While in New York for BookExpo this past weekend, I had the honor of attending celebrations in honor of PublicAffairs publishing's 10th anniversary. I was in the company of some incredibly accomplished and famous people--an experience that left me resolved to work harder to make a difference back home here on the island.

 

Rarely do I single out a particular publisher, but their mission and motto is "Good books about things that matter." Their list this spring is of particular interest to us.

 

I started reading John Kerry & Teresa Heinz Kerry's book with a bit of resistance. Having seen "An Inconvenient Truth" I felt that I was depressed enough about the environment... HOWEVER, this book hooked me and I want to sing its praises loudly.

 

As Al Gore says, they "have written a book that is a profound challenge to all of us but contains, in the examples of the men and women who are fighting the great fight for a better future for our environment, the clear hope that if we can embrace their resourcefulness, determination and essential patriotism we will prevail." This is not just dust jacket jargon, it's true.

 

This book is readable, timely, and important. Furthermore, not only is it a call to action, it has clear examples of people making things better for all of us. I would urge you to have an open mind and to open this book.

 

 

Cape Wind is a tougher sell, as it turns out. I wish it was less biased. It falls so heavy-handedly on the pro-wind side that it almost makes a person in favor of the wind farm uncomfortable. Still, the proposal is an important issue for our region and the book is receiving a good deal of attention.

 

Booklist has this to say: "This true life tale of a blinding love of place, outrageously irresponsible propaganda...[and] egregious social injustice is half farce, half political thriller, and altogether compelling."