Science & Technology

Novelist and journalist Kessler (Birds in Fall) introduces us to a more personal side of his life—his life with goats. But this book is more than just a memoir. As Kessler recounts the early years when he and his wife moved from Manhattan to a farm in Vermont where they raised goats, he intricately intertwines the relationship humans and goats have had throughout history, pulls in several literary works that inspired him, and takes readers back to the roots of the pastoral lifestyle. This pleasant and poignant book journeys between present and past, demonstrates the delights and challenges of raising goats, and explains how fresh milk and cheese can make the effort worth undertaking. VERDICT Whether experienced with goats or not, readers will appreciate Kessler's ability to weave explanatory passages into his text to enlighten and promote an understanding of the herding way of life that continues today. Sure to appeal to urban dwellers thinking about going back to the land.—Kyrille Goldbeck, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ., Blacksburg

Well-known pediatrician Neifert (Dr. Mom's Guide to Breastfeeding; Dr. Mom's Prescription for Preschoolers) covers breast-feeding basics, from preparing before birth through the early weeks of parenthood. In sub-sequent chapters, she provides information on expressing milk, coping with common problems, breast-feeding while working (an especially well-done section), and breastfeeding in special situations (e.g., illnesses in mother and baby, birth defects, breast-feeding multiples). The author combines detailed, readable medical explanations with practical tips for success and addresses potential challenges honestly rather than glossing over them with bland reassurances. Each chapter seems designed to stand alone, making it easy for time-pressed mothers to find the information they need without reading the entire book. VERDICT New moms can find lots of literature on breast-feeding, but often it is too general or too judgmental to be useful. Neifert, however, provides medically sound information to help women breast-feed successfully, as well as clear but gentle and supportive encouragement to breastfeed. Highly recommended for all new and expecting parents considering breast-feeding. (Illustrations and index not seen.)—Janet A. Crum, Oregon Health & Science Univ. Lib., Portland

For those recovering cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who commonly experience "chemo brain" as a result of their therapy, Silverman (medical pharmacology, UCLA) and medical journalist Davidson emphasize that although a variety of factors—e.g., anxiety, stress, depression, medications—may contribute to memory lapses of differing intensities, committing to a daily program of cognitive rehabilitative exercises, a good diet, prescribed medications, and a healthy lifestyle can repair damaged brain chemistry and brain function at any age. The normal brain and its functioning are explained, signs and symptoms of brain "chemo fog" discussed, and a practical program of how to get the brain back on track in order to reclaim one's normal brain chemistry is outlined. VERDICT In an age where many are increasingly aware of and—rightly or wrongly—concerned with forgetfulness, these authors have found a hot topic. This professionally compiled book is every layperson's guide to how to exercise the mind and restore and improve memory.—James Swanton, Harlem Hosp. Lib., New York

In 1784, the first Americans to visit the Middle Kingdom encountered Cantonese food. It was not love at first sight—only after waves of 19th-century Chinese immigrants brought their daily fare to the new world did Americans come to appreciate the "hashes and fricassees" from a people rumored to eat dogs, cats, and rats. By the 1890s, New Yorkers had gone chop suey crazy, and the die was cast. VERDICT Fans of Jennifer 8 Lee's The Fortune Cookie Chronicles should appreciate this detailed, convoluted history of how Chinese food came to be seen as American as apple pie. Coe's account (he is a food journalist and coauthor of Foie Gras) lacks Lee's personal touch and could use a time line for dates and dynasties. But his research among U.S. sources is solid, and his chronicle interesting and informative, especially regarding Nixon's trip to China. Consider also British historian J.A.G. Roberts's China to Chinatown: Chinese Food in the West and Jen Lin-Liu's Serve the People: A Stir-Fried Journey Through China.—Martha Cornog, Philadelphia

Picking up on the description used by Perri Klass and Eileen Costello in Quirky Kids: Understanding and Helping Your Child Who Doesn't Fit In, licensed educational psychologist Norall and children's-book author Brust utilize an easy-to-follow alphabetical format to present 85 issues facing children and teenagers with Asperger's syndrome. Topics cover wide ground, from dealing with anger and frustration to birthday parties to phone skills to white lies. Also addressed are the crucial issues of bullying and cyberbullying. The book contains a useful sample letter for parents to send to teachers at the beginning of the school year, a glossary of terms, further information about bullying, and lists of recommended reading, Internet sites, and games. VERDICT Norall and Brust offer much-needed practical advice in a readable style, although many parents would disagree with blanket statements such as, "Asperger's kids also have no curiosity about other people." As the authors point out, parents now have access to a variety of essential resources and supports; this book is one.—Beth Safford, Nevins Memorial Lib., Methuen, MA

