Best Selling Books by Chris Santella

Chris Santella, bestselling author of the Fifty Places series, is back in action with the inspirational gift book Why I Fly Fish. Based on 25 interviews with fly-fishing professionals and celebrity hobbyists alike, Why I Fly Fish encapsulates the life lessons fly-fishing aficionados have learned from their favorite pursuit. Featured contributors include Donald Trump Jr., Bill Ford (CEO of Ford Motor Company), Conway Bowman (host of several flyfishing TV programs), actor Henry Winkler, Lefty Kreh (the world's best-known fly-fisherman) and many more. With personal photographs by the contributors themselves, Why I Fly Fish is an inspirational and intimate reflection on the beloved sport and pastime.

Fifty More Places to Fly Fish Before You Die is the latest offering in the bestselling Fifty Places series. Chris Santella's first book, Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die, has more than 100,000 copies in print, and Santella—now a regular fly-fishing contributor to the New York Times and many angling periodicals—has finally returned to the subject that started it all. Santella profiles 50 more first-class fly-fishing destinations around the world, as shared by top fishing-expedition leaders and journalists. This volume includes many of fly fishing's "next big things": fishing in San Diego for mako sharks; sight-casting in Bolivia for golden dorado; flats-style striper fishing in Maine's Casco Bay; nocturnal sea trout angling in Wales; and fishing for giant mahseer in the Himalayan foothills of India. Gorgeous photography showcases the beauty of these destinations, and the "If You Go" section enables readers to embark on the fishing trips themselves.

"A lavishly photographed dreambook of the world's top angling spots" ( Men's Journal) Amateur or expert, every angler dreams of landing "the big one," but that's only part of the appeal of fly fishing. Because even when hours pass without a bite, nothing beats the rugged beauty of the surroundings. For both armchair travelers and avid outdoorsmen who may have already started a checklist of their own, Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die maps out the meccas of the fly-fishing world. Through in-depth interviews with the sport's acknowledged gurus, author Chris Santella goes beyond standard guides to convey the very essence of the recommended locations. Readers can vicariously cast mouse patterns to fifty-pound taimen in the wilds of Mongolia, wrangle with wily permit off the Florida Keys, and match the hatch on Montana's Armstrong's Spring Creek. Jardines de la Reina, Cuba (tarpon), the Zhupanova River, Kamchatka (rainbow trout), and the Rio Negro, Brazil (peacock bass) are also included. The fifty essays include a cultural and natural history of each site, along with colorful anecdotes based on the author's and authorities' experiences. With breath-takingly-beautiful photos of the spots, many by celebrated fly-fishing photographer R. Valentine Atkinson, the book also provides adventurous anglers with enough travel-and-tackle information so that they, too, can start planning excursions to go fish around the globe. Praise for Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die "Santella offers 50 short takes on the ultimate fly-fishing destinations in this beautifully photographed and nicely packaged volume . . . With its elegant descriptions, gorgeous photos and practical information, this book is a dream travel guide for avid fly-fishers." — Publishers Weekly "Everything dad needs to tackle his next trip." — Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Belgian Flats is the story of Cody, a fly-fishing guide whose career has hit a dead end after a dozen years guiding on a famed western trout stream. Cody’s mentor suggests that he take a job as a lodge manager at a prestigious Atlantic salmon lodge in northwestern Russia. The story follows Cody’s travels to the Kola Peninsula and his encounters with the characters who filter through—from philosophizing oligarchs to Samí herdsmen who are not above kidnapping lodge staff to maintain control of their historic lands. There’s even a love interest. Belgian Flats provides an offbeat and humorous insider’s view of the fly-fishing world that angling aficionados will appreciate.

A stunning, in-depth guide to fifty more of the world's greatest golf courses, selected by people deeply connected to the sport. With this follow-up to his bestselling Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die, Chris Santella interviews fifty luminaries in the golf world to uncover some of the sport's hidden gems. Golf industry insiders—from seasoned touring professionals (Amy Alcott, Fred Funk) to journalists and photographers (James Dodson, Brian Morgan) to golf course architects (Robert von Hagge, Bob Harrison) to travel specialists (Gordon Dalgleish, Mike Lardner)—offer their favorite courses around the world and describe what makes them so spectacular. Their experiences bring the venues to life for both ardent golfers and armchair travelers. The golf courses featured here range from the windswept peninsula of Old Head off the coast of Ireland to the sultry landscape of the recently inaugurated Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail in Vietnam to the privileged putting surfaces of California's Cypress Point and Maryland's Congressional Country Club. Along the way, Santella shares vivid descriptions of the courses, funny and touching anecdotes, and enough "If You Go" information for golfers to begin planning that once-in-a-lifetime getaway. The texts are complemented by more than forty vivid photographs that capture the allure of these unforgettable golf destinations.

