Death Before Sentencing
Making a case for substantial prison reform, this week's review examines the lack of accountability American county and local jail systems take for the avoidable deaths of detainees.
Posted on in Review of the Week
In Search of Mycotopia
April showers bring...mushrooms? This week's review introduces us to the world and potential of mycology
Posted on April 11, 2022 in Review of the Week
In Search of Mycotopia: Citizen Science, Fungi Fanatics, and the Untapped Potential of Mushrooms
Bierend, Doug. Chelsea Green, 2021
336p bibl index, 9781603589796 $24.95, 9781603589802
Bierend offers an engaging and entertaining introduction to the broad field of mycology, demonstrating how fungi epitomize the concept of ecological relations. Bierend, who writes for Wired, The Atlantic, and Outside Magazine among others, proves his skill as a science journalist through interviews and experiences shared with mushroom experts and citizen scientists. He follows a wandering path through mushroom production, revealing opportunities for community engagement in “fungi fellowship” and documenting the involvement of mushroom enthusiasts not only in food science but also in resistance to extractive culture. Chapter 5 (“This Land Is Mycoland”) details Bierend’s visit to the Telluride Mushroom Festival. In chapter 12 (“Who Speaks for the Mushroom?”) he visits a mycoremediation project not far from the Lago Agrio oil spill disaster site in Ecuador. Though the book’s organization might seem cluttered, it captures the feeling of falling in love with a field of biology. Bierend’s budding enthusiasm and passion for everything related to fungi makes the text fun to read. Bierend introduces surprising edge topics that serve as jumping off points for deeper thought. This would make an excellent introduction to mycology for undergraduate students and all readers interested in learning more about an important kingdom uniquely positioned within the empire of life.
Summing Up: Highly recommended, Lower- and upper-division undergraduates. Professionals. General readers.
Reviewer: A. L. Myers, Michigan Technological University
Interdisciplinary Subjects: Environmental Studies, Food and Agriculture
Subject: Science & Technology – Biology – Botany
Choice Issue: Mar 2022
Enjoy this week’s review? Check out more reviews of related titles:
- Wild Honey Bees: An Intimate Portrait
- Nature Underfoot: Living with Beetles, Crabgrass, Fruit Flies, and Other Tiny Life Around Us
- The Sirens of Mars: Searching for Life on Another World
- Birds in Winter: Surviving the Most Challenging Season
- Life Finds a Way: What Evolution Teaches Us about Creativity
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