Steroids (Drug Library) [Library Binding]

Scott E. Lukas (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up--Steroids describes these natural and artificial chemical hormones, their functions in the human body, and their use in the treatment of certain diseases. It also makes it clear that these substances can have negative, even toxic effects. The author details societal response and urges stricter penalties for sellers, intensive educational programs for students and teachers, and a vigorous campaign of random drug testing in high schools. While this title contains much excellent information for reports, the writing style is deadly dull. Scientific and statistical presentations go on and on. Case histories of users, which should be interesting, fail to create empathy due to flat, emotionless prose. John Langone's Tough Choices (Little, 1995) has a concise section on the subject. Heroin reviews the history of this highly addictive opiate. Woods describes its chemical composition, its preparation, and manner of use. She delinates societal effects that include the takeover of manufacture and distribution by organized crime, gang warfare, the destruction of neighborhoods, and soaring health costs to care for addicts. This title is a good update to Fred Zachon and William E. McAulyfe's Heroin (Chelsea, 1991). Both books have ``Questions for Discussion'' sections following each chapter and adequate black-and-white charts and photographs.

Libby K. White, Schenectady County Public Library, NY

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Library Binding: 112 pages
• Publisher: Enslow Publishers (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 089490471X
• ISBN-13: 978-0894904714
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,614,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Informational Book., July 27, 2011

By 

John Doe (Somewhere in New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Steroids (Drug Library) (Library Binding)

Ah, steroids...the great American tradition. I just love how people nowadays have justified the use of steroids, performance enhancement drugs (PEDs), blood doping, etc. Look no further than Major League Baseball. No matter how much evidence of steroids/PEDs is staring at the faces of many players, their records still stand. So, the same concept applies to every sport there is. I still have no idea if Lance Armstrong did it or not, but it's seemingly very probable that he cheated. Ultimately, the final question remains: "Now, I see that everybody cheats. So, what's the point of watching anymore?" Exactly so. It's just impossible for me to appreciate the endeavors that professional athletes undertake. If a record was broken today, I am like, "Who cares?" That's how steroids and other cheating methods have ruined the game, and the players involved allowed it to happen and let it to continue. As I see in Steroids book, Scott Lukas kept referring to Ben Johnson's positive test for steroids. What he forgot to mention is that Carl Lewis also failed drug tests during the same time, but he got protected by coverups. Why? Because he is Carl Lewis. Period. Bottom line is: if an athlete is a nobody, he'll get caught and pay the price. If he is really famous and is making godly amount of money for himself and (mostly) others, he will never get caught. I would go as far as to say that he will never be punished for any kind of serious crimes despite the fact that he probably did it and we all know it. Anyway, the book did well to illustrate the highlights that I've been pointing out. One thing that I am still disappointed to this day is the lack of real concrete research studies on long term effects through steroids, supplemental products, PEDs, etc. I just feel it's very missing in making a final push over the hump why people shouldn't mess with these things. So, I guess "winning at all costs" as a mantra is alive as ever. As for me, I will always tune out. On the other side of the coin, using them to improve personal appearances...sad, sad, sad. Every time I turn on the television or go to a web page, there is always an advertisement somewhere that promises a way for a person to look awesomely ripped. Of course, there are boys and men in real and on television copying the same look in person. I am like, "Really? That's your purpose of life?" It's almost they have discovered the Holy Grail of Life, and everybody else is awed of it. All in all, good book...I enjoyed the details.