We constantly push the limits of nature - both in the natural world that surrounds us, and in our human nature. But what is "natural" and is there such a thing as pushing nature too far?
CAMERON CLAPP
Cameron Clapp is an adrenaline junkie who melds his risk-taking nature with more useful pursuits. He was born an identical twin, and he and his brother Jesse were the wild boys of their high school. Unfortunately this risk-taking nature led to tragedy.
Cameron is a triple amputee with one prosthetic arm and two prosthetic legs. He lost his limbs in a train accident as a teenager, and now pushes his own limits to pursue his dream to compete in a triathlon – a feat not easily undertaken when he can’t feel the pedals strapped to his shoes.
Today, Cameron’s risk-taking nature pushes him to bare his past to high school groups as he talks about the dangers of risky behavior. He also “pays it forward” by working with returning soldiers through the Wounded Warrior program.
SCIENCE IN EVERYDAY LIFE
FEATURED BOOK: WHEN THE KILLING'S DONE
As an author of numerous highly acclaimed books, T.C. Boyle’s fiction often focuses on complex questions at the intersection of culture, ethics, and nature. When the Killing's Done fictionalizes the National Park Service’s efforts to destroy a population of black rats which landed on the island as the result of an 18th century shipwreck.
Conflict arises when the NPS labels the rodents an invasive species, but radical animal rights activists want to save the rats. Readers will be challenged to consider “what is natural?” and whether technology-assisted migration is as natural as other migrations.
Conflict arises when the NPS labels the rodents an invasive species, but radical animal rights activists want to save the rats. Readers will be challenged to consider “what is natural?” and whether technology-assisted migration is as natural as other migrations.
T. C. BOYLE
RECOMMENDED BOOKS AND DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Consider these titles for your Nature theme book selection. Descriptions of each book and suggested discussion questions can be found in the download file at the bottom of the page.
Just Life, by Neil Abramson. (Fiction)
In a timely story, Veterinarian Samantha Lewis struggles with life-altering decisions as dogs are being blamed as the source of a dangerous virus.
Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver. (Fiction)
A farmer's wife confronts her family and church, as well as her own beliefs, after finding a "miracle" in the woods near her home.
Amazonia, by James Rollins. (Fiction)
An adventure filled with terror and an ancient mysteries set deep in the Amazon rain forest.
Heavy Weather, by Bruce Sterling. (Fiction)
A near-future vision of tornado forces unleashed unlike any ever before measured.
In a timely story, Veterinarian Samantha Lewis struggles with life-altering decisions as dogs are being blamed as the source of a dangerous virus.
Flight Behavior, by Barbara Kingsolver. (Fiction)
A farmer's wife confronts her family and church, as well as her own beliefs, after finding a "miracle" in the woods near her home.
Amazonia, by James Rollins. (Fiction)
An adventure filled with terror and an ancient mysteries set deep in the Amazon rain forest.
Heavy Weather, by Bruce Sterling. (Fiction)
A near-future vision of tornado forces unleashed unlike any ever before measured.