Rivers Running Free Stories Of Adventurous Women

From Publishers Weekly This collection of women's memoirs of canoeing experiences comes as a welcome alternative to the many outdoors books that seem geared to men. Despite the differences in time and settingfrom 1905 to the 1980s, from Mexico to the Hudson Baymany of the contributions share a common theme: that of women shedding societal roles and surviving by their wits and strength. Many of the accounts are compelling, but some are couched in New Age jargon that blunts their impact ("I feel my center reach out to meet/tap/mingle with/give-to that water energy"). The editorializing could be more literate, and the book's chummy tone seems more appropriate to a community newsletter. Still, this collection is sure to give much-needed inspiration to readers who have felt that the wilderness couldn't be enjoyed by the "weaker" sex. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal The editors present over 35 canoeing adventures, historical and contemporary, that reflect a wide range of female experience, responses, and types of travelers. Yet these varied accounts have common themes of building self-reliance and awareness and finding community in the company of other women. Despite dangers, the dominant impression is of going with the flow. This contrasts markedly with the conquering, measuring, or racing typical of much (male?) canoeing literature. Recommended especially for women readers, and for anyone wanting a challenge on water. Roland Person, Southern Illinois Univ. Lib., Carbondale Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.