For the majestic island bird known as the Laysan albatross, survival is an everyday struggle. Despite human interference, moments of heartbreak, and endless challenges, this vulnerable species continues to press forward, enduring the harsh realities of the world as these birds are continually maimed by residual poisons and caught in fishing lines.
A fictional story based on the real-life challenges faced by the Laysan albatross, The Way It Is follows birds Vinnie and Hester as they raise their offspring, Victor, and endure the aftermath of an event so catastrophic it has come to threaten the entire species. Committed to giving the next generation the best chance of survival, Vinnie and Hester do their best to ensure Victor's health and happiness, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against them.
PA touching tale of triumph over adversity, this environmentally conscious novel is written by a real-life researcher who studied the Laysan albatross on the Midway Islands atoll with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. Featuring plenty of photographs and factual information, the book also serves as a call to action, proposing solutions that could ensure the species' survival for generations to come.
About the Author: Ruth L. DiDomenico is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Colorado, where she earned her master's degree in neuroanatomy and physiology.
A retired US Army first lieutenant, she served for two years in the Korean War's Medical Specialist Corps. She then went on to own and operate a rehabilitation and physical therapy practice in Washington State for thirty-five years.
DiDomenico has been married to her husband Louis for fifty-nine years, and together they have six children and twenty grandchildren. Currently, she lives in The Villages, Florida.