Urban St. Reads

What better time than spring to think about nature, outdoor adventures and how to care for our planet? From the folks at Reader’s World Bookstore in Holland, a family business since 1967, here’s some recommended reading: books that explore the environment, environmental issues, and how we interact with the world and one another. 

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For the fiction reader:

Fellowship Point    

Land conservation and friendship are at the heart of Alice Elliott Dark’s bestseller, the story of a celebrated author who attempts to set up a nature preserve around a beloved section of the Maine coastline. Old secrets come to light that test the loyalty of everyone involved. This engrossing novel reminds us to love the land and each other — and that people are never too old to change.

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For the adventurer:

50 Hikes in Michigan  

Jim DeFresne’s guide, now in its fourth edition, makes it easy to take in the natural beauty of Michigan by exploring a wide variety of exciting and scenic hikes. It provides in-depth information about the trails, such as terrain, access points, how difficult they are and how long it will take to hike them. It’s a handy resource for falling in love with Michigan’s great outdoors. 

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For the environmentalist:

Fresh Banana Leaves   

Indigenous scholar and environmental scientist Jessica Hernandez explores what modern conservationism is getting wrong, reviews sustainable land management methods employed by indigenous communities, and calls for a holistic approach that will benefit both the land and the people who live there. Thought-provoking and full of fascinating insights, this is an essential read for anyone who wants to protect our land and water and see it flourish for the coming generations.

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For the historian:

The Death and Life of the Great Lakes    

We all love our Great Lakes and everything they provide for us, from drinking water to sites for fishing and boating. Dan Egan considers the threats the lakes face today, gathering advice from biological experts and delivering a harrowing portrait of our most valuable natural resource. His eminently readable work of journalism chronicles the lakes’ geological history and the impact of people and invasive species throughout the ages. This book reminds us of how special our Great Lakes are and encourages us to keep them clean and healthy.

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For young kids:

Backpack Explorer series   

These guides aimed at kids, ages 4 to 8, are great ways to get them excited about the outdoors. Each guide offers engaging outdoor activities, crafts and games that teach identification skills and provide fascinating information about nature. Each one includes a magnifying glass. The series includes a wide range of subjects, from bugs and birds to trees and even beaches, and will encourage kids to get outside and explore. 

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Reader’s World Bookstore
194 S. River Ave., Holland
616-396-8548
readersworldbookstore.com