How the Toilet Changed History

Perdew, Laura. How the Toilet Changed History. Part of the Essential Library of Inventions series. 2016. 112p. ISBN 978-1-62403-787-0. Available at 644.6 PER on the library shelves.

This review, unlike every other review I’ve ever written, starts with a personal anecdote. I have had many a conversations with students over the years about the relative merits of different historical periods, particularly with references to the “good ol’ days.” Invariably, the arguments degenerate until two magic words come out: Indoor plumbing. I’m a fan of indoor plumbing, and can’t imagine living without it in my house. You can't convince me that any historical period before indoor plumbing was better.

So when this book came along, I thought I would give it a go. I was convinced I knew just about every piece of information that this book contained. Was I wrong! Though the ancient Romans knew all about sanitation (at least, what was visible to them) and had built large aqueducts and sewer systems to handle waste, this knowledge was lost during the fall of the Roman Empire and the subsequent periods referred to the Dark Ages and the Middle Ages. Bodily functions were frowned upon by early Christians, and this distaste percolated to today, when we rarely talk about pee and poop (snickering middle schoolers, this one’s for you).

Castles and other structures featured chutes where waste could be dumped, but most had cesspools in the basement or just threw their waste out the window. Many communicable diseases were transmitted this way and contributed to the outbreaks of several plagues. The invention of the flush toilet eventually led to the creation of sewer systems to move the waste around, but politics got in the way of sanitation. In London, the summer of 1858 was particularly hot and dry, and the Thames river, where eventually all of the city’s waste ended, all but dried up. The stench was unbearable. As the river runs by Parliament, elected officials had no choice but to deal with this situation. The modern sewer was born.

Today we are experiencing a partial collapse of our infrastructure. Sewers are aged and need replacing. Treatment plants have reached their useful life. There is little political will, however, to spend tax dollars fixing a problem that is all but invisible at the moment. Perhaps another Great Stink like the one that afflicted London will convince politicians that our water and waste infrastructure deserves to be maintained and cared for, otherwise we will all need to dig up holes and dust off our old New England outhouses. I prefer my indoor plumbing.

The Clockwork Scarab: A Stoker and Holmes Novel

Gleason, Colleen. The Clockwork Scarab: A Stoker and Holmes Novel. 2013. 356p. ISBN 1452110700. Available as an eBook on Overdrive.

Mina Holmes is the daughter of Mycroft Holmes, older brother of Sherlock. Just as her uncle, Mina is very observant and has already dabbled in the family business of sleuthing. Evaline Stoker is the very much younger sister of Bram Stoker, and descends from a family of vampire hunters imbued with superhuman strengths and skills. The only time she faced a vampire, the sight of blood prevented her from killing it. Neither of them really want to become like their older, more famous relatives, but both of them still find themselves attracted to these professions.

In the last month, one high society girl has been found dead, while another one has gone missing. Stoker and Holmes are approached by an agent of the Crown to investigate these acts and attempt to discover who is behind it. Stoker, with her strength and passion, and Mina with her intellect and power of deduction, are ideally suited to solve these events with only the one clue that was discovered: a mechanical Egyptian scarab.

As the girls investigate, they quickly realize that there is a vast conspiracy at work to bring back an Egyptian goddess, and that many high society girls are involved. Out of their elements, the girls will nevertheless risk it all to save a steampunk London from troubles. If they are not careful, however, they will become the next victims!

Fans of Etiquette and Espionage and Leviathan will enjoy this steampunk tale.

Oxycodone

Stanmyre, Jackie F. Oxycodone. Part of the Dangerous Drugs series. 2016. 64p. ISBN 978-1-50260-558-0. Available at 615.78 STA on the library shelves.

In the past drug users generally started with a gateway drug such as marijuana and then proceeded to experiment with other drugs such as cocaine. Over the last ten years, however, there has been an epidemic of prescription drug abuse that has increased the number of overdoses and fatalities throughout the United States. And unlike earlier times when there was at least the criminal intent of doing drugs, most of today’s abusers started with a legal product to soothe their pain and became addicted.

