A charismatic public figure and the author of a previous memoir—the best-selling Infidel about her Muslim Somali upbringing and her second life as a refugee in the Netherlands—Ali is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank. She presents her second memoir with the explicit ideological motive to counter what she sees as naive liberal responses to Islam, but she dedicates a large portion to her struggles with culture shock as she seeks to find her footing first in Europe then the United States. The book's emotional power lies in her efforts toward a personal reckoning with her family. Those who accept Samuel P. Huntington's theory of the "clash of civilizations" will welcome this smoothly written, emotionally vivid memoir. Readers willing to accept that there is such a thing as "the Muslim mind" will take Ali's arguments at face value. Many readers, however, will reject her assertion that all Muslims think and behave as her tribal community does. Others will question her view that Islam is to be blamed for the social and political problems in predominantly Muslim third world regions and will ask how she would explain similar problems in non-Muslim countries. VERDICT A controversial book accessible to the general public, unlikely to change any minds.—Lisa Klopfer, Eastern Michigan Univ. Lib., Ypsilanti

In this engaging, off-the-wall memoir, Egan, a New Jersey restaurant owner, and journalist Pitzer tell the story of Egan's friendship with a member of North Korea's mission to the United Nations and Egan's subsequent adventures in unofficial diplomacy between the United States and North Korea. Egan frequently hosted North Korean diplomats at his "barbecue shack," Cubby's, and made several trips to North Korea. Thus he is able to convey behind-the-scenes information to readers. Egan's activism stemmed from his interest in American POWs in Vietnam, but readers also learn of his interactions with the Mafia and the FBI, not to mention North Korea and the restaurant business. His experience with North Korea, however, is the focus of the memoir and demonstrates the power that individual friendships formed across "enemy" lines can have. VERDICT Egan and Pitzer's down-to-earth language and irreverent style will appeal to readers looking for a funny, offbeat memoir about serious issues, but it will not appeal to scholars and students, as there is no research cited (no bibliography or endnotes).—Madeline Mundt, Univ. of Nevada, Reno

To say that Samuel Steward (d. 1983) lived many lives in one is an understatement. As a young academic, he knew many of the leading literary figures of the day, including Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. He went on to be a tattoo artist and novelist, though most, including Spring, would say he was a pornographer. His classic, STUD, published under the pseudonym Phil Andros, remains one of the essential gay novels of the late 20th century. Spring, author of important books on Fairfield Porter and Paul Cadmus, found a trove of diaries, letters, and scrapbooks left by Steward. Since Steward kept incredibly complete records of his erotic and social lives, he provides his biographer a rare richness of material for a person not generally well known. These materials could have easily led Spring to write a salacious book, but it is quite restrained under the circumstances. In an afterword, Spring recounts the discovery and disposition of these papers and his encounters with the libraries holding them, which will be especially interesting to librarians. VERDICT This sophisticated biography will appeal to both general and academic readers with an interest in LGBT issues.—David S. Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

Williams's deeply moving memoir relates the three years her family spent in a Palestinian neighborhood in Jerusalem. Tragically, shortly after the family's arrival in 2000, the second intifada (uprising) erupted, and life in Israel and the occupied territories was shaken by suicide bombings, vicious reprisals, and constant fear. The personal experiences of the author's family are contrasted with the daily violence committed by both Palestinians and Israelis, both sides driven by a sense of victimhood and vulnerability. Williams laments that Israeli dominance and the devastation of the Palestinian economy and community can never provide security; she blames the U.S. media and government for not presenting an honest picture of or a responsible policy for the cruelty and futility of Israeli actions. She frames her memoir with a tourist's perspective on her family's explorations of the countryside, visits to historic sites, and friendships with interesting and compassionate Israelis, Palestinians, and expatriates. VERDICT A beautifully written report of the human costs of the ongoing struggle between two peoples unable to live in peace in the land they both love, focusing on the experiences of fear and suffering, violence and compassion. Highly recommended.—Elizabeth R. Hayford, emeritus, Associated Colls. of the Midwest, Evanston, IL

