Forty years after his death, Ernesto "Che" Guevara remains larger in death than he ever was in life. Born in Argentina and educated as a physician, he is still the iconic revolutionary for succeeding generations. Caistor, a British radio journalist and expert on Latin America, follows Che from his relatively privileged childhood and youth to his harsh introduction to the social inequalities he dedicated himself to righting. Ever balanced, the author provides a clear view of Che, his passion for outcasts, and his flaws in judgment. Che is so closely associated with Castro and the Cuban Revolution that he is seldom remembered for his role in revolutionary movements in the Congo and Bolivia, both of which, as Caistor so aptly concludes, are examples of Che's failures, as he attempted to invoke the Cuban model elsewhere. Educated, passionate, perceptive, and dedicated, Che Guevara was the symbol for an age that rarely understood him or appreciated his commitment to social causes yet was quick to invoke the mantra "Che lives." VERDICT A readable, interesting, and highly recommended biography for all readers.—Boyd Childress, Auburn Univ. Libs., AL

In a welcome departure from the old trope of a white teacher going to teach students from an ethnic minority group and finding great success where others have failed, this monograph details Caswell's trials and tribulations teaching Navajo students in the Borrego Pass community in New Mexico for one year. Caswell (creative writing & literature, Texas Tech Univ.) documents the missteps that led to his alienation from his students, their parents, and the school board. Poignantly, he comes to see that although he came to appreciate the beauty of the locale and its people, he also could not wait to get away after the completion of the school year. VERDICT This beautifully written book serves as a cautionary tale that diversity cannot be taught in a classroom but needs to be experienced, no matter how difficult. Required reading for anyone interested in education or diversity issues.—John Burch, Campbellsville Univ. Lib., KY

Gorokhova presents an evocative memoir of her childhood in St. Petersburg during the Cold War and her path to immigration to the United States. Weaving together threads from the lives of her parents, relatives, and classmates, as well as her own coming-of-age experiences, Gorokhova ably depicts the hardships of life in the waning years of the restrictive Soviet regime. Despite these struggles and the sorrow of the early death of her father, Gorokhova's tale is balanced by jewel-like moments of beauty, optimism, and appreciation of Russia's cultural richness. The author succeeds also in perceptively illustrating the mindset of collectivism that permeated Soviet society, a philosophy that will likely be wholly alien—yet thought-provoking—to many American readers. Written with a lyrical, poetic touch, the narrative occasionally veers too far into a mundane recitation of daily events, but memoir fans will find inspiration in Gorokhova's ability to find hope and opportunity amid repression. VERDICT Best suited to autobiography readers interested in Soviet history, the Cold War, immigration experiences, or female coming-of-age memoirs.—Ingrid Levin, Salve Regina Univ. Lib., Newport, RI

Morris (The Rose Man of Sing Sing) presents a colorful and critical account of the life of Joseph Pulitzer (1847–1911) and Pulitzer's transformative use of the press in his battles for reform. One of the first practitioners of "yellow journalism," which emphasized scandals, crime, and human interest stories (coupled with accurate investigative reporting in Pulitzer's two successive newspapers), Pulitzer deftly appealed to the demographic of a growing immigrant and female newspaper readership. Toward the end of his career, with failing eyesight and near-constant ailments (covered in perhaps too much detail), Pulitzer combated "upstart imitator" William Randolph Hearst—the two respected each other—as well as politicians William Jennings Bryan and Theodore Roosevelt, whom he regarded as demagogues. The first major Pulitzer biography by a scholar of journalism since W.A. Swanberg's Pulitzer over 40 years ago, this book offers new insights derived in part from previously unpublished sources from Pulitzer's brother and wife (to her lover), both providing enriched context for Pulitzer's often turbulent family life. VERDICT With a breezy prose style and expository endnotes taking earlier secondary sources to account, this is highly recommended for both casual readers and students of the history of American journalism between the Civil War and World War I.—Frederick J. Augustyn Jr., Library of Congress

