Science & Technology Reviews, September 15, 2011
Sep 15, 2011Agriculture
Abramson, Jill. The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout. Times Bks: Holt. Oct. 2011. c.256p. photogs. bibliog. ISBN 9780805093421. $22. PETS
Drawing on her popular New York Times blog of the same name, recently named executive editor Abramson chronicles her retriever puppy’s first year, acting both as owner and diarist. While gentle Scout is pure golden, the book’s a mix—the jacket calls it “part memoir, part manual, part investigative report.” Abramson worries a great deal about raising Scout right, and after much tutoring and consultation and practice, she apparently succeeds. Readers with young dogs should find Abramson’s discussion of “adolescence” and its setbacks particularly reassuring. Her description of New York’s dog parks and its exclusive canine services will interest general readers as well as dog lovers. If there’s any truth, however, to Marley & Me author John Grogan’s observation that “bad dogs make good copy,” then a better subject might have been Scout’s predecessor—a terrier named Buddy who bit a lady and disliked kids. VERDICT Scout’s story was better suited to a blog than a book—reader responses gave the site a vitality the text sorely lacks. Still, retriever owners wanting to know all they can about the breed may find it useful. [See Prepub Alert, 3/7/11.]—R. Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont.
Henderson, Bill. All My Dogs: A Life. Godine. Oct. 2011. c.144p. illus. ISBN 9781567924350. $18.95. PETS
In this memoir, Henderson ( His Son: A Memoir ) reflects on his life through his beloved past and present dogs. Humorous childhood stories include hikes and explorations with his dog Trixie and, later, Duke. Young adulthood is remembered as an empty period—college, a brief marriage, the death of his mother, and no dogs. Life became better when he started Pushcart Press, met the woman who would become his new wife, moved out of the city with her, and adopted dogs Ellen and Rocky. Overlapping with Her Father: A Memoir , he recounts adopting their daughter Sophie and having another, Holly, both of whom brought incredible joy to his life. Next in the pet lineage were Opie (his wife’s beagle), Max, and Lulu, a “special” dog whose unconditional love helped him through his struggle with cancer. VERDICT With lovely illustrations of Henderson’s dogs by Leslie Moore, this sweet tribute reinforces in the same spirit as Mark Doty’s Dog Years how dogs can be the heart of a family. —Eva Lautemann, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Clarkston
Woginrich, Jenna. BarnHeart: The Incurable Longing for a Farm of One’s Own. Storey. Dec. 2011. c.192p. ISBN 9781603427951. pap. $14.95. AGRI
A kind of Under the Tuscan Sun for livestock lovers, this candid and sincere memoir recounts the trials and tribulations of an aspiring farmer who yearns to have land to call her own. Transplanted to New England to take an office job, Woginrich (Made from Scratch) writes of longing to rise before dawn to feed chickens, tend sheep, train dogs, breed rabbits, and work the land. Endowed with seemingly boundless reservoirs of energy and enthusiasm for her agricultural pursuits, Woginrich strives to learn all there is to know about border collies and sheep handling while settling in to a new life in a new place with only her dogs and fiddle to keep her company. Self-sufficiency and determination keep the author’s homesteading dreams alive as she gradually becomes part of the community and develops into the farmer she always aspired to be. As Woginrich rationalizes away her vegetarianism by contending that the animals she raises as meat are well treated, we are reminded that farming is not for the squeamish. VERDICT A good read for armchair farmers and aspiring and established homesteaders.—Donna L. Davey, New York Univ. Lib.
