Reef Libre – Book Review & Giveaway

Reef-Libre

Reef Libre – Book Review

Ever since I was a child and my family gathered around the dinner table watching the underwater adventures of Jacques Cousteau, I have been fascinated by the amazing creatures that inhabit our oceans and seas.

I’ve poured over plenty of aquatic books and spent time in aquariums learning as much as I can about reefs and saltwater fish and our fragile ecology.

But never before have I seen a book like Reef Libre.

Reef Libre by Robert Wintner approaches the world of aquatic life from an entirely new perspective. His book focuses on the unique reefs and ecosystem of Cuba – a reef system the author describes as the best in the world due to a lifetime of isolation from the outside world – and explores the question:

Can Cuba’s reefs continue to thrive now that the US is in the process of normalizing relations with this island nation, or will the changing political climate result in the return of mass tourism and the ultimate degradation of their underwater ecosystem?

The book is quite informative.

Readers who have an interest in marine life and environmental issues will find plenty of food for thought as Robert – a staunch conservationist – shares his insights and takes you on a visually stunning journey off the shores and through the coral reefs of Cuba.

As you might imagine, Reef Libre is filled with stunning, full-colored photographs of sharks and lionfishes and sea turtles and other aquatic delights. What you might not expect is that the book contains plenty of photographs of Cuba as well – giving readers a rarely seen historic and intimate glimpse into the lives of our neighbors.

Reef Libre comes with another surprise: an hour-long DVD entitled Reef Libre, The Movie, which you’ll find inside a plastic sleeve inside the front cover.

As you watch this DVD, you’ll feel like you’re seeing the sights up close and personal – with the benefit of a narrator providing insights along the way!

Whether you are interested in learning more about Cuba, its reefs, and the ecological issues it now faces, or are looking for a visually stunning coffee book to display and entertain guests with, Reef Libre fills the bill.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Reef Libre – The Book & Movie – Video Trailer

About Robert Wintner

Robert-Wintner

Best known as Snorkel Bob in Hawaii and around the world, Robert Wintner captures Cuba above and below the surface with urgency and hope. As a pioneer in fish portraiture, Robert demonstrates social structure and etiquette in reef society.

Reef Libre goes to political context, in which human folly will squander Cuba’s reefs as well – unless natural values can at last transcend political greed. As pundits joust over who did what to whom and why, Robert ponders reef prospects in view of political changes.

Robert has written many novels and story collections. Reef Libre, his fourth reef commentary, provides photos and his first overview of survival potential in a political maelstrom.

Robert lives and works in Hawaii but remains on the front lines of the campaign to stop the aquarium trade around the world.

Reef Libre – Book Tour

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Create With Joy is delighted to participate in the Reef Libre Book Tour, which is hosted by iRead Book Tours!

The Reef Libre Book Tour runs from October 19 through November 20, 2015.

Please visit the Reef Libre Book Tour Page to learn more about the author, to read guest posts and author interviews, and to see what other bloggers have to say about this book!

Resources

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Reef Libre Blog Tour – $25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Create With Joy is thrilled to offer you the opportunity to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card as part of the Reef Libre Blog Tour.

This giveaway is open to ALL Create With Joy readers who are 18 years and older now through November 27, 2015.

To enter this giveaway, submit your entries as instructed on the Rafflecopter form.

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Additional Information

Please note that this Rafflecopter and Giveaway is hosted by iRead Book Tours and is being hosted across several blogs. They are overseeing the drawing and assume full responsibility for all aspects of this contest, including notification and prize fulfillment.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from iRead Book Tours to review. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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14 Responses to “Reef Libre – Book Review & Giveaway”

Read below or add a comment...

  1. Carl says:

    What a stunning looking book. I’d love to see the photos. they look beautiful. Thanks

  2. fairyrocks says:

    Love the reefs. Not sure if I would ever be brave enough to dive, but have snorkeled on the surface a bit. Interesting about Jacques Cousteau, I too was enthralled with his adventures. I learned a bit the other day, John Denver’s song ‘Calypso’ was written while he traveled with the Cousteau team, he also supported the preservation of the reef worldwide. This looks like a wonderful continuation of that work.

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      I love Calypso – thanks for sharing that fun fact!
      Know what you mean about diving – fabulous for those brave enough to do it – but I am not a part of that subset either!

  3. Thanks, Joy, for your continuing love of reef habitat and species, and for feeling the magic in Reef Libre. Getting down with so many sharks on every reef visit was a life changing experience, and I think you got the picture.

    • Create With Joy
      Twitter: CreateWithJoy1
      says:

      Thank you Robert for the privilege of reviewing your book – I can only dream of seeing the wonders of the reefs up-close – your wonderful photos and videos made that possible for us non-divers and non-snorkelers!

  4. Christina Morley
    Twitter: tinarobmorley
    says:

    I love photography and our family is environmentally aware, and this book has both! Thanks for sharing about this awesome opportunity.

  5. amy says:

    Hi, I love the ocean and anything to do with it. Looks like a beautiful book!

  6. Ellen Pilch says:

    This sounds like an interesting book and a great gift for the holidays.

  7. Leslie says:

    Coral reefs are beautiful examples of God’s handiwork. Thanks for sharing at Literacy Musing Mondays!

  8. How cool that this also comes with a DVD! Thanks for sharing this great giveaway with #SocialButterflySunday! Hope to see you link up again this week 🙂

  9. Nicole says:

    Thank you for your thoughtful book reviews. This looks like a really beautiful book!

  10. Steven weber says:

    I want to read this book because I don’t know too much about reefs.

  11. Mary Hill
    Twitter: MaryHill16
    says:

    I love pictures of wildlife and sea life. This book looks gorgeous. 😉

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