This work, with royal authorization, is intended as the definitive biography of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900–2002), with Shawcross (Allies) granted unprecedented access to private papers. The beginning, an enchanting look at the British aristocracy prior to World War I, may be the best part. Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon turned down many proposals from King George V's second son, "Bertie," and Shawcross offers no explanation as to why she suddenly capitulated. The couple's ascent to the throne following Edward VIII's abdication changed their and their daughters' lives completely. King George VI and his queen were just what England needed during World War II: resilient and tireless. Frustratingly, Shawcross avoids a number of incidents that show the "Queen Mum" in a less than flattering light, such as the extent of her perhaps understandable vitriol regarding the Duchess of Windsor. Almost entirely missing here is Diana, Princess of Wales, though a comparison of these two women who married into royalty would have been useful. VERDICT This is very long for a fluff piece, lacking historical objectivity or analysis. It will interest Anglophiles but may disappoint some who love digging into the lives of 20th-century royals, and it will not satisfy serious readers of history. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]—B. Allison Gray, Santa Barbara Lib. Syst., Goleta, CA

Premier popular historian Weir (Mistress of the Monarchy: The Life of Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster) delivers a most impressively researched book about the last days of Anne Boleyn. Imprisoned, tried for treason (she was accused of adultery, incest, and plotting to murder the king), and beheaded, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, lived an ultimately tragic life that has continued to fascinate people for centuries. Weir examines Boleyn's last few months in depth by concentrating primarily on contemporary primary sources. Referring first to them and then to other historians' research, Weir is able to offer a fresh perspective on the end of Anne Boleyn's life, dispelling long-held facts as myths, refuting some theories of modern historians, and even correcting some of her own previous research. What emerges is the most complete and compelling portrait available of Anne Boleyn in her last days. Weir's impeccable research and gift for storytelling help readers understand the fall of one of the most influential queens in English history and the world of Tudor England. VERDICT A superb example of a nonfiction page-turner that history lovers cannot afford to miss.—Troy Reed, Southeast Reg. Lib., Gilbert, AZ

Gladwell (The Tipping Point) has gathered 22 of his pieces that have appeared in The New Yorker since 1996, arranging them into three sections: "Obsessive, Pioneers, and Other Varieties of Minor Genius," "Theories, Predictions, and Diagnoses," and "Personality, Character and Intelligence." Fans who are not familiar with Gladwell's articles will be delighted to discover that his shorter work contains the same level of insight, wit, and talent for making the mundane fascinating as they've come to expect from his longer work. Gladwell's writing here is filled with colorful characters, acute analyses, and intriguing questions. However, be warned that the organization of the articles by topic rather than by date can be confusing, especially since much of what Gladwell is discussing has since changed. For instance, although articles about the Challenger explosion, the stock market, and Enron all have postscripts about developments that occurred after the original publication of these pieces, the original publication dates are indicated neither in the table of contents nor at the start of the pieces, frustrating readers' attempts to learn what time period each article covers. VERDICT Fans of Gladwell's writing will want to add this to their bookshelves. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/09.]—April Younglove, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, NY

Penenberg (journalism, New York Univ.) explores the "viral expansion loop" phenomenon, which simply means that growth is self-perpetuating as "each new user begets more users." He divides the book into three sections covering viral businesses, marketing, and networks. First, he examines the history of viral organizations ranging from Tupperware and Ponzi schemes to early online adopters Mosaic and Netscape. In the section on viral marketing, he illustrates how entities like Hotmail successfully combine word-of-mouth with "word-of-mouse" strategies. The notion of viral synergy is discussed in the third section as Penenberg describes how companies build or stack upon one another (e.g., eBay and PayPal). Throughout, Penenberg provides insight into the entrepreneurial minds behind the most successful and most disastrous corporate viral attempts. Financial concerns as well as technical issues of scalability are realistically addressed. VERDICT Of use to those interested in starting or enhancing a business, this will also appeal to anyone curious about the legendary rise and rebirth of Silicon Valley.—Judy Brink-Drescher, Molloy Coll., Rockville Ctr., NY