Oxycodone, one of the painkillers from the opioid family, has been prescribed numerous times to manage pain in patients. But many of them become addicted and build a tolerance to it. They begin seeking higher and higher doses. Eventually, the lack of availability and the expense turn people to heroin, also from the opioid family and a cheaper substitute.

This book describes the history of oxycodone and the impact it has on society, from its benefits to its drawbacks and the side effects that people can incur from using it. The lives of celebrities who abused painkillers is also examined, along with a list of possible signs that one of your loved ones has become addicted. Finally, possible avenues of addressing this epidemic are discussed. Only by knowing the facts can we hope to solve this crisis.

Air Gear, vol. 1

Oh! Great. Air Gear, Vol. 1. 2006. 224p. ISBN 9780345492784. Available in the Graphic Novels section of the library.

Itsuki is the best fighter and the toughest kid at Higashi Junior High School. Never shying away from a fight, Itsuki takes on too much when he wins a bout against a group of Westside punks. Turns out one of them is connected to the Skull Saber Storm Riders, a criminal gang. The Riders move in on Itsuki, beat him, and claim his school as part of their territory.

Meanwhile, Itsuki has it hard at home, where he lives with the four Noyamano sisters, who are stronger, quicker, and tougher than he is. With his life shattered and his reputation in tatters, Itsuki has no hope left. In his darkest hour, however, the Noyamano sisters come to his aid. It turns out they are the Sleeping Forest, an elite group of Air Trekers who easily defeat the Skull Sabers. The Air Treks allow users to feel like they are flying. They can accomplish amazing feats of acrobatics. But with these skates come responsibilities. Can Itsuki meet them?

The story continues in Air Gear, Vol. 2.

Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing our Kids for the Innovation Era

Wagner, Tony & Ted Dintersmith. Most Likely to Succeed: Preparing our Kids for the Innovation Era. 2015. 296p. ISBN 978-1-5011-0431-2. Available on the shelves at 371.20 WAG on the library shelves.

In this thought-provoking book, Wagner and Dintersmith argue that the current school model used in the United States dates from the 1893’s Committee of Ten recommendations and is perfectly geared towards molding individuals who will be active participants in the manufacturing age. But we have moved on beyond the manufacturing age, and we are even leaving the information age behind as we arrive at the innovation age.

Today’s economy emphasizes entrepreneurship and initiative in detecting problems and creating solutions to resolve them. Instead of focusing on content, GPAs, and AP classes, schools need to emphasize creative skills and innovation to produce citizens who are engaged and able to reflect on their own learning. The authors focus on what can be done to improve American high schools and share insights on how successful individuals accomplished amazing things without following a traditional educational path. Anyone interested in promoting creativity, initiative and entrepreneurship must read this book.   

Special Ops: Tactical Training

Blount Christian, Mary. Special Ops: Tactical Training. Part of the Inside Special Forces series. 2015. 64p. ISBN 978-1-477775479. Available at 356.16 CHR on the library shelves.

How does one become a member of the U.S. Special Ops forces? Mental and physical conditioning are only the beginning of an intense journey that takes the willing recruit to the status of elite soldier in the United States’ Special Operations.

The training varies based on which special forces one joins, including the Green Berets, Rangers, Delta Force, SEALs, SOARs, and MARSOC. Each Corps has its own specialized teams responsible for the safety and security of the larger units. All of the training, however, include intense physical and mental preparation on very little food and sleep, parachute jumps from airplanes, and close combat attack and defense methods. Trainees have to survive ever longer hikes and endurance trials, as well as participate in increasingly complex scenarios such as surviving ambushes and leading freedom fighters against an oppressive regime.

Those who complete this demanding training become members of a highly trained and effective special force, but their training will continue throughout their service.