Health & Medicine
Boachie, Ahmed & Karin Jasper. A Parent’s Guide to Defeating Eating Disorders: Spotting the Stealth Bomber and Other Symbolic Approaches. Jessica Kingsley. Sept. 2011. c.192p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781849051965. pap. $19.95. HEALTH
Parents have a critical role to play when it comes to recognizing eating disorders—according to a 1992 UK study, only two percent of general practitioners and 33 percent of pediatricians accurately diagnose them. This book, written by experienced eating-disorder professionals Boachie (psychiatry, Univ. of Toronto) and Jasper (clinical specialist, Narrative Therapy Ctr. of Toronto), aims to support parents through this relatively rare, but uniquely dangerous, condition. Their writing relies heavily on analogies and metaphors. Vignettes throughout support the information they are giving. The chapter “Driving with No Gas” uses the analogy of drivers expecting to arrive at their next destination without filling up the gas tank and being surprised when the car suddenly stops to illustrate how teens with eating disorders may “underestimate the danger they are in and can crash suddenly.” The chapters cover recognition and diagnosis of an eating disorder, outpatient management, multifamily therapy, day-long hospital programs, inpatient treatment, and the recovery process. Each section is organized to help parents become more informed and comfortable with these diagnoses and processes. VERDICT Analogies and metaphors will help parents visualize sometimes abstract concepts and support them through the arduous journey. The authors’ expertise highly recommends this book. —Elizabeth J. Eastwood, Los Alamos Cty. P.L., NM
Brewer, Sarah, M.D., & others. The Pregnant Body Book: The Complete Illustrated Guide from Conception to Birth. DK. 2011. c.256p. illus. index. ISBN 9780756675592. $40 with DVD. MED
“The human body is capable of many astonishing things, but one of its most intricate, complex and profound achievements is the ability to conceive, carry and give birth to our helpless but incredibly formed babies.” This volume epitomizes modern publishing: oversized with 3D artwork, scans, and photographs paired with straightforward explanations of pregnancy from conception to birth. The book is accompanied by a DVD, displaying the always attractive design DK is known for. The contributors are medical doctors, researchers, writers, and nutritionists who write clearly on each topic and are supported by hundreds of illustrations and photographs. These medical experts explain, through text and images, the step-by-step process of labor and birth for those wanting detailed information. This resource also discusses DNA, genetics, and the inheritance of features—of certain interest to parents wondering about how their traits are passed along. Recent titles like Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy and Birth by the Boston Womens Health Book Collective contain many black-and-white photos and more personal stories, whereas this volume is colorful and science-oriented. VERDICT Timely and comprehensive with a reasonable price point; nicely suited to expecting couples and high school and early college students.—Laverne Mann, Piscataway P.L., NJ
Home Economics
Barnouin, Kim. Skinny Bitch: Home, Beauty & Style; A No-Nonsense Guide to Cutting the Crap Out of Your Life for a Better Body and a Kinder World. Running Pr. Oct. 2011. c.256p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780762439409. pap. $22. HOME ECON
Since 2005, Barnouin has spread the “Skinny Bitch” series message with coauthor Rory Freedman. In Barnouin’s second solo book, after Skinny Bitch: Ultimate Everyday Cookbook, she expands the discussion of cruelty-free, environmentally friendly living beyond the kitchen. She explains how toxins from household items such as paint and upholstery affect our bodies and the environment. Clothing and personal beauty items are similarly scrutinized with the sass and attitude (e.g., the subsection “Toxins in Our Hoo-Has”) found in Barnouin’s previous books. In sections like “The Shit List: The Worst Ingredients in Your Medicine Cabinet,” her casual approach and clear language help consumers decipher labels full of chemical compounds. She also advocates sustainable-living practices as ways to avoid unhealthy products and overconsumption in general. Ample endnotes (primarily citing websites) allow readers to find more information, and the author provides specific product recommendations. VERDICT By now the target demographic knows what to expect from a “Skinny Bitch” title, and they will not be disappointed by Barnouin’s latest book.—Meagan Storey, Virginia Beach
Fenoli, Randy (text) & François Dischinger (photogs.). It’s All About the Dress: Savvy Secrets, Priceless Advice, and Inspiring Stories To Help You Find “the One.” Grand Central Life & Style. Nov. 2011. c.240p. photogs. index. ISBN 9780446585071. $27.99. PERSONAL GROOMING
After announcing an engagement, brides are often promptly asked about their dresses. Enter Fenoli, fashion director at Kleinfeld Bridal and host of TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress, with his new guide to help brides navigate the overwhelming process of finding the perfect dress. He brings his signature style to every aspect from research to appointments to fittings and alterations to the final walk down the aisle. Filled with gorgeous photographs and stories of real brides, the book deconstructs gowns, discusses the multitude of options available, and explains how cuts and styles accentuate or camouflage. Fenoli’s knowledge and insider status will empower brides. VERDICT While Fenoli skews to higher-end dresses, brides without Kleinfeld-sized budgets will appreciate his insight into finding the perfect dress for their story, style, and budget. This guide stands out by showcasing brides of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities. Libraries with guides that include puffy-sleeved dresses should consider updating with this title. [See Prepub Alert, 5/9/11.]—Maura Deedy, Weymouth P.L., MA
MacLean, Natalie. Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. Perigee: Berkley. Nov. 2011. c.368p. index. ISBN 9780399537073. $24. BEVERAGES
