THINK ABOUT GUNS IN AMERICA

As an alternative to Greenhaven Press's ""Opposing Viewpoints"" series, etc., a summary of the positions of various sides on a controversy of high public interest, almost without quoting any of them. The result is an adequate introduction, better at conveying the overall picture but less effective in giving a sense of the passions involved. Strahinich works carefully: her first chapter lures those interested in guns with descriptions of different types; other chapters cover the place of guns in American history, owners, the history and politics of gun control, damage caused by guns, gun responsibility, and projections for the future. Each chapter begins with either sensational facts or a true story; those on history and politics include summaries of pro- and anti-control interpretations and other arguments. Each ends with textbook-style questions, a few of which call for thought as well as recall of facts. A well-organized book that strikes a nice balance between attracting attention with its approach and treating the topic with appropriate seriousness, this will be especially useful for school libraries. Appendixes include an annotated list of lobbying groups; a summary of issues and questions, somewhat more detailed than the text; and statements by one advocacy group from each side. Glossary; fairly up-to-date bibliography.