To highlight the wide range of publications reviewed in Choice, each month Choice editors feature some noteworthy reviews from the current issue. 

Behind the bamboo curtain: China, Vietnam, and the world beyond Asia, ed. by Priscilla Roberts. Woodrow Wilson Center Press/Stanford, 2006. 559p index afp ISBN 0804755027, $65.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5797       DS740       2006-15450CIP

As the years pass, new materials become available highlighting the tragic history of US involvement in Vietnam. Although most of these discuss military operations or diplomatic overtures seeking an exit from Vietnam, a few take a holistic approach by putting the conflict in an international context. Roberts has recently edited these intriguing essays explaining the position of the People’s Republic of China, North Vietnam, the Soviet Union, and the US as well as Britain and France during the conflict. The contributors reveal how China and the Soviet Union sought to further their own agendas, sometimes at the expense of Hanoi, particularly when both were being courted by the Nixon administration in a quest for an honorable end to the war. Lyndon Johnson never realized the full extent of the Sino-Soviet tensions or the complexities of Moscow and Beijing supplying arms to their Vietnamese ally. Even more intriguing are the revelations of the split between the North Vietnamese and the Khmer Rouge, further complicating the tenuous relationship between Hanoi and Beijing. This addition to the growing literature of the Vietnam War is long overdue. Summing Up: Essential. All levels/libraries. — C. C. Lovett, Emporia State University

Carroll, Bradley W. An introduction to modern astrophysics. 2nd ed. by Bradley W. Carroll and Dale A. Ostlie. Pearson/Addison Wesley, 2007. various pagings index afp ISBN 0805304029, $146.60. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5618       QB461       2006-15391CIP

Stunning advances in instrumentation, theory, and observation have taken place since the first edition was written in 1996, and Carroll and Ostlie have beautifully integrated these advances into this extensively revised book. They have also created a Web site that contains errata, downloadable computer code, data, and illustrations from the book, plus a useful set of links. The overall goal has again been achieved–to give sophisticated insight into modern astrophysics for students with a background of at least one year of calculus-based physics. This goal is accomplished through clear writing, integrated problem solutions that include insightful “back-of-the-envelope” calculations, challenging end-of-chapter problems, and extensive images, diagrams, and tables. Although similar to Marc Kutner’s Astronomy: A Physical Perspective (2nd ed., CH, Mar’04, 41-4030), this book is more challenging, with greater depth and breadth, thus suitable for more advanced students. It would also serve as an excellent resource for undergraduates and first-year graduate students. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. — T. Barker, Wheaton College (MA)

Chase, Victor D. Shattered nerves: how science is solving modern medicine’s most perplexing problem. Johns Hopkins, 2006. 289p bibl index afp ISBN 0801885140, $27.50. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5671       RC350       2006-9626CIP

Chase, a science and technology writer, documents the advances scientists have made toward improving the functions of hearing, sight, and movement through neural prostheses (devices implanted in the body to facilitate communication between cells in the nervous system). Presenting these scientific developments in chronological sequence, the book documents the career development of leading researchers in the field and the significant contributions of their research subjects, who volunteered for experimental neural prosthetic implants (e.g., into the eye, ear, brain) when the outcome of the experiments was unknown. Research in this field is currently expanding into neural prosthetics designed to treat conditions as varied as obesity, depression, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of neural prosthetic research, this book will attract graduate students and professionals in medicine, engineering, chemistry, computer science, physiology, and rehabilitation. Perhaps those who could benefit the most from reading it, however, are bright undergraduates; the researchers’ stories, and the discussion of the impact they have had on their research subjects’ lives, may help college students in search of career direction. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates and above. — D. K. Fry, University of Michigan–Flint

Ekeland, Ivar. The best of all possible worlds: mathematics and destiny. Chicago, 2006. 207p bibl index afp ISBN 0226199940, $25.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5693       Q172       2006-1984CIP

What is the best of all possible worlds? How does nature work? Is ours perhaps a world in which phenomena are optimized? Ekeland (Univ. of British Columbia) leads us from Maupertuis to Popper in studying this problem. Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis posited the principle of least action; i.e., nature is organized along the principle of efficiency. Ekeland traces the mathematization of science by analyzing contributions of seminal figures such as Galileo, Descartes, Leibniz, Fermat, Huygens, Bohr, and Feynman. Although some phenomena are explainable via minimizing “action,” most classical mechanical systems are chaotic. Systems of nonlinear differential equations describing such systems seldom have exact solutions; probabilistic system models tend to work best. Though Maupertuis may seem naive in retrospect, it is clear that this early model was the impetus for study, refutation, and eventually more coherent, albeit complex, explanations of natural phenomena. In the last chapter, Ekeland relates the idea of optimization to the social issue of “the common good.” Readers will wish that there were more such chapters, and will not regret a minute spent on reading this book. This intelligent, eloquent, very accessible work will make new connections for virtually every reader. Ekeland is clearly a master teacher. Summing Up: Essential. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; two-year technical program students. — R. L. Pour, Emory and Henry College

