Benchley draws upon four decades of diving and studying ocean creatures in these insights and lessons about sharks. He goes to great lengths to counter the common misperception of sharks as aggressive predators of human beings, which is ironic given that Benchley's best-selling adult novel, Jaws, has probably done more than anything to perpetuate that very myth. Benchley shares many anecdotes of his personal encounters with sharks, including the Great White, in stories that are always exciting and sometimes terrifying. In addition to the anecdotes, he offers practical advice to readers on how to swim safely in the ocean and how to avoid shark attacks and potentially dangerous encounters with other sea creatures. Since Benchley writes from personal experience and observation, this probably won't supply students with report material, but it is an engaging, frequently exciting recounting of one man's fascinating adventures in the ocean. A glossary is included.

Jaws author Benchley takes a hard look at shark attack data, providing an overview of the shark's habits, supplying tips for safe surfing and swimming, and sharing numerous close calls he and his acquaintances have had. While these topics don't always work in concert, this adaptation of Benchley's adult book has summer reading written all over it. Glos.

Gr 5-8-Benchley writes about his personal experiences with sharks as well as a variety of other sea creatures considered dangerous to humans. Filming for the movie Jaws and television programs such as "The American Sportsman," the author traveled to the Great Barrier Reef in search of great white sharks, Vancouver Island for killer whales, and Polynesia for hammerheads. He describes being four inches from the jaws of a great white that bit into the cage's rope and thrashed it violently, nearly severing him from his lifeline. Menacing encounters with morays, barracudas, and manta rays are just as engaging and relay all that is awesome and beautiful about these creatures. Philosophical asides about humans' attempt to manipulate nature are not too heavy-handed and will help foster a healthy respect for the sea. A conversational section about swimming safety warns readers about undertows, rips, and death-gripping currents. A centerfold of black-and-white photos is included. Benchley's anecdotal style and gory details result in a page-turner for middle readers.-Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia High School, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.