Books in this series include:

• Black Ops and Other Special Missions of the U.S. Air Force Combat Control Team
• Special Ops: Air Commandos
• Black Ops and Other Special Missions of the U.S. Navy SEALs
• Special Ops: Military Intelligence
• Special Ops: Tactical Training
• Special Ops: Weapons and Gear

History Debate

O’Hearn, Michael. History Debate. Part of the This or That Debate series. 2013. 32p. ISBN 978-1-4296-9274-8. Available at 909 OHE on the library shelves.

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be a medieval knight? How about being a samurai warrior? You may have considered this possibility, but have you ever compared the two of them? What would be benefits and drawbacks of each? This short books posits several scenarios that oppose two alternatives, each of which may not be that pleasant. For example, would you rather be on the Titanic as it is sinking or in the Hindenburg zeppelin as it is exploding in the air? Be sent to Alcatraz or to a medieval dungeon? Travel in an ancient Egyptian desert caravan or across the American West in a wagon? Read this book and make your own decision!

Dragon Heir

Chima, Cinda Williams. Dragon Heir. Book 3 of the Heir Chronicles series. 2009. 348p. ISBN  978-1-42313713-9. Available as an eBook from Overdrive.

At the end of Wizard Heir, D’Orsay fled his conspiratorial meeting at Second Sisters with a Covenant that once again binded the underguilds to the wizards’ dominion, following the wizards’ loss of control at the Tournament in Warrior Heir. The Roses have laid siege to D’Orsay’s ancestral home, hoping to get their hands on that Covenant. The Weir inhabitants of Trinity are weary of this battle between the three sides and have declared themselves a Sanctuary for all Weirs.

Jason Haley, wishing to get involved, smuggles himself in D’Orsay’s land and discovers a long-forgotten cave and a hoard of powerful magical items, including the Dragonheart, a strange stone filled with magical energy. When elicitor Madison Moss touches the Dragonheart, it suddenly reacts to her and wizards suddenly lose access to it. As wizards marshall outside the Weirwall erected around Trinity and protected by the wizard Seph, and the warriors Jack, Ellen, and their ghost armies, betrayal and tragedy are about to befall the unlikely band of rebels. Are Jason and Madison willing to finally commit to the cause of magic?

A satisfying if bitter-sweet end to the Heir Chronicles, all of the main characters gather one more time in a fast-moving plot in which many of them will die. Fans of the fantasy / modern world hybrid will find their fill in this brilliant conclusion.

Sapphire Blue

Gier, Kierstin. Sapphire Blue. Book 2 of the Ruby Red trilogy. 2012. 362p. ISBN 0-8050-9266-8. Available at FIC GIE on the library shelves.

In Ruby Red, Gwen discovered that she was the Ruby, the 12th and final member of the Circle of Twelve, a group of time-travellers who seek to fulfil the prophecy, but two of the other members, one of them her cousin, have broken ranks and are fighting back against the Circle’s plans.

Now, Gwen is trying to figure out what is actually taking place and why her cousin would escape with one of the chronometers that enable time travel. The Count de St-Germain, the man who started the Circle, lives in the 1700s and Gwen must travel back to meet him again. She also meets her grandfather back in 1948, and with him she begins to question the real purpose of the Circle.

Assisted by a gargoyle demon only visible to her in her own time, Gwen is also trying to navigate the love / hate relationship she has with Gideon, the Diamond and himself a time traveller. And as if life wasn’t hard enough already, she still has to go to school and study. Can Gwen discover what the true purpose of the Circle is before it is too late?

The story concludes in Emerald Green.

Beowulf

Beowulf. 2010 translation, 3 hours. Available as an audiobook on Overdrive.

The most famous Anglo-Saxon epic tale, Beowulf tells the story of Beowulf, a hero who comes to the aid of Hrothgar, king of the Danes. The great ogre Grendel has been besieging Hrothgar’s hall in his capital and has killed many when Beowulf arrives with his crew of men from Geats to assist the Danish king. In a violent battle, Beowulf outsmarts Grendel and manages to slay him. Grendel’s mother, wishing to avenge the death of her son, attacks the hall the following night and kills Hrothgar’s most favored warrior. Beowulf once again sets forth and this time he dives at the bottom of the lake to find her lair. In an epic battle, Beowulf is eventually triumphant over Grendel’s mother and he cuts Grendel’s head, whose corpse also laid in the cave.

