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Book Of Blood (2012)

by H.P. Newquist(Favorite Author)

3.64 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1299894119 (ISBN13: 9781299894112)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Harcourt Brace and Company

review 1: I was drawn to The Book Of Blood by HP Newquist initially by the intriguing cover which is dripping blood. By the title, I expected the book to be about blood. The subtitle From Legends and Leeches to Vampires and Veins threw me off a little. Since it was in the 600s section of Dewey, I expected it to be about blood as a part of the body. I wondered how Newquist would drag in Legends and Vampires to a factual book about blood.The book begins with an overview that explains what blood is, its color, and its components. Next, it presents a view of blood and how it was looked at historically using examples from ancient Mesopotamia, the Bible, and Greek and Mayan artifacts. It slowly traces man's understanding of blood through bloodletting, transfusions, and blood types. It ... morethen traces a detailed journey of how blood is used by the body and the paths it takes. Blood pressure and pulse are clearly explained. Each step of the way the body parts and terms are carefully explained. Many similes and metaphors are used to familiarize the reader with exactly what is being discussed. For example, when blood is discussed in conjunction with the brain these comparisons are made. "The dura is basically like bubble wrap for the brain" (79). And later, "Underneath that is the arachnoid layer, which contains crisscrossing blood vessels that look very much like a spider web. In fact, it is called the arachnoid layer because of the scientific name for spiders, which is 'arachnid'" (79). Although blood and the body is a complex topic, Newquist carefully makes it accessible without making it childish. Not only will junior high students find this book interesting but adults will too.Stylistically, the book is interesting. I LOVE the layout and graphics. Each page is artistically created to attract the eye. Most pages are edged in blood and drops and the book is loaded with helpful illustrations and labels to further explain the text. I do find it interesting that a serious, nonfiction book is so casually written. Non-formal contractions are regularly used in the text, a technique most informational books to not use. The tone of the text is also, casual and at times humorous. I am sure this is done to interest younger readers and put them at ease, but at times, it feels awkward. I did find what seems like an editing error on page 85. The text states, "The kidneys receive almost 20 percent of the blood pushed out from the heart, nearly as much as the brain" (85). Then a caption under an illustration of the kidneys states, "Kidneys receive nearly twice as much blood from the heart as the brain does, which is almost 20 percent of your blood" (85). This seems a contradictory statement. An editing error? In a nonfiction book, one would like to think the information is correct, so this is bothersome.Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The subtitle confusion was cleared up nicely in the ending chapters when blood's tie to horror and monsters is clearly explained in historical terms. I like the modern feel of the book. Many of its examples a very recent and students will relate to them. Although the book is a high reading level, I really think that it is accessible by students of all reading levels because of its careful descriptions, comparisons, and many text features. I enjoyed this book.
review 2: Everything you ever wanted to know about blood can be found in this nifty volume. The text is much chattier and more engaging than a textbook. It covers the functioning of the circulatory system, the intricate composition of blood and its importance in human well-being. A nice narrative explains man’s fascination with blood from earliest times and the myths, folklore, religious beliefs and rituals associated with blood. Readers will also discover the evolution of medical practices relating to blood from bloodletting to typing to transfusions. Blood-sucking animals, blood in literature, and vampires are also given their due. Numerous photographs, illustrations, diagrams, and sidebars add visual appeal and provide more data. The blood-spattered pages are a clever touch; they will surely grab the reader’s attention. Back matter includes a bibliography, websites and index. For teachers seeking pertinent examples of narrative nonfiction, this title would be ideal. Note: the caption under a photograph on page 60 incorrectly states the photo is from World War I instead of World War II. less

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