Evans, Walker. Walker Evans: lyric documentary, [ed.] by John T. Hill with an essay by Alan Trachtenberg. Steidl, 2006. (Dist. by Thames & Hudson), 236p bibl ISBN 3865210228, $60.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5461       TR140       MARC

Since the publication of the Museum of Modern Art’s American Photographs in 1938, Evans, a pillar in the canon of modern fine arts photography practice, has been well served in publications. A cursory literature search reveals 50-300 books published with Evans as coauthor, at least 10 specifically devoted to photographs he made during the 14 months he worked for the Farm Security Administration in 1935-36. So what virtues accrue to yet another on Evans’s FSA photographs? The answer–quality. The photographs are beautifully reproduced, and presenting them in the approximate order taken gives the book a visual and conceptual unity not often found in a portfolio of “top hits.” The essays are informative and, by offering a range of contexts within which to consider Evans’s work, provide useful ways to better understand its values. Hill’s commentary on one of Evans’s rare public lectures provides insights into the artist’s thinking, and the essay on Evans’s work in publication is critical to understanding the shifting uses brought to bear on his “documentary” practices by critics and historians. Trachtenberg’s essay contrasts the 1941 and 1960 versions of the now-iconic “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men” photo-essays. A well-conceived and executed, valuable addition to any library. Summing Up: Essential. All levels. — W. S. Johnson, Monroe Community College

Faundes, Anibal. The human drama of abortion: a global search for consensus, by Anibal  Faundes  and Jose  Barzelatto. Vanderbilt, 2006. 200p bibl index afp ISBN 0826515258, $59.95; ISBN 0826515258 pbk, $24.95. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5718       HQ767       2005-28168CIP

In the heated atmosphere of abortion debates, this book is a coolly dispassionate account. Written by two doctors with personal experience in cleaning up the medical devastation wrought by unsafe abortions and in discussing the science and politics of abortion in international forums, the book offers abundant data about the causes, rates, laws, methods, and consequences of abortion, and the ethical issues and doctrinal positions taken by religions worldwide. Scientific reason confronts unreason; the authors take as simple matters of scientific fact that fetuses are valued and that women are seen as morally responsible persons. Offering evidence that criminalization does not stop abortions, that there are medically meaningful points during pregnancies that allow for different ethical judgments, and that respect for conscience and physical safety are shared values across religious lines, Faundes  (obstetrics, Univ. of Campinas, Brazil) and Barzelatto (vice president, Center for Health and Social Policy) claim that most people will agree on the need to prevent unwanted pregnancies; to enable more women to choose childbirth without ostracism; and to permit safe early abortions when women feel they are necessary. Written accessibly, the book defines its concepts and lays out its evidence well, but whether partisans on either side will be won over by sweet reason alone is doubtful. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. — M. M. Ferree, University of Wisconsin

Holthaus, Gary. From the farm to the table: what all Americans need to know about agriculture. University Press of Kentucky, 2007 (c2006). 363p bibl index afp ISBN 0813124190, $50.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5630       S441       2006-25092CIP

With much love, dedication, and diligence, and through interviews with farmers in Minnesota, Holthaus (independent scholar) tells the story of today’s agriculture–it is not a pretty picture. Echoing the sentiments of Lucretius, Thoreau, and Wendell Berry, he portrays modern farming as a dying occupation that has disrupted people’s historic and cultural relationship with nature. The antipathy expressed toward large profit-oriented corporations, modern technology as taught by agricultural experiment stations, and confusing governmental leadership (with complex farm bills and a hostile World Trade Organization as examples) does not sit too well with the current technocratic leaders calling most of the shots. The movement toward agricultural sustainability, organic farming, small-style enterprises, environmentally friendly practices, and green thinking may or may not continue and grow. The book is indeed comprehensive in that it depicts both agricultural paradigms fairly well. But it is only the idealists who will embrace the author’s utopian vision of a pristine, humane, nature-controlled agriculture, the way it has always been conducted and still is practiced by the Amish in Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County. The rest keep blindly forging ahead with their destructive behavior. This book serves as an eye-opener. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels. — M. Kroger, emeritus, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Campus