Kindred (Sound and Fury: Two Powerful Lives, One Fateful Friendship) takes a look at how the Washington Post, like many other newspapers, is trying to stay alive despite the rise of the Internet and the recent economic downturn. A former Post sports columnist, he presents highlights of the newspaper's history, key figures, and groundbreaking reporting. Throughout he intersperses his thoughts on why newspapers are struggling—e.g., the rapid rise of digital media, the decrease in circulation and ad revenue, the overall economy. He also addresses the ways papers have adapted an online presence in order to keep their readership. VERDICT Kindred never quite fleshes out his thesis, offering no new insights or solutions to the challenges print media faces in light of evolving technology and the new ways people receive news. For journalism students and die-hard news junkies; general readers would find more engaging Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward's All the President's Men or legendary Post publisher Katharine Graham's memoir, A Personal History.—Donna Marie Smith, Palm Beach Cty. Lib. Syst., FL

This business history and biography of Facebook's founders, especially visionary Mark Zuckerberg, chronicles Facebook's surprising Ivy League beginnings in a Harvard University dormitory and how it spread to other college campuses and high school audiences before opening up to the general public. Despite Facebook's phenomenal growth, Zuckerberg claimed the goals were to increase networking and the sharing of information among individuals. Zuckerberg's vision, however, has made him and his fellow founding innovators multibillionaires, yielded Facebook competitive advantage and economies of scale, and made Zuckerberg one of the youngest CEOs of a company with such a large market capitalization. VERDICT This book, describing how Facebook kept evolving, the controversies it has faced, and what the future holds, was written with Zuckerberg's knowledge and is based on extensive interviews with him, so it is highly recommended for readers who want to understand better what drives entrepreneurial passion and risk taking. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 2/15/10.]—Caroline Geck, MLS, MBA, Somerset, NJ

Writing for students and parents, Green (Getting Straight A's) illustrates the importance of doing well in school, using statistics and anecdotes from his own experiences and those of other successful people. In the book's second part, he shares strategies on how to read effectively, do well on tests, and get good grades on papers and other assignments. There are no surprises here: start early, pay attention, attend class, and do the work. Appendixes include a list of 101 great books to read as part of a good education, keywords used on exams, a listing of further resources, and, oddly, a copy of the author's straight-A graduate school transcript. One useful feature is a recap of basic points at the end of each section and chapter. Green's writing is easy to follow, and it doesn't take a large commitment of time to finish his book. VERDICT Green covers the subject well but adds nothing new, given the plethora of similar guides. Many readers may prefer a more exciting presentation with illustrations, but the low paperback price makes this worthwhile if your how-to guides circulate a lot.—Mark Bay, Univ. of the Cumberlands Lib., Williamsburg, KY

The many women who played supporting roles to the troops in World War I are scarcely ever mentioned by name in the histories of that war. Atkinson, who has published many books in the UK on the suffragette movement, attempts to right this wrong in her portrayal of these two women, who met as part of a motorcycling club in 1912 and joined the Munro Flying Ambulance Corps when Britain entered the war. They set up an aid station on the Western Front, being among the first nurses to realize that the wounded would be better treated for shock before being shipped to a hospital. Atkinson shows that these two women's courage and dedication brought them fame in Britain, yet once the war ended, each tried to find a place back in traditional society and never quite succeeded. They retreated separately into obscurity and near poverty. VERDICT Because World War I histories that involve a true look at women's contributions are few and far between, this accessible work, acknowledging these important contributions, adds dimension to general readers' understanding of the war. Companion works include Margaret Higonnet's Nurses at the Front: Writing the Wounds of the Great War, which is far more rigorous and scholarly.—Maria Bagshaw, Ecolab, St. Paul, MN

