Warning: This is not your grandparents' textbook. In this undergraduate introductory text designed to sustain student interest, Van Belle (Victoria University of Wellington) and Mash (East Stroudsburg University) introduce political science through books, movies, TV, and popular culture. They use fiction to illustrate concepts because of the way fiction explicitly explores the political and social dynamics of choice, action, and consequences. "Our narrative tone is casual, sarcastic, and occasionally just a bit crass," they admit. Chapter key terms, summaries, study questions, exercises, and web links are included.The text includes an extensive glossary, and an appendix of short summaries of books, films, and TV shows students can use for projects, covering everything from SpongeBob SquarePants to Dr. Strangelove. A brief overview of academic writing is also included Annotation ⓒ2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)