Science & Technology

The Gossler family has been growing and selling flowering shrubs in Oregon's Willamette Valley for over 40 years. Here, they use their wide knowledge of and experience with growing and propagating such shrubs to recommend more than 350 of them, many hardy through at least zone 5. There is some general cultural information, but the book's heart is the plant directory. Arranged alphabetically by genus, each entry describes the plant, including its best features, and offers specific advice for successfully growing it. Entries also list place of origin, appropriate U.S.D.A. hardiness zones, and favored exposure. The authors' conversational style is readable, and 140-plus beautiful color photographs enhance the text. While the Gosslers suggest many different varieties of plants they have grown themselves, gardeners may find some of them are not readily available in the trade or must be ordered by mail. VERDICT Gardeners in the Pacific Northwest will get the most out of this useful work because of similar growing conditions to the Gosslers, but gardeners in zones 5–9 will also find worthy choices.—Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL

Those of us who have rescued dogs know that the dogs finally rescue us, something Lufkin has already detailed in two moving compilations, Found Dogs and Second Chances. Her new book goes one step further, chronicling formerly abused or abandoned canines now doing service—performing search and rescues (SAR), helping the blind or wheelchair-bound, and bringing joy while visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons. Each dog gets his or her own story, illustrated with an affecting black-and-white shot, and the stories are all remarkable. Bailey was nearly dead from starvation when rescued but is now certified for SAR, doing his first big job at the Pentagon after 9/11. Amputee Gracie helps soldiers at the Walter Reed Hospital, and Marvin, who was literally on the table to be euthanized, is now the Rhode Island SPCA's mascot and travels regularly to hospitals, day-care centers, and, yes, libraries. VERDICT Not just for dog lovers, this book should be read by anyone giving or needing care—you'll get hope and answers. Read it and be humbled.—Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal

Prize-winning journalist Hurley, diagnosed at age 18 with type 1 diabetes, recounts the 3500-year history of the disease, its possible causes, and the latest promising treatments and cures with a professional writer's skills and a patient's passion. Historically an uncommon disease, diabetes and its complications were by the early 20th century among the leading causes of death worldwide. The difficulties of self-regulating blood sugar through restricted diets and insulin injections, which Hurley conveys through painful personal experiences, remain psychologically and physically damaging. With a mind to prevention, he interviews scientists who propose various theories about the disease's causes, e.g., interactions among genes, obesity, or reactions to cow's milk, organic pollutants, or viruses. VERDICT Books offering advice on living with diabetes are legion. Hurley provides instead a compelling layperson's overview of diabetes research, enlivened by multiple interviews with scientists in the field. Diabetics and those who love them will find this a fascinating and hope-filled read.—Kathy Arsenault, St. Petersburg, FL

These two titles take drastically different approaches to skin care. Naturopathic physician Logan, Mark G. Rubin, M.D. (dermatology, Univ. of California-San Diego), and Phillip M. Levy, M.D., who specializes in internal medicine and dermatology, discuss the scientific advances in preventing, slowing, and, to a certain degree, reversing skin damage. Nikogosian, a well-known celebrity skin care expert in Los Angeles, approaches skin care with special recipes for toners, moisturizers, and toning creams made at home from botanicals. VERDICT Your Skin is much more technical and may be a bit heavy at times for lay readers, but it is authoritative and presents an excellent overview of current thought. It will be of more use for most library collections than Nikogosian's personal take. Her recipes, even the most complicated, reflect a "handed down from mother to daughter" attitude and will appeal to readers who gravitate toward natural procedures and products.—Susan B. Hagloch, formerly with Tuscarawas Cty. P.L., New Philadelphia, OH

McGonigal (yoga & psychology, Stanford Univ.; editor in chief, International Journal of Yoga Therapy) presents a mixture of theory (at times quite heady) and practice. Within the textual pieces, she explores and explains topics such as the differences among chronic, acute physical, and emotional pain (depression). Wherever possible, she cites written research, although she occasionally talks of wisdom and the practice of mindfulness, which may seem obscure to some readers. With approachable step-by-step instructions and photos—one person standing, the other sitting or doing an alternate pose appropriately if one has pain or physical restrictions—the book also includes individuals' stories to illustrate practical application and success. The overall tone is gentle and informative. VERDICT This thorough explanation of specific yoga practices and poses designed for pain relief will best suit those already familiar and comfortable with the purpose and meaning of yoga.—Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Los Alamos Cty. Lib. Syst., NM