After years of suppression and unavailability in English, this critical analysis of the Battle of Waterloo finally sees the light of day in this accessible English translation. Clausewitz (1780–1831), whose On War is still required reading today, served as a senior staff officer in the Prussian army, which fought with the Duke of Wellington's Anglo-Allied Army in the Waterloo campaign. His appraisal of the battle, published posthumously in its original German and later translated and shown to Wellington privately around 1842, is worth the read, as it is an objective analysis of the battle by an ally who is quite critical of both Allied commanders, Wellington and Prussian field marshal Blücher. Wellington pronounced it a "lying work" and prevented its publication in English, burying it in his private papers and fostering the Wellington bias in the historical record. VERDICT Translator and editor Hofschröer, a leading scholar of the Napoleonic Wars, has produced a fine edition of Clausewitz's critique. This piece of the Waterloo "puzzle" gives us a more rounded view of the Waterloo campaign, which Wellington himself described as "a close run thing." Now we all know just how and why. Highly recommended for both specialists and generalists interested in Napoleonic history.—David Lee Poremba, Keiser Univ., Orlando, FL

People love to root for underdogs. With that in mind, O'Brien (Secret Lives of the U.S. Presidents: What Your Teachers Never Told You About the Men of the White House) here recounts tales of battles in which the smaller forces not only survived but even pulled off dramatic victories. The 14 battles discussed, arranged chronologically, cover four continents and date from anywhere between 480 B.C.E. and 1942. The snapshots of each battle, all clear and concise, demonstrate the more intriguing aspects of each engagement. Large color illustrations and maps are frequent, helping to make this a beautifully presented book. Although the bibliography is brief, the titles referenced generally represent recent scholarship. There are similar titles about decisive battles and interesting campaigns, but none quite like this. Only the absence of an overall conclusion detracts from this otherwise entertaining work. VERDICT Accessible writing and an attractive presentation make this an appealing choice for many military history enthusiasts.—Matthew J. Wayman, Penn State Schuylkill Lib.

American archaeologist Ryan (Faculty Fellow in Humanities, Pacific Lutheran Univ.) is best known for his projects in Egypt, most recently in the Valley of the Kings, Thebes. In this action-packed memoir, Ryan's aim is to "share the adventure and perhaps educate, entertain, and even inspire." He accomplishes this with evocative writing and excellent, detailed descriptions of fieldwork in Egypt, be it clearing mud brick in the Fayyum or excavating a series of tombs in the Valley of the Kings. He captures well the joys and hazards involved in fieldwork, as well as the rapport that develops with colleagues and workers. He acknowledges the hospitality of Egyptian villagers along with the renowned epigraphic surveys conducted by the University of Chicago and Chicago House in Luxor and literally follows in the steps of Howard Carter, the discoverer of Tutankhamen's tomb, doing full justice to Carter's life and work. He also takes the surprising stance of speaking up for Giovanni Belzoni, the 19th-century adventurer whose name and exploits in Egypt are traditionally viewed as anathema in the history of Egyptology. Unfortunately, there are no footnotes or bibliography to guide the reader to additional sources. VERDICT An enthusiastically written book for readers from YA to armchair adventure lovers who dream of being archaeologists or Egyptologists.—Joan W. Gartland, Macomb Community Coll. Lib., Warren, MI

This engagingly written book traces the history of feminism from its earliest writings to the present. Surprisingly, Stansell (history, Univ. of Chicago; American Moderns) is one of the first to synthesize the research by historians and feminist scholars in the last 40 years. Much of the book's first half traces the history of the struggle for women's suffrage, while the second half is dedicated to post-1960s second-wave feminism; however, little mention is made of the intervening years between the wars. Stansell attempts to move beyond traditional narratives of first- and second-wave feminist movements, expanding the story to include African American and working-class women and at times mentioning events around the world, although for the most part it is an Anglo-Americancentric narrative. VERDICT While this is an important contribution to the historiography of the feminist movement, the book might have more aptly been described as a history of the U.S. feminist movement. It will appeal to both scholarly and popular audiences, and together with Estelle B. Freedman's No Turning Back: A History of Feminism and the Future of Women, it makes a good introduction to the topic.—Jessica Moran, Metropolitan Transportation Commission-Assn. of Bay Area Governments Lib., Oakland, CA