Many readers would have enjoyed swapping places with MacLean, an award-winning wine writer, as she traveled the world in search of good value and great taste in a bottle. She focuses on finding a wine to pair with a typical dinner each day of the week. Her overriding goal, however, is introducing readers to less familiar wine-producing regions of the world. In the process, MacLean introduces an array of colorful vintners and teaches readers how to choose good representative wines. She supplements the chapters with URLs to further information on her website. The instruction is wrapped in an engaging travelog that includes references to local literature and narratives of mouthwatering meals. MacLean is a charming and disarming author, freely admitting to her love of a bargain (so long as it is delicious) and the intoxicating fun of having wine in her glass. VERDICT A light, informative adventure in wine appreciation that should have broad appeal. Highly recommended. [George M. Taber’s forthcoming A Toast to Bargain Wines is a good companion.—Ed.]—Peter Hepburn, Univ. of Illinois at Chicago
Webb, Andrew. Food Britannia. Random UK, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Oct. 2011. 544p. photogs. maps. bibliog. index. ISBN 9781847946232. $39.95. COOKING
British food journalist Webb has undertaken the momentous project of raising the culinary reputation of Great Britain and documenting the history of British food and its producers. His book is encyclopedic in size, weight, and scope, but the organization is geographic and taste-driven and the writing more quirky travelog than dry factoids. The author tells stories about his childhood and offers vivid descriptions of flavors and textures. Some of the entries are familiar (e.g., Walkers shortbread and Yorkshire pudding) and expected (e.g., Cornish pasty and Newcastle Brewery). Others—as in Webb’s visits to small growers and new food producers—offer a vision of the future and display the passion of this food culture. The organization allows readers to browse by region or use the index to read all the entries on a certain topic (like bacon). VERDICT This book could be easily overlooked because it contains no recipes and looks like an encyclopedia, but it is charming, insightful, and a pleasure to read. Highly recommended for those with a strong interest in cooking and/or travel.—Ann Wilberton, Pace Univ. Lib., New York
Sciences
Barnett, Cynthia. Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis. Beacon, dist. by Random. Sept. 2011. c.272p. index. ISBN 9780807003176. $26.95. SCI
Barnett (senior writer, Florida Trend Magazine; Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S.) contends in her latest book that the United States needs a national water ethic. She illustrates the need for a guiding principle by outlining best- and worst-case scenarios in national and international spheres. For best-case scenarios, we get a look at Singapore; Perth, Australia; and San Antonio. Water scarcity has forced these locales to overhaul completely the ways in which their inhabitants use water. Crisis has led to innovation and saved these communities from water shortages. For worst-case scenarios, we see extreme wastefulness in cities like Las Vegas and Atlanta. Barnett argues that the money we do pay for water does not represent its value. In fact, in times of scarcity, when consumers are urged to conserve, water companies lose revenue and are often forced to increase prices—negatively reinforcing the conservation measures water customers have employed. She concludes by outlining basic tenets that she believes should guide our water ethic. After taking in her wise words, readers are not likely to disagree. VERDICT Required reading for anyone who uses water.—Diana Hartle, Univ. of Georgia Lib., Athens
Chopra, Deepak & Leonard Mlodinow. War of the Worldviews: Science vs. Spirituality. Harmony: Crown. Oct. 2011. c.336p. illus. index. ISBN 9780307886880. $26. SCI
Doctor and acclaimed spiritual expert Chopra (The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes) and Caltech physicist Mlodinow (The Drunkard’s Walk) have teamed up to present two sides of some of the most difficult questions facing science and spirituality. In response to ponderings like “What is life?” and “How did the universe emerge?” each writes a brief response from his own perspective. While spirituality and religion are not synonymous, Chopra well represents the panreligious spiritual point of view. Offering both respect and insight, the authors provide an excellent summary of contemporary thought on issues of science and religion, helping to expand the discussion in new directions. VERDICT Highly recommended for readers interested in how scientific and spiritual worldviews differ and concur and for those who want an overview of both. [See Prepub Alert, 4/25/11.]—Eric D. Albright, Tufts Univ. Lib., Boston
Gessner, David. The Tarball Chronicles: A Journey Beyond the Oiled Pelican and Into the Heart of the Gulf Oil Spill. Milkweed. Sept. 2011. c.272p. ISBN 9781571313331. $24. NAT HIST
While the news cycle has long finished with the Deepwater Horizon disaster of last summer, Gessner (Soaring with Fidel) reminds us that the outcome is still in question. He toured Gulf shorelines during and after the spill, talked with fishermen and biologists, and blogged about what he saw and heard. Growing out of those blog posts, the book is a work of personal journalism full of observations about nature in the Gulf. Gessner asks why BP, a British corporation, was allowed to direct the huge cleanup rather than the U.S. government. A critical difference from the Exxon Valdez calamity and subsequent cleanup is that BP sprayed powerful chemical dispersants to sink oil to the Gulf floor. After speculating that some important fisheries may be decimated for the long term, the author urges readers to make sacrifices in their energy consumption for the sake of future generations. VERDICT This is real-life ecology for adults, who will consider the implications of oil dependence and relentless resource extraction.—David R. Conn, formerly with Surrey Libs., B.C.
