|
|
| Autumn Light: Season of Fire and Farewells by Pico IyerWhat it is: a poignant, personal meditation on family, self, and dying as viewed within the context of Japanese culture.
What happened: After his Japanese father-in-law died, British-born, Indian American writer Pico Iyer went to Japan where his thoughts turned to aging and death as his wife carried out traditional mourning rituals.
How he coped: Iyer helped his mother-in-law (who couldn't remember her husband had died), wondered about his brother-in-law's refusal to see the family, and played ping pong with elderly friends. |
|
| Horizon by Barry LopezWhat it is: an eloquent essay collection combining nature writing, travelogue, and memoir that covers some of the award-winning author's travels (mostly while he was in his 40s and 50s) as well as his encounters with people, animals, and landscapes.
Places visited include: the Galápagos Islands, Antarctica, Australia, Kenya, and the Canadian Arctic.
Reviewers say: "Exemplary writing about the world and a welcome gift to readers" (Kirkus Reviews). |
|
| Rough Magic: Riding the World's Loneliest Horse Race by Lara Prior-PalmerWhat happened: On a whim, Lara Prior-Palmer, an English teen at loose ends, registered for the Mongol Derby, a 1,000-kilometer horse race.
And then? Seven weeks later, Prior-Palmer was riding a series of 25 wild ponies across Mongolian grasslands...and became the youngest (and first-ever female) winner of the endurance competition.
Book buzz: This compelling, poetic, and honest book is already appearing on many must-read lists, including ones by Publishers Weekly, Esquire, and Entertainment Weekly. |
|
| The Sun Is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey into the Alaskan Wilds by Caroline Van HemertFeaturing: wildlife biologist Caroline Van Hemert, who'd spent years working on a Ph.D., and her builder husband, both of whom needed a break after toiling away without taking time to enjoy the outdoors.
What it's about: The couple traveled 4,000 miles through vast wilderness from Washington state's Pacific rainforest to a remote part of the Alaskan Arctic via skis, rowboats, canoes, rafts, and foot.
Why you should read it: With vivid prose, Van Hemert documents the physical perils of the trip (like being stalked by a bear) and contemplates her father's health troubles, her relationship with nature, and more. |
|
| The City of Falling Angels by John BerendtWhat happened: The famed Fenice Opera House in Venice dramatically burned just days before author John Berendt's arrival in 1996. Wondering if it could have been arson, Berendt talked to a variety of Venetians.
Who it's for: those who love Venice or enjoy atmospheric travelogues with fascinating people, politics, and city lore.
About the author: John Berendt is the bestselling author of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which examined a shocking murder in Savannah, Georgia. |
|
| Notes From a Small Island by Bill BrysonWhat it is: a laugh-out-loud tour of the sceptred isle, led by witty American travel writer extraordinaire Bill Bryson.
What happened: In 1995, Bryson, who was planning on returning home to the United States, traveled by foot and public transport, over hill and dale, throughout his beloved adopted home of the last 20 years. |
|
|
To the New Owners: A Martha's Vineyard Memoir
by Madeleine Blais
What it's about: Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Madeleine Blais paints a wistful, wonderful portrait of summer vacations on Martha's Vineyard.
Why you might like it: Weaving memories of her visits with excerpts from the house's guest book, newspaper articles, etc., Blais highlights the quirky charm and natural beauty of the island.
Celebrity watchers take note: famous faces appear, including Philip Caputo, Katherine Graham, and Carly Simon.
|
|
|
Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life
by William Finnegan
What it is: the richly detailed, Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir chronicling journalist William Finnegan's experiences as a lifelong surfer.
What it's about: Finnegan's childhood in Hawaii and California, his adult years surfing around the globe (the U.S., the South Pacific, Australia, Asia, Africa), amazing waves, near-death experiences, and more.
Reviewers say: "a travelogue head-scratchingly rich in obscure, sharply observed destinations" (Wall Street Journal).
|
|
Contact your librarian for more great books!
|
|
|
Forsyth County Public Library 585 Dahlonega Street Cumming, Georgia 30040 770-781-9840www.forsythpl.org/ |
|
|
|