FRANKLIN LIVING JULY-AUGUST 2023

Although summer for many presents a time for traveling, a great book can provide a way to traverse the globe without ever leaving the comfort of home. Northwest-Shoals Community College library director Lori Skinner has these titles to recommend:

“The Lost City of the Monkey God”

By Douglas Preston 

“The Lost City of the Monkey God” by Douglas Preston recounts Preston’s journey with a group of scientists to attempt to discover a fabled lost city of immense wealth. Using groundbreaking scientific methods, the team identifies a sprawling metropolis and battles hazardous conditions, predators, ancient curses and the weather to physically visit the ruins. Full of suspense, history and adventure, “The Lost City of the Monkey God” is an enthralling visit to the deepest interior of Honduras. 

“Island of the Lost: An Extraordinary Story of Survival at the Edge of the World”

By Joan Druett

Joan Druett’s “Island of the Lost: An Extraordinary Story of Survival at the Edge of the World” examines the extraordinary events of 1864 when two separate ships wrecked on opposite ends of the same island. Auckland Island, 285 miles sough of New Zealand, is considered one of the most inhospitable places on the face of the earth. Separated by only 20 miles, each ship’s crew embraces a different method of survival, which shows the power of leadership and the fine line between order and chaos. 

“Sophie: The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog”

By Emma Pearse

For many of us, our pets are irreplaceable members of our family. For Jan and Dave Griffith, an Australian family, a pet parent’s nightmare came true when their beloved Australian cattle dog was lost overboard while on a weekend sailing trip. Sophie, their beloved pup, became an international sensation when she was discovered five months later having swam through six miles of shark-infested waters and managing to survive on an uninhabited island. “Sophie: The Incredible True Story of the Castaway Dog” explores the unbreakable bond between pets and their people. 

“Arabia: A Journey Through the Heart of the Middle East”

By Levison Wood

Renowned explorer and adventurer Levison Wood details his 5,000-mile expedition around the Arabian Peninsula, from Iraq to Lebanon, in “Arabia: A Journey Through the Heart of the Middle East.” Specializing in documenting people and cultures in remote regions, Wood offers a more humane and complex picture of the region than is often portrayed. Fans of this book will enjoy exploring his extensive backlist. 

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Lori Skinner is the head librarian for Northwest-Shoals Community College. She can be contacted at 256-331-6288 or lori.skinner@nwscc.edu. NW-SCC Libraries are open to the public and look forward to serving your library needs. The library now has an app, Librista, available on android and Apple devices.