Intended for nonscience majors who are taking courses in general science, physics, optics, technology or electrical engineering, the book Is There a Laser in the House? Understanding Your High-Tech Everyday World uses common devices and natural phenomena as examples to explain underlying physical principles with a minimal amount of mathematics. Concepts presented include coherence, wave properties, the wave-particle dual nature of light, spontaneous and stimulated emission (to explain how lasers work), and the differences between a laser and a lightbulb, in layman’s terms. The 96-page resource discusses MRI, holograms, semiconductors, CD and DVD players, the electromagnetic spectrum, fiber optics and digital communications, and rainbows, mirages, blue skies and other optical effects. Amy E. Bieber; Pearson Custom Publishing, Boston, 2005; $30.