Ruth Shaw skillfully weaves together vignettes from her bookshops in picturesque New Zealand, reflections on her favorite books, and touching stories from her rich and varied life. She served in the navy, was a cook, a nurse, a housekeeper, an entrepreneur, and a cruise ship captain. Resilient, active, and emotional, she knew how to withstand the blows of fate. Ruth sailed the Pacific Ocean, fell victim to pirates, worked in Sydney's crime-ridden Kings Cross, became a conservationist, and, with her husband, Lance, sailed the sailboat Breaksey Girl, which carried passengers to the subantarctic islands. Yet, Ruth's love has always been for books—one of humanity's greatest inventions, books that hold the warmth of past generations, provide food for thought, make one laugh and cry, allow one to escape one's worries, or, conversely, connect with the fates of others, reflect, and empathize. The cozy shops she opened in Manapouri become a true magnet for children and adults, men and women, locals and tourists. After reading this heartfelt book, you'll surely want to learn more about Ruth and her amazing homeland.