An investigative reporter, Bardach uses the media circus and shenanigans surrounding Elian Gonzalez as a lens to examine the heated, often very personal, and almost always political relations between the Cuban exiles in Miami, the Castro government and the United States. Bound to touch open nerves on both sides, Bardach weaves a fascinating, complex tale. It's well reported too. Bardach also edited Cuba, A Traveler's Literary Companion.  (CBA71, $15.95)