Beowulf returns home with prestige and wealth, and becomes king of his countrymen. Many decades pass when a slave steals a cup from a dragon’s lair. That dragon, mighty angry at this, comes out looking for his missing loot and burns everything along the way. Beowulf, now old and wizened, sets forth with his warriors and confronts the dragon alone at first before being joined by a courageous fighter, manage to slay the dragon but not before being mortally wounded.

The conflict between good and evil runs deep in this epic story which inspired much poetry and literature, and fans of fantasy will appreciate its precursor nature.

Cancer Treatments

Capaccio, George. Cancer Treatments. Part of the Advances in Medicine series. 64p. ISBN 978-1-60870-466-8. Available at 616.99 CAP on the library shelves.

Cancer remains one of the most elusive and deadly disease affecting the human race. Though scientific breakthroughs have happened in the last fifty years, much remain unknown about the mechanics of cancer and how to treat the different types effectively. This book presents information about how cancer forms, how the damaged cells spread, and the characteristics of the different cancers. Treatment options are also discussed and the impact on the individual receiving treatment is reviewed. Overall, this is a great resource for the reader to gain an understanding of how cancer works and what can be done to defeat it.

Of Mice and Men

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. 1965. 186p. ISBN 0-394-60472-5. Available at FIC STE

George and Lennie have been together through tough times, and they are both companions in a lost world, searching for work and for a piece of land they could call their own. Their shared dream is to own a small farm where they can raise crops and rabbits. Lennie is a simple giant who likes to stroke soft things, and George has to look out for him. They arrive in California’s Salinas Valley as hired hands to work on a new ranch after running away from Weeds due to an incident where Lennie grabbed a little girl to touch her dress. This action was misinterpreted and was perceived as an assault, so the two friends had to leave.

Now on the ranch, George keeps telling Lennie to behave and to not get in trouble. Unfortunately for the pair, the boss’ son, Curley, enjoys fighting men bigger than him. And Curley’s wife flirts shamelessly with all the men on the ranch. This is a recipe for disaster and when Lennie goes too far their relationship is irrevocably changed.

Despite its tragic ending, Of Mice and Men endures endures due to its universal themes of friendship and being the outsider. The reader will appreciate everything that George does to keep Lennie safe from himself in this tale born from the Great Depression.

Fullmetal Alchemist. Vol 10

Arakawa, Hiromu. Fullmetal Alchemist. Vol 10. 2006. 188p. ISBN 9781421504612. Available in the graphic section of the library.

The homunculus Gluttony and Envy are fighting Alphonse, Barry, and Lt. Hawkeye and the battle is proceeding badly. Gluttony and Envy are immortal and several well placed attacks still inflict no damage. Fortunately, the soldiers of the Prince are able to distract them enough to cause their withdrawal. Barry the Chopper is able to follow his soul and leads Elric and his allies straight to Lab #3, where the homunculus are hiding. Colonel Mustang confronts Lust and is almost killed, but he triumph over her in a bloody battle.

Meanwhile, Edward and Major Armstrong smuggle themselves and Lt. Ross across the eastern border and head through the desert to the ancient imperial capital of Cselkcess, now ruins. Edward thought that Mustang had executed Lt. Ross, but in fact he had only staged her death. There, Edward encounters Ishbalan refugees and they reveal that they knew Winny’s parents.

On his way back to Central, Edward takes a detour to get his automail fixed by granny when he runs into his father at the cemetery.

Political Parties: From Nominations to Victory Celebrations

McPherson, Stephanie Sammartino. Political Parties: From Nominations to Victory Celebrations. Part of the Inside Elections series. 2016. 64p. ISBN 978-1-4677-7910-4. Available at 324.27 MCP on the library shelves.

