BookShelf

The BookShelf features monthly reviews of the latest environmental and energy books of interest to journalists, as well as an occasional question-and-answer in which published authors offer insight into the motivations behind their work and provide advice to environmental reporters and writers.

For questions and comments, or to suggest future BookShelf reviews, or to offer to review a book, email the SEJournal BookShelf Editor Tom Henry at thenry@theblade.com.

Public

June 20, 2017

Between the Lines: Forged in Fire — Author Follows the Flames, and Fights Them, To Cover the Changing Nature of Wildfires

The global rise of large-scale, intense and devastating wildfires is the subject of a new book by award-winning photojournalist Michael Kodas, who spoke with SEJournal's book editor about what makes these new fires so different, what role climate change plays and how he joined firefighters amid the flames.

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April 18, 2017

"The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate”

BookShelf takes a peek into the hidden life of trees, to understand how biologists believe plants may communicate and even assist others that are struggling, and what that may mean for modern forestry.

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“Canoes: A Natural History in North America”

Canoes have long been part of North America’s cultural fabric. And a hefty new book, rich in visuals, tells the story of this unique mode of transport, which brings us closer to nature and despite changes in materials has remained essentially unchanged.

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March 21, 2017

Between the Lines: As Rules Change for Journalists, Room Remains for Determined Voice

Energy writer Andrew Nikiforuk talks with SEJournal's Between the Lines editor about his book “Slick Water: Fracking and One Insider’s Stand Against the World’s Most Powerful Industry.” The SEJ award-winning text follows the seven-year saga of a longtime oil patch consultant-turned-whistleblower.

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January 10, 2017

"Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World"

"Water in Plain Sight" suggests better land practices could reap water and climate benefits.

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"Water Is for Fighting Over...And Other Myths About Water in the West"

"Water Is for Fighting Over" explores how Western water woes may not be so disastrous.

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November 29, 2016

Between the Lines: ‘Epic Journey’ for Shorebird ... and Writer

In an award-winning book lauded for its eloquence and serious science, author Deborah Cramer tracks the tale of the first U.S. bird added to the Endangered Species List due to the threat of climate change. More in our 'Between the Lines' interview on the migratory red knot, its bond with the horseshoe crab, and on turning research into writing.

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September 1, 2016

"Heart of a Lion: A Lone Cat’s Walk Across America"

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Between the Lines: Weird News: Writing on Florida, Environment, Booms and Busts

Author and Tampa Bay Times environmental writer Craig Pittman, in addition to his usual output of outstanding environmental stories and books, has found new ways to embrace the irregular, the weird and the wacky. For the latest installment of SEJournal’s author Q & A longtime educator, SEJ member and SEJournal Editorial Board member JoAnn M. Valenti interviewed Pittman about his new book, about covering the environment in Florida, about the book-writing process and balancing writing and journalism.

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June 1, 2016

Between the Lines: Collaborators in the Chronicling of Destruction and Hope

For the latest installment of Between the Lines, an author Q & A, SEJournal book editor Tom Henry interviewed award-winning children’s nature book author Lynne Cherry, best known for“The Great Kapok Tree,” which sold more than a million copies and became a staple in elementary schools. Cherry speaks about her career, as well as her longstanding collaboration with the late Gary Braasch, a renowned photojournalist and past SEJ member who passed away March 7.

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BookShelf

June 20, 2017

Between the Lines: Forged in Fire — Author Follows the Flames, and Fights Them, To Cover the Changing Nature of Wildfires

April 18, 2017

"The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate”

“Canoes: A Natural History in North America”

March 21, 2017

Between the Lines: As Rules Change for Journalists, Room Remains for Determined Voice

January 10, 2017

"Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World"

"Water Is for Fighting Over...And Other Myths About Water in the West"

November 29, 2016

Between the Lines: ‘Epic Journey’ for Shorebird ... and Writer

September 1, 2016

"Heart of a Lion: A Lone Cat’s Walk Across America"

Between the Lines: Weird News: Writing on Florida, Environment, Booms and Busts

June 1, 2016

Between the Lines: Collaborators in the Chronicling of Destruction and Hope

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