Thor Hanson Book Launch

Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid
The Fraught and Fascinating Biology of Climate Change
by Thor Hanson

There is always reason to celebrate the release of a new book by San Juan Island biologist and author, Thor Hanson. If you’ve read Feathers, Seeds, and Buzz, and sat enthralled at one of Thor Hanson’s lively and informative presentations, you’ll be anxious to attend the launching of the author’s just-published, Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, to be hosted by Griffin Bay Bookstore on Tuesday, September 28, 7:00 pm at Brickworks.

In Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, Thor Hanson explores the remarkable ways that plants and animals are responding to climate change: moving, adapting, and even evolving. A story of hope, resilience, and risk, this book will surely be remembered as the defining natural history of an unnatural time. What could be more timely for San Juan Islanders after experiencing a summer of drought and heat waves?

Griffin Bay Bookstore is naturally delighted to celebrate and honor the book’s release. The only way we can host an in-person event safely, however, is to limit attendance. Ordering and prepaying for a copy of the book before the event on September 28 is your ticket for entry.  Please note: the purchase of one book covers entry for one person and a guest. All books will be signed by the author prior to the event. If you would like a personalized message from Thor, please make arrangements with him after the event.

Griffin Bay Bookstore is keeping your health and safety as our first priority, and consequently, we are instituting a number of protocols: All attendees will need to show proof of full vaccination—be sure to bring your cards or phone or other documentation to show us you’ve been fully vaccinated. As is the case for all public indoor gatherings, you will be required to wear a mask throughout the program. No children under 12 will be allowed to attend. Seating will be limited, and chairs will be spaced far enough apart to maintain recommended distancing.

Here are a couple of reminders: If you would like to attend this event, you must register first by ordering and pre-paying for the book before the event. Since seating will be limited, it’s a first purchase, first served kind of registration. At the door, you will be greeted by a staff member who will check proof of your vaccination and then give you the signed copy of the book you ordered and paid for. Remember: You will not be able to attend unless you have purchased the book ahead of time and submitted proof of vaccination at the door.

You may order by phone, 360-378-5511; by e-mail, [email protected]; or in person at the bookstore. You may order online, and if you do, you’ll need to specify that you will attend the event, please also note the number of people in your party. Bear in mind that we’ll be limiting the number of attendees so don’t wait until the last minute to sign up.

We certainly encourage you to come early and be prepared to wait in line. It’s going to take some doing to check everyone in, get books distributed, and people seated properly.

Griffin Bay Bookstore is paying close attention to covid transmission rates as well as case numbers in San Juan County. In the event of rising cases, or new restrictions enacted at the county or state level, Griffin Bay Bookstore reserves the right to cancel this event. Don’t worry, though—all registrants who purchased the book, will still get their signed copy! We sincerely hope that the book launch will be held as planned. The only way we can celebrate Thor Hanson’s latest book is to have your cooperation with the procedures and protocols that we’ve designed to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.   

Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid is already garnering accolades:

“This is arguably the most significant discussion of the biology of global warming I know, brought to us in the intelligent, wise, and beautiful prose we’ve come to rely upon Thor Hanson to deliver. If you read only one book on climate change this year, let it be this one.” 

―Robert Michael Pyle, Ph.D., author of  Wintergreen and Nature Matrix

About the Author
Thor Hanson is the author of Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid, Buzz, The Triumph of Seeds, Feathers, and The Impenetrable Forest, as well as the illustrated children’s favorite, Bartholomew Quill.  Honors for his books have included The John Burroughs Medal, The Phi  Beta Kappa Award in Science, The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize, and three  Pacific Northwest Book Awards, and his writing has been translated into  more than ten languages.

Hanson’s academic work includes co-editorship of the volume Warfare Ecology, as well as dozens of papers in such journals as BioScience, Conservation Biology, Environmental Conservation, Neotropical Ornithology, Neotropical Primates, The Pan-Pacific Entomologist, and Molecular Ecology. His popular articles and essays have appeared in publications ranging from Audubon and Orion to The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London, The Los Angeles Times, The American Scholar, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post.​

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