From the author of Fifty Places to Fish Before You Die: celebrated anglers recount unforgettable catches, outdoor adventures, and the ones that got away. Fishing author Chris Santella invited fifty celebrated fly fishers to share their favorite stories based on their travels and experiences on the water. The result is this delightful collection of stories that are, surprisingly enough for fishermen, true. Fifty Favorite Fly-Fishing Tales includes stories that range from the comical to the poignant, inspirational, incredible, and absurd. It tells of Ralph Cutter casting in complete darkness for blind catfish in the caves of Borneo; J. W. Smith boxing grizzlies to protect his tent camp in Alaska; and George Anderson fly fishing for saltwater crocodiles in Cuba. It also describes how Jean Williams, through trout fishing in the Colorado Rockies, helped to bridge the chasm between a type-A father and his neglected son. Accompanied by stunning photographs, the stories in this book reflect not only the rich experience of fly fishing but also how it can extend beyond the rivers, oceans, and fish to touch the core of our daily lives.

A handsome, in-depth guide to fifty of the world's greatest golf courses, selected by people deeply connected to the sport. A perfect gift for golfers, including for Father's Day and Mother's Day. For both passionate golfers and armchair travelers, this gorgeous full-color book presents the world's greatest golf venues, the personal favorites of renowned players, course architects, and other experts in the sport. From Ballyliffin, Ireland's northernmost course, whose rumpled fairways wander along the North Sea in the shadows of Glashedy Rock, to New Zealand's Cape Kidnappers, perched atop dramatic cliffs some 500 feet above the ocean, the book's beautiful photographs capture the architecture, noteworthy holes, location, and ambiance that make these courses standouts for ardent golfers. A brief history of each course, an experiential account-filled with local color from the person recommending the venue, and trip-planning advice provide adventurous readers with all the information they need to chip and putt their way around the globe. Interviews with golfing experts such as Nick Faldo and Christie Kerr (pro golfers), Pete Dye and Tom Doak (course architects), and Brian McCallen (editor and author), as well as beautiful, vibrant photography, bring each location to life. Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die makes golfing accessible with easy-to-follow advice, enthralling anecdotes, and inspiration for your next trip. Books in the Fifty Places to Go series are the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life—whether they're planning their next trip or dreaming from their armchair.

Covering famed surf spots all over the world, this unique full-color gift book and travel guide invites you to discover such unexpected gems as the Amazon and the Gulf of Alaska. From the frigid waters off Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula to Nazaré, Portugal, where in 2013 Garrett McNamara broke a world record for surfing the tallest wave (78 feet!), highlights also include: North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii Gold Coast, Australia Malibu, California Faroe Islands, Denmark Cocoa Beach, Florida Hossegor, France Grajagan, Indonesia Montauk, New York Thurso, Scotland Jeffreys Bay, South Africa And dozens more! Fifty Places to Surf takes readers on a wide-roving adventure, divulging the details that make each venue unique—and plenty of tips for those who aspire to surf there. Author Chris Santella writes in his introduction, "Surfing means different things to different people. For some it might mean longboarding mellow chest-high waves in board shorts, followed by a great sushi dinner; for others it may mean donning a six-millimeter wetsuit to brave near-freezing waters and triple overheads. Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die attempts to capture the spectrum of surfing experiences—from beginner-friendly to downright death-defying." Featuring interviews with seasoned surfing experts such as pro surfer Joel Parkinson and Billabong executive Shannan North, Fifty Places to Surf Before You Die is an essential travel companion for surfers of all levels who are looking to catch that perfect wave.

