Science & Technology

The practice of building gardens on abandoned or ignored land is called guerrilla gardening. People around the world use this method to beautify public space, build community, and grow their own food. Since guerrilla gardening is usually illicit—if not downright illegal—anyone interested in learning about it will benefit from a manual, and London-based Reynolds, an advertising planner who is also an activist and the founder of www.guerrillagardening.org, endeavors here to provide one. His handbook has two parts: a long, pedantic discourse on his own gardening philosophy, and a practical how-to section. He peppers the text with stories from clandestine gardeners around the world (e.g., New York's Green Guerrillas), which ought to illustrate the breadth of accomplishment possible with this pastime but instead sound preachy and trite. Reynolds's leaden prose is the book's chief fault—in particular, the book suffers from awkward syntax, stale vocabulary, and a sophomoric tone. Most of the practical information and some of the theory are useful, but Reynolds's presentation is so poor that it is an optional purchase at best. A better choice is David Tracey's eloquent Guerrilla Gardening: A Manualfesto.—Emily-Jane Dawson, Multnomah Cty. Lib., Portland, OR
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It seems almost every day there is new health-and-diet advice to follow. We can live longer if only we drink green tea, eat dark chocolate, take hormone supplements, and wear sunscreen. With information coming at us from all directions, how do we separate the facts from the hype? Davis, an award-winning medical journalist whose work has been featured on CNN, PBS, and WebMD as well as in the Wall Street Journal, shares his experience of researching current health trends. From exploring ancient health "wisdom" to uncovering the real agendas of modern-day health promoters, Davis guides the reader in analyzing and thinking critically about health-related information. Readers are treated to ten chapters tackling topics like the effectiveness of sunscreens and the failure of diets. As a librarian who argues for the rigorous evaluation of information, this reviewer highly recommends Davis's book for all libraries wishing to promote healthy skepticism.—Lisa Forrest, Buffalo State Coll. Lib., NY

Although illness memoirs and recovery books saturate the market, this one makes a contribution to the literature with its voice of a young woman dealing with a lifetime of chronic illness. Edwards, who is 27 and manages bronchiectasis, thyroid disease, and celiac disease, among other conditions, ably describes the realities of people living longer with chronic (often rare) illnesses. She strikes an appropriate tone so that her suffering comes across without becoming the focus. Instead, using her own life story, Edwards shares practical advice about going to college, looking for a job, finding a partner, and deciding whether to have children, all the while juggling demanding health issues. Her comments about the financial aspects of her illness are timely considering the current interest in universal health care. Order this gem pronto to round out your consumer health collections.—Fran Mentch, Cleveland State Univ. Lib.

This is one of the few books published on the history of nurse practitioners (NPs), licensed and board-certified nurses with master's degrees in advanced-practice nursing who provide primary care to patients either independently or in partnership with physicians. Drawing on both processed and unprocessed archival material, Fairman (Ctr. for the Study of the History of Nursing, Univ. of Pennsylvania) presents an exceptionally well-researched overview of this relatively new (1965) area of nursing. As she notes in her thorough introduction, the NP field laid "the foundation for questioning who had the authority to provide care." She covers in detail the opposition that NPs encountered from national nursing associations, changes in nursing education, and the evolving role of NPs in helping to shape health policy. Though not burdened with academic jargon, the book can be a little dry and might have benefited from more recollections of pioneering NPs, a few photographs of whom are provided. With its extensively annotated notes, it is an important addition to large public libraries, history of nursing/history of medicine collections, and academic institutions supporting nursing or health policy programs. (Index not seen.)—Martha E. Stone, Massachusetts General Hosp. Lib., Boston

Despite having been diagnosed with chronic illnesses, coauthors Joffe (founder, cicoach.com), who has multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis, and Friedlander (founder, LifeWork Business Partners), who has Crohn's disease, both enjoy successful careers. Here, they offer their expertise to help women with these and other autoimmune conditions (e.g., chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, Graves' disease) do the same. Thriving at work while living with a chronic illness, they write, will help preserve these women's independence and senses of self. The authors use first-person accounts to illustrate their advice on coping simultaneously with symptoms and the challenges of the workplace; developing a financial plan; communicating with coworkers, employers, and loved ones; building a support team; and balancing work and family responsibilities. A little book with lots of useful advice; recommended. [Visit the authors online at www.keepworkinggirlfriend.com; see also the review of Laurie Edwards's Life Disrupted, p. 89.—Ed.]—Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib.