Of the writing of histories of the Cold War, there is no end. Stone (history & Russian studies, Bilkent Univ., Turkey), one of Great Britain's most distinguished historians, now offers his own assessment of the period between the end of World War II and the fall of the Soviet Union. In many respects, this latest outing continues Stone's earlier and well-received study of the first part of the 20th century, Europe Transformed, 1878–1919. Stone covers the now-familiar contest between the Soviet Union and the United States, a contest probably best treated in Derek Leebaert's The Fifty-Year Wound: How America's Cold War Victory Has Shaped Our World. Stone's writing style is a bit challenging with long, complex sentences and page-long paragraphs, but he does bring decades of erudition to his analysis; moreover, he lived in Eastern Europe during part of the period under review and brings that perspective to his work as well. VERDICT For those collecting or reading comprehensively on the history of the Cold War.—Ed Goedeken, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames

From our July 4th celebrations to the iconic images from 9/11, the American flag is an all-pervasive, definitive symbol of American national identity. In this dynamic work, originally published in Italy in 2003, Testi (U.S. history, Univ. of Pisa) provides readers with an engaging and fresh perspective that can only be provided by an outsider standing above the fray. Whether discussing the evolution of flag etiquette or its relationship to the U.S. Constitution, Testi deftly explores the shifting cultural meanings of the American symbol, from 1776 through the growth of the American empire to the contentious debates occurring today. He lucidly contends that through all eras of American history, groups as ideologically divergent as the Ku Klux Klan and the civil rights activists of the 1960s have labored to "capture the flag" to stand for their own causes. VERDICT In Mazhar's (Warnborough Coll., Dublin) excellent translation, the brilliance of Testi's insights comes across well. This slim volume will certainly appeal to American studies scholars as well as to general readers of American cultural history.—Brian Odom, Pelham P.L., AL

Wynalda, a Civil War buff and freelance writer, insists that the way to understand Lincoln is in discovering "the little things in his life," and he does so by offering a calendar of Lincoln's thoughts and actions from his election as President in 1860 through his death in April 1865. Drawing on contemporary documents, Wynalda reconstructs Lincoln's musings and comings and goings in chronological order, giving each day a particular focus, such as Lincoln as family man, as military planner, as political strategist, as storyteller, and with Wynalda's take on critical issues such as racism, emancipation, and war policy inserted throughout. The arrangement works well in showing Lincoln's evolving thought and in pointing to the connections between the private and public man. Wynalda has a novelist's eye for the telling detail, and he shows common sense and a good command of the Lincoln literature in his assessments of the President. If he sometimes relies too much on others' memories of Lincoln, which can be suspect, he does "get Lincoln" in ways that humanize him, which, in turn, points to those qualities of empathy and reflection that made Lincoln the very soul of the people. VERDICT Recommended for all Lincoln students and enthusiasts.—Randall M. Miller, Saint Joseph's Univ., Philadelphia

Ninety-seven Orchard was an address shared by five immigrant families who lived in one tenement building at different times from the end of the Civil War up to World War II. Ziegelman, who will direct the Culinary Center to open at New York's Tenement Museum, which is the actual 97 Orchard building, documents, in a manner not often found in such social histories, their struggles to adjust to a new way of life in America. Interspersed among the tales of each group are culinary details and specific recipes that add vividly to the flavor and texture of the descriptions of the hardscrabble life these families—German, Irish, Jewish, and Italian—experienced. The multitude of gastronomic details, from the origin of snack shops called delicatessens to the growing popularity of something called macaroni, are painstakingly described. It is an eye-opening exploration of the social and economic history of those who thrived and survived, in spite of significant odds, on New York's Lower East Side. VERDICT Recommended for those seeking up-close and personal—as well as edible—insights into the daily lives of late 19th- and early 20th-century "new Americans."—Claire Franek, MSLS, Brockport, NY

Pakroo, an attorney and small-business expert, plumps up her earlier book, The Small Business Start-Up Kit: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide (6th ed., 2010), by adding material that focuses on the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. Both books offer solid advice on crafting a business plan, designing a marketing strategy, choosing the appropriate legal structure, handling employment issues, and working with legal and financial professionals. In this new volume, Pakroo adds an opening chapter on work/life balance that discusses working with spouses, mixing business and children, and designing a business structure compatible with career and family goals. She covers the challenges of home-based businesses; considers financial, tax, and health-care considerations for women; and provides a list of agencies that serve women in business. There are tips, anecdotes, and practical insights from a number of accomplished women entrepreneurs on such topics as business travel with children and creative ways to reduce child care costs. The accompanying CD includes extended interviews and a collection of financial forms and worksheets. VERDICT There is enough distinctive material here to justify owning this as well as Pakroo's other title, at least in larger public libraries. Newly entrepreneurial women will appreciate this source.—Joan Pedzich, Harris Beach PLLC, Rochester, NY