Climb every mountain—and ski and snowboard the world's most amazing slopes, from Aspen to Zermatt. Includes color photos. Based on interviews with leading experts, Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die chronicles the rich history of these sports and the people who've mastered them, including Tommy Moe, Jonny Moseley, Billy Kidd, and Greg Harms, and takes you to the fabulous mountains you've visited—or have always wanted to visit. Explore the world's most inspiring skiing and snowboarding destinations: Chugach Mountains (Alaska) * Aspen, Crested Butte, and Steamboat Springs (Colorado) * Tuckerman Ravine (New Hampshire) * Rusutsu (Japan) * Chamonix (France) * Portillo (Chile) * Whistler Blackcomb (British Columbia) * Mammoth Mountain and Squaw Valley (California) * Kashmir (India) * Taos (New Mexico) Jay Peak, Mad River Glen, Stowe (Vermont) * Jackson Hole (Wyoming) * and more! Chris Santella brings to life the gorgeous scenery, the glamorous ambience, and the always-thrilling experience of visiting mountains from the Alps to the Rockies, whether it's après-ski in Cortina or helicopter rides into virgin Alaskan powder. If you're jetting off on your next getaway or just armchair-traveling this season, this guide will inspire beginners and black-diamond experts alike.

A guide to some of the greatest locations around the world as recommended by expert rock climbers, with travel tips and stunning photos included. Covering three types of climbing—trad, sport, and bouldering—and showcasing breathtaking venues from Joshua Tree to Jeju, South Korea, this guide features insights from industry insiders, including employees from rock-climbing gear companies like Petzl and Black Diamond Equipment, professional climbers like Jon Cardwell and Kevin Jorgeson (co-star of Dawn Wall), filmmaker Michael Call, and Climbing magazine editor Matt Samet. And for those who want to travel to these locales, Chris Santella provides "If You Go" suggestions to help plan your trip. This essential travel companion for climbers of all levels of expertise features such locations as: Horse Pens 40, Alabama * Cochise Stronghold, Arizona * Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado * Innsbruck, Austria * Castle Hill, New Zealand * Elephant's Perch, Idaho * The Bugaboos, British Columbia * Arco, Italy * Red River Gorge, Kentucky * Devil's Lake, Wisconsin * Acadia National Park, Maine * The Shawangunks, New York * Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma * Chamonix, France * Railay Beach, Thailand * and more

A beautiful guide to fifty of the world's best places to ride a bicycle, as chosen by expert cyclists who have been there. Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die is the ninth addition to the bestselling Fifty Places series by Chris Santella. Biking has grown increasingly popular in recent years, as both a leisure and an extreme exercise activity, and Santella covers trips for cyclists of every level. Fifty Places to Bike covers environments as varied as the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, the Indochina Trail in Vietnam, and the urban jungle of New York City. With a healthy mix of international and national locations, the 50 chapters capture the breathtaking vistas cyclists will enjoy around the world. As always, the places are brought to life with more than 40 stunning color photographs. Praise for Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die "OMG views, killer hills and open road—the routes in Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die (in bookstores this month) have everything a pedal pusher could ask for." — Fitness magazine "If you know someone who can't view a landscape without visualizing themselves traversing it on two wheels, Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die is a sound gift choice." — The San Francisco Chronicle " Fifty Places to Bike Before You Die gets adventurous cyclists going in the right direction." — The Boston Globe "50 chapters capture breathtaking cycling trails around the world." — Metrosource magazine

SCUBA in Cuba? Find seashells in the Seychelles? Discover the must-dive destinations recommended by the experts—includes beautiful underwater photos. The earth's oceans hold many wondrous surprises—be they the small, colorful critters off the coast of Papua New Guinea, opportunistic red demon squids in the Sea of Cortes, or naval wrecks in the lagoon of Bikini Atoll. In Fifty Places to Dive Before You Die, Chris Santella has invited diving experts from around the world to share some of their favorite destinations, so ardent divers can experience these underwater wonders for themselves—either on location in their SCUBA gear, or at home in their armchair. Part of the bestselling Fifty Places series, the book takes divers from hot-spot destinations like Raja Ampat (off the coast of West Guinea) to old Caribbean favorites like Grand Cayman. Swim among whale sharks off Myanmar, befriend wolf eels off the coast of Maine, and marvel at the giant mola mola of Lembognan, Indonesia. These wonderful creatures—plus the brilliant coral reefs that often provide their backdrop—are captured in forty gorgeous color photos from the world's greatest underwater photographers. And for those who want to travel to these breathtaking locales, Santella provides complete "If You Go" suggestions to help you plan your trip.

In Fifty Places to Paddle Before You Die, the newest addition to the Fifty Places series, Chris Santella explores the best destinations for the diverse sport of paddling. The book features the world's top spots for kayaking, rafting, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Destinations include the Grand Canyon, Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, Baja California, Indonesia's Komodo Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula, as recommended by paddling experts. Compelling travelogues are complemented by beautiful and vibrant photographs of the locations and travel tips to help readers experience the destinations for themselves.

