Pulling Words
By Nicholas Trandahl
North Hampton, New Hampshire: Winter Goose Publishing, 2017
Pulling Words is Nicholas Trandahl’s sixth published book. Over the years, I have witnessed Nicholas delve into various types of writing genres such as fantasy, literary fiction, short stories, and poetry as he seeks a creative outlet for the stories residing in his fingertips. He has unquestionably refined his craft and has a definitive achievement with his newest book of poetry, Pulling Words.
Pulling Words is the author’s perception of the ordinary in everyday life and a reminder to us of how truly extraordinary it can be when we give pause to consideration. Trandahl observes in his poem, “The Forgotten Taste of Mulberries:” “All five of our senses don’t attend each and every poignant meeting of memory…” I promise you, time spent with this compilation of poetry will bring you ever so much closer to absolute attendance. The collection of poetry in Pulling Words can easily be devoured in one sitting, however, don’t ignore your inclination to want to linger.
Brenda Mahoney-Ayres, Director
Weston County Library System
Yellowstone National Park: Through the Lens of Time
By Bradly J. Boner
University Press of Colorado, 2017
Bradly J. Boner embarks on a memorable adventure to re-photograph images taken by William Henry Jackson on the Yellowstone National Park Hayden Survey of 1871. Jackson’s photographs played a large role in getting Congress to designate Yellowstone as a national park. Boner faced many dangers and challenges on his adventure: weather, animal encounters, terrain, and the risk of getting lost in the backcountry.
The history Boner provides in this book makes the reader want to cozy up with it. However, it is the size of a coffee table book and weighs over five pounds. Boner’s color photographs provide a welcome contrast to Jackson’s original black and white photographs, providing interesting differences between then and now. Boner provides notes from the survey of 1871 alongside his own notes, giving the reader contrasting perspectives.
In addition, Boner provides some Yellowstone history post the Hayden survey as well as an afterword, a thorough notes section, and extensive bibliography. Yellowstone National Park: Through the Lens of Time would make a great addition to any collection of Yellowstone books as well as coffee table and re-photography books.
Thomas Ivie, Research & Statistics Librarian
Wyoming State Library