Instead of the usual examination of how the Constitution is the blueprint for American democracy, Tushnet (William Nelson Cromwell Professor of Law, Harvard Univ.; A Court Divided) discusses how the structure of the Constitution has influenced our politics. He first notes that the Constitution's role as the foundation of our democracy is not its most important one. For instance, with the current debate over health-care reform, he points out the many extra-constitutional factors affecting legislation. The American political system, Tushnet notes, is largely controlled at the state level, where election rules are set and fund-raising takes place, activities that are not spelled out in the Constitution. Tushnet next turns to the Supreme Court's effect on the Constitution, indicating again that politics, such as that involved in judicial selection and the deciding of cases, has more impact on the Court than the outlines of the Constitution itself. He also points out here that Supreme Court justices, as life appointees, are less affected by politics than are members of Congress. The third chapter is very brief, summarizing the points of the book and suggesting ways that the Constitution can matter more. VERDICT Although Tushnet's premise is interesting, his book can be hard to follow because of the number of points he attempts to discuss briefly. Each of his topics needs to be covered more fully to be clear. While his book may be useful to prelaw and law students, it is not recommended for others.—Becky Kennedy, Atlanta-Fulton P.L., GA

Iranian journalist Houshang Asadi was arrested in 1981 and spent the following six years in prison. While in prison, a man Asadi calls Brother Hamid brutally and extensively tortured him until he would admit to anything. Through frequent exposure to extreme pain and humiliation, Asadi confessed to spying both for the Soviets and for the British. Finally, because of a chance encounter with the Ayatollah Khameni, Asadi regained his freedom. Each chapter here begins with a short section addressed directly to Brother Hamid and is followed by passages recounting the memories and thoughts that the letter brings to mind. The passages are beautifully crafted, lyrical, and sad. When he speaks about his torture in detail, his story is also deeply disturbing. For the lay reader unfamiliar with the details of Iran's complex political history, however, Asadi's story is ultimately confusing and inaccessible. Although there are occasional explanatory endnotes, a special foreword addressed to foreign readers would make this book less opaque to a general audience. VERDICT An important firsthand account of Iranian prison conditions during the 1980s that scholars of Iranian history will want to read.—April Younglove, Rochester Regional Lib. Council, NY

Today's global society is totally dependent on the complex communications networks that connect individuals, businesses, and governments. Attacking these networks is relatively easier and cheaper for both governments and terrorists than more overt acts; it could also cause even more widespread and long-lasting damage. Clarke (Against All Enemies: Inside America's War on Terror), who was a White House security adviser to Presidents from Reagan through Clinton, discusses the various points of cyber vulnerability and critiques American efforts to protect its vital infrastructure. An electronic first strike could lead to an uncoordinated retaliation that could rapidly escalate out of control. Governments and companies all over the world are hard at work developing both offensive and defensive software programs, policies, and procedures to deal with this immediate threat, but Clarke wants to encourage more public debate on a topic that has been dominated by the technical experts. He previously wrote a technothriller, Breakpoint, on this very issue. VERDICT On an important subject, this book is written for general readers, although undergraduates could benefit from it as well. However, the lack of both a bibliography and an index (not to mention footnotes) is a serious deficiency.—Daniel K. Blewett, Coll. of DuPage Lib., Glen Ellyn, IL

