Reviews on each product: 1. The Feeling of Risk: New Perspectives on Risk Perception (Earthscan Risk in Society) The book "The Feeling of Risk" by Paul Slovic is a fascinating exploration into the ways humans perceive and respond to risk. Slovic argues that our perception of risk is not solely based on objective data, but also influenced by cultural, social, and psychological factors. He presents several case studies and experiments to illustrate his points, including the famous "Asian-American" study where participants were asked to choose between a certain amount of money with a 90% chance of winning or $1 million with a 1 in 250,000 chance of winning. The results showed that people generally preferred the smaller but more certain option, even though mathematically it made no sense. Slovic also discusses the concept of "risk homeostasis," which suggests that humans tend to seek out risks and challenges in order to maintain a sense of control over their lives. This can be seen in extreme sports like skydiving or bungee jumping, as well as in everyday activities like driving fast on the highway. Overall, "The Feeling of Risk" is an insightful read that will challenge readers to think critically about how they perceive and respond to risk. It provides a valuable perspective for anyone interested in psychology, sociology, or public policy. 2. Social Work Practice and Psychopharmacology: A Person-in-Environment Approach This book by Mary Beth Williams is an excellent resource for social workers who want to learn more about the intersection of psychopharmacology and social work practice. Williams provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of medications used in mental health treatment, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, stimulants, and opioids. She also discusses the ethical considerations involved in prescribing medication, such as informed consent, patient autonomy, and cultural sensitivity. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on a person-in-environment approach to social work practice. Williams argues that mental health problems are not solely an individual's responsibility, but also influenced by environmental factors like poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to resources. She provides practical guidance for social workers on how to address these issues in their clients' lives. Overall, "Social Work Practice and Psychopharmacology" is a valuable resource for any social worker who wants to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in mental health treatment. It will be particularly useful for those working in community settings or with marginalized populations. 3. Social Work and Family Violence, Second Edition: Theories, Assessment, and Intervention This book by Linda M. Gutierrez is a comprehensive guide to social work practice related to family violence. Gutierrez provides an overview of the different types of family violence, including physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional abuse, and neglect. She also discusses the risk factors for family violence, such as poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on trauma-informed social work practice. Gutierrez provides guidance on how to assess and treat clients who have experienced trauma, including strategies for building trust, managing symptoms, and promoting healing. She also discusses the importance of cultural competence in working with diverse populations, including those from immigrant or refugee backgrounds. Overall, "Social Work and Family Violence" is an essential resource for any social worker who wants to provide effective services to families affected by violence. It will be particularly useful for those working in domestic violence programs or related fields. 4. Social Contours of Risk: Volume I: Publics, Risk Communication and the Social (Earthscan Risk in Society Book 1) This book by Paul Slovic is a fascinating exploration into the ways that risk perception is shaped by social factors such as public opinion and media coverage. Slovic argues that our perceptions of risk are not solely based on objective data, but also influenced by cultural, political, and economic forces. He provides several case studies to illustrate his points, including the controversy surrounding nuclear power plants and the fear of crime in urban areas. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on the role of communication in shaping risk perception. Slovic discusses the ways that media coverage can influence public opinion about risks, as well as the importance of clear and accurate messaging in risk communication. He also provides guidance on how to effectively communicate complex scientific information to non-experts. Overall, "Social Contours of Risk" is an insightful read for anyone interested in psychology, sociology, or public policy. It will be particularly useful for those working in fields related to risk management and communication. 5. The Work, Risk and Uncertainty in a Post-Truth Society (Earthscan Risk in Society) This book by David Whyte is a thought-provoking exploration into the ways that work and risk are changing in our increasingly uncertain world. Whyte argues that traditional notions of job security and career advancement are no longer relevant in today's rapidly changing global economy, and that workers must adapt to new forms of risk and uncertainty. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on the importance of resilience in navigating these changes. Whyte provides guidance on how to develop a sense of purpose and meaning in work, as well as strategies for coping with stress and uncertainty. He also discusses the role that technology and automation are playing in shaping the future of work. Overall, "The Work, Risk and Uncertainty in a Post-Truth Society" is an insightful read for anyone interested in labor studies or organizational theory. It will be particularly useful for those working in fields related to career development and human resources management. 6. NSFW: Sex, Humor, and Risk in Social Media (The MIT Press) This book by Sarah Knobloch is a fascinating exploration into the ways that social media platforms are shaping our perceptions of sex, humor, and risk. Knobloch argues that these platforms have created new forms of communication and expression that challenge traditional norms and expectations around gender and sexuality. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on the role of culture in shaping social media use. Knobloch discusses how different cultural contexts shape attitudes towards sex, humor, and risk, as well as the ways that these platforms are being used to challenge or reinforce those norms. She also provides guidance on how to navigate the complexities of online communication and identity formation. Overall, "NSFW" is an insightful read for anyone interested in media studies or cultural anthropology. It will be particularly useful for those working in fields related to social media marketing or public relations. 7. The Changing Face of Health Care Social Work, Third Edition: Opportunities and Challenges for Professional Practice This book by Mary Beth Williams is an excellent resource for social workers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in health care social work practice. Williams provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of health care social work, including medical social work, mental health social work, and public health social work. One of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration in health care social work practice. Williams discusses the importance of working closely with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to provide comprehensive care for clients. She also provides guidance on how to navigate complex ethical issues related to confidentiality, informed consent, and end-of-life decision making. Overall, "The Changing Face of Health Care Social Work" is a valuable resource for any social worker who wants to provide effective services in the health care field. It will be particularly useful for those working in community settings or with marginalized populations. 8. Energy Transitions: A Socio-technical Inquiry (Energy, Climate and the Environment) This book by Markus Bocken is a fascinating exploration into the ways that energy transitions are shaping our societies and environments. Bocken argues that these transitions involve not only technological innovations, but also social and cultural changes as well. One of the strengths of this book is its interdisciplinary approach to energy transitions. Bocken draws on insights from sociology, anthropology, political science, and other fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of these complex processes. He discusses the ways that different actors such as governments, corporations, and civil society organizations are shaping energy transitions, as well as the challenges and opportunities they present. Overall, "Energy Transitions" is an insightful read for anyone interested in environmental studies or sustainability.