Here's all you ever wanted to know about the Yugo—and more! In fact, Vuic (modern European history, Bridgewater Coll.) provides an exhaustive chronicle of the rise and fall of the Yugoslav car made by Zastava, as well as the people and political situations that played a part in the story. Surprisingly, the Yugo was initially a success and still holds the title of America's fastest-selling first-year European import. Priced at $3,990 in 1986, it was touted as an economical car of the people. Unfortunately, as many know, it soon earned other distinctions, including immediately ranking dead last in consumer satisfaction surveys, which in turn spawned a legion of Yugo jokes, one of which starts off each chapter here. Much of the book follows entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin, whose shady dealings and often wildly unfounded optimism were the impetus behind the original importation of the Yugo into the States. VERDICT Overall, this business history, a detailed mix of U.S. and Eastern European accounts, is well researched, quite readable, and leavened with bits of humor. The plentiful minutiae will make it best for committed business students and serious car buffs.—Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. of Ohio, Oxford

Axelrod (Profiles in Audacity) has written dozens of books on all kinds of historical subjects, from Elizabeth I to George Patton, and it's not clear how he finds the time. Although readers may be a bit nervous about any book that proclaims itself to be a "real history," this latest Axelrod outing is nevertheless pretty good. Tracing the history of the Cold War, beginning with its inception after World War II, Axelrod treats the reader to a sprightly narrative replete with numerous sidebars, photographs, and maps. Sprinkled throughout are brief biographical vignettes of the major (and some minor) actors in this multidecade contest. A tidy chronology and bare-bones bibliography help guide the uninitiated to understand the basic issues surrounding what must be considered one of the major historical challenges of the 20th century. VERDICT Axelrod ably charts a reliable and nicely marked path through the many twists and turns of the Cold War story, and for most readers other than advanced students and specialists his guidance will be welcome.—Ed Goedeken, Univ. of Iowa Lib., Ames

Copiously illustrated and laid out clearly and accessibly, this book reveals just how much we have partaken of code making in our history, even when we may not have called it that. In fact, the 13 thematic chapters will leave most readers amazed at the extent of coding in our lives, much of which we are so used to that we no longer even think of it as coding. Editor Lunde (Islam: Faith, Culture, History) shows us the full array of our hidden messages—though a code is not entirely "hidden" but expresses itself in different language. Lunde covers both created codes—such as the coding we use on watches to indicate time of day, the pulsed electricity of telegraph messages, the folk art language in quilts, the acronyms used in personal ads—and other kinds of indicators that humans read as codes, such as desert vegetation indicating a water source or clouds that warn of rain. The final chapter addresses codes in the digital age, but earlier Lunde has included a spread on "The Book in Your Hands," decoding this book's copyright page, and all of the language attendant to print publication and book binding. VERDICT This is a marvelously enlightening book, impressively organized and highly recommended for all curious readers. —Margaret Heilbrun, Library Journal

Bradley (Flags of Our Fathers) has written a compelling book on a forgotten diplomatic mission. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt sent Secretary of War William Howard Taft on a cruise to Hawaii, Japan, the Philippines, China, and Korea, a diplomatic mission that also included Roosevelt's daughter, Alice. The mission was to solidify a secret U.S.-Japanese agreement to allow Japan to expand into Korea and China, with the irrepressible Alice distracting reporters. This agreement, resulting in the Treaty of Portsmouth, ultimately helped spark not only World War II in the Pacific but the 1949 Chinese Revolution and the Korean War. Bradley describes Taft and Roosevelt as firm believers in the White Man's Burden: since Japan embraced Western culture, Roosevelt wanted it to spread that culture to the rest of Asia. However, their policies backfired because anti-American feelings grew in China, the Philippines, and Korea as America turned its back on these countries, while America and Europe did not check Japanese aggression. Ultimately, Bradley reminds readers in well-cited detail of Roosevelt's often overlooked racist attitudes. Bradley's writing style will appeal to the general reader, with its good mix of letters, newspapers, and sound secondary sources. VERDICT Anyone interested in American history will want to read this book, especially those who want background on the foreign policy of this first sitting President to win the Nobel peace prize. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 7/09.]—Bryan Craig, MLS, Nellysford, VA

