice Kail, Carnegie Lib. of Pittsburgh

It is often the case when taking a science course that one learns the laws or equations governing a particular relationship or the set of facts communicating a machine or organism's inner workings. Rarely, one might hear of the great discoverers, with only a passing glimpse of their insight. Clark (Journey to the Stars) gives us more. He takes us into the fascinating world of 19th-century British astronomy, specifically, the studies of the sun, as well as the life of amateur English astronomer Richard Christopher Carrington and his observations of sunspots and flares amid swirling controversies. Clark's style engages us immediately and holds us throughout. He portrays the science of the times as high drama in which rivalry between scientists was intense, severe, and, in many cases, personal. Not only will readers get a true feel for the science of the 19th century and the characters involved, but by following the course of comprehension, they'll learn a little solar science as well. This book will appeal to anyone interested in history and science, a great combination. Recommended for public and academic libraries.—Margaret F. Dominy, Drexel Univ. Lib., Philadelphia

The story of the Heinrichs, told by internationally known field biologist Bernd Heinrich, best-selling author of Mind of the Raven, is one of lives lived large. Central to the memoir is Bernd's father, Gerd, an amateur biologist who was personally interested in wasps but made a meager living collecting exotic animal specimens for major museums. Remarkably, nothing—not world-war privation and displacement, not numerous amorous entanglements, not his disappointing inability to secure academic employment—could keep "Papa" from his biological pursuits. Once landed gentry in prewar Poland, the Heinrichs ended up penniless in 1950s America; Bernd's only lasting patrimony is very likely his father's passion for natural history (and perhaps also his robust masculinity). There are many unforgettable moments, but none is as richly emblematic of this family as Gerd's desperate burial of his treasured wasp collections when the blitzkrieg threatens (they were retrieved in 1959). The book succeeds on many levels: as splendid nature writing, as a readable history of modern biology, and as a fascinating glimpse of the growth of one scientist's mind. Heartily recommended. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/07.]—Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.

Readers who found Robert Sullivan's Rats interesting will derive far more enjoyment and glean far more information from Toronto-based freelance writer Langton's examination of the creature. His research is broader in content than Sullivan's, and he writes with a global focus (Sullivan centered on New York City). In addition to rat biology and development, he examines in nine chapters how rats think, act, and live in groups; how they interact with and depend on humankind; how they've carried diseases around the world and over the centuries; how brown compare with black rats and urban rats with rural ones; how rats affect the ecosystems; and, lest we forget, methods for exterminating them. The writing is clear, straightforward, and focused and will hold readers' attention throughout. Recommended for all natural history collections.—Michael D. Cramer, Schwarz BioSciences, RTP, NC

Maclean, the author of two books about wildfires (Fire on the Mountain and Fire and Ashes) and son of writer Norman Maclean (Young Men and Fire), describes a 2001 fire in the North Cascade Range of Washington State that began as an abandoned campfire and grew into a massive conflagration. A series of mistakes led to a fatal disaster, and the tragedy was worsened when four young members of the fire crew were blamed for their own deaths. As in his previous volumes, Maclean examines the deadly wildland fire, exploring its causes, the tactics used to fight the fire, the mistakes made that caused loss of life, and the ensuing controversy between government agencies and the public, which wanted answers explaining how and why it all happened and who was to blame. Drawing on official reports and accounts offered by witnesses, Maclean's gripping narrative conveys compassion for the victims and survivors while raising questions about wildfire management and firefighting regulations. His vividly written story about the power of nature and the fires that cannot be controlled by humans is recommended for most nature collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/07.]—Patricia Ann Owens, Wabash Valley Coll., Mount Carmel, IL

