Here’s the latest news about books by San Juan Islanders.

New book launch

Have you ever wondered how lime is made from limestone? Or gazed in wonder at the lime kilns scattered across the islands? Why, for that matter, is the local State Park called Lime Kiln?

Local architectural historian Boyd C. Pratt’s new book “Lime: Quarrying and Limemaking in the San Juan Islands” tells all. Pratt will review the history and technology of lime making in the San Juan Islands at a free book launch at 7 p.m., Friday, May 12 at the San Juan Island Grange No. 966. Books cost $9.95 and can be purchased with cash or check only.

The book includes how the carcasses of sea creatures became the building blocks of modern civilization. Formed through eons of geologic time and sculpted by glaciers, the limestone deposits along the islands’ shore provided the essential ingredient for the block and mortar that built and rebuilt the West Coast’s major cities. Read all about the islands’ economic booms and busts, dramatic changes to the landscape, bloody murder, contentious lawsuits, and deadly shipwrecks.

Author awarded

Local author, Theresa Mathews received national recognition for her debut memoir, “Fishing With Hyenas,” in the 2017 IPA Distinguished Favorites. Signed copies of “Fishing With Hyenas” may be purchased directly from the author, at several locations on San Juan, and on Amazon.