From true life tales of murder and mayhem to inspiring accounts of triumph over adversity and Pineys fighting to protect their way of life, Voices in the Pinesbrings the storytelling legacy of the Pine Barrens into the 21st Century. In the spirit of John McPhee s The Pine Barrens, author Karen F. Riley a South Jersey transplant by way of Brooklyn, New York roamed the woods, rural communities, and farms of the Pinelands in search of compelling stories. Combining an uncanny ear with a knack for getting per¬fect strangers to talk freely, Riley takes readers on an engrossing human journey into the heart of the Pines. You ll meet artisans, activists, farmers, educators, local heroes, and regular folks in this collection of true stories, told in the words of those who lived them.
Author Karen F. Riley has been writing since she was 8 years old. Nationally published at the age 11; her work has appeared in NJ Monthly, the Asbury Park Press, Tri-Town News, The New Egypt Press and other media.
Whispers in the Pines: The Secrets of Colliers Mills was originally introduced in May of 2005 after 5 years of research into the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area.
Her 2nd book, Voices in the Pines: True Stories from the New Jersey Pine Barrens, was released in April of 2009. The book contains 35 first person accounts of people who live and work in the Pine Barrens - a way of viewing history by stepping into their shoes. It won a silver international award in the regional non-fiction category in May 2010.
Images of America: The Pine Barrens of New Jersey, was released in October 2010. It contains many images from the late 1800s and spotlights the various industries of the pines, the world's 8th largest structure, the only derailment of the Blue Comet and many other tidbits not found elsewhere.
Karen, her husband, Bill and their three children - Lisa, Laura and Chris - moved to New Egypt, NJ in 1992. With her home and office across the street from the northern fringes of the Pine Barrens, it was only a matter of time before this unique area captivated her heart. Subsequent book signings and talks and additional research broadened her knowledge and love for this area and bringing out a revised edition of Whispers in the Pines was a natural fit.
She looks forward to encouraging and educating more people about this fascinating area. Karen is available for book talks and slide shows of old photos of the Pine Barrens. Please contact her to arrange a speaking engagement for your organization.
Illustrator Andrew Gioulis grew up in a family of skilled artisans. He started out as an illustrator and still incorporates sketches into his work as a graphic designer. Andrew holds a B.S. in Graphic Design/New Media Design from Roberts Wesleyan College and is currently working on his MFA. He has garnered 30 awards for his innovative style. Andrew created the illustrations and front cover art for Voices in the Pines. He developed his knowledge and a passion for the pinelands while working on that book. Whispers in the Pines gave him an opportunity to return to the sketchbook to capture once more this unique region. Andrew resides by the Jersey Shore where he can indulge his love of surfing and photography.