Edelman (history, Univ. of California, San Diego; Serious Fun: A History of Spectator Sports in the USSR) pursues a topic he knows well: Soviet sport. Whereas his Serious Fun dealt with multiple spectator sports, the author now homes in on the most popular Soviet sport—soccer—and the sport's most popular team—Spartak Moscow. The author traces Spartak's story from its working-class origins in prerevolutionary Moscow to the post-Soviet 1990s, but this is more than the history of a soccer team; it shows the many ways in which soccer and politics were "joined at the hip" and how the team's transformations mirrored and even influenced a constantly changing society. VERDICT The book succeeds best as a history of Spartak, written in accessible prose, for which sports-minded general readers and soccer fans worldwide should be grateful. Beyond team history, serious students of Soviet social and cultural history will benefit from Edelman's prodigious research, though they will likely join him in wishing the sources were more forthcoming on popular attitudes.—Sean Pollock, Wright State Univ., Dayton, OH

This monumental work studies aspects of ancient empires and their impact across a vast range of time and space: from New Kingdom Egypt and the Hittite Empire in the second millennium B.C.E. to the empires of South Asia through 500 C.E. Other empires covered include Assyria and Babylonia, the first Persian Empire, the Athenian Empire, the empire of Alexander the Great and his successors, the Parthian and early Sasanian Empires, the Roman Empire, and the early empires of South Asia and China. Ten scholars, primarily from the UK and Australia, each provide a chapter on one of the empires, with editor Harrison (Sch. of Archaeology, Classics, & Egyptology, Univ. of Liverpool; Divinity and History) providing the introduction. The oversize volume is illustrated throughout with superb photographs of artifacts, including the Begram Ivories and architectural views, as well as maps, time lines, king lists, and a section titled "Voices of Empire" within each chapter that translate ancient texts, letting history speak for itself. VERDICT Well documented, accessible, and superbly illustrated, this book will be treasured by history and art readers. In libraries, it should be made available both for reference and for browsing.—Joan W. Gartland, Macomb Community Coll. Lib., Warren, MI

In an engrossing narrative, Jackson (history & environmental studies, Rhodes Coll., Memphis) presents the epic story of an obscure event in French history: the great flood of Paris about 100 years ago. Using archival sources and postcards from the time, Jackson describes the physical ravages of the Seine's raging waters, but, more important, he places the disaster within a political, cultural, and social context that both scholars and general readers will understand. A city that had for decades been riddled by political, social, and religious divisions was somehow able to pull together during and after the crisis to regroup and rebuild. Jackson's narrative is enriched by some final musings on contemporary problems affecting French society, as he uses the experience of the flood to ponder ways in which urban residents might reconnect to one another. VERDICT Jackson's efforts to view the flood multidimensionally, writing in a fashion that will especially interest those who remember the personal and political impact of Hurricane Katrina, recommend his book for specialists as well as readers of popular history. [Sarah Smith's The Knowledge of Water, although the central part of a fictional trilogy, stands alone as a novel that takes place in Paris during the flood.—Ed.]—Marie Marmo Mullaney, Caldwell Coll., NJ

This book relates the exceptionally active diplomatic career of acclaimed painter Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640). It's a story unknown to most readers, even admirers of Rubens's work. Serving the kings of Spain but also the archduke and archduchess who governed the Spanish Netherlands, Rubens crisscrossed Europe for over 25 years, negotiating treaties and seeking accommodations among Europe's sovereigns. Though in the top ranks of the Flemish bourgeoisie, Rubens was still only a commoner. That he was tapped to lead these diplomatic efforts testifies to his standing as both an artist and a man of personal qualities. His network of friends and correspondents put him in a unique position, but in the end, his efforts failed, swallowed up in the deluge of destruction of the Thirty Years' War. Lamster explains all this without simplifying the labyrinthine politics of this tumultuous age. An added benefit is his appreciation of, and ease in explaining, the complex iconography and artistic values exposed to view in Rubens's great artworks. VERDICT An exceptional book that should appeal to history lovers and art lovers alike.—David Keymer, Modesto, CA

Don't let the title fool you into thinking that this isn't serious history. It is, and of the highest quality. Mortimer (The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III) has written a tour guide to England's 14th century, an era of tumultuous change; even as the Black Death ravaged the countryside, Chaucer arrived on the scene, pleas were first allowed in court, and men's fashions went wild. Mortimer asks novel questions about the age: what information would you need to survive in this very different place and time? How should you greet someone you've just met? What is the food like? What are the health hazards? How safe is it to travel? How are women treated? What do people do for pleasure? Some practices look odd but had their own logic. Why was a coin worth six shillings eight pence, called the noble, useful? Because it was worth half a mark and a third of a pound (the two standard units of account). VERDICT Chock-full of surprises, this is exceptional social history, compellingly told; there should be "travel books" like this for every century. Start reading, and you won't want to stop.—David Keymer, Modesto, CA

