The Kona Stories nonfiction group will discuss “The Reef: A Passionate History: The Great Barrier Reef from Captain Cook to Climate Change” by Iain McCalman at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Keauhou.
The Kona Stories nonfiction group will discuss “The Reef: A Passionate History: The Great Barrier Reef from Captain Cook to Climate Change” by Iain McCalman at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Keauhou.
The Great Barrier Reef, argues Iain McCalman, has been created by human minds as well as coral polyps, by imaginations as well as natural processes. In this landmark book, he charts our shifting perceptions of it, from the terrifying labyrinth that almost sunk Capt. James Cook’s “Endeavour” to a fragile global treasure. The book describes 12 key encounters between people, places, ideas and biosystems. In the 19th century the region was infamous for shipwrecks, and when indigenous clans rescued survivors like Eliza Fraser, their actions were misrepresented in the popular press. Later, the whole world caught the fiery debate between Darwinists and creationists over the origins of this colossal structure. Artists and visionaries celebrated its beauty and fought its exploitation; marine scientists catalogued the threats to its existence.
The first social, cultural and environmental history of this World Heritage-listed site, “The Reef: A Passionate History: The Great Barrier Reef from Captain Cook to Climate Change” is an effortlessly readable work by a born storyteller.
Kona Stories community bookstore offers many choices of book clubs. Groups meet monthly to discuss books of fiction, travel and nonfiction. The fiction group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month; the travel group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month; and the nonfiction group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Book groups are free if books are purchased from Kona Stories, or a $5 donation is appreciated. Bring a pupu or beverage to share and come prepared to discuss books. Kona Stories is located in the Keauhou Shopping Center.
For more information, call Brenda or Joy at 324-0350 or visit www.konastories.com.