Rudd (environmental advisor in the petroleum industry) and Holloway (technical development, NCH Corporation) present this review of the process of hydraulic fracturing, popularly known as "fracking," intended as a careful yet non-technical overview of both advantages and concerns associated with the technique. The materials and construction of fractures are explained, as well as environmental regulation and potential contamination by fluids and air emissions. A great deal of the book consists of an appendix listing Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, and the main text both opens and closes with concerns about media spin unfairly emphasizing dangers of the practice. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)