Reviews
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Sex, Murder, and the Meaning of Life: A Psychologist Investigates How Evolution, Cognition, and Complexity are Revolutionizing our View of Human Nature by Douglas T. Kenrick
Anecdotes enliven a psychologist’s take on the role of evolution in murderous fantasies, racial prejudice and other unsavory aspects of human nature. Basic Books, 2011, 238 p., $26.99
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Saving Sea Turtles: Extraordinary Stories from the Battle against Extinction by James R. Spotila
A turtle biologist makes a plea to save sea turtles, remarkable creatures that start life buried in up to two feet of sand. Johns Hopkins Univ. Press, 2011, 216 p., $24.95
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The Power of Music: Pioneering Discoveries in the New Science of Song by Elena Mannes
A music lover interviews scientists and musicians in this fun exploration of the science of music. Walker & Company, 2011, 263 p., $26
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The Quest for the Cure: The Science and Stories Behind the Next Generation of Medicines by Brent R. Stockwell
In this well-researched look into the complexities of making medicines, a chemical biologist gives a history of drug making and details innovative methods of drug discovery. Columbia Univ. Press, 2011, 265 p., $27.95
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Book Review: A Planet of Viruses by Carl Zimmer
Review by Tina Hesman Saey.
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Book Review: Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain by David Eagleman
Review by Laura Sanders.
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The Ragged Edge of the World by Eugene Linden
Buy this book A journalist follows cargo cults in New Guinea, Pygmies in Africa and other groups to trace industrialization’s effects. Viking, 2011, 256 p., $26.95
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Epigenetics by Richard C. Francis
Buy this book A rollicking narrative goes beyond the gene to show how external influences shape genetic legacy. W. W. Norton & Co., 2011, 224 p., $25.95
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Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter by Ellen Prager
Buy this book A tastefully scandalous tour of defensive secretions and extreme sexual flexibility backs up a plea for ocean conservation. Univ. of Chicago Press, 2011, 200 p., $26
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Antarctic Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide by James Lowen
Buy this book This photographic field guide could come in handy on a cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula, or just be a fun way to learn about life way down under. Princeton Univ. Press, 2011, 240 p., $22.95
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Out of Character: Surprising Truths About the Liar, Cheat, Sinner (and Saint) Lurking in All of Us by David DeSteno and Piercarlo Valdesolo
Subtle changes in environment and context can lead anyone to act as either a saint or a sinner, two psychologists argue, highlighting the flexibility of character. OUT OF CHARACTER Crown Archetype, 2011, 259 p., $25
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BOOK REVIEW: Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us by Joe Palca and Flora Lichtman
Review by Devin Powell.
