The Wild Nearby

Do you love wilderness, literature, and photography? Then you’ll enjoy the latest book from Braided River, The North Cascades: Finding Beauty and Renewal in the Wild Nearby. The 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act provides us with a reason to look back and ahead.

Join us for the book's launch party at the Mountaineers Program Center on October 10 to celebrate what’s been preserved in the North Cascades and to hear Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Dietrich’s take on where stewardship needs to go next.

Event Details

WHAT: Book launch of The North Cascades: Finding Beauty and Renewal in the Wild NearbyWHEN: Friday, October 10, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

WHERE: Seattle Mountaineers Program Center, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA‎ 98115

WHO: Hosted by The Mountaineers and supported by NPCA

TICKETS: You can purchase your tickets here.

OTHER INFO: Free parking is available at The Mountaineers Program Center. Or, take bus 75 which drops you off directly in front of the Program Center. Additional launch parties will be held later in North Cascades National Park, Everett, Twisp, and Bellingham.

Camping at Colonial Creek? Backpacking in the Sawtooths? Out for a stroll in Stehekin? Share your photos with the hashtag #wildnearby and they’ll be displayed at the book launch party.

We hope you will join us,Sincerely,



David G. Graves
Northwest Program Manager

P.S.: Check out the Northwest Regional Office's most recent field report here (PDF, 371 KB).

The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
On her Majesty's Supernatural Secret Service

This is a novel about adventures on her Majesty’s supernatural secret service, and the author telling the tale has an imagination with no limits.  Anything and everything goes as these agents come up against unpredictable, supernatural foes and forces all requiring action in order to protect the blissfully ignorant public.  Fortunately these agents are armed not just with their wits and common weaponry; they have their own diverse supernatural abilities.

“Dear You, The body you are wearing used to be mine. . .”  At the beginning of the book, this mysterious letter is read by a young woman who inhabits the body of an agent who was working for good.  Myfanwy Thomas is her Welsh name (pronounced like Tiffany).  The new Myfanwy comes conscious in the agent’s body for the first time in a London park, surrounded by dead bodies that are all wearing latex gloves.  What’s a girl to do?  She follows the limited guidance contained in the ominous letter.  This is the beginning of a fast paced action novel.  Circumstances force the new Myfanwy to learn how to take on and succeed in her responsibilities as a Rook, which is a high-level operative in the secret British government agency that protects the world.

There is a lot to learn from a series of well hidden letters and other clues from the former Myfanwy, which were intentionally left hidden for her successor.  The new Myfanwy has no memory at all of what has happened before the moment in the London park.  The letters are a help to her, and to the reader throughout the book, as you both try to understand this new world and how to survive.  You both learn so much too about the former Myfanwy as the letters go on, and how the new Myfanwy is different too.  Reading the letter clues at the same time as the heroine, you’ll feel directly a part of the action. 

But time is of the essence when dangers are all around, including covert dangers within the agency itself.  Myfanwy must stop her unknown enemy before being destroyed herself.  She can’t just spend her time reading letters, she has to think and act for herself.  She also has to learn how to control and use her own interesting, supernatural powers.  There’s a lot to take on while handling her day to day job activities.  This book is suspenseful, mysterious, funny, and action packed.

The author has a master’s degree in medieval history and in his other life he works for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau writing press releases for government investigations of plane crashes and runaway boats.  In this debut work he has created a complex, unique, logical, imaginative and entertaining paranormal fantasy where you have license to let your own imagination run wild.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

Storms of Denali - Hanging On Every Word

The Storms of Denali, by Nicholas O’Connell

Reading this book, I found myself continually re-checking whether it’s a novel, or a factual account. These characters are so touching they ascend from the page and bivouac in my heart and soul as real people. The harrowing description of their expedition is so believable, it‘s gripping.

John Walker narrates the story and expedition. He’s a family man who is dissatisfied with what he views is a sedate life as an outdoor equipment store manager, husband and father. He contrasts this to his previously active, mountain-climbing, single life. He’s nursing the wound of turning back before making the summit at Denali last time. Wyn Mitchell is John’s long-time friend, former climbing partner, and a world-class climber who boasts a risky climbing style. Wyn is the expedition leader. He’s driven to make his own personal big splash with this Denali climb in order to attract backers for his desire to attempt Everest next.

John’s wife sets conditions on his undertaking this long and potentially fatal trip. One condition is that John and his partner share the climb with two others, and that one of them has medical skills. That brings into the story Al McKenzie, a Boeing engineer who hopes this climb will help him forge an individual victory that will carry him past his divorce and beyond his corporate work life. Lane Frederickson also signs on. He is a fireman, medic and novice climber who desperately wants to establish himself as a serious climber. The author gives full and vivid treatment to each of these characters – their strengths, weaknesses and how their combination is a volatile mix that precipitates a disaster.