Take a step back and use some common sense, Sommer (epidemiology & internal health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Sch. of Public Health) seems to be saying. Opposing what we've been led to believe about the health-care situation in the United States, he posits that there's less complexity than meets the eye and that solutions are possible. First illustrating how much improvement there was in life expectancy in the 20th century even before the advent of antibiotics and advanced technology, he proceeds to emphasize the importance of environment—e.g., hygiene, pollution, smoking—in creating public health problems and the relatively simple steps to improvement. Sommer writes about the need for evidence to temper the knee-jerk use of technological and pharmaceutical innovations and the glaring contrast between our market-based system and the universal systems in other industrialized countries in meeting the needs of all people. VERDICT Sommer keeps it short and clear, with plenty of understandable graphs and charts. His commonsense points will interest consumers trying to understand the ongoing debate as well as policymakers.—Dick Maxwell, Porter Adventist Hosp. Lib., Denver

Radiation oncologist Marisa Weiss, founder of the nonprofit Breastcancer.org, here revisits the territory she traversed so well with her mother, Ellen, a breast cancer survivor, over a dozen years ago in this book's first edition. With early diagnosis, advances in technology and diagnostics, a variety of new protocols, and breakthroughs in drug and chemical intervention, today even more women and men are living far beyond initial treatment. In 23 chapters within five major categories (e.g., "Treatment Over, on with Your Life" and "Additional Care Beyond Treatment"), the authors update the post-breast cancer landscape with their take on bone health, sexual matters, and the ever-present fear of another diagnosis, among other topics. The format is similar to the original edition, with shaded sidebars and lists, e.g., adjuvant therapies and do's and don'ts. Sections discuss various concerns, followed by "Solutions." VERDICT This book's straightforward presentation will help readers gain control over these often scary concepts. With a proven track record and a reasonable price, this volume is highly recommended for all members of the breast cancer club. (Index not seen.)—Bette-Lee Fox, Library Journal

Inspired by the realization that we often rely on our elders for family history, anecdotes, and, in this case, recipes that have long been a part of family culture, the author's grandson and coauthor began filming his 93-year-old grandmother, Clara, and posted the footage on YouTube. Some 350,000 views and 13,000 subscribers later, it only seemed logical to translate her stories and recipes into print. But this slim volume is more than a cookbook. Cannucciari is a master of adapting to circumstances, both in her cooking and in her philosophy of life, so her book provides a valuable portrait of life during the Great Depression and how people "made do" with what they had. Her recipes run the gamut from ridiculously simple (hand-squeezed lemonade, garlic bread, stale ham sandwich) to more interesting and flavorful dishes (Drunken Chuck's minestrone, biscotti, and, of course, plenty of pasta dishes). VERDICT While not an essential purchase, this offers an entertaining picture of Italian culture combined with a useful history of the Great Depression. Cooking instructions are easy to follow, and fans of Cannucciari's YouTube videos will want this.—Elizabeth Rogers, Tech Services, CEF Lib. Syst., Plattsburgh, NY

Writing in a friendly, conversational tone minus the highbrow snobbery found in some wine guides, James Beard Award-winning food and wine writer Grumdahl soothes the anxieties of novices with practical advice on how to appreciate wine without buying into myths and unnecessary paraphernalia. Grumdahl starts with the basics, taking readers through a tasting of two wines of the same varietal (the variety of grape from which the wine is made) and comparing them for elements of aroma, weight, acidity, tannin, and structure. She then devotes a chapter each to nine varietals, describing the history and tradition, ideal climate and soil, and the world regions in which a varietal is grown. Each varietal's typical flavor and suggested food pairing is described. Grumdahl also explains how to select wine in restaurants and how to buy a good bottle of wine without losing your shirt. VERDICT Like Kevin Zraly's classic textbook Windows on the World Complete Wine Course, Grumdahl's work addresses the interests of both rookie and veteran wine drinkers, demystifying the art of enjoying wine for novices while delving deep enough to interest seasoned oenophiles. [Library marketing.]—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Prep., San Jose, CA

This volume by an animal trauma specialist and director of the Kerulos Center (www.kerulos.org), an animal welfare organization, mixes science and poetry in urging us to rethink our attitudes toward elephant suffering. In the first half, Bradshaw draws on the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and animal behavior to present an excellent portrait of elephant psychology and personality, revealing how elephant trauma is very similar to the human experience. But she undercuts her argument in the second half with a polemical attack on all institutional human contact with elephants: zoos, circuses, theme parks, and ecotourist preserves. She carefully details worst-case abuses, comparing the system to the Nazi annihilation of Jews and the U.S. destruction of American Indians. The key question is: Does Bradshaw's proof of elephant sentience and "personhood" force us to the conclusion of total animal-human separation? Her ideal model is the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, where visitors are prohibited, and elephants roam freely with very little human contact. VERDICT While Bradshaw offers perceptive and solid science, she unfortunately draws some dubious practical conclusions.—John M. Kistler, Washington, PA

