Science writer Ret Talbot will read from and discuss the book he co-authored with shark biologist Greg Skomal about the resurgence in the white shark population in the western North Atlantic. "Chasing Shadows: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Great White Shark" frames the specie's return to New England as a conservation success story but acknowledges it is one with significant implications for coastal communities, public safety officials and those who recreate in the same environment where the sharks are once again hunting. Talbot will talk about what it means to restore an apex predator to an ecosystem and what our response says about us and our relationship with wildness. Scientific illustrator Karen Talbot, who created the maps and illustrations in the book, will also be present with her large painting of "White Shark Mueller," the shark profiled in chapter one of the book. She will be happy to add an original illustration of a white shark to the title page of any book purchased at the event.

Ret Talbot is an award-winning freelance journalist and author who covers ocean issues at the intersection of science and sustainability. His work can be found in publications such as National Geographic, Discover, Mongabay, Yale Environment 360, and others. As a science writer, he has embedded with marine scientists around the world, including places like Papua New Guinea, Sulawesi, and Belize, and he frequently works closely with scientists to bring compelling stories about science and wildlife to a general audience. He lives on the coast of Maine with his wife, scientific illustrator Karen Talbot.

Copies of "Chasing Shadows: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Great White Shark"will be for sale courtesy of Sherman’s Maine Coast Bookshop. All sales the evening of the event benefit the Jesup.