Foreman, publisher of Inventors Digest magazine and producer of PBS's Everyday Edisons, and patent attorney Welytok (Sarbanes-Oxley for Dummies) aim to walk inventors through the product-development process from the moment the proverbial light bulb appears over their head to the moment their brainchild arrives on the market. The authors cover product market research, design, developing prototypes, manufacturing, and distribution. There is an excellent chapter on what a patent is and how to obtain one and another section on funding an invention. The book is packed with anecdotes and case studies, including how the BlackBerry handheld device was named and how Tupperware came to be a household name. Appendixes include a sample nondisclosure agreement and an example of a patent, and a glossary. VERDICT This clear, thorough, and entertaining guide will be sought out by those who need practical help to bring their ideas for inventions to fruition. It's a good companion to David Pressman's Patent It Yourself. Highly recommended.—Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY

Journalist Abramsky attempts to delineate the working of President Obama's mind by analyzing his voluminous record of speeches, interviews, and published writings, in addition to interviewing many of his friends, colleagues, classmates, and professors for this concise yet well-researched work. From the comprehensive range of interviews and interpretive analysis certain traits and talents emerge, notably the President's ability to listen, which Abramsky and others contend has been as instrumental in his rise as his lauded oratorical skills. Indeed, many argue that Obama's ability to listen, empathize, and craft pragmatic solutions made him an effective community organizer, which was in turn a formative influence on his subsequent career. Abramsky examines the academic milieus of Harvard and the University of Chicago to demonstrate how their competitive, demanding cultures honed Obama's intellect and, perhaps more important, his desire to familiarize himself with, and sometimes incorporate, ideas and philosophies contrary to his own. He also skillfully applies context, e.g., the Iowa Caucus, to illustrate Obama's use of his skills. VERDICT An informative look at the people, places, and philosophies that have shaped the 44th President; recommended for all readers interested in psychology, unconventional biographies, or current affairs.—Dennis J. Seese, Jefferson-Madison Reg. Lib., Charlottesville, VA

Colodny (coauthor, Silent Coup) and Shachtman (Airlift to America), two experienced investigative reporters, offer a rigorous and critical examination of the neoconservative movement and the bureaucratic, ideological battles over American foreign policy from 1969 to 2009. During this period, there was infighting, primarily in Republican administrations, between pragmatists, e.g., Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger, and ideologues, e.g., Alexander Haig, Donald Rumsfeld, and Dick Cheney, for the privilege of conducting foreign policy and establishing American supremacy in world affairs. Central to this account of the origins and evolution of crusading conservatives and ideologically driven theorists, such as the mysterious, influential Pentagon operative Fritz Kraemer, is a focus on the domestic and international prospects and perils of a foreign, military-driven policy that has sought to re-create the world in America's image. The authors essentially direct our attention to John Quincy Adams's advice that his country should not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy. VERDICT Anyone who has read Jane Mayer's The Dark Side or Jack Goldsmith's The Terror Presidency would be well served by this captivating chronicle. Highly recommended, especially for students of U.S. foreign policy and/or presidential politics in the post-World War II era.—Stephen K. Shaw, Northwest Nazarene Univ., Nampa, ID

Hayden, a longtime proponent of progressive thought and action, is a fine witness to the pivotal events of the Sixties. In a book both sweeping and reflective, he offers a primer on the era's political and cultural upheavals and an early assessment of President Obama measured against Sixties ideals. Hayden was everywhere then, from Newark to Berkeley, Hanoi, Cuba, Chicago, and Northern Ireland, and he knew everybody who was in power or a threat to power. Writing of the beginnings of the counterculture, feminist, and environmental movements, he highlights parallels between Vietnam and Wounded Knee; explores liberation theology, Jack Kerouac and the Beats, urban violence and poverty, and his strained relationship with Bill Ayers and the Weathermen; and writes movingly of a 2007 visit to old friends in Vietnam. Hayden is optimistic about Obama's leadership but concerned about current war policies and critical of current economic policies. He lists suggestions for Obama and indicates that a New Left is needed to advance a truly progressive agenda. VERDICT This book will introduce a new generation of readers to Hayden and provoke discussion of the impact of the Sixties on the current political scene. With fine notes and a useful 50-page time line; highly recommended.—Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, PA