Coming on the heels of March of the Penguins and Happy Feet, this collection of 182 splendid color photographs of ever-popular penguins should have broad appeal. Six the world's 17 penguin species appear in photographs that do justice not only to the birds but to the remote and spectacular islands they inhabit as well as some of the other creatures there with them, including seals, predatory birds, and albatrosses. This is primarily a picture book, the text consisting only of generally informative photo captions and brief introductions to the "chapters" on penguin life—in the family, as commuters, and as social creatures—and on the daunting challenges they face in the most hostile environments anywhere. There are a number of errors and omissions in the text, the result of sloppy editing. For example, the "breeding pair" of birds on page 33 is actually a parent and offspring. The caracaras, a bird of prey, featured on page 127, is said to exemplify the difficulty of survival in Antarctica but is not native to the region. But most patrons will enjoy this book for its lively photographs, which are superb. For larger popular natural history collections.—Henry T. Armistead, formerly with the Free Lib. of Philadelphia

Asking "What if" questions has been a proven tool leading to key theories and discoveries in science. The imagined scenario presented here offers a provocative perspective on life on Earth and the degree to which human activity has shaped the planet. If every human on Earth suddenly vanished, what would become of this world? Science journalist Weisman ponders numerous questions, e.g., How long would it take for nature to reclaim dense urban areas, like Manhattan Island? What endangered fauna would recover, and what new species might evolve? What would become of humankind's most enduring pollutants, such as plastics, greenhouse gasses, and nuclear wastes? The book's strength lies in its audacious willingness to confront uncomfortable questions while offering glimpses of answers in areas of recent wars, diseases, and ecological disasters. This is neither a warning to human beings to change their errant ways, nor a wishful paean to returning to the Garden of Eden; instead it is a sober, analytical elucidation of the effects of human dominance on this planet, intriguing if not especially comforting. This book should be broadly read and discussed. For all environmental collections. [Library marketing campaign; see Behind the Book profile on p.112.]—Gregg Sapp, Science Lib., SUNY at Albany

By Judith Sutton, New York

The author of several other cookbooks, including Quick Cooking for Diabetes, Blair offers recipes for gluten-free treats ranging from a sophisticated Chocolate and Chestnut Roulade to childhood favorites like Messy Marshmallow Krispies. She also includes a brief introduction to celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and baking without gluten. Her book was originally published in England, so there are a few recipes, such as Bakewell Slice, that will be unfamiliar to readers here. But the text has been Americanized, and, unlike most books on the topic, Blair's includes color photographs throughout. A good complement to Betty Hagman's Gluten-Free Gourmet series.

Now in its 25th year, the Greyston Bakery began as a Zen Buddhist café (following, in some ways, the example of Greens, the famous San Francisco restaurant) in Riverdale, NY. Now in Yonkers, it is an important part of the broader community, hiring local residents (60 employees at last count) who have been chronically unemployed or homeless; the Greyston Foundation, formed in 1992, supports numerous outreach programs, from child care to health services. The bakery has received national media attention, and Ben & Jerry's buys three million pounds of its brownies a year to mix into ice creams. Gillingham-Ryan, who worked for the foundation for several years, tells the story of the bakery and presents 75 recipes for cakes, tarts, cookies, and bars (some from the bakery's repertoire, others from the author and other contributors). Recommended for area libraries and most other baking collections.

Gower, a private chef in San Francisco, lived in Japan for 15 years and is also the author of The Breakaway Japanese Kitchen. His background in Japanese cooking is evident in his latest title, although here he has added foods from other cuisines to his list of "flavor blasts," intensely flavorful ingredients that he uses as a simple way to "season with authority," one of the tenets of his cooking philosophy. He relies on nine ingredients in particular to flavor his dishes, among them carrot juice, miso, pomegranate molasses, and yuzu (a Japanese citrus fruit). Gower is an imaginative cook, but his sometimes quirky flavor combinations will not be for everyone: Pomegranate Tofu with Pink Lentil Crust, for example, or Rhubarb Baked Eggs. Still, adventurous cooks will be interested in his ideas. For larger collections and others where his earlier title was popular.