Hunter, James Davison. Is there a culture war?: a dialogue on values and American public life, by James Davison Hunter and Alan Wolfe. Brookings, 2006. 118p bibl index afp ISBN 0815795157 pbk, $18.95. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5913       E169       2006-28227CIP

Two important essays focus on the existence or nonexistence of a culture war. Hunter (Univ. of Virginia) argues that the issue of methodology is fundamental to answering the question. Studies of individual attitudes on political issues will always conclude that no cultural war exists. Given this methodological approach, scholars will miss the key role played by institutions and elites who lead factions and manipulate deeper cultural symbols for political advantage. Here, the culture war thrives and threatens. Wolfe (Boston College) downplays the actual effects of elite manipulation in service of any side in a culture war. Excepting the Civil War and the 1960s, manipulation of voters for political objectives has had only limited impact. Americans are more pragmatic and tolerant than culture warriors suggest. The contemporary, albeit miniscule, culture war between conservatives and liberals has nearly spent its energy: Democrats have called a truce with Republicans over battles of cultural meaning, and conservative Christians appear on the verge of rededication to spiritual introspection in place of engagement in secular politics. Comments on the essays from historian Gertrude Himmelfarb and political scientist Morris P. Fiorina, and additional responses by Hunter and Wolfe, provide a rich debate. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers, upper-division undergraduates through faculty. — J. R. Pottenger, University of Alabama in Huntsville

Ibhawoh, Bonny. Imperialism and human rights: colonial discourses of rights and liberties in African history. State University of New York, 2007. 226p bibl index afp ISBN 0791469239, $60.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5874       KQC572       2005-37168CIP

This path-breaking study in human rights history marks an auspicious beginning for the SUNY series in human rights. Using Nigeria under British colonial rule as a case study, Ibhawoh (history, McMaster University, Canada) has produced an insightful historical analysis of human rights discourse by both the colonizers and the colonized. The author’s examination of the changing concepts, practices, and contexts of rights expression in various domains (e.g., legislation, the judicial system, government policy, the media, land and property rights, family matters, decolonization and independence) captures its range and richness. He carefully distinguishes and illuminates the subtle and particularly African, local, and universal characteristics of human rights language in these diverse areas. Ibhawoh’s easy writing style and historical sensitivity make for an engaging reading experience. This carefully constructed and well-documented book opens a new chapter in the study of human rights and sets a high standard for others to emulate. A welcome addition for college, university, and larger public libraries, and collections specializing in Africana or international studies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through practitioners. — J. P. Smaldone, Georgetown University

Inside the economist’s mind: conversations with eminent economists, ed. by Paul A. Samuelson and William A. Barnett. Blackwell Publishing, 2007. 419p afp ISBN 1405159170 pbk, $29.95. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5763       HB76       2006-17115CIP

Inside the Economist’s Mind offers 16 stand-alone, candid personal interviews with some of the world’s best economists, conducted by other leading economists. A far cry from Matt Lauer talking with Tom Cruise on The Today Show, these 25-page conversations quickly hone in on what makes these leading economists from the academic world and public policy corridors tick, and how they–and the profession itself–evolved in research and thinking. These chapters originally appeared in an academic journal (Macroeconomic Dynamics, various issues, 1998-2005), and the exchanges are pitched at a fairly sophisticated level and tilt toward macroeconomic theory and policy matters. Some knowledge about and appreciation for higher economic analysis should be expected from readers; such readers have the most to gain from the book. But the people and the personalities show through in this superb collection of “economists’ economists,” or more specifically, the “old guard”–all are over 60; a companion volume on the “young and the restless” would make a nice complement. Bibliographic materials–references, appendixes, index–are not necessary or included in the volume. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Informed general readers; students, lower-division undergraduate and up; researchers and practitioners. — A. R. Sanderson, University of Chicago

McMillin, Scott. The musical as drama: a study of the principles and conventions behind musical shows from Kern to Sondheim. Princeton, 2006. 230p bibl index afp ISBN 0691127301, $24.95. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5557       ML2054       2006-5429CIP

This is McMillin’s last work (he died in 2006), and in it he turns from Elizabethan drama, which he treated in The Queen’s Men and Their Plays (CH, Jan’99, 36-2683), to the Broadway stage. He contends the modern musical should be considered not a hybrid form of popular entertainment but rather “a genre of drama with definable conventions around which one can think about the musical as a form of art.” McMillin (who taught English at Cornell) cites several recent works that demonstrate such study, e.g., Steve Swayne’s How Sondheim Found His Sound (CH, Apr’06, 43-4582) and the volumes in the “Yale Broadway Masters” series. The author devotes each chapter, with detailed examples, to different elements of the musical: integration of narrative and music, placement of musical numbers, depiction of characters, role of the ensemble, the diegetic convention, omniscience of the orchestra, narration, and use of sets and technology. His conclusion: elements in the musical fuse together yet remain distinct through a process he terms coherence. A scholarly work, with good supporting bibliographic footnotes, this book merits serious study. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, and professionals. — R. D. Johnson, emeritus, SUNY College at Oneonta

