Beckoned by the Sea: Women at Work on the Cascadia Coast

by sylvia taylor, Renée Saklikar (Foreword)

A rich and diverse tapestry weaving together the many voices, narratives, skills, and talents of women up and down the coastal Pacific Northwest who devote their lives and careers to the sea. Beckoned by the Sea celebrates coastal women from northern BC to northern California who work on or with the sea. The twenty-four women featured in this inspiring and fascinating book represent a variety of industries--from conservation, commercial fishing, and marine biology to safety and rescue, tourism, and the arts. Weaving together elements of social history, culture, geography, and environmentalism, author Sylvia Taylor draws on in-depth interviews, meticulous research, and her own experience as a deckhand on a commercial fishing boat. Beckoned by the Sea investigates the myriad ways in which women have contributed to the marine industries that sustain the people and shape the culture of North America's west coast--and reveals how the sea itself has touched the lives of these women by giving them not just a livelihood but an infinite source of inspiration and personal fulfillment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Memoir, Canada

248 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2017

Reviews

[Kate Belt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book about Cascadia Coast women and the work they do. The author has collected their stories and divided the book into 6 parts: The Harvesters; The Travellers; The Creators; The History Keepers; The Teachers; The Protectors. They come from California, Oregon, Washington, and B.C., including many from Canada’s First Nations.

[Michelle D · Rating 4 out of 5]

24 short stories about women who were called to the Cascadia Coast! A wholesome read and I found something to learn from each woman's story. I appreciated learning about their upbringing and calling. Also admired the sustainability practices, resource stewardship, reconciliation, and advocacy work they did.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, lots of amazing women profiled and so much to be learned from their experiences. Book is broken up into short stories about each woman, and are often written in paragraphs and sentences of quotations, some more readable and engaging than others.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by an old friend. It remains on my desk's bookshelf as I return to it often for inspiration and companionship. An excellent read with stories of resilient people practicing stewardship. Dare I hope for a second book that highlights even more people and voices.

[Dani Neumann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this. I love to read books that are set in the same regions as my vacation, and I picked this up on a backpacking trip to Vancouver Island. It was lovely.