Off the Shelf 0708-11

Freakonomics
By Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
CD Audiobook read by Stephen J. Dubner
© 2006

Subtitled, A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, this might entice you to read a book about economics - then again....maybe not! Economics is not normally thought of as a best-selling novel topic, but Freakonomics takes the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services (Wikipedia) to another level. In fact, you really owe yourself a favor by reading this book - really! The premise of the book is to explain phenomena by seeing it from another perspective - by asking the right questions and drawing the right connections. For example, they share their perspective of the reduced crime rate not by increased police protection, but by legalized abortion two decades earlier. As one might expect, they often draw controversy with their alien concepts, but seeing their connections invites good thinking!

So, who knew writers could untangle statistics in such a way as to make for an enjoyable read - made even better when listened to on this audiobook? Their story is fascinating and will have you wanting to know more! Fortunately, they continue their writing and exploration of unusual analysis through their blog posts at the New York Times edition of Freakonomics.

My recommendation: 5 out of 5 stars
Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist

Blog Against Abuse

Bloggers Unite on September 27th to protest abuse - child abuse, domestic abuse, animal abuse, drug abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, or any other abuse. Seeing this challenge from Lee Hopkins I immediately ticked off the destructive impact of all types of abuse...and how it's effect is so long-term. Think about the cycles of abuse in families where behavior is passed on from one generation to the next - not a one time incident, but patterns of ongoing violence and/or degradation.

The act of human trafficking is gaining attention in our community. Like other forms of abuse, it is difficult for most of us to fathom the existence of slavery in contemporary life. And yet, it exists - documented on a regular basis via Naples Daily News stories. Interestingly, there are three new young adult books that also deal with the general theme - all of which deserve their own separate blog posting: Broken Moon by Kim Antineau, Copper Sun by Sharon Draper, and Sold by Patricia McCormick. Though these books deal with human trafficking in fictional worlds which are quite different than modern day Collier County, they expose readers to the abusive environments, the physical and emotional conditions of both the perpetrator and the victim, and the unimaginable lack of humanity. Reading and discussing these themes with others makes them *real* and helps us work towards an "abuse-free" world. It is vital that we don't forget nor sweep these atrocities under the rug.

Photo credit to Jules57's Rusty Fence

Technorati Tags: bloggersunite, blog against abuse, human trafficking

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Off the Shelf 0708-4

Sickened
By Julie Gregory
© 2003

Though difficult to fathom, there is a condition called Munchausen by proxy (MBP), which is specific type of mental disorder involving child abuse. It is a rare disorder in which a parent seeks medical attention for their child after creating real or imagined illness. Typically, a mother will deliberately make their child sick and/or report exaggerated or false symptoms which results in doctor's attempts to treat with tests, medications, and even surgeries. The parent usually demonstrates warm and caring attention towards the child, thus creating a web of confusion and deception.

This autobiography is a harrowing account of MBP through the victim's eyes. Reflecting on her childhood, Julie Gregory realizes with horror that her mother was indeed inflicted with MBP. Beautifully written - even in the sadness and ugliness of it all - there are bits of hope buried in facets of her life. She uncovers the cycle of child abuse and explores the vast impact it has on the entire family. The book appears to be serve as a cathartic release for Julie and possibly an attempt to redirect her anger into a more constructive manner. She also has a website (www.juliegregory.com) which, among other things, provides a forum for others to share their experiences.

This book is a must read for health and mental health professionals or for students interested in those career fields - however, consider yourself warned of the stark reality painted in eloquent words that will draw tears of sadness and angry, clenched jaws.

My recommendation: 4 out of 5 stars

Submitted by M. Coleman, Media Specialist