Buzzwords, May R Berenbaum, Book Review

My latest undertaking strayed from my familiar four-legged furry species, to ones that because of gross misunderstanding, are not a favorite topic. Simply stated, BUGS! May R. Berenbaum a renowned entomologist, successfully lured me into a world which was all at once creepy, humorous and extremely interesting. Her intention with "Buzzwords," was to enlighten and educationally inspire the public to appreciate the humor surrounding bugs and entomologists alike. Dispelling misconceived myths and stereotypes relevant to her chosen field and study subjects is no easy task. Therefore, it was with great enthusiasm that I realized her creative style was refreshingly effective and informative. The focus was directed at the lay reader, bug enthusiast and experts all the same. Scientific names and technical terminology combined with everyday occurrences, served as great learning tools. Berenbaum's witty ancedotes were just an added bonus!

Too many unknowing people believe that science involves people who are stodgy, uptight and obsessively serious. As well in this case, their reputation is grossly misrepresented just because of the general dislike of their icky test subjects. With the aid of Berenbaum's entertaining yet factual writing, she has pointed out some extraordinary aspects of these critters. Buzzword's is going to give even the most hardened "bug hater" some food for thought. The book successfully provides a multi-layered view of entomology and the more comical elements of its importance.

The author's discussion of sex education and how a dragonfly could improve its impact is comically impressive. Not only were the mating rituals of the species remarkable, so too was the highly suggestive way Berenbaum introduces it to teen sex! "I expect a young impressionable female high school student who grows up associating words like "gouge," "puncture," "split," and punch with the act of copulation might never yield to the temptation, even after years of marriage."

Believable or not, any person pre-occupied with the pursuit of ecological wellness, must also cogitate on the multi-functional species. A considerable number have remarkable attributes including strength for size, venom and camouflage, not to mention their ecological functions. As the author suggests, numerable species could be fashioned into a most effective "superhero" and what better way to educate the young. After all, comics have always been a child's forte.

This is only the briefest glimpse into this incredible funny woman's essays. Even as a non-lover of a myriad of bugs, I must still recommend this book with high commendation. Colorful representation and highlights of the unique species, and overhaul of a few university professors, an introduction to a sexual fetish known as "bug squashing," and a possible relation between cockroach flatulence and house fires, still does not encompass the scores of enjoyable topics touched upon in her book. Even though it has not turned me into a "bug lover" exactly, it has helped me to learn more about them and to understand that the majority of our fears are unfounded. This I ask myself while warily eyeing the ceiling and pulling the "Raid" can just a little closer! Sorry May, I guess in my case some eight-legged fears are just not ready to change!

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