Author Kim Stanley Robinson Reading from "The High Sierra: A Love Story"-

Kim Stanley Robinson has written numerous sci-fi, award winning books. Robinson's genre has become labeled hard sic-fiction for depicting worlds that are mystifying without defying reality.  His fantasy features have garnered Nebula and World Fantasy awards and the prestigious Hugo award.  Perhaps his most distinguished honor is the naming of asteroid 72432, "Kimrobinson."  Robinson was referred to by  his friend and moderator as Stan.  Stan read sections from his non-fiction work, "The High Sierra:  A Love Story" and shared his love for the Sierras and the outdoors.  From the packed audience at 222 in Healdsburg, and the Q&A session following, came high praise for his writing and a shared appreciation the great outdoors. 'The High Sierra" tells of his campings treks with three friends.  One friend being Pulitzer Prize winning poet and environmental activist Gary Snyder.  Stan is in his 70s and Gary, his 90s and there's no hesitation or intimidation from the harsh landscape of dense thickets, large wildlife and freezing rivers.  Stan's reading and commentary expressed his awe for the beauty of landscape and sky and the laughing good times he enjoyed with his friends on their foraged trails.  Stan was asked if it were true he did all his writing outside.  Stan confirmed he writes outside of his home in CA.  He had felt tired of writing in his 40s but was encouraged to stick with it.  He discovered his love for writing wasn't the issue but "...{he was} tired of being indoors. "  Since 2007, he's written exclusively outdoors in a covered, open sided structure.  Inthe rain and cooler weather he dresses with warm sweaters and fingerless gloves.  Hot summer weather is the most trying weather for him to be productive.  "The High Sierra" is going to be his one and only "real novel or memoir."  His affinity for nature was infectious and his poetic leanings were apparent in describing the "inexpressible wonder of nature.  Walk the world and walk in it." he mused.  The perennial question of what books he had on his night table was posed.  While this question oftentimes get rebuffed, Stan said as a writer and reader he loved to share names of authors he favors.  The majority of names mentioned were of women including Woolf, Wharton, Eliot and Ferber.  He said as an English major, many were required reading and found there's usually a good reason these authors are selected.   When Stan's reading commenced, he stated he was happy to be with us and would be delighted to answer questions and talk with whomever was interested in sticking around.  When the moderator cut the Q&A off at 9PM, Stan reiterated his willingness to remain, not only to sign books but to visit with those who had time to stay.  I found the evening to be exceptionally engaging and Stan, a magnanimous author, bibliophile and naturalist whose passions for books and the outdoors inspiring.