Trips: How Hallucinogens Work in Your Brain
If that subtitle triggers the response "Really well!," presumably the book's acquisition is a foregone conclusion. Although not suitable for a results-oriented collection, as would be, say, a DARE-funded project, it is a fine source of responsible information about how the verboten and vilified but perennially popular hallucinogenic drugs go about their nefarious business. Pellerin leavens scientific terminology with illustrations that include lots of the work of underground comic book artists, most notably that of comix superstar R. Crumb. More of the book is devoted to the history of hallucinogen use and control than to chemistry and biology, but the emphasis is on full and open discussion of recreational use. That Pellerin does not damn that practice outright may be an acquisitions disincentive for many libraries, which would be a shame, for her book is fresh, reasonable, and very engaging.Mike Tribby