Kingfisher Used Books

Kingfisher Used Books at 4486 Marine Ave. in Powell River.

I have a passion for browsing book stores. Right across the street from our condo in Powell River there's a great used book store just packed with literary treasures. It's called Kingfisher Used Books and it's owned by Sharon and Peter Deane.

The books are organized by subject to help you find your treasures. Stools are strategically placed so you can easily reach the bottom shelf or sit and try out a prospective selection. I always find something to add to my collection of local and off the grid books.

A well organized collection of books at very reasonable prices.

If you are traveling up the Sunshine Coast, Kingfisher Books is an easy walk from the Westview Ferry Terminal. After you park, take a stroll up Wharf Street to Marine Avenue. Turn left and the bookstore is on the east side of the street. You can reach them at (604) 414-4573. They are open 7 days a week.

Here's another suggestion. After you find a great book, take it with you across the street to Rocky Mountain Pizza and Bakery. Here you'll find fresh brewed coffee, lattes, yummy baked goods, sandwiches, soups and, of course, pizza. Sit in the back for a view of the Strait of Georgia or at a window table to see all of the action on Marine Avenue.

On the way back to the ferry, stop at Marine Traders on Wharf Street. They have a huge selection of boat, fishing and outdoor supplies.

So whether you live in town, are here to visit, or just passing through, visit Marine Avenue. There's something exciting happening all the time. -- Margy

"There's a Racoon in my Parka" by Lyn Hancock

I'm always finding interesting used books at the Powell River MCC Thrift Shop for a great price. Their collection includes books donated locally augmented from their chain of stores across Canada and the States. Here's one of my $1 bargain books.

There's a Racoon in my Parka (Seal Books, 1978) is a memoir written by Lyn Hancock. It chronicles Lyn's marriage to zoologist David Hancock and the set up their Wildlife Conservation Centre at Island View on the Saanich Peninsula near Victoria on Vancouver Island. Here they studied and rehabilitated animals and birds, some of which became like pets.

The main focus of the book was the 1970 transplant of sea otters from Alaska to remote Checleset Bay in the Bunsby Islands off the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. The story followed their overland trek to Alaska to film background information for future video tours and educational presentations.

Then Lyn and David met the Canadian Federal Fisheries boat the G.B. Reed in Alaska's Prince William Sound for the second relocation effort to reintroduce 45 sea otters to British Columbia. 

One of the adopted critters that the Hancock's rescued was a small racoon they named Rocky. He was so small he snuggled in her parka hood. He grew up along the way and became the star of the show.

I enjoyed how Lyn wove history and geography throughout her narrative. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased two more of her early books online from Amazon.

Lots has happened with the sea otter reintroduction program since those days. You can find more information online:

Globe and Mail "The Remarkable Comeback"
The Tyee "Too Many Sea Otters?" Part 1
The Tyee "Taking Aim at Sea Otters" Part 2
Fisheries and Oceans Canada "Sea Otters"
Sea Otter Recovery website
Lyn Hancock's website

Have you ever raised a pet? How did that go? -- Margy

"How to Keep a Human: As told by Amaruq" by Kaimana Wolff

I love used bookstores. Right across the street from our Powell River condo is Kingfisher Used Books. I like to go there and browse the shelves. In addition to used books, they have a shelf for local authors. I found a book that caught my interest. I’ve heard of the author before around town in writing circles, but haven’t had the opportunity to meet her yet.

How to keep a human: as told by Amaruq is a unique book because it is told from the perspective of a wolf-malemute. It was written by Kaimana Wolff, the author name of Eva von Loon.

Amaruq's puppy name was Sojourner. Early in his life, his heart was won over by a "human ape female" who could speak his true name, Amaruq (wolf). The story is told by an older Amaruq (Grandpaw) to a new litter of his grandpuppies who are ready to be weaned and need to "know what to expect. You won't be puppies forever." He begins with a story about his own puppyhood. He was born a city dog but dreamed of his true homeland, the True Woods, North of Sixty (the 60th parallel that forms the border of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut). This is the land where wolves (and wolf huskies) are watched over by the Goddess Silva.

Each chapter is a vignette from Amaruq's life with his female human Pack Leader, Kaimana. Amaruq was a unique, all white wolf husky called a Father Brown, a mixture bred to help pull freight sleds in the far north. As Amaruq says, "Our strength and brains are perfect complements for human weaknesses, you see.  What would our humans do without us?"

Amaruq follows Kaimana, his human Pack Leader, to university for what he calls Post Sick-and-Airy (took me awhile to figure that one out).  Then finally to the True North for a job in Whitehorse, and finally to become the King of Dawson City. Throughout it all, he is Kaimana's constant companion, protector, and best friend rolled into one.

It's a fun read that will warm your heart, and give you a greater appreciation for life in the True North.

Additional reviews are available at Powell River Living and Immanence Magazine.

How to keep a human can be found in Powell River at Breakwater Books, Kingfisher Used Books, and online through motleycrewhouse.wordpress.com, Smashwords for e-books, and Amazon.com for Kindle. -- Margy

"Strong and Independent" by Yarrow Alpine

When I travel, I love to visit used bookstores. You just never know what treasures you will find. Recently when I went Hope, BC, I found Pages Bookstore and Fraser-Cascade Literacy Centre. They have an awesome selection with used books for $2.00 each (except for new and rare editions). I found several books including one that was quite unique.

Strong and Independent: A system of food storage, and homesteading ... with nutritional guidelines was written by Yarrow Alpine. It was published in 1983 before self-publishing was a common practice.

