This book is incredibly poignant given the current times and uncertainties surrounding our nation's National Park system. Abbey's a little rough around the edges, but that adds to his authenticity. His philosophical musings are eerily prophetic and ring all too true. This book is a must-read for anyone with an interest in parklands and preservation.

Had this book been a "Dirtbag Diaries" episode, I likely would have enjoyed it and even supported Ms. Strayed in her journey to overcome grief. However, the profiting on her experience in the form of self promotion strips her travails of any authenticity they may have had. This was a hard book to finish for me as it was filled with eye rolls and "oh come on, are you serious right now?" Life happens, but this was ridiculous. Not worth the hype.

With an adrenaline-spiking opening, Lights and Sirens is an intense ride in the jump seat of an LAFD ALS rig from the second the tones drop. Grange's fresh viewpoint of paramedicine and the rigor of studying and drilling required to practice is a much-needed breath of fresh air in a genre often mired in bitter "war stories."