The prominent character towering from the page is the deadly Denali, the great one. Not enough to climb Denali, Wyn wants to make his splash with a new route to the top. Denali will have the final say about that. This is an authentic tale of man’s struggle in nature, and man’s struggle with human nature. The author, Nicholas O’Connell, is a mountain climber. One of the mountains he’s climbed is Denali. His experiences and talented writing bring such realism to this story.

You don’t have to be a mountain climber to appreciate this daring fight for survival on the highest and coldest mountain in North America. I’m a casual hiker, and I was enthralled with every page of this adventure. The pristine descriptions transported me to this foreign destination. The magnificent setting is both alluring and frightening. I recommend that you begin your own expedition into “The Storms of Denali” and experience it for yourself.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

One Lump or Two With Your Murder?

This author serves up a savory blend of herbal teas, pastries, and murder.  This novel is just one in a series of “cozy” mysteries that revolve around Theodosia Browning who owns Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina.  I’m such a fan of the series, I’ve read them all.  I’ve read some of them more than once.  Chamomile Mourning is early in the series, and one of my favorites.

Laura Childs gives delightful Charleston the feeling of a small town, and the characters surrounding Theodosia are so intriguing.  This book begins at a catered tea party at the Heritage Society’s annual Poetry event.  But murder becomes a dramatic verse of its own.  The victim is one of the Heritage Society’s own, prominent members.  When clues lead the local police to accuse one of Theodosia’s friends, she is motivated to prove them wrong.  But maybe Theodosia is wrong?

The clues will lead the reader toward several potential murderers and motives.  You’ll enjoy the chase, and during more relaxed moments you’ll also enjoy the detailed descriptions of Charleston.  The author really engages you in the challenges and appeal of running a small business too.  Several of Theodosia’s friends are small business people in the city, and she is so proud of her tea shop.  You’ll get an enjoyable glimpse into the varieties, history and social niceties of teas.  Haley and Drayton, who both work at the tea shop, are each artists at work.  Haley is the baker and Drayton is the tea mixologist.  They help Theodosia in many ways.  And there is an extra treat in the book!  You’re treated to recipes that are supposedly from Haley for pastries and from Drayton for teas.  Do yourself a favor and try these.  The ones I’ve tried have been delicious.

Laura Childs was a writer/producer at several national ad agencies, before forming her own company, Mission Critical Marketing.  She wrote four screenplays, got one read by Paramount, but never actually sold one.  She then thought to try writing mysteries. How fortunate for fans like me!  She really enjoyed the writing, and was so happy when she sold her first couple of books.   A prolific writer, she now has two other entertaining series in addition to the tea shop mysteries.  They are the Scrapbook Mysteries and Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and she’s not done yet.

 

Put your feet up with a cup of tea, or a glass of ice tea now that its summer, and enjoy an entertaining flight of murderous fancy, mull over your clues, and then chase down your suspect.

Still Waters Run Deep, Making a Difference






Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference,

by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, PhD



“Do not underestimate the determination of a quiet man,” is a quote from Iain Duncan Smith, British politician.

The quiet one in the background used to be in the shadow of the attention getters in the world. This book insists those introverts can be highly effective influencers when they make the most of their own natural strengths. The author points out the strengths of being an introvert, and then presents descriptive examples of successful ways to use these strengths. Her examples include some surprisingly introverted celebrities. The author states that half the U.S. population is introverted. Instead of struggling to act like extroverts, the author suggests that there are four workplace trends which indicate that the time for quiet influence to be more successful than ever is now.

So why is now a great time to be an introvert in the workplace? The flattened work organization means networking is a personal responsibility. One-to-one connections are strengths of introverts. Increased global diversity means different ways of connecting with people, more personally and in deference to cultures, which are areas well suited to introverts. The virtual world and online social media are tools that introverts can excel in. And heightened competition means a need to listen intently, which the author identifies as something introverts do well.

Early in the book there is a short test to determine if you are an introvert. If you are, you’ll closely identify with so much of what the author writes. This book is also interesting for people who have a son or daughter or friend or other person in their life whom they have never quite understood, and now you see that person is an introvert.

The six strengths of “quiet influencers” include – taking quiet time, preparation, engaged listening, focused conversations, writing, and thoughtful use of social media. The author discusses how influencers can use a mix of these six qualities for success, and she warns about the dangers of their overuse.

Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D. is an Atlanta-based author, and speaker, and executive coach who is hailed as a “champion for introverts.” Jennifer works with business professionals across a wide array of industries leading seminars and coaching individuals and groups. Her client list includes NASA, Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Pfizer, Time Warner Cable, AT&T, and more. She is committed to helping introverts unleash their inner leadership voice.

Introverts are continually asked to adapt to an extrovert-centric workplace that rewards being out there and on stage. They plead, how can I be me and still make a difference? Jennifer Kahnweiler’s book will show you, with a plan and through examples, how to stop trying to act like extroverts and instead make the most of your natural, quiet strengths.