Despite billions of dollars in funding, international HIV-prevention efforts sometimes achieve only modest results, a reality the author sums up as the triumph of politics and ideology over sound science. Combining a background in journalism with experience as an epidemiologist (who has worked with, among other organizations, UNAIDS, the World Bank, and the health ministries of several Asian governments), Pisani here presents a blunt, cynical, and even funny insider's view of global HIV-prevention efforts. When she isn't telling colorful stories, she's skewering everyone who allows ideology to overrule science, e.g., conservatives who oppose needle exchanges and the distribution of condoms despite evidence that they reduce the spread of HIV significantly; well-meaning international development professionals who argue that HIV is spread by poverty and gender inequality rather than by sex and IV drug use; and, especially, politicians who allow the epidemic to grow rather than make unpopular—but evidence-based—decisions. Though she writes in a lively journalistic style, Pisani crafts cogent arguments and supports them with detailed footnotes and an extensive bibliography. Highly recommended for all collections. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/1/08; visit the author online at www.ternyata.org/about/index.html.—Ed.]—Janet A. Crum, Oregon Health & Science Univ. Lib., Portland
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When the traditional way of partnering wine with food proved to be less than satisfactory for Asian cuisines, Guy (Wines of Italy) and Soon (consulting wine editor, Appetite magazine) devised their own method. Foods from different Asian countries are grouped into five different flavor categories, such as "fresh and herbal" or "smoky and spicy." Wines from around the world are then divided into seven different style categories, including "crisp and dry" and "oaky and fruity." Useful details for partnering wines from one style with dishes from a flavor category are offered. Fifty recipes for popular Asian dishes such as Five Spice Hens from China and Curried Vegetables from India are included, and the authors also provide detailed suggestions for different wines to serve with each dish. There are many excellent Asian cookbooks available, but Guy and Soon give their book its unique twist by offering practical solutions to the challenging task of choosing the right wine for the right dish. Recommended for larger public libraries.—John Charles, Scottsdale P.L., AZ

Lair's (coauthor, Feeding the Young Athlete) cookbook has something for each member of the family, from the small child to the adult with a sensitive palate. Its basis is in whole foods, a refreshing change from new cookbooks chock-full of prepared and convenience foods. Though the recipes incorporate only whole-food ingredients, they do not ignore the modern necessity of the quick and easy-to-prepare meal. An outstanding recipe is the French Lentil and Potato Stew, a hearty and healthy weeknight soup with subtle flavors. The book offers advice on how to raise healthy eaters and what staples to have on hand in the pantry, as well as a solid dose of food politics. It's fabulous for the young mother or father who wants to start a baby on healthy solid foods but also helpful for those wanting to integrate whole-food recipes into their usual repertoire. Highly recommended as an addition to any public library's cookbook collection.—Claire A. Schaper, Franklin Inst., Philadelphia

McBride, a wedding party planner, shares her ideas for 11 party themes, with suggestions on bar tools, candles, flowers, and glasses and a list of resources to acquire proposed materials. A full-page color photo is adjacent to nearly every page of text. The photos are beautifully staged by Rosa and, frankly, supply most of the book's appeal. There are one to four recipes included with each party theme. The balance of the "basics" has to do with décor; examples include using a galvanized bucket for an ice bucket and using emptied wine bottles as flower vases. Although all aspects of hosting a party are mentioned, the coverage is so minimal that a party novice would not get past procrastination. Any new nester using this book to plan a party would need to consult another source as well. There are plenty of A-to-Z party-planning books available, such as Linnea Johansson's Perfect Parties: Tips and Advice from a New York Party Planner. Not recommended.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine Coll. Preparatory Lib., San Jose, CA

