Mayor, Mireya. Pink Boots and a Machete.

Mayor, Mireya.  Pink Boots and a Machete.  National Geographic,  2011.  301p. $26.00  ISBN 978-1-4262-0721-1      hs/adult      E-BN       

     The author has written this autobiography, which chronicles her life from early childhood to NFL cheerleader to National Geographic employee who travels the globe scouring for new species of fauna and flora, following her instincts as a modern-day explorer.    From start to finish this book keeps the reader enthralled with the daring feats and science done by explorer/scientist Mireya Mayor. Writing in everyday language with much humor and introspection, this woman describes her exploratory experiences from the depths of the oceans to the tops of mountains, cataloging and developing plans to protect these animals and their environment. Mireya should serve as a role model to young women to follow their personal dreams and passions in life.                  

Subject: Explorers -- United States -- Biography

Lynn Fisher

 

Cousteau, Jean-Michel with Daniel Paisner My Father, The Captain: My Life With Jacques Cousteau

Cousteau, Jean-Michel with Daniel Paisner My Father, The Captain: My Life With Jacques Cousteau
National Geographic 2010 255 26.00
978-1-4262-0683-2 hs/adult VG-BN
An intimate portrait of the oceanographer who inspired millions to learn more about marine life and conservation. Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of legendary undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau, spent most of his adult life nurturing the work of his famous father. In an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the legend versus the man, the younger Cousteau writes: “Captain Cousteau was a complicated man. He was a man of many different personalities, many different moods. But this is how it is with all great men, yes? We know the public mask, but it is the private face that reveals a man’s true character. It is the man we know when the cameras are not filming.”
Jean-Michel and his collaborator, New York Times best-selling author Daniel Paisner, offer an intimate portrait of the seminal moments in his father’s legend. Students studying the innovative and passionate Jacques Cousteau will find new material here, but the lack of an index makes pinpointing specific topics difficult -- and this is not casual reading material. The prose is stiff and self-conscious. It is only the innate drama of a fascinating man’s life unfolding, combined with details from the pioneer marine conservationist’s perspective, that propels the dialogue forward. Jean Michel’s disillusionment with his father and his causes as an adult clearly contrasts with his childhood hero-worship. Jean-Michel’s bitterness regarding his father’s mistresses and second wife and family is palpable.

A small section of black-and-white photographs enliven the narrative. 2010 marks the 100th anniversary of Jacques Cousteau’s birth. Topical content (100th anniversary of Jacques Cousteau’s birth) from the intimate point-of-view of Cousteau’s son, Jean-Michel, introduces the celebrated marine conservationist and explorer to a new generation. Welliver, Hilary
Cousteau, Jacques

Jenkins, Mark Collins. Vampire Forensics

Jenkins, Mark Collins. Vampire Forensics
National Geographic 2010 303p 25.00
978-1-4262-0607-8 hs/adult VG
This book examines the legend of vampires using historical texts, anthropological data, and archeological artifacts. This title was also a show on the National Geographic Channel. This book examines the legend of vampires using historical texts, anthropological data and archeological artifacts. Jenkins, a former National Geographic historian, who still writes for the organization, writes about vampires historically from multicultural viewpoints, relating what he has researched to the current fascination with vampires. Jenkins cites literature from centuries ago, as well as recent vampire media such as film, to show that a vampire like creature has been associated with many cultures throughout history. The writing is rather academic and will help fans of the current romantic type vampire writings and films learn where the legend came from and how it has evolved throughout the years. This title was also a show on the National Geographic Channel on cable television and is available as a dvd as well. Jenkins has included extensive chapter notes for each chapter, a quite large selected bibliography, and an intensive index. I do question why there is no reference to the Twilight series of books that seem to have sparked further the young adult interest in vampires as romantic figures. However, this book will be a very good selection for high school libraries where there is interest in the subject as this title may inspire further research on the topic of the “undead”. This book will be a very good selection for high school libraries where there is interest in the subject as this title may inspire further research on the topic of the “undead”. Weinraub, Tina

I'm not hanging noodles on your ears and other intriguing idioms from around the world.

Bhalla, Jag. I'm not hanging noodles on your ears and other intriguing idioms from around the world.
National Geographic 2009 266p 12.95 978-1-4262-0458-6 hs/adult
Cultural similarities and differences are explored through the use of idiomatic language. Humor interspersed with scholarly knowledge make this a book a delightful read. A humorous look at language the world over, and the delightful idiomatic expression used in many cultures. What may sound strange to American ears, seems perfectly logical in other cultures...like “I’m not hanging noodles on your ears” is Russian for “Not pulling your leg.” More like a catalog than a narrative, this volume coloquializes its way through continents and cultures with a lot of humore, intersperse with interesting facts. Sort of like “the Word Detective” with a simultaneous translator build in. More fun than “a barrel of monkeys,” but also an engrossing work for the budding etymologist. Use with A hog on ice and other curious expressions and Why do we say it? the stories behind the words, expressions and cliches we use. A fun look at language and all its intricacies. Naismith, Pat

Bechtel, Stefan. Tornado Hunter.

Bechtel, Stefan. Tornado Hunter.
National Geographic 2009 272p 24.00 978-1-4262-0302-2 all ages

Ride along with the ultimate risk-takers, tornado chasers. Learn about the lives of those who study tornadoes, the conditions necessary for tornado formation and the destruction tornadoes cause. Excellent science and adventure for grades 5 and up, including adults. This book will appeal to any seeker of adventure, the inventor, or the science nerd. The formation of tornadoes and the destruction they cause are all chronicled in a very readable book that intersperses science seamlessly into the adventure that tornado chasers thrive on. Text boxes provide quick facts that increase reader’s interest. Heart pounding descriptions of five tornadoes and what it is like to chase and become immersed in a tornado formation will keep the reader glued to the book. Quotations from survivors of tornadoes as well as the storm chasers make this book seem like a “you are there” history. Chapters introduce the reader to the people whose names have become synonymous with tornadoes. Fujita, for whom the destruction scale is named, started with mapping destruction from the atomic bomb in Hiroshima during World War II. His chance connection with an American scientist showed they were both working on similar concepts related to winds. Tim Samaras, ultimate tornado chaser and equipment design wizard is a man whose mind asks questions and the answers result in equipment that can withstand the wind force of the tornado and come out unharmed all the while collecting scientific data. His armored car is filled with instruments that help track weather systems as well as record current conditions. The drudgery of waiting for the perfect conditions for tornado formation and rough rides over fields and dirt roads show that tornado chasers must have patience as well as be risk-takers. A section of photos and index supplement the book. Fantastic reading for those interested in tornadoes. Grades 5-adult. Lois McNicol