The system presented includes a combination of growing your own food, buying healthy foods in bulk, food storage, and self-sufficiency for individuals, families and communities. The text is typed interspersed with hand written titles and illustrations. The list of chapters for this 110 page book gives you a feel for what is included:

•  The Feel of the System
• The Role of Protein
• The Role of Carbohydrates and Fats
• Stocking Up
• Nutritional Supplements
• Food System with a Heart

Alpine Yarrow is from Salmon Arm in the southern interior of British Columbia. Her bio on the back cover states that she's a nutritional consultant working in the small community's natural food store. The book is based on her training as a nutritionist, personal experience, and childhood memories.

Trying to live a more simple life at the cabin, it will be a good resource for my library.

Do you love visiting used bookstores? What are some of the treasures you've found? -- Margy

"Woman in the Bush" by Jeanne Connolly

One of my favourite used bookstores in Bellingham is Eclipse Bookstore. It's located in Historic Fairhaven and my friend Betty and I go there every time we get together for coffee. They have a good Canadian section and I always find interesting books to read. I just finished rereading Woman in the Bush (Pelican, 1998) that I got there last year.

Woman in the Bush is the story of Jeanne Connolly Harbottle's first year in the Yukon with her newlywed trapper husband. The book was co-written with Fern Grice Credeur in 1966, but took place during the winter of 1947-48. Jeanne married Tom Connolly following World War II and left her city life in San Francisco for the wilds of the Yukon Territory. They were contemporaries of my parents, but their life was so different. I cannot imagine my mother being capable of living throughout the winter with temperatures around fifty below zero in a six by eight foot log cabin chinked with mud to keep out the wind and only a wood stove to heat and cook.

Jeanne learned how to snowshoe to break trail for the sled dogs, shoot, hunt, trap, skin and cure pelts, trade -- everything needed to survive and support her husband's work as a trapper. It was a hard life, but her adventurous spirit carried her through. People still seek a simple life in the bush, but times have changed. Hunting and trapping is more regulated, and trading as a means of commerce isn't as common. Jeanne's story is a look back in history to a different time, and way of living.

The trip out of the bush back to "civilization" was even more difficult, on many levels. The heat and mosquitoes made the journey on foot a huge challenge for both man and dog. Also, having contact with other people was a big lifestyle change. The book only hints about the future for Jeanne and Tom, but she did return and spent seventeen more years living in the bush, became a big-game guide and a trapper in her own right. She was quite a woman for her day, or any time for that matter. -- Margy

"Eyes on the Wilderness" by Helmut Hirnschall

Eyes on the Wilderness is a treasure from a simpler time. It's hardback and available only in used bookstores or online. Amazon.com has it for $19.95 plus shipping, but I found it for $5.00 in one of my favourite used book haunts.

Helmut Hirnschall was born in Austria and immigrated to Canada at 27 in 1960. Austria had few wilderness areas even then, so Helmut was enthralled with all the natural surroundings in Ontario where he settled. First on foot, and then by kayak, he explored the lakes, forests and rivers whenever his work schedule allowed.

In Eyes on the Wilderness, Helmut uses the animals he encountered as the vehicle to introduce the reader to his new life in Canada. They range from the lowly (but powerful) Blackfly to the mighty Black Bear. You can hear the hoot of the night owl, trills of the many songbirds and lonely cry of the loon through his vivid descriptions. Each animal story includes a personal anecdote about its discovery, a biological description and First Nation legends.

This book is recommended for both children and adults. I can imagine reading it as a young teen while on a camping trip exploring the outdoors for myself. As a adult and a new Canadian immigrant myself, it was interesting to see how someone else became acquainted with his new and exciting home. So if you would like to step back in time, and get back to the wilderness, keep an eye out for Helmut Hirnschall's Eyes on the Wilderness (Hancock House, 1975) at a used bookstore near you. -- Margy

Coles The Book People

When I taught first grade, we used the Open Court reading program. The grade one reader started like this: See, See me, See me eat, See me eat meat. Obviously not a literary masterpiece, but beginning readers could easily sound out the words and experience immediate success. Several books later, poetry was introduced. One poem I remember went something like this:

Rainy day, shady and gray.
Time to read and dream
And wait for the clouds
To be blown away.

Today's rainy. As I sit in my Powell River condo, nearby Harwood Island fades in and out of the wet gray sky. The approaching ferry is like a ghost ship breaking through the gloom. It's time to curl up with a book and read away the hours. There's lots of good places in Powell River for books. Today I'd like to highlight Coles The Book People.

Coles Bookstore is located in the Town Centre Mall near Overwaite. Corrine, the manager, and her friendly staff help customers find just the right title. If she doesn't have it, she'll order it for you.

Corrine is a great friend to local authors. All six of Wayne's Coastal BC Stories books are prominently displayed on her "Local Interest" shelves. Corrine has also hosted several book launches and slide show presentations to help promote our books.

So, if you are looking for a good read, head on over to Coles. If you're a local author, see Corrine about including your book on her shelves. -- Margy

Hidden Treasures Bookstore

Today was cool with showers so the guys decided to work on changing the engine in our Bayliner. After delivering lunch I decided to go shopping at a few of my favourite thrift and used book stores. My first stop was the Hospital Economy Shop off Alberni near Scotiabank. As usual, I bumped into my friend Carol while browsing the aisles.

Next I headed down to Marine Avenue. I love shopping on Marine. It has lots of quaint shops, yummy restaurants and activity. It's an easy walk all the way from the ferry terminal on Wharf Street to the end of the shopping area at Alberni. Along the way you will find the Hidden Treasures Bookstore on the west side of the street as you approach Alberni. It is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 to 3:00. If you are nearby on one of those days be sure to stop in for a look.

Hidden Treasures Bookstore
4693 Marine Ave. 604-485-9182
For a small shop it has a nice selection of books on lots of topics. The books are organized and attractively arranged in several rooms. I found another book for my Farley Mowat collection. -- Margy