An entry in the Closer Look At series is too cluttered in design and often too vague to be useful. A few brief, disjointed paragraphs and a single spread are devoted to such complex topics as tsunamis, river flooding, and typhoons. The text makes proclamations without further explanations, e.g., "flooding is one of the most destructive natural disasters," but Flaherty does not subsequently and clearly explain its causes (excessive building or dredging, the destruction of wetlands, loss of trees, etc.). The section devoted to countermeasures mentions reforestation, but emphasizes building dikes, coastal concrete walls, and shelters to house people displaced by flood. That dates the title, as scientists and specialists in land use currently discourage the building of dikes and re-channeling bodies of water. (diagrams, chronology, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 10-12) Read full book review >