A highly entertaining read that I would recommend especially for University City residents is Michael Capuzzo's "Close to shore : a true story of terror in an age of innocence." It's about the great white shark attacks along the Jersey shore in the 1910's, but in the process of telling the story of the first victim, who lived with his family in a house in the 4000 block of Spruce Street, Capuzzo really evokes the feel of turn-of-the-century Philadelphia and particularly of life in that neighborhood. I've driven past the house, which is still there, and thought about that family several times since reading it, especially given the horrible trauma they suffered when their 20-something son was viciously attacked by a shark while bathing.

But it's an interesting read, as much for its historical aspects as for the account of the shark (which eventually swam up into a freshwater creek farther north along the shore - I forget the name of it - and attacked a boy swimming there before being killed).

Perfect airplane reading, especially for an academic. Easy on the brain (compared to turgid scholarly stuff) but a compelling story.

Glad to hear it. I'm a little surprised you had a hard time finding it in a bookstore - surely it can't be out of print already? It's not more than 5 years old or so, I think.

I bought a copy of the book from Audible.com but I haven't listened to it yet.

Thanks for the rec. I actually have it her on my shelves and have never gotten around to it.

definately a good read -- as is "12 days of terror" -- which is a bit heftier and about the same subject.