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

You Can't Go Wrong Reading The Wrong Girl

The Wrong Girl
by Hank Phillippi Ryan

Is she the wrong girl? The two women sitting across from each other, recently introduced, look much the same. In subtle and uncanny ways, their mannerisms are similar. Are these women related, long lost to each other and now reunited? Or, is she the wrong girl? Is this really her birth mother? Is this the reunion they’ve both yearned for? Or is this match-by-agency and others like it, someone’s big business scam? The truth is hidden, possibly behind murder.

Award-winning, best-selling author and journalist Hank Phillippi Ryan explores an overburdened state system, some people with the best of intentions taking care of foster children, and some people with questionable intentions. Ryan’s character Jane Ryland, is an intrepid reporter on the trail of a big scoop that she’s hoping will save her job. At the same time, Jane’s friend Tuck has confided to Jane that she’s recently hired an agency to find her birth mother, and reunite them. Now Tuck’s been told she has a different name and she’s met her birth mother. Except, despite all surface familial appearances, Jane’s friend is convinced she’s the wrong girl. She can’t prove that conclusively, but she feels it.

With a police officer as a love interest, it’s not long before Jane’s path crosses his at the apartment where a female murder victim is discovered. The victim’s identity and the motive for her murder are a mystery. Is this murder related to others, all masking a different kind of identity theft and identity fraud? Or is it one of those red herrings that I’m always so drawn to?

Jane Ryland has her hands full. She’s investigating this complex story, trying to scoop the rest of the media. She has to keep one step ahead of an ominous voice and shadowy person who’s threatening to harm her. She’s eager to compassionately help her insistent friend Tuck. In the meantime, she struggles to maintain a separation of professional interests and play it cool, while her hot love interest is the police officer in charge of solving the murders.

This writer is a master at pacing. The book starts out a little slow, while a lot of ground work is laid. But momentum is building subtly, almost imperceptibly until the book jumps out and grabs you. That will be the point of no return, because you won’t want to be interrupted and you won’t put it down until you finish the epilogue. Is she the wrong girl? Are there others? Why?

As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “curiosity is lying in wait for every secret.”

Thereby hangs a tale . . . .

The Paris Wife

The Paris Wife

By Paula McLain

I found a great he said/she said pair of books.  Published after Ernest Hemingway’s death, A Moveable Feast is his memoir of his experience starting as a writer in 1920’s Paris, with his wife Hadley Richardson.  It was put together by his fourth wife, Mary Welsh, who edited his personal manuscripts and notes containing his observations and stories.  The Paris Wife is a fictionalized account of these same Paris years as told in fiction by Paula McLain as if this is Hadley’s memoir.

The time period and characters are very well researched.  In an interview Paula McLain said, “I first came to know Hadley in the pages of A Moveable Feast. His reminiscences of Hadley were so moving that I decided to seek out biographies of her life—and that's when I knew that I'd found something special. Her voice and the arc of her life were riveting. She's the perfect person to show us a side of Hemingway we've never seen before—tender, vulnerable, and very human—but she's also an extraordinary person in her own right.”

The author takes the time to weave her story from before Hadley meets Hemingway, so that what shaped her character and personality are well understood by the reader.  The writing is entertaining, and each of the characters’ feelings comes across so intensely that you are drawn to them.  You’ll find this book hard to put down.  It’s written as if a friend is confiding in you all her hopes, desires, and fears, as well as sharing all her joys.

In this book you also encounter all the other writers and friends that Ernest Hemingway describes in his memoir, including Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.  You read Ernest Hemingway’s impressions of these people as expressed to Hadley, but also you get Hadley’s feelings about each of these friends, and her insights into how they all interacted.

The author successfully paints a picture of the excitement, fervor, temptations, and creative energy of this Jazz Age period.  You can vividly imagine the conversations and scenes of these larger than life people.  You’ll be captivated by the evolution of the Hemingways’ relationship that was a profound first love.  It was so interesting to get to know Hadley’s warm sense of humor and personable charms, through this author.  You’ll also see a different dimension of Ernest Hemingway that is not often described in his legend.  As the author said, “The myth and reputation of the later Hemingway—all swagger and feats of bravery—stands in sharp contrast to his twenty-something self, and makes him all the more fascinating to me. He had incredibly high ideals as a young man, was sensitive and easily hurt. Hadley often spoke of his ‘opaque eyes,’ which showed every thought and feeling. She would know in an instant if she'd wounded him, and then feel terrible. That vulnerability alone will surprise many readers, I think.”

"The more I see of all the members of your sex," Ernest Hemingway wrote to Hadley in 1940, "the more I admire you." She remained untainted in his mind, an ideal that persisted and reminded him that the best luck and truest love he'd ever had he found with her.

Thereby hangs a tale . . .