The Tiger

Vaillant follows up his award-winning first book, The Golden Spruce (2005), with this exciting and dramatic account set in the far southeastern Russian province of Primorye, a unique, biodiverse region containing the last remaining natural refuge of Amur (Siberian) tigers. When a poacher picks the wrong Amur tiger to hunt—unsuccessfully—the wounded animal lashes back in an apparent vendetta. Vaillant presents succinct background to this mysterious region and the magnificence of the tiger while also explaining broader political and conservational issues. This gripping work, which ends with a climactic showdown between man and tiger that is tailor-made for a Hollywood retelling, will appeal to adventure buffs and anyone interested in wildlife habitat preservation as well as to fans of the writing of Sebastian Junger, Jon Krakauer, and Mark Bowden. Vaillant's own impassioned narration is adequate, if a bit overwrought. Despite this, highly recommended for all audiences. [The Knopf hc also received a starred review, LJ 6/15/10, and is an LJ Best Book of 2010.—Ed.]—Dale Farris, Groves, TX