Synopsis
Readings excerpted from diverse sources, plus personal stories by those involved in cults, offer a broad perspective on the nature of cults and cultic groups and controversies surrounding their beliefs, practices, and right to exist. Looks at the process of recruitment and conversion, mind control and thought reform, cults and society, and differences and similarities between cults and traditional religions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
KLIATT
This review was written to encompass six titles—Cancer, Cults, Ethnic Violence, Serial Killers, Teen Smoking, and War Crimes. These anthologies provide a variety of articles focusing on current social issues, "edited for clarity," as Greenhaven states. War Crimes, for example, begins with an introduction that outlines some of the history and controversies surrounding this topic, and then presents from three to seven articles each (of about three to twelve pages each) on various aspects: chapter headings are "An Examination of War Crimes," "War Crimes: A Historical Overview," "Personal Reflections on War Crimes," and "How Should War Crimes Be Addressed?" The authors, mostly journalists and professors, look at everything from rape as a war crime to the Holocaust, Vietnam, the Japanese occupation of China, and Rwanda, to deterrents and appropriate punishment. Articles are prefaced by brief summaries; an appendix includes the text of the Nuremberg Principles and the Geneva Convention treaties; and there is an annotated list of organizations to contact. The other volumes are similarly organized. Students studying current issues will find these titles a valuable resource. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Greenhaven, 144p, 24cm, bibliog, index, $13.96. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Paula Rohrlick; May 2000 (Vol. 34 No. 3)