1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed, Vintage, $18.95, 315 pages.
With little preparation for an 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, Cheryl Strayed sought a fresh start for a life that was stumbling out of control. Her experiences on the trail are a fascinating look at what it means to take on such a physical challenge but her personal story makes this far more than an outdoor adventure book. We are allowed to slip inside a troubled soul and witness the healing power of nature and time as the transformation gradually guides her to a better understanding of herself.
2. The Art of Clean Up by Ursus Wehrli, Chronicle Books, 48 pages, $16.95
With the help of photographers Geri Born and Daniel Spehr, Ursus Wehrli presents us with his vision of how to make the physical world more organized. By taking the common and by reorganizing them into their individual parts Wehrli turns them into uncommon works of art. An ideal book for that particularly anal person you know.
3. Captain Paul Watson by Lamya Essemlali with Paul Watson, Firefly Books, 264 pages, $24.95
As a central figure in the ongoing fight to protect the oceans, Paul Watson has been an activist for most of his life. He was just eighteen when he helped co-found Greenpeace, and in his mid-twenties when he left that organization and created the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Presented as an extended interview, the book delves into a variety of topics revolving around Watson's philosophy and his actions. Watson makes it very clear that the status quo cannot continue and the over fishing of the oceans will bring catastrophic results to the planet. In very simple terms he states, "If the oceans die, we die".
4. The Masters of Nature Photography, edited by Rosamund Kidman Cox, Firefly Books, 224 pages, $45.00
Ten brilliant photographers open their portfolios and share their best work in this incredible collection. From a lone wolf standing atop a mountain peak to the grace of a stingray gliding above the ocean floor there is no place these photographers won't go in search of that perfect image. Each photographer provides a detailed description for every image that tells how the picture was taken. Their comments tell us not just about the accompanying image but also their approach to photography and conservation.
5. Paris Sketchbook by Jason Brooks, Laurence King Publishers, 160 pages, $28.95
From the keen eye and deft pen of fashion illustrator Jason Brooks comes this delightful view of Paris. Combining drawings from several trips to the City of Light he has created a book that is part tour guide, part journal and all art. Brooks applies his fashion sense to everyday scenes and brings a lively twist to each drawing.
6. Jupiter's Travels in Camera by Ted Simon, Haynes Publishing, 256 pages, $54.00
On October 6, 1973 Ted Simon swung his leg over his new Triumph 500CC Tiger motorcycle and began a journey that would take him nearly four years to complete, covering 103,000 km through 45 countries. Jupiter's Travels was published in 1980 with a small selection of photographs included but there were many more photos available. With each photo or series of images Simon has provided a description that connects to the subject but also to what he was feeling about the journey. These insights make for great reading and further illustrate the aspects of travel that have changed over the past 40 years.
7. Christopher Pratt: Six Decades by Tom Smart, Firefly Books, 176 pages, $60.00
This beautifully reproduced retrospective looks at Christopher Pratt's entire career. Pratt is a master of the empty space and within it provides the viewer the chance for their own subconscious to bring forth an emotional response to the well-ordered image. Tom Smart chronicles Pratt's journey from young pre-med student to his transition to art student and committed artist. Smart describes the impact that various artists had on Pratt's development of his own style and through his intelligent analysis these subtle influences become more apparent in the paintings.
8. Maddie On Things by Theron Humphrey, Chronicle Books, 159 pages, $18.95
When Theron Humphrey rescued Maddie, a coonhound with a hidden talent, he had no idea how important she would become for him both personally and artistically. One day at the start of a year-long road trip he picked Maddie up and put her on the roof of the truck for a photo. "She just stood there and smiled at me." What started as a single photo became a theme and the subject for this entertaining collection. As they traveled around the country Maddie's delightful poses move from trucks and signposts on to more unusual supports.
9. Dark Seed: No-one Knows What Evil Grows by Lawrence Verigin, Promontory Press, $17.95, 289 pages
A secret gathering of powerful men starts a post-World War II conspiracy that will have global repercussions many years later. In Seattle a journalist takes on the job of writing a book to explain a scientist's studies on genetically engineered foods and forms a connection with the scientist's daughter. It isn't long before they are both in danger and on the run. Lawrence Verigin has crafted a fast-paced story that is as fresh as today's headlines. His premise of genetically modified organisms being manipulated for corporate greed is entirely believable and a warning of what is already going on in our food production.
10. Pink Floyd by Hugh Fielder, Race Point Publishing, 240 pages, $39.00
Like their classic album, Dark Side of the Moon Pink Floyd has remained popular for decades. Hugh Fielder has peeled back the years and presented a fascinating look at one of the biggest bands in the world. From their first musical performances with other bands through to the early years with Syd Barrett then onto their most productive period Fielder chronicles it all.