Laughlin, Robert B. Powering the Future: How We Will (Eventually) Solve the Energy Crisis and Fuel the Civilization of Tomorrow. Basic Bks: Perseus. Oct. 2011. c.304p. index. ISBN 9780465022199. $26.99. SCI
It’s a matter of interpretation whether this book is ultimately optimistic, pessimistic, or just honest. In his “armchair journey” into Earth’s energy future, physicist and Nobel laureate Laughlin transports readers to a hypothetical age, some 200 years from now, when every last lump of coal and drop of oil has been extracted from the planet. Some may be unwilling to accept this proposed future, especially in light of the inevitable environmental wreckage it would cause. Laughlin, however, assumes that human nature is such that we will demand energy first and seek to manage the consequences second. Even so, he believes that we could continue to power our machines with a combination of natural, synthetic, and alternative energy sources. Many will cheer his endorsement of biofuels; not so many his assertions that nuclear power will be essential. Solar energy, too, would be a necessity, although environmentalists may cringe at the idea of deserts shaded by a canopy of solar collectors. His proposal that colonies of robots will manage energy-transport systems on the ocean floor isn’t likely to win anybody’s green seal of approval either. Laughlin contends that any technology that can be economically developed will be. The easy flow of the text masks the book’s erudition (there are over 450 detailed notes). VERDICT A pragmatic, authoritative look into energy alternatives for general readers. Another perspective is Robert and Edward Ayres’s Crossing the Energy Divide: Moving from Fossil Fuel Dependence to a Clean-Energy Future.—Gregg Sapp, Olympia, WA
Terrill, Ceiridwen. Part Wild: One Woman’s Extraordinary Love for a Creature Caught Between the Worlds of Wolves and Dogs. Scribner. Oct. 2011. c.288p. ISBN 9781451634815. $25. NAT HIST
When Terrill bought a wolfdog puppy, she was exiting an abusive relationship and looking for the fierce independence this crossbreed represents. Inyo, she thought, “would protect me from people who wanted to hurt me.” As she goes through the serious difficulties of raising an animal that could be affectionate but also rips apart every conceivable restraint—not to mention the neighbor’s cat—a chastened Terrill must admit that “Inyo’s birth had been the result of a terrible human error.” Terrill has done her research, explaining the differences between wolves, dogs, and wolfdogs (there are estimated between 100,000 and 300,000 in the United States) while slowly unfolding her own potholed story. Married to a man who often skips his meds and is close to default on his student loans, Terrill moves constantly, trying to find a safe place where her beloved Inyo will neither threaten nor be threatened. It doesn’t end well. VERDICT What starts out feeling troublingly like a girl-and-her-wild-animal memoir becomes a heartfelt cautionary tale about human intervention in the natural world and the sheer cruelty of breeding animals as exotic pets. A sobering story for those who care about animals—and pass it on to anyone selfish enough to think it would be cool to own a wolf.—Barbara Hoffert, Library Journal
Trivers, Robert. The Folly of Fools: The Logic of Deceit and Self-Deception in Human Life. Basic Bks: Perseus. Nov. 2011. c.352p. index. ISBN 9780465027552. $28. SCI
Renowned evolutionary biologist Trivers (Rutgers Univ.) has spent 40 years studying the purpose of bias, distortion, and self-deception in human evolution as traits that would seem to undermine the species’ success. Examining the evolutionary logic of self-deception in nature, neuroscience, immunology, and social psychology, Trivers concludes that it arose to allow humans to lie better. While he admits that deception can be a critical evolutionary leg up, he argues that it is ultimately perilous for human survival. Looking at self-deception in broader areas like war, religion, false historical narratives, and even plane crashes, Trivers presents a convincing argument for why this type of dishonesty is as harmful to the individual as it is to society as a whole. He concludes with thoughts on how readers can resist self-deception in themselves. VERDICT This provocative book examines an often unexamined subject, but one with which all readers are familiar. Recommended for professional social scientists as well as readers of popular science. —Gloria Maxwell, Metropolitan Community Coll., Penn Valley, Kansas City, MO