From counter clerk to VP of New York City shop Murray's Cheese, Thorpe has spent years talking with customers, farmers, cheese makers, and chefs. That experience is evident in the engaging conversational style of her new book. Instead of compiling an encyclopedic guide such as her earlier (coauthored) The Murray's Cheese Handbook, Thorpe focuses on her favorite American cheeses and their producers. Occasionally repetitive and meandering, the relaxed writing demonstrates a passion for cheese that is accessible, not overwhelming. Thorpe is egalitarian, including larger factory and smaller artisan producers among the spotlighted cheese makers in each chapter and offering mild criticism of their lesser products if warranted. She remains relatable throughout, describing flavors and aromas in ways that most readers will grasp, using such terms and adjectives as wet socks (to capture a cheese's particular pungency), lemon, or butterscotch. VERDICT The text is not strictly organized according to history, region, or cheese type; however, its overall scope, humor, and affection will both entertain and educate its audience. Recommended for foodies, especially those with a passion for cheese.—Peter Hepburn, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago Lib.

Despite the playful title, this book is really about the emerging space tourism industry and the civilian use of outer space. Bizony (One Giant Leap: Apollo 11 Remembered) details everything a space tourism company must do to be successful. To qualify officially as an astronaut, a traveler needs to fly above 100 km (62 miles). This can be achieved through a suborbital flight, one that goes up to that level and then returns to Earth, a trip that normally takes only a few hours. Orbital spaceflight is more difficult to achieve, for it requires a craft to reach Earth's escape velocity, which is 17,500 mph. The Russians now profit from space tourism, and private industry will probably offer suborbital hops within a decade. Bizony shows which spaceship designs are best suited to space tourism; for the industry to succeed, craft and systems must be as reliable and safe as commercial aviation. VERDICT Bizony clearly explains spaceflight science for a popular audience. Taking a more optimistic outlook than Neil Comins's The Hazards of Space Travel: A Tourist's Guide, this is a good choice for armchair space buffs wanting to explore vicariously our final frontier.—Jeffrey Beall, Univ. of Colorado, Denver

Physicist Frank Oppenheimer has long been overshadowed by his controversial older brother, Robert, the "father of the atomic bomb," although his scientific career was also destroyed by the Red Scare of the 1950s. Cole (Mind over Matter; The Hole in the Universe) was a close friend of Oppenheimer's and draws upon his papers, numerous interviews, and her personal experience to paint a picture of his life. Oppenheimer was deeply affected by working on the Manhattan Project. After being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, he ran a cattle ranch and taught high school physics before reemerging into public life in 1969 to create the Exploratorium, a revolutionary hands-on museum in San Francisco that combined art and science. Cole devotes the largest portion of her book to discussing this period of Oppenheimer's life, as it embodies his passion for teaching and fostering creativity. Indeed, it would be impossible to present the story of Oppenheimer's life without discussing the Exploratorium, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Verdict In a thought-provoking and pleasant manner, Cole's much-welcomed book shines a new light on a remarkable man and scientist. Readers interested in good popular science biographies will enjoy this. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 4/15/09.]—William Baer, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib., Atlanta

This is a true natural history book, covering all aspects of the seahorse's involvement in the world: mythology, history, fisheries, aquaria, world ocean health. Scales is a marine biologist, and her fascination with her subject (she learned to scuba dive in order to observe this remarkable creature) shines through in her easy-to-read style and the way she uses the seahorse as a hook to discuss broader subjects, such as the role of seahorses in world mythology or the part they play in ocean conservation efforts, both as poster fish and canary species. VERDICT The cute seahorse on the cover and the clever title will help attract readers to a library display, and the text itself will make them want to read more. An extensive bibliography invites further exploration. This is sure to appeal to both teens and adult readers interested in the natural world.—Margaret Rioux, MBL/WHOI Lib., Woods Hole Oceanographic Inst., MA