Clay Cunningham's Book
It's not often that a personal reminiscence does much more than gratify the ego of the person who wrote it. But that's not true of Clay Cunningham's "Yellowstone to Denali." In fact, this dominantly anecdotal book could well be used in workshops, conferences and classes for persons interested in careers with the National Park Service or any other agency that manages natural resources.
Cunningham managed to compress his 30 + year career with the NPS into 150 pages of insightful narrative about some of the most scenic sites and sights in North America. What's more, his tales, told episodically, are often funny or witty--and always educational.
For instance, his description of thinning a bison herd in North Dakota would be a great comedy sitcom. So would the tale of the "Great Snake Bust." And his chapter detailing his experiences in New York and New Jersey simply confirms what many of us already thought of the rampant bureaucracy that runs rampant in the East.
Most important, Cunningham proves realistic, sometimes hard-nosed counsel about what it's like to be an administrator in one of the government's visible--and controversial--agencies.
His non-fiction book is a fun read, but one with sound lessons about life with the NPS.
Ray Newton --former national coordinator, Reader's Digest Writing Workshops
Purchase the printed book at Amazon.com here