Wertheim, Margaret. Physics on the Fringe: Smoke Rings, Circlons, and Alternative Theories of Everything. Walker. Nov. 2011. c.336p. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780802715135. $26. SCI
What does it mean to be a scientific outsider and question contemporary paradigms? Wertheim (Pythagoras’ Trousers; The Pearly Gates of Cyberspace) describes the historical background of several nontraditional ideas in this collection of outsider theories in physics, focusing on Jim Carter, creator of the Absolute Motion Institute, in the book’s middle section. Rather than an exposé, the book is an objective, compassionate look at those on the fringe—individuals with unconventional and potentially revolutionary ideas about the nature of the universe that challenge the status quo. The text’s final section discusses the broader implications of the insular culture of theoretical science. Wertheim covers new ground in this treatment of how science is communicated and what it means for scientific ideas that aren’t part of the discussion. Her previous work provides the best comparison with this one, as well as older historical works such as August De Morgan’s A Budget of Paradoxes. VERDICT Both conversational and easy to read, this is an accessible guide to the world of the weird, although a bit long in the middle section and brief in the final. Both practicing and casual scientists will find value in the content. [See Prepub Alert, 4/25/11.]—Elizabeth Brown, Binghamton Univ. Libs., NY
Bernstein, Joshua M. Brewed Awakening: Behind the Beers and Brewers Leading the World’s Craft Brewing Revolution. Sterling Epicure. Nov. 2011. c.304p. illus. index. ISBN 9781402778643. $24.95. BEVERAGES
The craft beer movement continues to thrive, and well-known beer writer and columnist Bernstein does a great job documenting some of its recent history and trends. This book is a nice mix of background information about beer and brewing as well as updates on the newer directions of the industry—e.g., chapters on eco-consciousness in brewing, bringing back forgotten beer styles and types, seasonal brews (an old idea coming back in vogue), new ways to package craft beers including (gasp) in cans, and home brewing, the ultimate craft beer. The book is conversational in tone and easy to read with an eye-catching layout styled as a notebook (complete with tasting notes and photos) and lists of beers to try at the end of each chapter. VERDICT Consumers are moving beyond the mainstream bottlers, and this is a fun read on a topic many would like to know more about. Recommended.
—Susan Hurst, Miami Univ. of Ohio Libs., Oxford
Koch, Greg & Steve Wagner with Randy Clemens. The Craft of Stone Brewing Co.: Liquid Lore, Epic Recipes, and Unabashed Arrogance. Ten Speed: Crown Pub. Group. Nov. 2011. c.208p. illus. index. ISBN 9781607740551. $25. BEVERAGES
Koch and Wagner of Southern California–based Stone Brewing Co. have teamed up with food writer Clemens (The Sriracha Cookbook) to assemble a discriminating drinker’s guide to microbrews and craft beer that also highlights their own creations. Entertaining, unapologetic, and, yes, occasionally arrogant, the book delivers straight talk on what makes a good beer and why the brewmasters always know best. While the bravado makes for engaging reading, underneath lies an endearing perfectionism that demonstrates Koch and Wagner’s deep passion for the techniques of brewing excellent beer. Lots of color photographs accompany each part of the story, including a great range of food recipes with beer ingredients. True fans of the craft will appreciate the homebrew recipes, including a Clone Stone.VERDICT Though the book seems best suited for fans of Stone Brewing Co., there is plenty of information that will appeal to microbrew enthusiasts across the board.
—Carolyn M. Schwartz, Westfield State Univ. Lib., MA
