Author Topic: Death in Big Bend by Laurence Parent (Read 11433 times) Tweet Share

Front Street Books · « **on:** July 13, 2010, 03:01:12 PM »

Brand new, hot off the press and in my eager little hands! Real stories of death and rescue in Big Bend National Park in Death in Big Bend by Laurence Parent. Haven't read yet, just got our copies in yesterday but I'm taking one home tonight and have high hopes. This looks like the kind of book I'd like every visitor to read before tramping around unprepared in the great hot wild, especially this time of year when so many underestimate their need for water.

Don't have it up on our website yet, but hopefully will be up tomorrow - you can always email or call if you're too eager to wait for the book to get posted in our store.

www.fsbooks.com

Casa Grande · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2010, 04:55:21 PM »

Interesting, I wonder if he's got Okie's story in there. Mr. Parent, what say you? Can't wait to get a copy!

Front Street Books · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2010, 01:57:27 PM »

Halfway through it now - it is a nice balance of accidents, bad moves, homicide and just plain "WTF!" moments... I say nice, because it isn't sensational or overblown fearmongering... In some cases, there was nothing that could be done - and in others you wonder just what the people were thinking. I think this will be a good cautionary read for those completely unfamiliar with desert or remote terrain.

...................

Book is up now http://www.fsbooks.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_book_info&cPath=1&products_id=257, cover'll have to wait

lparent · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2010, 12:01:43 PM »

My new book, Death in Big Bend, just came out. Some of you know I've been working on it; some of you are even featured in it. It tells the stories of selected rescues and deaths in the park since the early 1980s. I interviewed victims (that survived), victim's families, park rangers, and other folks to put together narratives of each incident. Although they are rare, some pretty horrific things have happened at the park over the years--falls, heat stroke, murders, drownings, hypothermia, and the like. Some deaths were preventable, some were not. I know I'm more likely to put that extra water bottle, jacket, space blanket, candy bar, or the like in my pack than I used to be, even if they add weight.

Not to be shamelessly self-promoting, but the book is or will soon be available at the park, Front Street Books in Alpine, the Marfa Book Store, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Iron Mountain Press's website, and other places. Be prepared. Read the book and don't let the events chronicled there happen to you. Writing the book put a little bit of the fear of God in me!

I'd be happy to talk about some of the incidents that happened on Big Bend Chat, if anyone has questions.

Laurence Parent

lparent · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2010, 09:24:46 PM »

Assuming you mean Bryan Brock's tragic death, then yes, I've got Okie's story in there. I talked to him at length, plus quoted him quite a bit in that chapter. It's one of the longest chapters in the book. I cringe whenever I think about how Brock died. I've been up Cattail Canyon to the big pour-off where it happened. I was really careful on that rugged hike, no surprise.

TexasAggieHiker · « **Reply #5 on:** July 25, 2010, 10:08:45 PM »

Can't wait to get a copy in my hands.

mule ears · « **Reply #6 on:** July 26, 2010, 05:47:01 AM »

I am looking forward to reading it, thanks Laurence.

iCe · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2010, 12:47:19 PM »

Sweet! I like the idea that the author hangs out here too

lparent · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2010, 04:08:18 PM »

When time and twin 6-year-olds allow!

SA Bill · « **Reply #9 on:** July 26, 2010, 06:53:13 PM »

Quote from: lparent on July 26, 2010, 04:08:18 PM

When time and twin 6-year-olds allow!

Twins! Our twins (boy and girl) are about to turn 23 next month! One is sorta moved out and we're working on the other. Enjoy your time with them because before you know it, they'll be all grown up.

To stay somewhat on topic, did you consider including stories from farther back than the '80s? I'm assuming that was the cut off to allow for interviews with persons who were involved in the stories?

My copy will be on the way shortly!
Bill

BigBendHiker · « **Reply #10 on:** July 26, 2010, 07:25:12 PM »

Ordered my copy from Front Street Books in Alpine earlier today!

atrotter123 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 26, 2010, 07:38:12 PM »

Laurence, I look forward to reading your book. I just ordered my copy. I just past the 19th anniversary of Boston's death. She was pronounced on 7/24/1991. I sure miss her and am so glad you choose to add her to your book. Thank you, April Trotter

RichardM · « **Reply #12 on:** July 26, 2010, 08:16:40 PM »

Is Brian Behrs (Spring Break 1987) in it?

iCe · « **Reply #13 on:** July 26, 2010, 09:09:50 PM »

It's kind of sobering to see you guys asking about real people. I spent a few hours hiking solo (off and on) in 105° heat this weekend... it's good to be reminded of my immortality... sometimes...

tjavery · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2010, 06:46:48 AM »

Quote from: iCe on July 26, 2010, 09:09:50 PM

It's kind of sobering to see you guys asking about real people. I spent a few hours hiking solo (off and on) in 105° heat this weekend... it's good to be reminded of my immortality... sometimes...

Something else you care to share with us?

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