This Will Kill You: A Guide to the Ways in Which We Go
Adult/High School—In alphabetical order, with the occasional sidebar that seems unrelated to the immediate peril under discussion, the authors describe about 75 specific ways by which individuals can meet their demise. The causes range from the sadly ordinary (stroke) to the much-publicized but rare (alligators), the old-fashioned (hemlock poisoning), and the usually uncharted (playing professional sports). Each entry discusses the mechanics of the particular death (or extensive damage just short of death) the agent causes, as well as the likelihood of succumbing through this means. Data on death rates, parts of the world most afflicted, and notable victims ushered out by the method end each two-page write-up. Also included for each is a "horror factor" gauge that takes into consideration dread, likelihood, and gore, and a brief but useful list of "grim facts" that put the agent of death into place in history or current events. Illustrations are simple thumbnails—no gore. The potential audience for this book includes list lovers, horror fans, and even students engaged in history or science research. Sadly, there is no index.—Francisca Goldsmith, Halifax Public Libraries, Nova ScotiaCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.