Book excerpt: What causes an individual to be a risk-taker? In this timely and provocative new book, William C. Cockerham provides an up-to-date sociological examination of risk takers and risk taking processes through the lens of some of America's most dangerous behaviors: sexually transmitted diseases, alcohol, drug use, smoking, and extreme sports. Not content with simply discussing these subjects, Cockerham also creates an original and innovative risk response model designed to advance the sociological analysis of risk takers. Society of Risk-Takers can be incorporated into a variety of courses in sociology, social problems, culture and society, and medical sociology.