The title itself suggests the confusion we have about this troubled nation—Burma is the traditional name still used officially by the U.S. government, while most other nations have adopted Myanmar, as specified by the country itself. Whatever you call it, the country does matter to world stability because it occupies a key strategic and economic position between the rising powers of China and India. Steinberg (Asian studies, Sch. of Foreign Service, Georgetown Univ.) is well qualified to shed light in a balanced fashion on the complex issues that plague the country, including human rights, the role of Aung San Suu Kyi (who remains under house arrest), the continuing impacts of the Saffron Revolution in 2007 and Cyclone Nargis in 2008, the role of minorities, oil and gas prospects, international drug trafficking, and the growing influence of China. Its extended question-and-answer format makes this a handy quick reference source for those wanting to cut straight to the main points. VERDICT This is a top choice for students and those with a probing interest in world affairs. Whatever we call it, we are certain to be hearing more about this country. —Harold M. Otness, formerly with Southern Oregon Univ. Lib., Ashland

Management guru Pink, who first made a name for himself with the New York Times best seller A Whole New Mind, elaborates on some decades-old motivational studies indicating that subjects will work more persistently to master an interesting task rather than to gain a reward. On the basis of these well-known research results, he builds a theory of the ideal organization, one based on autonomy, mastery, and purpose, to which end he offers a "tool kit" of self-tests, suggestions, further readings, discussion questions, aphorisms, and various summaries of the book itself (including a Tweetable version). Readers also get accounts of businesses that are taking findings on motivation to heart. VERDICT If you're the sort of person who's jazzed by management seminars and team-building exercises that include a lot of bullet points, you'll love this book—it's Staff Development Day in a box. There are a lot of you out there, so plan accordingly.—Mary Ann Hughes, formerly with Neill P.L., Pullman, WA

Psychotherapist Rothschild (The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment) here provides a practical explanation of her novel approach to trauma recovery and therapy, which strives to make healing less painful than the traumatic incident. Drawing on her personal experience with trauma and her treatment process, Rothschild realized that treatment does not necessarily require vivid remembering of the originating trauma's level of distress. Her keys to recovery include plotting a course of treatment, realizing that remembering is not required, stopping flashbacks, reconciling forgiveness and shame, taking small steps, and making the best of the situation. In each passionately written chapter, Rothschild provides a description of the key principle, a case example, a lay-oriented discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of the issue, examples of how to apply the principle, and practical exercises. Rothschild's valuable information is not designed to replace established therapeutic approaches but will serve as a nice adjunct. VERDICT Readers who have experienced traumatic events will find this a helpful tool as they work with their professional therapist. Also of interest to self-help readers and professional therapists.—Dale Farris, Groves, TX

For this chatty and intriguing little book, Rubin, a lawyer-turned-writer (Forty Ways To Look at Winston Churchill), undertook a yearlong quest for happiness. A "Resolution Chart" with specific activities for each month (e.g., "Ask for help") helped her define happiness and become happier with her very good life, as did interesting facts from her scholarly research (though there are no footnotes or formal bibliography). Peppering the text are quotes from a vast array of people who have considered happiness, including Aristotle, St. Thérèse, and Viktor Frankl. VERDICT This whole process might have come off as frivolously self-centered but for the excellent points Rubin highlights. Although the excerpts from her blog (www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com) begin to feel like filler, librarians will particularly like how she loves her local library, and self-helpers will be fascinated by her process.—Margaret Cardwell, Memphis, TN