The Mantuanos, husband and wife restaurateurs, collaborated on this work focusing on regional foods and wines from the Mediterranean, which is organized around ten iconic cities (Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples, Seville, Barcelona, Nice, Lisbon, and Athens) and offers approximately ten recipes for each. The recipes range from snacks/tapas to more substantial entréelike preparations, as well as desserts, and recipes for wine cocktails for each area. At the end of each section is a two-page entry on the wines of the region, including descriptions of major wine types and names of well-known local producers. No specific wine pairings are provided with the recipes, however, which would have made the book more useful and interesting. Interspersed between the city chapters are also short sections on artisanal cured meats, prepared pantry items from the areas, and cheeses. A resource guide for hard-to-find items is included at the end. Overall, the focus seems to be more on food than wine. Nicely illustrated; purchase where there is interest.—Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. Libs., Oxford, OH

Newton, a clinical psychologist specializing in affect regulation, has written a valuable book explaining the latest research on the brain's right hemisphere and how its proper neurobiological development is dependent upon the relationship between infant and primary caregiver. In other words, Newton tackles attachment theory. The text is sometimes dense (this is brain research, after all), but Newton succeeds in summarizing her subject, followed by brain regulation 101, then applies the research from pregnancy through age five. She explains how the brain's right hemisphere develops before the left, step by step, one area laying tracks for the next. The right biochemical mix is needed to create a secure base from which blossoms attention, learning, and exploration. This base is created by enhancing positive emotions and regulating negative states, ideally through one primary caregiver (read: mother, who is pressured a little to play nicely, stick to a schedule, and avoid freaking out). It is only when there is chronic misattunement without repair that a child is at risk. Newton does not lay on the guilt but argues for greater societal understanding of the importance of this developmental period in infancy and for increased support for parents raising young children. Much of this attunement we do automatically (e.g., cooing, carrying baby on the left hip), and we are reminded—yet again—to forget the flash cards. Instead, try giggling while you blow a raspberry on baby's belly. It's likely to do baby's brain—and future—a lot more good. A crucial acquisition for academic libraries and highly recommended for all others.—Julianne J. Smith, Ypsilanti Dist. Lib., MI

Calagione (owner, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Delaware; Brewing Up a Business) and Old (owner, Old Wines; director of wine studies, French Culinary Inst., New York) bring their respective expertise to this accessible and highly informative book, beginning with introductions to wine and beer; they discuss various styles, how to taste each, and how each is made. The "Food Debate" section details wine and beer pairings, from cheese to dessert. Each pairing debate offers five wines and five beers to accompany five dishes in the category. The authors then give readers a sample menu from which they can create their own tasting debates at home. In terms of explaining beer and food pairings, this title surpasses Andrew Dornenburg and others' What To Drink with What You Eat. An optional selection for most libraries but recommended for those with strong cookery or entertaining collections.—Meagan P. Storey, Virginia Wesleyan Coll., Norfolk

