The Devil’s Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America’s Great White Sharks by Susan Casey
“The killing took place at dawn and as usual it was a decapitation, accomplished by a single vicious swipe.” Thus begins this intriguing look at the great white sharks that congregate every fallat the Farallon Islands, just 27 miles from San Francisco. Two biologists and a handful of interns monitor the action in “shark alley,” trying to understand these fearsome, elusive animals. The islands themselves have a fascinating, almost piratical, history. Chock full of adrenaline-pumping stories, and scientific information, this is a terrific book for armchair adventurers and California surfers. Complete with color photographs.
~ Beth D.
Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James Swanson.
From April 14 to April 26, 1865, John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Abraham Lincoln, led Union cavalry and detectives on a wild 12-day chase while the nation, still reeling from the Civil War, watched in horror. Based on rare archival materials and obscure trial transcripts, Manhunt is a fascinating tale of murder, intrigue and betrayal. A gripping hour-by-hour account told through the eyes of the hunted and the hunters, this is history as you’ve never read it before. I bought this bok out of desperation at an airport and it kept me engrossed for a six-hour flight!
~ Christiane W.
The Sex Lives of Cannibals: Adrift in the Equatorial Pacific by J. Maarten Troost
Maarten and Sylvia spent two years living on Tarawa Atoll in the South Pacific, part of the country of Kiribati. While there they saw spectacular views (as long as they ignred the garbage floating in the lagoons), ate more fish than they ever thought possible and got used to both amazing heat and amazing lacks: electricity, coffee, and beer, to name a few. If Seattle gets too cool this Fall, I’ll heat up with this memoir and a hot toddy.
~ Kristin B.
Leave a Comment