Book Review - Searching for Pekpek: Cassowaries and Conservation in the New Guinea Rainforest

Searching for Pekpek: Cassowaries and Conservation in the New Guinea Rainforest by Andrew L. Mack Biologist Mack decided he wanted to research cassowaries, large birds and one of the few known to actually kill humans. After a couple of fits and starts he ends up in the far reaches of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) rainforest aided by the locals who act as guides, taking him in search of the birds and more particularly pekpek or feces which plays a role in his research. He describes hair raising bush plane rides to get to where he needs to go, the process of finding sponsors to fund his research, his interactions with the natives, and the entire process of creating a research station where there hasn’t been one before. Frankly I’ve never given much thought to PNG and didn’t even know what cassowaries were until I picked up this book. I quickly became fascinated with the place, the bird, and Mack as he figures out a way to live his dream and remain alive to tell the tale. Along the way is a lesson on rainforests and why conserving them is so important and difficult. Mack tells his story with a deep understanding of this unique environment and keeps the reader engaged and laughing. Andrew Mack and his book will be featured at Books, Bites, and Beverages: A Literary Adventure! on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 6:30pm at the Library. This event is sponsored by the Churchill Library Association and supports library programs, events, artists and authors. Carol Lloyd is the Director of the Churchill County Library and is now on the hunt for PNG wine to serve at the above mentioned event.   Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon. Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page. Sign up to receive updates and the Friday File email notices.