July 25th at 7:00 pm Blue Mind at Bookshop Santa Cruz!

Join us for the US launch of Blue Mind, readings from the book by local ocean heroes, food, and drinks at our favorite independent bookseller.

“This is your brain on water.” That’s the message of acclaimed marine biologist and conservationist Wallace J. Nichols’s new book Blue Mind, a look at how water makes us happier at home, more successful at work, healthier in body and soul, more creative, and more compassionate. Beginning with the premise that our brains have conditioned us to prefer the color blue, Nichols shows that even a picture of water can have incredible calming and healing effects on those suffering from disease; a fish bowl or a fountain or even a glass of water prompts our brains release cascades of feel-good chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Most importantly, Blue Mind is a manifesto that provides us with a blueprint to rebuild our personal, emotional connection with water and to restore healthy waterways on this blue planet we call home.

Wallace J. Nichols is a research associate at the California Academy of Sciences and founder of OceanRevolution.org. His work has been broadcast on NPR, PBS, and National Geographic and featured in Time, Newsweek, GQ, Outside, and Scientific American. He has championed inventive solutions to pressing issues and inspired a deeper connection with nature through his slow, collaborative approach with leaders in businesses, government, non-profits, and academia. He lives along California’s “Slow Coast” and is a founder of SLOWCOAST, a movement to reclaim a simplified, minimalist lifestyle and community along our state’s pristine ocean from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz.

Join Bookshop Santa Cruz and Save Our Shores for a celebration of Blue Mind, local community, and love for our ocean! Special guest ocean advocates—including Dan Haifley, Executive Director of O'Neill Sea Odyssey, Fred Keeley, Santa Cruz County Treasurer, and Hilary Bryant, Santa Cruz City Councilmember—will read their favorite sections of Blue Mind, and Nichols will discuss his work and sign books.

Enjoy beverages and snacks from our generous local donors: Ninkasi Brewing, Pizza My Heart, Shopper's Corner, and The Picnic Basket. This is a ZERO WASTE event, so bring your own beverage container (and a reusable plate and fork if you wish, although appetizers will be served on napkins)! Kleen Kanteen glasses will be available for a $20 donation to Save Our Shores.

Bookshop will donate $1 to Billion Baby Turtles, an organization that works to protect sea turtle hatchlings across Latin America, for every copy of Blue Mind purchased through the night of the event. (more info)