At age 13, the Venetian-born Pernetti started serving espresso at his first job and found that he not only had an appreciation for good food but also a talent for hospitality that would eventually take him around the world, including stops in Afghanistan, Zambia, South Korea, and Turkey. His cookbook cum memoir intersperses such moments of his life story (as related to his friend Ferdie Pacheco) with recipes taken from his successful Coral Gables, FL, restaurant, Caffè Abbracci. A two-page time line summarizes his professional journey, and there are many black-and-white photographs. Although most of the recipes are standard Northern Italian fare, they are easy to follow, and Pernetti's voice can be heard in each careful instruction, guiding the reader through a seafood-studded zuppa di pesce, risotto, and zabaglione, an Italian custard that is deceptively light for a dish containing eight egg yolks and a cup of heavy cream. The cookbook features 37 color plates (not seen), while a table of contents to both the memoirs and the recipes provides structure. Purchase where there is demand.—Rosemarie Lewis, Broward Cty. Public Schs., Fort Lauderdale, FL
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This complete guide to American birds by the editor of Birding magazine has 2000 color photographs, hundreds of range maps, and many other useful features, including a DVD disc of five and a half hours of downloadable songs, totaling 587 from 138 species. As with most recent guides, the text is terse and minimal although full of literate nuggets, many not found in other books. For each bird, Floyd offers a paragraph of commentary, several photographs, a tiny but accurate range map, short descriptions of vocalizations, and some rather out-of-place (in a popular title) technical descriptions of plumage and molt. A full page or more is devoted to variable species such as the red-tailed hawk, given two pages and 11 photographs. The recordings are selective, e.g., showcasing eight of 51 warblers and nine of 31 sparrows. The photos are excellent, but many birders prefer paintings, which more easily distill the gestalt of species in all their variety. Top guides with paintings include American Bird Conservancy's All the Birds of North America, National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America, Peterson Field Guide to Birds, and The Sibley Guide to Birds. Among quality recent photographic guides are Edward Brinkley's National Wildlife Federation Field Guide to Birds of North America, Kaufman Field Guide to Birds of North America, National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, and Stokes Field Guide to Birds. Most consider Sibley and National Geographic the best, in that order, in any medium. A very fine guide, but, then, so are several others. Nevertheless, highly recommended.—Henry T. Armistead, formerly with Free Lib. of Philadelphia

Popular science writers Mary and John Gribbin (Richard Feynman: A Life in Science) tell the stories of 11 intrepid botanical travelers, beginning with John Ray, the "Newton of botany," and ending with Joseph Dalton Hooker, friend of Darwin and "discoverer" of many spectacular rhododendrons. Most of their subjects are plantsmen belonging to the golden age of Victorian gardening, like David Douglas, best known for his conifer introductions, and Robert Fortune, who established the tea industries in India and Ceylon (Sri Lanka); one noteworthy exception is Marianne North, who traveled the world not to dig or pick flora but to paint it. Each chapter closes with a list of the explorer's plant discoveries that brings the fabulous exploits of distant times and places back to the here and now. While this book often gives the reader a sense of the unimaginable hardships endured to find and bring back plant treasures, it fails to evoke the excitement of seeing them for the first time. There are too many infelicities of style, sloppy repetitions, and trite expressions to make this book more than an optional purchase. Better choices for your botanical history collection are Tyler Whittle's time-proven Plant Hunters or Philip Short's In Pursuit of Plants.—Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.

Water. It's the essence of life, the main component of our bodies and our planet. It's free and seemingly accessible—yet millions of Americans pay for bottles of it every day. Environmental author Royte (Garbage Land; The Tapir's Morning Bath) discusses the historical, political, environmental, moral, and even culinary aspects of water. In a journalistic and often humorous manner, she recounts her travels to natural springs and the towns torn apart by their presence and her meetings with water executives and hydrogeologists while discussing the modern implications of the bottle vs. the tap. The story that emerges is an interesting one—there are enough backroom deals to make the plot seem fitting of the film Michael Clayton. Readers will be surprised at the many facets of the story of bottled water, and the blend of narrative with historical fact keeps the book compelling and dynamic. For those inspired to find out more about their water, Royte includes an appendix of Internet resources and a selected bibliography for further reading. Recommended for all public libraries and academic libraries with environmental science programs.—Jaime Hammond, Naugatuck Valley Comm. Coll., Waterbury, CT

Zammit-Lucia (coauthor, Migraine) presents a triptych of awesome photographs engaging readers and gently persuading them to become more active in the conservation of our planet. Based on a recent exhibit at the United Nations in New York that will be traveling throughout the United States, the book combines black-and-white and color photography with text to help illuminate environmental issues. These truly spectacular photographs—landscapes, animal portraiture, and more—are divided into three main sections: "Land & Sea," "Sharing," and "Modern Living." The book's coffee-table size does not recommend it for public libraries at which space is a concern; such sized books are put away on a back shelf with the atlases. Recommended instead for larger or specialized libraries.—Joyce Tallman, Euclid Hosp. Medical Lib., Cleveland
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