"Bubba" is popular Food Network star Paula Deen's younger brother, and Uncle Bubba's Oyster House is the restaurant he and Deen opened in Savannah several years ago. His first cookbook includes a combination of recipes from the restaurant and other down-home Southern favorites, along with lots of stories and black-and-white photographs from the family album. Bubba shares the folksy approach that has helped make his sister so popular, and his cookbook will be in demand.

Kochilas is known for her books on Greek cooking, including the impressive Glorious Foods of Greece; she also runs a cooking school on the Greek island where she lives much of the time and is the consulting chef for Pylos, a popular New York City restaurant. In her latest title, she includes recipes inspired by other Mediterranean cuisines as well, from Spanish-Style Grilled Artichokes to Spicy Moroccan Lamb Chops, along with favorite Greek dishes from the grill. Most of the recipes are simple, and many are shown in full-page color photographs. For most collections.

La Place grew up in California, but her parents were Italian, and she lived in Salento, in southern Italy, for six summers. The author of Verdura and coauthor of Cucina Rustica, among other titles, she now lives in San Francisco, where she tends her own terraced Italian garden. The recipes in this new book, mostly but not entirely vegetarian, are organized by season and feature the bounty of the garden, from summer's Meyer Lemon and Cucumber Salad to a wintertime Farro Soup with Ricotta Salata. She begins each section with a gardener's musings on the season, and charming watercolor illustrations throughout the text complete the package. For most collections.

Nelson is a food writer, culinary historian, and author of A Bonnie Scottish Cookbook, among other titles. Here she presents more than 200 Scottish American recipes, including all the classics, such as Scotch Broth and Shortbread (somewhat surprisingly, there is only one recipe for this favorite cookie). Each chapter opens with a well-researched introduction, and recipe headnotes provide further background. Some of the recipes don't really seem "Scottish American" (e.g., fried oyster Po'Boy and Idaho Stuffed Potatoes), though they may be enjoyed by Scottish-Irish descendants. Nevertheless, this is one of the few books on the topic, and larger and special collections will want to add it.

The latest New York Times cookbook is a lovely collection of recipes for weekend entertaining, grouped into chapters such as "Quick Suppers after a Long Trip," "A Visit to the Farm Stand," and "The Cocktail Hour." Recipes come from current and former Times writers, including Craig Claiborne and Florence Fabricant, and from an array of chefs, food writers, and other contributors. Unlike other Times cookbooks, this one features color photographs throughout of bucolic landscapes, fresh ingredients, and the dishes themselves. (One note: it seems a bit odd that the gushing foreword comes from regular columnist Mark Bittman, as many in the "stunning collection of recipes" are his own.) Sure to be popular, this is recommended for most collections.

Reynaud is the chef/owner of Villa 9 Trois, a restaurant in Montreuil, just outside of Paris, and is the grandson of a butcher. His celebration of the pig is entertaining, informative, and very personal. It includes photographs of family members, local characters, and events such as "pig-killing time," along with 150 recipes grouped into chapters such as "For the Love of Sausages," "Granny Pig" (traditional home-style dishes), and "A Piggy Party" (more elegant fare for entertaining). All of the recipes are shown in full color, and there are step-by-step photographs of some dishes and techniques. Amusing line drawings of little pigs partying, sunbathing, and getting into trouble add to the appeal. Fans of Fergus Henderson's The Whole Beast: Nose to Tail Eating and other serious cooks will especially appreciate Reynaud's idiosyncratic cookbook. For most collections.

The follow-up to The Cook's Canon, Sokolov's latest cookbook features recipes from a variety of cuisines, organized alphabetically by vegetable, from artichokes to yams. Sokolov's interests are broad (he was food columnist for Natural History magazine for many years and is the author of a biography of A.J. Liebling), and he provides an informative and entertaining introduction for each vegetable, touching on culinary history and lore, botanical considerations, and more. The recipes are an eclectic mix, from Brazilian Black-Eyed Pea Fritters to Potage au Cresson (watercress soup) to Gazpacho. For most collections.