Bear Smart In Lake Tahoe
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The Tahoe-Truckee region inspires creativity through the arts and literature. Maybe it’s the fresh scent of pine trees that lingers in the air or the glimmers that reflect on the clear blue lake on a sunny afternoon. Maybe it’s the endless possibilities of outdoor adventure. Whatever it is that inspires creativity, the region has drawn writers, storytellers and poets for generations, resulting in a vibrant literary scene that blends seamlessly into the natural realm.
If you’re like me and one of your goals for the new year is to read more books, I’ve got some recommendations for you from some of our renowned local authors. I hope they inspire you to embark on an adventure and connect with the region, one page at a time.
Photo: Support your local bookstore and pick up a copy and coffee. Photo Credit: Cuppa Tahoe
Potholes and Powder Days by Shine On Cartoons, Illustrated by Mike English
Beloved for their wry humor and Tahoe-Truckee inside jokes, Shine On cartoons have delighted Moonshine Ink's readers for a decade. Part humor and part local history, they trace the community’s evolving conversations through Mike English’s tongue-in-cheek lens, covering topics from snowstorms and mountain fashion to bears, berms, roundabouts, housing struggles and the small absurdities that unite us all. Moonshine Ink collected the best of the best into a book titled Potholes and Powder Days, a comprehensive anthology of laughter medicine. This anthology is not just a great illustrative escape; it also supports local journalism. Your purchase helps keep independent reporting alive. Purchase a Copy
Get the very best of Moonshine Ink's Shine On Cartoons in this book, illustrated by Mike English. Photo Credit: Moonshine Ink
Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss, and Liberation by Priya Hunter
Priya Hunter, local writer and co-founder of the Tahoe Literary Festival, shares her courageous personal journey of breaking through illusions, manipulations and spiritual control and finding her way towards liberation, love and living authentically on her own terms in her memoir Chasing Nirvana: A Seeker’s Story of Love, Loss, and Liberation. What initially began as a quest for enlightenment became an entangled web of spiritual manipulation, control, confusion and heartbreak. Through self-reflection and the search for her own belief system, Priya manages to liberate herself and thus begins the beautiful journey of learning how to take control of her life. Her memoir, available now for pre-order, is a testament to the human experience and the ability to rise above life’s challenges and find purpose through redemption. Pre-Order Her Book
Looking to tackle the TRT? This guide by Tim Hauserman will help you plan your trek. Photo Credit: Tim Hauserman/Wilderness Press
Tahoe Rim Trail: The Official Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians by Tim Hauserman
Every year, hikers flock to the region to attempt the legendary Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile trail that circumnavigates Lake Tahoe and takes visitors through forested areas, mountain vistas and meadows. It’s a testament to the beauty of both nature and the human spirit. Tahoe resident and respected author Tim Hauserman offers a complete and comprehensive guide to tackling the trail in his book Tahoe Rim Trail: The Official Guide for Hikers, Mountain Bikers, and Equestrians. Here, he not only shares his experience on the trail, but also helps you plan your journey and navigate it with ease. Divided into eight sections, this book can also be a great tool for day hikers who wish to experience a part of the trail before fully committing to the thru-hike.
Tahoe Deathfall by Todd Borg
Lake Tahoe resident Todd Borg’s Tahoe Deathfall is the first book in the Owen McKenna Mystery Series, taking readers on a thrilling journey of intrigue and murder investigations in the region. Owen McKenna, a former San Francisco Police Department homicide detective, alongside his forensic entomologist girlfriend, Casey, and trusty dog, Spot, investigates a local homicide case and uncovers secrets to attempt to save the next intended victim. Readers praise Borg’s relatable characters, thrilling and suspenseful storylines and his ability to translate the region’s vibrant culture and landscape into the plot. You will definitely want to read the rest of the series after this one!
The Ghostly Tales of Lake Tahoe by Kate Byrne
Did you know that Lake Tahoe has its own myths and legends? You may have heard of Tahoe Tess, the region’s mythical mascot that calls the lake its home. You may have also heard that legendary celebrities such as Frank Sinatra frequently haunt local hotels. The book is part of the Spooky America series, and author Kate Byrne brings the region’s spookiest stories to life in the fun and lighthearted children’s book The Ghostly Tales of Lake Tahoe.
Word After Word Books is a haven for finding books by local authors along with fiction, nonfiction and so much more.
Shop Local
This is just a small sampling of the books written about or inspired by the Tahoe-Truckee region. To find these and many more, the best place to find books about the Tahoe region is to shop in the local bookstores. The staff will be most helpful, and you can feel good about supporting a local business. Check out Cuppa Tahoe in South Lake Tahoe, Word After Word Books in Truckee or any of the bookstores and other shops that sell books, in our list of local books and media sellers.
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