Moss, Todd J. African development: making sense of the issues and actors. L. Rienner, 2007. 275p bibl index afp ISBN 1588264963, $55.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5765       HC800       2006-33589CIP

Moss (Center for Global Development) has produced an excellent introduction to current political and economic issues in Africa. Chapter 1’s “Ten Tips for Sensibly Studying African Development” are reason enough to read the book. The text is divided into three main sections covering colonialism and current military/political challenges; basic development issues; and existing international economic relations. These themes are subdivided into readable, jargon-free chapters of approximately 20 pages each. Long overdue, this book summarizes major challenges and plausible competing explanations, and provides references for additional material. As with any work of this nature, current events can quickly render material less relevant. For example, the brief discussion of Somalia is already outdated. In addition, there is a curious lack of coverage concerning the emerging Sachs versus Easterly debate (so-called planners versus searchers). However, these are relatively minor points that seem inevitable in an effort such as this. As interest in Africa grows, thoughtful and coherent sources of information to better inform people should be available. This book helps serve that purpose and would make a great introductory text for an African development course. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers and undergraduate students. — J. M. Warner, College of Wooster

Naisbitt, John. Mind set!: reset your thinking and see the future. Collins, 2006. 282p index ISBN 0061136883, $24.95. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5724       HM901       2006-45483MARC

Naisbitt first received international recognition as a forecaster with the publication of Megatrends (CH, Jan’83), and he continues to identify significant trends likely to shape the future. The present volume differs somewhat from Naisbitt’s other books, however, in its aim to disclose the means enabling him to predict the future. The critical element in making judgments concerning the future lies in the process by which information is received and evaluated–mind-sets people create to provide basis and orientation. In the first half of the book, Naisbitt presents 11 mind-sets that have been instrumental in shaping his predictions. Five chapters in the second half each contain a “picture” of the future: the growing dominance of visual over print culture; the transition of nation-states to economic domains; the globalization and decentralization of China; the potential for economic decline in Europe; and the evolution of innovation. Each chapter is followed by applications of appropriate mind-sets to each picture. Endnotes provide data sources. Since readers may well develop their own mind-sets, individual pictures of the future may differ from those of the author. But Naisbitt is a master of prediction, and his book provides stimulating, entertaining reading for a broad audience. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All collections. — W. C. Struning, emeritus, Seton Hall University

New Teachers Home Page. Internet Resource http://www.inspiringteachers.com/home/newteachers.html Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5781

[Visited Mar’07] Created by educators, this is an intriguing and exceptional site for the beginning teacher. The left column serves as a site map, while the main column highlights the services and features offered. The home page lists resources available for purchase (e.g., Survival Kit for New Teachers), as well as free informational features. These include a free newsletter on teaching tips and links to sources for advice and discussion such as Ask a Mentor and New Teacher Community, which is a Yahoo! chat list. Other sections on the home page include Classroom Resources and Professional Resources, which are invaluable for the beginning teacher. The Practical Tips and Articles sections contain helpful advice for new teachers, e.g., a paper titled “The First Day–Laying the Groundwork.” An archive of articles is arranged by topic, e.g., Beginning of the School Year, Classroom Management and Discipline, Parent Communication. Maneuverability throughout the site is clear and easy. Overall, a valuable resource for students, new teachers, preservice teachers, and teacher educators working with new teachers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections. — G. L. Willhite, Southern Illinois University

Nurses work: issues across time and place, ed. by Patricia D’Antonio et al. Springer Publishing, 2007. 374p bibl index afp ISBN 0826102115, $55.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE
44-5680       RT31       2006-45037CIP

Antonio, with her contributors, has compiled an interesting historical account of the work of nurses. It highlights the progression of nursing care throughout time and explains how nursing care has evolved to meet the needs of society. The excerpts taken from original writings and events provide readers with a sneak peek into a forgotten world. The personal accounts clearly illustrate that people provide nursing care for many reasons and that historically these providers have not always been licensed nurses. Contributors also examine the relationship between doctors and nurses and between medicine and nursing. They highlight the contributions of nursing to the improvement of health care, and explore the economic value of nursing and events that have shaped nurses’ salaries. The chapters covering recent times describe the blurring of boundaries between medicine and nursing, indicating that as technology increases, so do the expectations for nursing care and for nurses providing care. These historical accounts are evidence of professional evolution and offer insights into what may characterize nursing care in the future. This book is a must for anyone in the nursing profession. Summing Up: Essential. All levels. — M. A. Volino, Elmira College