This latest addition to the Healing Project's worthy "Voices of" series (see also the entries on Alzheimer's, autism, and caregiving) collects the stories of 34 individuals with bipolar disease and their loved ones. Divided into five categories—"How It Feels," "Diagnosis," "Bipolar Is in Our Blood," "The Caregivers," and "I've Learned To Manage It"—the essays vary in length. Some have happy endings, as in the case of a married couple who stayed together with a sense of humor; others do not. All are real and will strike a chord with the intended audience, who continue to suffer under the weight of a heavy stigma. VERDICT An essential purchase for those suffering from the illness, as well as for family, friends, and other caregivers; all proceeds go to the Healing Project, a recognized tax-exempt organization.—Leigh Mihlrad, Albany Medical Coll., NY

Rothblum, who runs the Fat Legal Advocacy, Rights, and Education Project, and Solovay (women's studies, San Diego State Univ.; Tipping the Scales of Justice: Fighting Weight-Based Discrimination) compile essays studying key issues in this emerging field on the heels of the first national conference on fat studies in 2006. Fifty-plus writers explore the health, legal, historical, and societal issues of being fat (their preferred term), among many other angles. While discussing expected topics such as stereotypes, media representations, stigmas, and how weight is uncorrelated to health, contributors also deal with issues specific to certain groups, such as African American women, gays, and "hoggers." The book, divided into six main sections—on, e.g., health, social inequality, popular culture/literature, and "starting the revolution" (achieving weight-based equality)—covers extensive territory. Each essay is several pages long, which makes it easy to read and browse. Using bold language, contributors do not skirt around issues—readers should be prepared for a direct and important dialog. VERDICT For readers interested in nutrition or issues surrounding those who are overweight.—Leigh Mihlrad, Albany Medical Coll., NY

This is American journalist Hessler's third travelog-memoir about present-day China, following his Oracle Bones: A Journey Between China's Past and Present. Here he writes of his multiyear journey across mainland China, from the interior farmlands to the heart of urban life there, living for a time with a family from the small but historical Sancha village. Through accounts of his day-to-day interactions, Hessler reveals the struggles of rural life amid the enormous modernization of the country and how the modest ways of life are slowly being erased by the lure of the market economy and big money. Hessler then travels to the coastal regions of Zhejiang, to the booming industrial city of Lishu, where he finds a cast of fascinating characters, including factory bosses, farm girls, and traveling troupes, their lives intertwining in a struggle to survive and adapt to the new life and philosophy of a growing consumer-driven society and an often brutally corrupt political system. VERDICT Hessler offers Western readers an intimate story of a much-analyzed but often misunderstood world; both lay readers and scholars will appreciate. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/09.]—Allan Cho, Univ. of British Columbia Lib., Vancouver

Of the 890 worldwide World Heritage sites designated by UNESCO, 27 are in Great Britain and Ireland. They include the natural wonders of England's Dorset coast and Ireland's Giant's Causeway, prehistoric remains at Stonehenge and St. Kilda, stately homes and castles, and such iconic locations as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. Huxley and Smith (100 Best Paintings in London) fill each chapter with color photographs, simple maps, and basic travel information, including opening hours and relevant web sites. They include contact information for local tourist information centers and two or three hotels for each area. VERDICT With several of the sites well covered in travel literature, this book will be most appreciated for including the lesser-known sites. A comprehensive guide would be more useful, but this handsome, original guide offers much inspiration for the trip-planning process.—Linda M. Kaufmann, Massachusetts Coll. of Liberal Arts Lib., North Adams

Smith (green travel correspondent, The Guardian) and Hammond, former editor of theEcologist Magazine, list 500 obscure and adventurous trips, spanning six continents, that enhance environmental causes and charity. The authors define a clean break as "an inspirational vacation that benefits you, local communities and the planet." The book is divided geographically into 14 regions and highlights traveling by horseback, boat, and bicycle as well as hitchhiking, kick sledding, and bog walking. The journeys include birding in South Africa, meeting the Masai in Tanzania, whale- and dolphin-watching in Spain, boating up the Mekong in Laos, and exploring the music world of Harlem. With numerous full-color photographs and offbeat suggestions relating to, e.g., green festivals and volunteering, this guide also includes helpful appendixes with contact information for transport, ticketing agents, accommodations, food and drink, and activities. The book has indexes by country and theme, but a general index would have been helpful. VERDICT A recommended guide for the latest information on ecotourism.—Melinda Stivers Leach, Precision Editorial Svcs., Boulder, CO