The author, who writes here under a pseudonym to protect his identity, was born in Tehran, and, after attending university in California, returned to Iran and joined the Revolutionary Guard in the closing years of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi's reign. Not long after the Islamic Republic was established, he became disillusioned with its fundamentalism because of the arrest, torture, and execution of his friends and many others. He writes of how he made contact with U.S. intelligence agencies and thereafter reported from inside the Guard for several years. The moral ambiguity of spying on his country and his friends in the Guard, as well as fear of the consequences to his family if he were caught, eventually led to his fleeing Iran and obtaining permission to come to the states. His book makes clear that the Guard was claiming, to its domestic audience, a wider role in international incidents than has been recognized in the world press, e.g., in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. Kahlili is critical of U.S. policy toward Iran and disillusioned that his information did not lead to stronger action by the several administrations that received his reports. VERDICT Readers usually get stories of life inside Iran from journalists, e.g., Elaine Sciolino's Persian Mirrors. This is the first inside account by someone so strategically placed. Without embellishing, Kahlili manages to convey the horror of Iran's regime after the downfall of the shah. Everyone with an interest in the region or in U.S. foreign policy or real-life espionage will be interested.—Marcia L. Sprules, Council on Foreign Relations Lib., NY

The problems in Myanmar (formerly Burma) overflow its borders: thousands of Karen minority men and women have fled to Thailand, where they live difficult, often seemingly hopeless lives in refugee camps. American journalist McClelland (Mother Jones) spent time teaching English in 2006 at an NGO-sponsored program in the border region of Thailand. She writes passionately and sometimes entertainingly about the friendships she established with the refugees from Myanmar, over many beer and vodka sessions, and concludes with a depressing account of the disappointments some face when they are finally lucky enough to emigrate to America. VERDICT This is more McClelland's memoir than about the conditions in Myanmar itself and the complex political and economic factors that continue to boil there. For good coverage of those topics, see books such as David I. Steinberg's Burma/Myanmar: What Everyone Needs To Know. A worthy alternative choice for lay readers and scholars invested in the subject.—Harold M. Otness, Southern Oregon Univ., Ashland

McGregor (China bureau chief, Financial Times) reveals the inner workings of China's political structure and the mechanisms that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) needs to manipulate the country's business, government, courts, media, and military. Not only, as McGregor shows, is the CCP pervasive in almost every aspect of citizens' lives, but it also carefully conceals corruption and human rights abuses by sheltering its own members from any hint of criticism. Although a superpower second only to the United States in global influence and modernization, China continues to be ruled by men in an anachronistic bubble reminiscent of the country's imperial past, reticent and mysterious to its people and the rest of the world. In tracing the bureaucracy and its leadership, from Mao Zedong to current president Hu Jintao, McGregor documents how such an extraordinary political machine—it has over 73 million members—with complete control of all areas from the largest cities to the tiniest hamlets, is run like a modern-day corporation, from selecting its own senior managers for all government offices to rewarding its card-holding members through a patronage system. VERDICT McGregor's portrait unravels the ambiguities surrounding this secretive state's party apparatus. Recommended for all seeking to keep current on Chinese political history.—Allan Cho, Univ. of British Columbia Lib., Vancouver

Europe shaped this inveterate hitchhiker and motorcyclist's interest in the media's perceptions of terrorism, which drew him to the island nation of Sri Lanka, home to the Tamil Tigers, to study the terrorist ethology of militant nationalists. Although Meadows chats with a number of persons touched by or responsible for terrorist acts in Sri Lanka (one even gives him a media packet), his book features more historical prolog than in-country adventure. Some charming stories of drinking tea and exploring caves will draw in readers, but details of his bike trek don't start until page 160 or so—understandable considering the complexity of the subject matter. The author also waxes poetic about toilets and weaves folksy stories about elephants into the narrative of his adventures. His insights into the political and military psyches of terrorist leaders and the link between poverty and terrorism are spellbinding. With black-and-white photographs, a time line, and a glossary. VERDICT This compelling but somewhat disjointed account is a worthwhile addition to larger international affairs collections.—Elizabeth Connor, The Citadel, Military Coll. of South Carolina Lib., Charleston

