Hello ,Good news first!
The first review is in for my adaption of Irena's Children. It's from Kirkus Reviews, renown among writers for giving tough reviews. So it's double relief to get this first one out of the way.
"Farrell’s adaptation of Mazzeo’s adult title (2016) clearly presents her [Irena's] life and the ever present reality of death in a sobering, heartbreaking narrative." Read more here... As you most likely heard,
rail tankers full of crude oil jumped the track and exploded in the Columbia Gorge the end of last week. This photo taken by U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read. Ironically, as oil burned and spilled into the soil and the Columbia River, fans of the gorge, and the Columbia River Highway celebrated 100 years of breathtaking views. Today, number 7 on Condē Nast's list of best convertible drives in the country, the 74-mile highway became a milestone of motorcar tourism the day it opened, June 7, 1916. Boosters
called it the Wonder Road of America.The historical highway was designed for the Model T, and as cars grew larger and traffic moved faster...it was widened or bypassed until construction of Interstate 84 almost entirely destroyed the road in the 1960s.
Now, communities along the
Columbia River Gorge are reconnecting the old road, making it a thoroughfare for bikes and pedestrians.
For a video slide show of vintage photographs of scenic points along the old road, click here... (sorry, it appears you need to be signed into Facebook to access this video) Events are scheduled through the
summer and fall including an Antique Car Tour from Troutdale to The Dalles July 23rd.
Also that day, the town of Mosier plans to host a parade and after party picnic celebrating the historic highway’s role in the town's past, present, and future.
Meanwhile in Mosier, derailed cars sit on the side of the tracks, allowing freight trains to resume service through town. More than 65 tanker trucks of oil have been hauled away from the accident scene.
Workers still have at least another 25 truckloads of oil to remove until the 13 derailed cars still at the site are empty.
Energy companies are
pushing a number of proposals for new export terminals along the West Coast. Prior to this accident, Union Pacific ran about three oil trains per month through the Columbia River Gorge.
An oil terminal proposed for Vancouver, Washington, could handle five such trains per day.
Last week's derailment and explosion, some 1,300 feet from an
elementary school in Mosier hands critics more fuel to fight increases in oil train traffic. Thanks for you time! Have you read a great book? Tell me about it. Have a burning question? Let me know. Until next week.... If you know someone who might enjoy
my newsletter or books, please forward this e-mail. I will never spam you or sell your email address, you can unsubscribe below anytime with a single mouse click. To find out more about my books, how I help students, teacher and librarians, visit my website at www.MaryCronkFarrell.com. My best, Mary
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