By Kathryn Reed

After reading “Permanent Vacation”, part of me feels like I missed out on something – the opportunity to work in a national park. And part of me feels an even stronger connection to these natural wonders.

Most of all, I want to go on a road trip. That’s the thought I had much of the time as I was reading the 205-page paperback. I want to go back to the parks I’ve been to like Yosemite and Yellowstone and visit ones I’ve never seen like Denali.

Bona Fide Books – the only small press in the Lake Tahoe Basin – this spring published this collection of 20 stories from people who have worked in one of the West’s national parks.

What kept me turning the pages is each story is different. It’s the variety of parks as well as subject matter that makes this a complete book.

Workers run the gamut from maid to park ranger. Men and women, various ages – they all have a story to tell.

Some entries shatter my idyllic, naïve illusion of life in a park. The partying, the drugs – why would they not be part of life for a twentysomething just because they are living and working someplace so beautiful?

Some are poetic, painting a picture of natural beauty so vivid I feel immersed in the outdoors without going outside.

Some are so incredibly personal.

Some are about adventures and bring back my own memories of rafting down the Colorado River.

Some are about the wildlife – making me want to still see a moose and grizzly bear for the first time.

“Permanent Vacation” reminded me how incredible our National Park System is and the respect these special places deserve.

My only criticism —  I wish the book were longer with more stories to read.

But I am excited to know the publisher is looking for submissions from people have worked in parks in the East – especially because I am less familiar with those playgrounds.

“Permanent Vacation” is available online for $15.