Picart, Caroline Joan (Kay) S. Frames of evil: the Holocaust as horror in American film, by Caroline Joan (Kay) S. Picart and David A. Frank. Southern Illinois, 2006. 186p bibl index afp ISBN 0809327236, $65.00; ISBN 0809327236, $30.00. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5545       PN1995       2006-5129CIP

This volume offers more than its title implies. Picart (English and law, Florida State Univ.) and Frank (rhetoric, Univ. of Oregon) have written a valuable guide to analyzing and appreciating film in general. The authors introduce the reader to how filmmakers take inspiration from literature, each other, and Holocaust documents and images to accomplish the difficult task of capturing genuine human aberration and terror in the camera’s lens (as opposed to projecting gratuitous or abstract horror). They also explain audience reaction to (and association with) various horror-invoking images and the artistic imagination and techniques employed to depict/mimic the extent of human cruelty in various films. Among the well-known films examined in detail are Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List. The authors do not avoid ethical considerations, and their carefully selected examples illustrate how ideas and images from the Holocaust influence films. Although the book deals with the horror-movie genre–the representation of Holocaust terror and horror in mainstream film specifically–it teaches readers (including novices) how to address any film critically. Offering careful research, clear description, and valuable historical insights–but avoiding jargon and reference to less-familiar films–the authors reveal how the myriad faces of evil come to the screen. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers; all levels. — L. D. Talit, Central Connecticut State University

Pinkett, Randal. Campus CEO: the student entrepreneur’s guide to launching a multi-million-dollar business. Kaplan Publishing, 2007. 268p index ISBN 1419593714 pbk, $16.95. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5745       HD62       2006-38087CIP

With the alacrity and sophistication that made him a winner on The Apprentice and the CEO of a multimillion-dollar consulting company, Pinkett (MBA, PhD) now enters the publishing arena with this practical guide to becoming a campus entrepreneur. The book’s 16 short, readable chapters are well organized into four parts: “Starting Your Business,” “Financing Your Business,” “Balancing Business and Education,” and “Growing Your Business.” Along with excellent illustrations, checklists, and suggested resources, the chapters profile, through interesting vignettes, campus entrepreneurs who turned their student entrepreneurship experience into after-campus success stories. Topics include developing a business plan, using technology, raising capital risk management, creating a workforce, profiting from one’s peers, networking, marketing, expanding beyond the boundaries of the campus, and maintaining academic excellence and a commitment to scholarship. Although not oriented specifically toward student entrepreneurship, Frances McGuckin’s Business for Beginners: From Research and Business Plans to Money, Marketing and the Law (CH, Sep’05, 43-0420) provides similar, if not as motivational, coverage. For students interested in an entrepreneurial career, this book provides an exciting guide. For others it offers unique insight into Pinkett’s success. Summing Up: Highly recommended. General readers and undergraduate students. — S. R. Kahn, University of Cincinnati

Sternheimer, Karen. Kids these days: facts and fictions about today’s youth. Rowman & Littlefield, 2006. 166p bibl index afp ISBN 0742546675, $65.00; ISBN 0742546675 pbk, $19.95. Reviewed in 2007jun CHOICE.
44-5949       HQ796       2005-37155CIP

Individual perceptions become real in their impacts. Fear of youth is a common perception resulting in profound actions directed toward youth. Sternheimer (Univ. of Southern California) has examined the powerful shaping influence of US print media articles on youth and linked these perceptions to policy and community reaction to youth. Her analysis of newspaper articles reveals perceived youth characteristics–dangerous, subject to physical harm, gluttonous, misbehaving school students, stupid, easily seduced into deviant behavior–as essential components justifying US adult fear of youth. An introductory chapter begins with five current common complaints (observations) about youth and traditional criticisms from days past. Subsequent chapters cover kidnapping, the growing number of overweight kids, exposure to violent schools, hazing and bullying, and daredevil behavior. Sternheimer challenges these misperceptions with the available evidence arising from national research and critical thinking, and details the impact of socioeconomic class stratification and gender. The final chapter reveals the economic benefits of youth bashing for corporate and political entities. Missing from the discussion is information on peer influence on teen acts. Mark Warr’s Companions in Crime (CH, Dec’02, 40-2498) and other recent adolescent misbehavior research strengthen Sternheimer’s opposing arguments, usually articulated in print or broadcast media. Excellent bibliography. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. — J. H. Larson, emeritus, University of North Dakota

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