Turn the Page - March Book Review (2022)

 

Appalachian Trail

[Once upon a time I wrote book reviews for the local Public Opinion newspaper (Chambersburg, PA). I tried to include a fiction, non-fiction, and a children's book that were all available at the local libraries.]

In early spring the Appalachian Trail through-hikers leave from Springer Mountain, Georgia for a 6-month 2,181-mile trip to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Ronald Fisher's 1975 book "The Appalachian Trail" is a good introduction and includes comments by Benton MacKaye, who had the idea of the Trail. Beautiful photos of places and people enhance Fisher's diary-style record of his hike, describing not only the mechanics of camping but the natural beauty within reach and sight.  Today's hikers will enjoy comparing the old equipment to today's technology.

Bill Bryson tells a more light-hearted Appalachian Trail tale in the 1999 "A Walk in the Woods." From obvious non-preparation to Twinkies as trail food to taxi-cab rides, Bryson's true-life reporting style may have diehard hikers shaking their head but everyone will be laughing. Again, the true beauty of the natural world is discovered but 25 years after Fisher's trip Bryson documents environmental damage that threatens this fragile ribbon of wilderness.

Galveston hurricane destruction (1900storm.org)

Like the March 2011 Japanese tsunami, in 1900 a hurricane's immense storm surge wreaked havoc on Galveston, Texas – over 6,000 people died, and the town was demolished. Erik Larson documents the dramatic events in "Isaac's Storm" using diaries and records of Isaac Cline, one of the first U.S. Weather Bureau meteorologists. 

Following the personal connections of Cline - family, friends, and colleagues – through the storm, Larson adds a human element that touches readers.  The story also highlights the Weather Bureau's beginnings, how forecasts were made with few scientific instruments and limited communications, many hampered by bureaucratic rules.

For some it's March Madness time and Carl Deuker excels at describing fast action and complex basketball moves in "Night Hoops," a story about challenges and choices on and off the court (Grades 8-12).

Readers follow high-schooler Nick Abbott as he tries to deal with Trent, a neighbor and basketball teammate with a troubled home life but talent on the court. After Nick's father puts in a backyard court, he and Trent begin shooting hoops at night. As Nick chooses to befriend Trent, he must navigate his way through friends and family who don't accept him.

 Deuker's writing talent lies not only in describing sports action but in following the twists, and u-turns, of the adolescent mind. Teens will identify with Nick and the difficulties of making choices where the world is gray, not black and white.

Books are available in the Franklin County, PA, library system.

~ Carol Kagan

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