The JLT Natural History Society Book Club will meet at 3:30 pm on Monday, February 24 to discuss Passage to Juneau, by Jonathan Raban.

With the same rigorous observation (natural and social), invigorating stylishness, and encyclopedic learning that he brought to his National Book Award-winning Bad Land, Jonathan Raban conducts readers along the Inside Passage from Seattle to Juneau. The physical distance is 1,000 miles of difficult and often treacherous water, which Raban navigates solo in a 35-foot sailboat. But Passage to Juneau also traverses a gulf of centuries and cultures: the immeasurable divide between the Northwest’s Indians and its first European explorers– between its embattled fishermen and loggers and its pampered new class. Along the way, Raban offers captivating discourses on art, philosophy, and navigation and an unsparing narrative of personal loss.

“A work of great beauty and inexhaustible fervor.” —The Washington Post Book World

For directions and RSVPs, please contact Pat at JLTnatural@saveland.org

The Natural History Society Reading Group will meet from 3:30 – 5:00 on Monday, January 27 to discuss Wolves in the Land of Salmon, by David Moscowitz.

For RSVPs and directions, please email Pat:  jltnatural@saveland.org

Wolves in the Land of Salmon is nature writing at its best. Vivid imagery and a sense of wonder bring the text alive and help the reader understand exactly what it means to be a wolf. David Moskowitz’s training as a wildlife tracker gives him insider knowledge he generously shares with the hope that with greater understanding comes new perspective.

“Using vivid illustrations, maps, scientific research, and field observations, Moskowitz describes his experiences tracking wolf populations throughout the Pacific Northwest. He outlines the evolutionary history, cultural significance, geographic dispersal, and hunting habits of wolves, and examines threats to wolf populations and future directions in wolf conservation. The results are a comprehensive overview of wolves and their interactions with humans and broader ecosystems. An essential read for anyone wishing to gain a deeper understanding of how ecological, political, and geological trends can lead to the decline or restoration of species and their habitats.” (Library Journal)

“This wide-ranging survey about wolves of the Pacific Northwest offers something for both the specialist and the curious layperson. Moskowitz doesn’t offer advice, but instead seeks to evenhandedly discuss human perceptions of and interactions with wolves.  Maps orient the reader to the location of packs while beautiful photographs enliven the tale and line drawings illustrate key points. Residents of the Pacific Northwest will appreciate the specificity of this work, but any fans of wolves or wildlife biology will find this of interest.” (Publishers Weekly)

November selection

Meet the author!

The Natural History Society Reading Group will meet at 3:30 to 5:00 pm, on Monday, November 25 to discuss Closer to the Ground, by Dylan Tomine. We’re delighted that local author/naturalist Tomine will join us for this meeting!

For RSVPs and directions please email Janell:  jjelliffe@gmail.com

This compelling, masterfully written tale follows Dylan Tomine and his family through four seasons as they hunt chanterelles, fish for salmon, dig clams and gather at the kitchen table, mouths watering, to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Closer to the Ground captures the beauty and surprise of the natural world—and the ways it teaches us how to live—with humor, gratitude and a nose for adventure as keen as a child’s. It is a book filled with weather, natural history and many delicious meals.

“…an eloquent chronicle of a likable family’s attempt to live a more nature-centric life…Tomine writes with respect and humor…refreshingly unsanctimonious…a lovely homage to the oldest seductress around: Mother Nature.” —The Washington Post

October selection

The Natural History Society Reading Group will meet on Monday, October 28, from 3:30 to 5:00 to discuss Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis, by Timothy Egan.

“A vivid exploration of one man’s lifelong obsession with an idea . . .Egan’s spirited biography might just bring [Curtis] the recognition that eluded him in life.”—Washington Post
“A stunning portrait of Edward Curtis that captures every patina of his glory, brilliance, and pathos.”—Christian Science Monitor
“A stirring and affectionate portrait of an underknown figure.” —The New York Times Book Review

Please contact Wendy at wfeltham9@gmail.com for RSVPs and directions.

The Natural History Society Reading Group will meet at 3:30 – 5:00 on Monday, September 30 to discuss Olympic National Park: A Natural History, by Tim McNulty.

In this thoroughly revised edition of a classic natural history, Tim McNulty returns his gaze to the Olympic National Park: 1,400 square miles of rugged mountains and wilderness in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula. By examining the effects of global warming and its rapid changes throughout the region alongside current archaeological discoveries that shed new light on the early people of the peninsula, McNulty brings together our past and future.

“Tim McNulty carries readers along with a combination of intimate knowledge and unbounded enthusiasm.” – Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Please contact Nan at nanswaltz@earthlink.net for RSVPs and directions.