Robert Macfarlane with David B. Williams — 'Is A River Alive?'

Join us for a special evening with nature writer, mountain climber, and globe-trotter Robert Macfarlane for the release of his highly-anticipated book, ? Macfarlane is joined in conversation by local historian, geologist, and naturalist David B. Williams, author of Homewaters: A Human and Natural History of Puget Sound. Tickets are required in advance.

This event is co-sponsored by the North Cascades Institute, a nonprofit conservation organization working to inspire environmental stewardship through transformative learning experiences in nature. Learn more at ncascades.org.

"Engaged deeply with the question of the title, Robert Macfarlane has set out to demonstrate not only that rivers ARE alive, but how, and why, and in what kinds of ways. He is Virgil and Gandalf, Merlin and Hermes, our guide through what a river is or could be or should be. . . It is a stunning and necessary narrative, impossible to ignore in its urgency but also beautiful, sage, and optimistic. An absolutely crucial book for anyone who cares about either nature or beautiful writing—Robert Macfarlane has once again written a book that brings both to spectacular life." —Rafe Posey, Third Place Books

What you need to know:

• All tickets must be purchased through Eventbrite. Pre-order of book will not grant you access to the event.
• Book-bundled tickets include a copy of the featured book. General Admission includes a donation to the Books to Students Fund.
• If purchase a book-bundled ticket and are unable to attend the event, your book will be placed on hold at our Lake Forest Park store. You may request to have your book placed on hold at our Ravenna or Seward Park location. Please allow time for transfer.

Is A River Alive and other books by Robert Macfarlane and David B. Williams will be available for purchase at the store. This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A.

Having trouble registering? See Eventbrite's troubleshooting FAQ here.

Tickets are required in advance.

Hailed in the New York Times as “a naturalist who can unfurl a sentence with the breathless ease of a master angler,” Robert Macfarlane brings his glittering style to a profound work of travel writing, reportage, and natural history. Is a River Alive? is a joyful, mind-expanding exploration of an ancient, urgent idea: that rivers are living beings who should be recognized as such in imagination and law.

Macfarlane takes readers on three unforgettable journeys teeming with extraordinary people, stories, and places: to the miraculous cloud-forests and mountain streams of Ecuador, to the wounded creeks and lagoons of India, and to the spectacular wild rivers of Canada—imperiled respectively by mining, pollution, and dams. Braiding these journeys is the life story of the fragile chalk stream a mile from Macfarlane’s house, a stream who flows through his own years and days.

Powered by dazzling prose and lit throughout by other minds and voices, Is a River Alive? will open hearts, challenge perspectives, and remind us that our fate flows with that of rivers—and always has.

A deep appreciation for the transformative power of literature and art has been at the heart of North Cascades Institute since the very beginning. The humanities provide important lenses through which we inhabit and understand our shared landscapes. Our Nature of Writing Speaker Series celebrates the creative minds illuminating the natural world with the turn of a page.

For nearly 20 years, North Cascades Institute has worked in partnership with independent booksellers and community organizations to bring leading authors on environmental issues, natural and cultural history, poetry, art, wellness and adventure together in celebration and appreciation of nature. Past speakers have included Terry Tempest Williams, Gary Snyder, David B. Williams, Richard Louv, Peter Wohlleben, Brenda Peterson, Tim McNulty, Mary Oliver, Barry Lopez and Molly Hashimoto. By bringing our community together in conversation at these events, we aim to support authors, poets and artists and amplify their voices to promote lifelong stewardship through better understanding of the world around us.

Robert Macfarlane’s best-selling, prize-winning books include Underland, Mountains of the Mind, The Old Ways, Landmarks, and, with Jackie Morris, The Lost Words and The Lost Spells. He lives in Cambridge, England, where he is a fellow of the University of Cambridge. (Photo credit: Rosamund Macfarlane)

Founded in 1998 in Lake Forest Park, Washington, Third Place Books is dedicated to the creation of a community around books and the ideas inside them. With locations in Lake Forest Park and Seattle's Ravenna and Seward Park neighborhoods, Third Place Books is proud to serve the entire Seattle metro area. Learn more about their event series at thirdplacebooks.com/events.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Third Place Books, 17171 Bothell Way Northeast, Lake Forest Park, United States