Nancy McGee

Have you been keeping up with the Big Bear eagles and their eaglets? They are currently being live-streamed by the Circulation Desk at A.K. Smiley Public Library. The non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley provides the internet live-feed. Come in soon to see how they are growing and interacting. There is an accompanying display about birds, birdwatching, and related books that are available for check out.

Some new books are also waiting for you to expand your ornithological curiosity. “Field Guide to the Birds of the United States and Canada West,” and “Field Guide to the Birds of the United States and Canada East,” are both authored by Ted Floyd, editor of Birding magazine and published by National Geographic. These are both good resources to identify and learn more about our avian friends.

“The Owl Handbook: Investigating the Lives, Habits, and Importance of these Enigmatic Birds,” is also another selection if you would like to learn about different species of owls. Author and bird enthusiast John Shewey shares all kinds of interesting information and his impressive photographs vividly capture the uniqueness and beauty of these birds of prey.

“Close to Home: The Wonders of Nature Just Outside Your Door,” by conservation biologist Thor Hanson highlights nature right where we live. His book is in three sections: “Seeing,” “Exploring,” and “Restoring.” There is so much interesting information on not only birds, but many other creatures and plants from down in the soil to up to the treetops that you don’t need a livestream camera to discover.

Come satisfy your “natural” curiosity at A.K. Smiley Public Library and learn about the birds, the bees, and so much more!

A.K. Smiley Public Library currently has several new biographies to choose from, with more coming soon. Selections include presidents, scientists, military and international leaders, civil rights activists, entertainers, artists, sports figures, and others.

Presidents:

Scientists:

Military and international leaders:

Civil rights activists:

Entertainers:

Horses, dogs, cows, and cats, oh, my! Smiley Library’s new book section has some interesting books about various animals and their connections to their human friends.

“The Horse: A Galloping History of Humanity,” a bestseller by Timothy C. Winegard, explores the human-horse relationship and the wide-ranging effect it has had on human history. Horse-lovers and history buffs will be enlightened by Winegard’s deep and broad narrative and revelations.

“Dogland: Passion, Glory, and Lots of Slobber at the Westminster Dog Show,” is authored by Tommy Tomlinson. His curiosity about dogs started a few years ago when he was watching a dog show competition and pondered whether or not those dogs, or pet dogs, were actually happy. He made it his mission to follow dog shows and dogs for a few years to see what he could discover. He shares his findings along with his sense of humor which makes for a fun read.

“Cowpuppy: An Unexpected Friendship and a Scientist’s Journey into the Secret World of Cows,” is by neuroscientist Gregory Berns. He actually has miniature zebu cow friends so don’t assume that this is strictly a scientific study. Heartwarming photographs of his bovine buddies help to keep the narrative interesting. However, there is plenty of science and detailed revelations involved as it is, after all, written by a scientist.

“Cats of the World,” written by “Kitten Lady” Hannah Shaw and photographed by her husband and professional photographer Andrew Marttila, is an international love story of all things cat and kitten. Feline lives, their companions, and their rescuers, are featured in thirty different countries in this beautifully photographed travelogue.

A personal connection to a book makes it even more interesting to read. A place you have been or a person you have knowledge of may engage you more deeply into the story.

A few years ago, I took a rough four-wheel-drive trip up to Cerro Gordo, after contacting the previous owner to arrange a visit. It was a fascinating private tour to another time and place. “Ghost Town Living: Mining for Purpose and Chasing Dreams at the Edge of Death Valley,” is a captivating read, even if you haven’t been there. Author Brent Underwood (and some investors) purchased the desolate and abandoned silver mining town of Cerro Gordo in 2018 and he moved there in 2020. The location is remote, has no running water, and sits at 8,000 feet in the Inyo Mountains above Death Valley on one side and Owens Lake on the other. He interweaves the history of the area with his struggles and determination to bring the town back to life. Extreme weather, being trapped on the mountain for several days, and a fire that destroyed the beautiful historic hotel were just some of the challenges he has already dealt with. Follow him and his latest adventures on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Another book I really enjoyed, having visited Alaska and musher Jeff King’s Husky Homestead, is “Four Thousand Paws: Caring for the Dogs of the Iditarod.” Veterinarian Lee Morgan takes the reader to the very cold locale of Alaska in March to share his experiences as a race volunteer. Since 2012, Morgan has been sharing his expertise, compassion, and perseverance ensuring the health and safety of the elite canine competitors out on the wilderness trails of the Iditarod race. He has some fascinating stories to tell about the dogs, mushers (including Jeff King), joys, and mishaps of being out on remote checkpoints with other veterinarians on the 1,049-mile trail.

Vague memories of a childhood visit to the Mississippi River made reading “The Great River: The Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi,” more interesting. Author Boyce Upholt thoroughly explores the history, culture, environment, ecology, and politics of the river and its extensive watershed. His coverage of almost every aspect of the river, its past and present impacts, and future is almost as expansive as the area and people that are connected to it.

Visit our New Book Section and checkout these books or browse and find something of special interest to you!

Let me just start by saying, I loved this book! I loved his previous book! What author am I referring to and what books you might wonder? Kevin Fedarko thrilled, educated, inspired, and left me hungry for more with his new book, “A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon.”

I finished reading Fedarko’s “The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History through the Heart of the Grand Canyon” last month, recommended to me by a patron, and I could not wait for his next non-fiction adventure book to arrive. I packed my armchair adventurer backpack and dove right in as soon as “A Walk in the Park” arrived on our bookshelves. The author has truly experienced the Grand Canyon in ways very few people have and takes you from the river to the rim. He has done extensive research on the history of the Colorado River, from early to current explorers and Native Americans, river guides, long-distance hikers, the geology and the dams, and preservation. He shares all of this and the perils and pleasures of being on the water (Emerald Mile) and on the land in his challenging 750-mile hiking odyssey (A Walk in the Park). His personal experience, lack of experience, and wit make both of these books very engrossing reads.

Author Fedarko’s books have also inspired my curiosity to learn more about the Grand Canyon. We just happen to have another book in our New Book area by photographer and author Dave Showalter, “Living River: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado.” Colorful photos and maps enhance the text that explores the watershed of the Colorado River’s 1,450-mile journey from the headwaters in Wyoming to the Gulf of Mexico. Topics explored include the tributaries, wildlife, human and agricultural demands, water rights, and conservation and preservation of this important and beautiful resource of the American West.

If you are planning on visiting the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend reading these books and checking out some of our other books on the Grand Canyon, John Wesley Powell’s exploration of the Canyon, and the Colorado River to truly appreciate your experience.