"True Stories of Bear Attacks: Who Survived and Why" by Mike Lapinski

While on our cruise in Alaska, I saw the book, "True Stories of Bear Attacks" by Mike Lapinski at several gift shops.  I don't know about you, but I love books about bears in the wild.  I have mentioned some other similar books on this blog.  Anyway, I knew this was one to pick up to read while relaxing on the ship.

This book is well written, and interesting.  It is mostly a collection of people encountering bears while in the wild.  Chapters are separated by specific types of encounters.  I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter on photographers encountering bears in the wild, and some of their less than ethical ways to get good pictures.

Mike is very open about the pros of carrying proper bear spray when you go hiking in bear territory.  In fact, at one time I speculated that the book may have been funded by a bear spray company (they could give out copies of the book as promotional material).  He even says in the beginning of the book that the book's purpose is to encourage the use of bear pepper spray, for the safety of the user and for the bear.  He includes lots of stories about hikers and others saving themselves and friends by using the spray.  He also includes stories of epic bear spray fails (the users often picked up cheaper, generic sprays).

Each story is memorable, and Lapinski does include some graphic tales involving death and dismemberment.  He doesn't hold back.

One story that truly sticks with the reader involves a grizzly who becomes the subject of a children's book about a sweet bear tolerant of humans.  A month after the publication of the book, the bear would kill and eat a man (she and her cubs would be killed for the incident).

Sure, there are some dark stories like that one in the book, but this would be a good book for just about anyone with an appreciation for nature and the creatures you might encounter.