In September 2004, Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned by dioxin, which caused severe illness and disfigurement. In October 2006, journalist Anna Politkovskaya, a critic of President Vladimir Putin and his handling of the Chechen conflict, was shot to death in Moscow. In November 2006, former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned by polonium-210 and died after several days of agony. Litvinenko was known for publicly alleging that the Russian government was behind numerous acts of terrorism against its own people, including Politkovskaya's murder. These stories are familiar to most who follow international news. What many people do not know is that this type of assassination has a long history extending through Soviet regimes as far back as Lenin. Volodarsky, a former KGB officer himself, provides evidence that eliminating enemies by poisoning or other means is still business as usual in Russia, despite the political changes of the past two decades. His book is readable, though it takes a strong focus at times to keep identities and events clear: a who's who appendix would have been a helpful resource. VERDICT Though not a scholarly book, this will fascinate students as well as general readers interested in international espionage.—Beth Johns, Haslett, MI

This scenario-based manual enlivens the flourishing subgenre of oral sex books. After a well-done chapter on female sexual anatomy and response, clinical sexologist Borg introduces 50 ways to include cunnilingus in a pleasing sexual episode. Strategies include "event headliners," quickies, techniques for deeper psychological connection, options emphasizing safety for casual sex and hookups, encounters incorporating extras like porn or sex toys or pretend prostitution, and more drawn-out games. The soft-core photos (no genitals) and female-positive messages are well tailored for guys, emphasizing how orally pleasing your woman leads to male satisfaction on numerous levels. Unfortunately, some visuals and details fall short: there's no internal anatomy diagram that shows the G-spot and cervix, the perineum and urethra are left off the external diagram, no details are offered on survey respondents or sources for "sex facts" sidebars, and photos are not well coordinated with the text. VERDICT Best for experienced players interested in the scenarios. An optional purchase, especially if your collection already has other oral sex manuals or more general books for male readers about pleasuring women that include oral techniques.—Martha Cornog, Philadelphia

Retired army physician Hoge (research director, Division of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Inst. of Research) addresses the psychological problems returning combat veterans face and the social stigma attached to seeking mental health care. As a remedy, he redefines their symptoms as a physiological condition including behaviors that had been necessary for combat survival but are less functional in a civilian setting. Beginning with a discussion of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), including incidence, checklists of symptoms, causes, and associated conditions, and the current professional debate over whether combat-related reactions are based on psychological (PTSD) or physical causes (MTBI), Hoge then presents his own system for managing transition problems. Skills for life survival, managing stress, monitoring feelings and emotions, and navigating the mental health-care system are outlined. Strategies for family members are offered, and the book concludes with a section on loss and coping. VERDICT More self-help and less policy-oriented than Victor Montgomery III's Healing Suicidal Veterans, this work addresses a similar audience by using the language of military camaraderie and acknowledging that war changes people in ways only other warriors may fully grasp. A workmanlike but user-friendly guide for returning combat vets experiencing a broad variety of adjustment problems.—Antoinette Brinkman, MLS, Evansville, IN

Psychiatrist Perry (Child Trauma Acad.) and award-winning science journalist Szalavitz collaborated on The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, and this work maintains their high standard of quality as they explore their topic as it pertains to the newborn infant and to society at large—here and abroad. Mirror neurons bond infant and caregiver, releasing the hormone oxytocin to ingrain and reinforce the lifelong capacity for empathy. Chapters use compelling vignettes to explain this phenomenon in adoption, autism, health, school; groups and gangs; war, economics, and politics; and status and stress. The authors effectively connect neurons and psyche, family, and the wider world. They explain epigenetics and how genes are "set" for or against flexibility by early experience. Research shows the advantages of paid leave for new parents and the disadvantages of screen time (e.g., television and video games), economic inequality (which fosters mistrust and alienation), and chronic stress. VERDICT This clear, expert, up-to-date presentation of what makes us human, happy, and durable as a species will enhance any library. [Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-198767-0.]—E. James Lieberman, George Washington Univ. Sch. of Medicine, Washington, DC

In this exhaustively documented volume, Fischer (sociology, Univ. of California, Berkeley; America Calling: A Social History of the Telephone, 1880–1940) asks whether and how the lives of people in the mainstream of American society have changed over the course of time from the Colonial era to the 21st century. Chewing through reams of data (enumerated in 107 pages of works cited and 92 pages of notes), Fischer gauges the state of the American psyche and expounds on the themes of security (safety, economic stability, and health), goods (i.e., consumerism), groups (membership in bourgeois society), public spaces (including political participation), and mentality (self-improvement, religion, education, relationships, etc.) and explores their evolution over time in conventional American society. He credits an ingrained sense of voluntarism in part for maintaining the national character. Fischer's interpretation leads him to conclude that mainstream American culture and character have changed less than one might have imagined, given the dramatic changes introduced by modernity. VERDICT A thorough work best appreciated by serious readers in sociology and U.S. social history.—Donna L. Davey, New York Univ. Lib.