This fine volume brings the Mesozoic era and dinosaurs to life. Not only does paleontologist Sampson (Utah Museum of Natural History; geology, Univ. of Utah) explain the dynamics between sauropods and the tyrannosaurs that preyed on them, he also reveals the environments that these huge and hugely successful species inhabited. From geologic events and climate change to the botanical base of the food chain upward, Sampson allows the reader to see—and understand—whole Mesozoic ecosystems. Why did dinosaurs grow so large, and how did the herbivores reach gigantic proportions eating conifers and horsetails? To answer such questions, he presents his colleagues' debates, highlighting the vitality of this field. Although his tone is engagingly conversational, Sampson does not shy from close explanations of, say, dinosaur metabolism. In addition to detailing how life worked in the Mesozoic era, Sampson brings eloquence to the grand pageant of evolution and voices concern about how we must take care of our own world. VERDICT This book draws scientifically accurate pictures in a style that is accessible to researchers and general readers alike.—Michal Strutin, Santa Clara Univ. Lib., CA

Written in a journalistic style similar to Malcolm Gladwell's Blink, this is a self-proclaimed polemic against all who would deny the promise and progress of science, people whom the author calls "denialists." Using the word to refer to a range of people and views, Specter, a New Yorker staff writer who focuses on science, technology, and public health, argues they "replace the rigorous and open-minded skepticism of science with the inflexible certainty of ideological commitment." Much of what Specter writes is good and true. People are not good judges of risk. Vaccinations are vital to people's health. And politics and ideology should not replace science. Yet Specter's extreme scientific exceptionalism, his oversimplification of complex issues and historical episodes, and his near-comical characterization of the denialist make this a hard pill to swallow. VERDICT Many, especially the skeptical and the scientifically inclined, will find arguments that trade on generalities, ignore subtleties, and caricature the opposition suspect. Thus, Specter's book is unlikely to ring true to the believer in science or to convert the unbeliever. Not recommended.—Jonathan Bodnar, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib. & Information Ctr., Atlanta

In the latest bird field guides to hit the market, British author-naturalist Sterry (HarperCollins Complete North American Wildlife) and Birding magazine photo editor Small offer birders excellent state-of-the art digital photos and comprehensive, up-to-date data on North American birds. Species information includes common and scientific names, field marks, plumage variation, size, vocalization, range maps provided by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, and habitat. Conservation status and observation tips for each species are also included. However, some specialized terms are not defined in the short glossary. Publishing as two regional editions rather than as a single volume results in a more portable guide, but birders may still need to carry both, depending on location or travel plans. Comparable guides include Ted Floyd's Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America and Edward Brinkley's National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Field Guide to Birds of North America. All three titles are excellent. However, the Sterry-Small guide's larger photos aid identification and highlight variable plumage. Corner insets identify groups of birds for easier browsing. VERDICT Birders will love the portability, excellent photography, habitat, and conservation information. Libraries in some locations may need to purchase both volumes to cover all birds occurring in their area.—Sally Bickley, Del Mar Coll. Lib., Corpus Christi, TX

Tudge's (The Tree) purpose—"to nudge people who feel…that birds in particular and nature in general are…interesting to the point where they start to feel the meaning of it all"—seems to be a call to the "birders" among us to look deeper than the bright surfaces so much of avian life exhibits. The key is to understand birds' evolutionary history, all 150 million years of it. With wit and aplomb, Tudge introduces the work of major contributors in the fields of ornithology and paleontology as he traces the controversy surrounding birds' paleontological paternity and the origins of flight. He follows with a survey of the 31 orders and 10,500 species in the class Aves; entries in his "annotated cast list" are necessarily brief, but many are memorable. Next come the feeding, mating, and general social behaviors of birds, and Tudge closes with a somewhat dolorous account of the human-bird relationship. VERDICT Birders and educated readers interested in nature will find this fascinating book enormously appealing. Ideally, it should be read with an illustrated guide to world species like Christopher Perrin's New Encyclopedia of Birds, which the author recommends.—Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.

Engineering is one of the least understood professions. Most people envision engineers as math-loving geeks with an affinity for pocket protectors. But what do they do? What is their role in society? Petroski (civil engineering, Duke Univ.) has written several successful books (To Engineer Is Human) that attempt to demystify the engineering profession to the general public. Here, he specifically compares scientists and engineers, drawing clear examples from both current and historical projects. He notes that while both groups often work together, their outlooks are fundamentally different. While scientists have identified problems like global warming and made scientific breakthroughs, it will take engineers to apply those discoveries to solving the problems. VERDICT Entertaining and informative, Petroski's book will be most helpful for prospective engineers and readers wanting to learn more about engineers in general.—William Baer, Georgia Inst. of Technology Lib., Atlanta