Through long, cold winters, anglers dream of fishing season and mark their calendars to plan their fishing trips come spring. They speak in hushed voices around the fireplace or over a pint at the local pub of the Skwala Stone in April, the Green Drake and Salmonfly in June, the blanket Caddis and Hexagenia in July and other epic hatches -- moments when the fishing can be so good it can create memories of a lifetime. The Hatch is On! will be a celebration, in both words and pictures, of fly fishing’s most treasured insect emergences and the incredible angling experiences these hatches create. Every experienced fly-fisherman treasures the beautiful afternoons when he can take advantage of a big insect hatch. When all the stars align and the fish start feeding, it’s like running an interception back for a touchdown, it’s like sinking a three pointer at the buzzer. It’s the very reason why you’re a fly-fisherman in the first place. The Hatch is On! will speak specifically to the sentimentalist in all of us.

A beautiful guide to the world's fifty best places to enjoy a beer, from Alabama to Zimbabwe, as chosen by experts connected to the industry. What is the most unforgettable place you've ever taken a refreshing sip of a cold beer? In Fifty Places to Drink Beer Before You Die, Chris Santella explores the best destinations to crack open a cold one, reflect on the day, and take in the scenery. The book features the world's top locations for imbibing, from beautiful landscapes to beer festivals, breweries, classic drinking establishments, and brand-new, under-the-radar spots. With a mix of national and international places to visit—Asheville, Denver, Prague, Munich, Vienna, and more—as well as firsthand accounts from contributors such as Jim Koch (founder of Boston Brewing Company/ Samuel Adams) and Joe Wiebe (author of Craft Beer Revolution), this book will make you want to trek to each must-see destination. Packed with beautiful, vibrant photographs that bring each locale to life, Fifty Places to Drink Beer Before You Die will leave you craving barley and hops and eagerly planning your next trip.

Why our cats are a danger to species diversity and human health In 1894, a lighthouse keeper named David Lyall arrived on Stephens Island off New Zealand with a cat named Tibbles. In just over a year, the Stephens Island Wren, a rare bird endemic to the island, was rendered extinct. Mounting scientific evidence confirms what many conservationists have suspected for some time—that in the United States alone, free-ranging cats are killing birds and other animals by the billions. Equally alarming are the little-known but potentially devastating public health consequences of rabies and parasitic Toxoplasma passing from cats to humans at rising rates. Cat Wars tells the story of the threats free-ranging cats pose to biodiversity and public health throughout the world, and sheds new light on the controversies surrounding the management of the explosion of these cat populations. This compelling book traces the historical and cultural ties between humans and cats from early domestication to the current boom in pet ownership, along the way accessibly explaining the science of extinction, population modeling, and feline diseases. It charts the developments that have led to our present impasse—from Stan Temple's breakthrough studies on cat predation in Wisconsin to cat-eradication programs underway in Australia today. It describes how a small but vocal minority of cat advocates has campaigned successfully for no action in much the same way that special interest groups have stymied attempts to curtail smoking and climate change. Cat Wars paints a revealing picture of a complex global problem—and proposes solutions that foresee a time when wildlife and humans are no longer vulnerable to the impacts of free-ranging cats.

The author of the bestselling Fifty Places series returns with a collection of the most meditative and relaxing locales for every type of yoga practice Fifty Places to Practice Yoga Before You Die is the seventeenth entry in Chris Santella’s bestselling Fifty Places series. The book shares yogis’ recommendations for the best and most beautiful places to do yoga as well as tips for how to plan the trip. It covers a variety of venues around the world that cater to many different classes and styles of yoga, including Anusara, Ashtanga, Bikram, hot yoga, Iyengar, Restorative, and Vinyasa. The following breathtaking, diverse locales are explored throughout: Haines, Alaska - Lake Louise, Alberta - Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica - Sedona, Arizona - Melbourne, Australia - Uluru, Australia - Austria, St. Anton - Nassau, Bahamas - Paro, Bhutan - Welgevonden Game Reserve/Tuli Reserve, Botswana - Salt Spring Island, British Columbia - Joshua Tree, California - Los Angeles, California - Ojai, California - San Francisco, California - Watsonville, California - Siem Reap, Cambodia - Torres Del Paine, Chile - Denver, Colorado - Nosara, Costa Rica - Malta, Europe - Islamorada, Florida - Lake Atilan, Guatemala - Kapaau, Hawaii - Maui, Hawaii - Goa, India - Mysore (Mysuru), India - Pune, India - Rishikesh, India - Bali, Indonesia - Val de Chio, Italy - Boston, Massachusetts - Stockbridge, Massachusetts - Tulum, Mexico - Helena, Montana - Taghazout, Morocco - Bagan, Myanmar - Pokhara, Nepal - Glenorchy, New Zealand - Popoyo, Nicaragua - Valdres, Norway - Palmer Rapids, Ontario - John Day River, Oregon - Oregon City, Oregon - The Sacred Valley, Peru - Siargao, Philippines - Olhão, Portugal - Unawatuna, Sri Lanka - Kho Phangan, Thailand - London, United Kingdom

