Discusses why humans travel, how travel changes them, and the willingness to face danger in the name of adventure, and takes readers to such places as London, St. Petersburg, and Bangkok Anyone with a penchant for travel will be delighted in these ten slice-of-life travel essays by Johnson. Whether discovering the mysteries of the Great Barrier Reef, observing wildlife on the Serengeti, or accompanying her physician husband on excursions abroad, Johnson brings alive her experiences and encounters with people and places. One of the most appealing features of the book is Johnson's conversational style of writing. She writes as if she is relaying events to a good friend. Natural Opium is an excellent choice for any library's travel section, due to the diversity of locations covered, the caliber of writing, and the book's absorbing entertainment qualities. - Jo-Anne Mary Benson, Osgoode, Ontario Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.