Not only did this book transport me to a time and place that I've always longed to experience, it also taught me an immense amount about the art of self-powered/sail and oar powered travel on coastal waters. I may be "stuck" in the lakes in the west-central US, but through this book I was able to journey and explore the BC Coast.
In this collection of narratives Victoria technologist, environmentalist and writer Alex Zimmerman tells stories not only of self-propelled travel and adventure but also of nature, the magnificent environment and of interesting people that he meets on the coast of British Columbia. Zimmerman is not the first to paddle and write about the BC Coast, but he brings a fresh and personal perspective as he details how he learns the necessary physical and mental skills of solo traveling. His encounters with the non-human inhabitants of the coast, the whales, wolves, bears and a super-pod of dolphins, are brought to life with…
I've been a student of climate change for over 50 years now, but this book took my awareness to a whole new level. I have always respected the forces of nature, but now I actually fear them a bit more. And finally, the true life stories that Vaillant writes were completely spellbinding.
PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST • A NEW YORK TIMES TOP TEN BOOK OF THE YEAR • FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD IN NONFICTION • FINALIST FOR THE PEN/GALBRAITH AWARD FOR NONFICTION • A stunning account of a colossal wildfire and a panoramic exploration of the rapidly changing relationship between fire and humankind from the award-winning, best-selling author of The Tiger and The Golden Spruce • Winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, TIME, NPR, Slate, and Smithsonian
Ramos' unpretentious tone is remarkable as he describes his life as a member of one most elite fire fighting groups. Once shrouded in mystery for me, now I see these men and women and the mystery has transformed to complete awe and respect.
A PACIFIC NORTHWEST BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION BESTSELLER "A fascinating look" (Esquire) at the thrilling world of smokejumpers, the airborne firefighters who parachute into the most remote and rugged areas of the United States, confronting the growing threat of nature's blazes. Forest and wildland fires are growing larger, more numerous, and deadlier every year - record drought conditions, decades of forestry mismanagement, and the increasing encroachment of residential housing into the wilderness have combined to create a powder keg that threatens millions of acres and thousands of lives every year. One select group of men and women are part of America's front-line…
I was deeply moved by Creativity, Teaching, and Natural Inspiration. It’s more than a story about teaching, it's a lyrical reflection on imagination, courage, and the quiet power of creativity to awaken meaning in others. Mark's words carry the warmth of lived experience and the kind of authenticity that lingers, like fragrant woodsmoke after a campfire. Olivia Mae Harrison, Book Club Placement Expert