The process of electing the 45th president is coming to an end in a few days, but many people do not realize that the election is in fact the culmination of a years-long process to select, endorse, and promote a candidate. This process begins with political parties. In this short book, the entire process of electing a candidate to local, state, or national office is explored based on the roles played by the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. Organization, financing, nominations, endorsements, conventions, and advertisements are discussed. Readers of all things political will appreciate the information presented and will gain a better understanding of the entire process.

Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard

Auxier, Jonathan. Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard. A Peter Nimble adventure. 2016. 444p. ISBN 978-1-4197-1747-5. Available at FIC AUX on the library shelves.

Sophie Quire has worked all of her life as a book mender, following in her mother’s footsteps. Unfortunately, over the last few years, the city of Bustleburg has been getting rid of its nonsense, in part driven by Inspector Prigg, to move the people towards modernity and science. As a result, business at Quire and Quire booksellers has been steadily declining. To make matter worse, at the next Pyre day all story books are to be thrown in the inferno that will be ignited outside of town. Sophie will lose many of her friends when this happens for her books will also be thrown in.

Early in the morning a few days before Pyre day, Sophie is wandering the streets when she can’t help herself and steals some books from the guards’ wagon. Destined for the Pyre, these books are now property of the state, and Sophie is quickly discovered and captured. That’s when a mysterious figure, Peter Nimble and his trusted sidekick, Sir Tode, leap down from a nearby rooftop and saves the day. At least, he thinks he saves the day, but Sophie gets in more trouble with the law.

Peter will not be deterred, however, as he is on a mission from Professor Cake. He must deliver The Book of What to Sophie so she can mend and fix it. But this book is powerful and filled with magic, and when Sophie begins to mend it she realizes that the book will answer any “what” question. She discovers she is the last storyguard, and Peter is the most talented thief ever to exist. Unfortunately, the only thing missing is the name of her mother’s killer. Thus begins a quest to find answers to questions Sophie didn’t know she had, and this quest will lead her to find the other books, The Book of Who, The Book of Where, and The Book of When. But danger lurks, and the forces who murdered her mother are still very much waiting for Sophie’s book. Can their mysterious adventure save the city of Bustleburg?

Historical Serial Killers

Rauf, Don. Historical Serial Killers. Part of the Psychology of Serial Killers series. 2016. 144p. ISBN 978-0-7660-7290-9. Available at 364.15 RAU on the library shelves.

People have been killing others since the dawn of humanity. Some, however, take pleasure in their killings. Whether they are doing it for money, for the thrills, or for vengeance, those who kill multiple people at different times and places are known as serial killers. Throughout history there have been many serial killers, mainly men but also a few women, who assassinated others. This book provides an overview of the different types of serial killers and discusses the causes and characteristics serial killers share. It also profiles many serial killers through history and documents their various crimes and punishments. From Locusta of Gaul, the woman responsible, under his command, for the poisoning of Nero’s father and mother to the infamous Jack the Ripper, this book will creep you out.

Other books in the series include Medical Serial Killers, Cannibal Serial Killers, Female Serial Killers, and Modern-day Serial Killers.

Ask Me How I Got Here

Heppermann, Christine. Ask Me How I Got Here. 2016. 225p. ISBN 978-0-06-238795-0. Available at FIC HEP on the library shelves

Addie runs for her Catholic school’s cross-country team, and she is really good. In fact, Addie has always been running forward, with the future in sight. A running scholarship to a University. A beautiful life and a dedicated boyfriend. But all of this falls apart when she discovers that she is pregnant. Suddenly, her whole world changes and a hard decision must be made. Addie has an abortion, but the consequences of her decision affects the rest of her school year, including her desire to run. Can she reconnect with herself?

Told in verse, Addie walks the reader through her experience, from meeting her new boyfriend to the abortion itself. The end of her relationship with Nick, and the blooming of another relation with Juliana, who is also a survivor, opens the door to new experiences and to a rediscovery of self. Fans of poetry and tragedies will enjoy this fast read.