The Myth About Bears & Menstrual Products, and More!

This week features a video-interview with Gloria Dickie, author of a fantastic new book about bruins called EIGHT BEARS!

Have you missed me?!

I know, it’s been too long since I’ve gotten this newsletter out, but it was for good reason… I’ve turned in the first half of my book! Yes, that’s right, the book that is still tentatively titled SORT OF FUNNY FIELD GUIDES: North American Wildlife, due to be published by National Geographic Books in spring of 2025.

Yes, it’s really happening. Yes, it’s going to give you the low-down on everything from opossums and bison to salamanders and squid. And yes, it’s going to be a hoot.

But today, I want to talk to you about a totally different book that I think you will love. It’s written by an award-winning journalist and former foreign reporter named Gloria Dickie. And well, you just have to see this cover!

I mean, c’mon, right?! It’s a beaut. And it’s about all the bear species of the world — psst, there are eight — so of course it’s my cup of tea. And if you’re reading this newsletter, then there’s a good chance you’ll dig it, too.

So, to give you a tiny taste of what EIGHT BEARS is all about, I invited Gloria to do a short video interview—and not just because her book colors jam with my newsletter theme. We talked about the actual origins of the Teddy Bear, the myth of bears being attracted to menstrual products, and which three bears are most likely to still be around in a few hundred years. I’ll bet you can guess one or two of Gloria’s picks, but the third one is going to blow your ding-dang mind.

So enjoy! And after that, get yourself a copy of EIGHT BEARS: Mythic Past and Imperiled Future! It’s currently available for pre-order and will arrive in bookstores and mailboxes next week!