sports / outdoors

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Submitted by SarahG on Mon, 04/02/2012 - 2:41pm
Author: 
Strayed, Cheryl
Publication Date: 
2012
Catalog URL: 
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There was a definite lack of good Pacific Crest Trail memoirs out there, and I'm glad Strayed came along to fill the void. This is nothing like Bryson's A Walk in the Woods (about the Appalachian Trail), although the authors share the endearing and relatable ineptitude of first time thru-hikers. Wild is much more than a big trail memoir. Strayed is trying to escape a lot in her hike - the death of her mother, divorce, and addiction - and the book explores her struggle to come to terms with her former life and the day to day realities of life alone on the trail.  There are heavy as well as lighthearted moments in the book, and Strayed is an excellent writer, pulling the reader into her experience.

The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation

Submitted by smathis on Tue, 02/21/2012 - 6:03pm
Author: 
Elizabeth Letts
Publication Date: 
c2011
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Book Cover This is the true story of an $80 plow horse who was saved from the slaughter house and surprised the nation by becoming a national jumping champion.  The theme of an underdog becoming a champion lured me; the fascination of the relationship between man and horse gripped me; and the delight in seeing a horse "fly" simply for the joy of it, not because he was made to do it, inspired me.  This is a great read written in a very inviting style.

Following Atticus [forty-eight high peaks, one little dog, and an extraordinary friendship]

Submitted by Shelly on Fri, 12/16/2011 - 9:21am
Author: 
Tom Ryan
Publication Date: 
2011
Catalog URL: 
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Hiking and dogs.  It doesn't get much better than this story for a Grand County resident.  The author is also the narrator for this audiobook.  After listening to this story, it makes me want to do some hiking in the White Mountains...but not in winter.  Enjoy!

Ranger Confidential

Submitted by SarahG on Mon, 05/09/2011 - 12:11pm
Author: 
Lankford, Andrea
Publication Date: 
2010
Catalog URL: 
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In Ranger Confidential, Lankford recalls some of the dramatic highlights of her time as a park ranger.  She dwells mostly on the gruesome and tragic events, which makes the book a rather depressing inside look at death in the national parks.  For the most part, each chapter focuses on a different incident, making the book read more like a series of articles.  Surely Lankford had some funny or enjoyable experiences as a ranger, but you won't read about them here.  I was left disillusioned and saddened that our park rangers encounter enough death and injury to negate the joy of working in the parks.
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