It's estimated that 50 to 60 million Americans count birding among their hobbies. Some hang feeders in their backyards and accumulate yard lists; others participate in annual "Christmas Counts"; a select few travel to the ends of the earth in an effort to see every bird in the world. With Fifty Places to Go Birding Before You Die, Chris Santella takes the best-selling "Fifty Places" recipe and applies it to this most popular pastime. Santella presents some of the greatest bird-watching venues in the United States and abroad through interviews with prominent birders, from tour leaders and conservationists to ornithologists and academics. Interviewees include ornithologist Kenn Kaufman; David Allen Sibley, author and illustrator of The Sibley Guide to Birds; Rose Ann Rowlett, the "mother of modern birding"; John Fitzpatrick, director of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology; and Steve McCormick, president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy. The places vary from the urban (New York City's Central Park) to the mystical (the cloud forests of Triunfo in Chiapas, Mexico) to the extremely remote (the sub-Arctic islands of New Zealand). The book includes 40 gorgeous photographs that capture the vibrancy of our feathered friends, and the beautiful places they call home.

Championship racers and professional adventurers disclose their favorite destinations in an inspiring volume of stories, travel tips, and photos. Featuring some of the best-known men and women in the sport—Tom Whidden and Gary Jobson (members of the winning 1987 America's Cup crew), Jeff Johnstone (of J-Boats), award-winning sailing writer Lin Pardey, and many others—this is a unique full-color celebration for sailors to relive their greatest memories or plan their next big adventure. The amazingly diverse places they've selected include: Australia: Fremantle and Sydney Bermuda: St. George's Harbor Brazil: Bay of Ilha Grande California: Channel Islands and San Francisco Bay Chile: Cape Horn Italy: Costa Smeralda, Sardinia Maine: Boothbay Harbor, Penobscot Bay, Southwest Harbor Florida: Biscayne Bay and Key West Scotland: Firth of Clyde South Africa: Cape Town...and dozens more For each place, the sailor recommending the venue spins an entertaining yarn about their experience there, and each description is accompanied by a "make you want to go there now" photograph. From the relative indolence of cruising the Dodecanese or the British Virgin Islands, to the white-knuckle adventure of rounding Cape Horn, to the thrill of partaking in the regatta off Newport, Fifty Places to Sail Before You Die captures the rich and varied world of recreational sailing—and may just inspire you to set sail on some new adventures of your own.

A breathtaking guide to the world's fifty best places to run, as chosen by experts who've been there. The beautiful thing about running is that all you need is a trusty pair of shoes and a little determination. When you can practice a sport almost anywhere, from your own neighborhood to courses across the world, where do you begin? In Fifty Places to Run Before You Die, Chris Santella gathers fifty bucket list recommendations from some of the running world's most accomplished leaders and athletes, including ultra-runner and record breaker Jim Walmsley; Runner's World chief running officer Bart Yasso; NPR star Peter Sagal; race director of the Boston Marathon Dave McGillivray; U.S. Olympian Magdalena Lewy Boulet; and internationally recognized endurance athlete Dean Karnazes. Featuring a mix of popular foot races (such as marathons, 10Ks, and endurance runs) and scenic trails off the beaten path, this book divulges what makes each venue unique, offering firsthand anecdotes and practical advice for those who aspire to run there. Discover incredible events and trails both national and international, including the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in France, the New York City Marathon, the Vancouver Sun Run, the Grand Canyon, the Dolomites in Italy, and the Great Ocean Road Marathon in Australia. Fifty Places to Run Before You Die is the essential travel companion for runners of all levels who seek to conquer new terrain while breaking personal records.