Book News & Author Interviews

Travel writer, author, tour guide, and educator Elsa van der Byl discusses her new memoir "Hippos, Hotspots, and Homelands: An Educator’s Journey in South Africa during Apartheid and Beyond." This compelling memoir describes Elsa’s life in South Africa during apartheid, the transition to democracy, and the transformational period. As an educator, she worked with various cultural groups in the socalled homelands, experiencing student revolts, college closures, and being held hostage by students. She also shares her experiences, moving from the city to country towns, and finally living in the “bush”. Watch here in the YouTube player or download/listen to the podcast on Spreaker or Podbean.

Author and writer Lori McMullen discusses her new novel, “Among the Beautiful Beasts.” Set in 1920s Miami, the book reveals the remarkable untold story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas – the woman who saved the Everglades. Buoyed by a growing sense of independence and an affair with a rival journalist, Marjory embraces a life lived at the intersection of the untamed Everglades and the rapacious urban development that threatens it. When the demands of a man once again begin to swallow Marjory’s own desires and dreams, Marjory sees herself in the vulnerable, inimitable Everglades, and knows she must choose between a life of subjugation or a leap into the wild unknown. Watch here in the YouTube player or listen to the podcast on Spreaker or Podbean.

She covered about 60 miles per day, with rest stops to give presentations at schools and nature centers. At night she camped or stayed with all sorts of people. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Spreaker or Podbean.

Sara Dykman discusses her book, “Bicycling with Butterflies: My 10,201-Mile Journey Following the Monarch Migration,” that recounts her inspirational ride alongside the monarchs as she follows unmapped roads in Michoacan, México, through the United States, into Ontario, Canada, and back, again, to Mexico. Sara’s entire trip was made on a beat-up bicycle weighed down with everything from camping to video equipment.

Jim Ostdick talks about his latest book, “Walks Far Man: In Step with History on the Pacific Crest Trail.” The memoir tells the story of his 20-year PCT section hiking experience from Mexico to Canada while also sharing stories about the Native American peoples who lived on the land he walked through. There were more than 30 tribal bands that lived in the area traversed by the trail. The Native people had trails all through the area that the later settlers and expeditioners used. This is Part One of our Pacific Crest Trail podcast series with Jim. Listen here in the YouTube player or download the podcast on Spreaker or PodBean.

Check out our online bookstore on BookShop.org that supports authors + local & independent bookstores. From hiking and camping to cycling and kayaking, these books are all about park and outdoor adventures. All authors have been interviewed on Big Blend Radio and featured in Big Blend Magazines.