Legendary MT author Doug Peacock gives Whitefish Review presentation

Whitefish Review will present a reading and discussion with author Doug Peacock on Friday, Sept. 23, at Casey's, 101 Central Ave., in downtown Whitefish. Peacock will read selections from his new book, “Was it Worth It? A Wilderness Warrior’s Long Trail Home,” published by Patagonia Books.

Author, Vietnam veteran, filmmaker and naturalist, Peacock has published widely on wilderness issues. Peacock was a Green Beret medic and the real-life model for Edward Abbey’s George Washington Hayduke in “The Monkey Wrench Gang.” He is best known for his book “Grizzly Years: In Search of the American Wilderness,” a memoir of his time observing grizzly bears in the western U.S. in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

In this new collection of gripping stories of adventure, Peacock reflects on a life lived in the wild, asking the question many ask in their twilight years: “Was it worth it?”

Recounting sojourns with Abbey, but also Peter Matthiessen, Doug Tompkins, Jim Harrison, Yvon Chouinard and others, Peacock observes that what he calls “solitary walks” were the greatest currency he and his buddies ever shared. He asserts that “solitude is the deepest well I have encountered in this life,” and the introspection it affords has made him who he is: a lifelong protector of the wilderness and its many awe-inspiring inhabitants.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with live music by local singer/songwriter David Walburn and legendary local multi-instrumentalist and slide guitarist, Michael Atherton. Walburn recently released his sixth CD, “My Embrace,” a collection of 15 songs, all written and recorded in his home studio in Whitefish. Readings and Q/A begin at 7:30 p.m. with Peacock and editors of Whitefish Review. A book signing and more music will conclude the evening from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

A $10 entry donation is suggested to support the nonprofit journal.

For more information, visit www.whitefishreview.org.