The title of this book may be a bit misleading. Unlike Edmund White's States of Desire: Travels in Gay America, of 20 years ago, which introduced us to a broad cross section of gay Americans, the 44 profiles here are of artists, writers, activists, politicians, and intellectuals. Gambone's interviewees are diverse in many ways (age, gender, race, background), but they are all people of noted accomplishment, the best-known probably being Dorothy Allison, Tammy Baldwin, Kate Clinton, Barney Frank, and George Takei, but at least half the names should be familiar to most LGBT readers. Gambone is a smart interviewer with a laid-back, engaging style, and he knows how to bring out the most interesting qualities of his subjects. He clearly admires them all and makes us admire them, too. It was an odd choice to arrange the chapters alphabetically, rather than thematically, but it does make for an eclectic front-to-back reading experience. VERDICT Although published by a university press, this book is squarely aimed at the general, informed LGBT reader.—David Gibbs, Georgetown Univ. Lib., Washington, DC

First-time author Williams offers a revealing memoir on a par with James McBride's The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother (1996) and Bakari Kitwana's more scholarly The Hip Hop Generation: Young Blacks and the Crisis in African American Culture (2002). Losing My Cool is the story of a mixed-race young man's intellectual journey, in which he examines the impact of cultural forces on today's youth. Williams effectively conveys the convergences and dichotomies that his life comes to reflect: frontin' with his boyz vs. mandated study with his taciturn father. As the story unfolds and Williams takes to philosophical self-examination, this juxtaposition highlights the tenuous balance today's youth face in traversing the path between peer/cultural pressure and intellectual success, while examining the negative effect one's cultural identification can have both on the individual and the collective. VERDICT Recommended for YA readers, undergraduates, and readers in sociology or urban studies.—Jewell Anderson, Armstrong Atlantic State Univ. Lib, Savannah, GA

With Insight Guides' trademark compactness, conciseness, and beautiful photography, this is a handy companion for a quick or extended tour of Ireland. It particularly caters to hikers, families, gardeners, and shoppers, as well as to art, literature, entertainment, beer, and cuisine enthusiasts. The easy-to-carry volume contains 16 self-guided regional and urban tours, highlighting the main tourist attractions and out-of-the-way neighborhoods. The book features colorful photographs, easy-to-follow maps and directions, and a detailed pullout map. With a succinct overview of the country and its customs and history, the guide also offers an alphabetical directory of practical resources and contact information for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment. Hopkin, an Ireland transplant from London, is a travel writer, and Stubbs is a frequent visitor to the country and an aficionado of Irish culture. VERDICT This book is recommended for would-be travelers to Ireland and armchair travelers who want a compact journey into the country.—Melinda Stivers Leach, Precision Editorial Svcs., Boulder, CO

Husband and wife Damian and Siobhan (Shiv) Horner do the unthinkable: he quits his high-paying job as an ad exec in London, and the couple, with their two toddlers, embark on a boat adventure through the French canal system from Calais to the Mediterranean. A cataloger's nightmare, the book has two titles (and two sets of front matter), each by one of the coauthors. Damian's title page faces one way; flip the book over for Siobhan's. Fortunately for the reader, this bit of literary quirk stops before it becomes annoying. The main text is unified, and the authors' thoughts are divided only by two fonts. The duel narrative is not original but is used effectively. Each author gives a version of an episode, or one writes a continuation of the other's thoughts. VERDICT Readers will be engaged, hoping that the couple make it to the sea without ending up in divorce court from the cramped quarters. This compelling travel memoir will attract even those who have no interest in canals, boat travel, or France.—Lee Arnold, Historical Soc. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia