A blind hermit living on the shores of Kenya finds that his esoteric knowledge of seashells can save lives, forcing a haunting recognition of his own heart and humanity... An idealistic young globetrotter winds up stranded in a Thailand beach shack, determined to shed the baggage of his Western identity. Is it universal consciousness or a really bad case of dysentery? Ten fantastic reads about beaches from internationally acclaimed authors, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Isaac Bashevis Singer and Roald Dahl, and emerging voices Anthony Doerr and Frederick Reiken who've all heard the sea's siren song and written eloquently about it. Printed on a waterproof, tear and stain-resistant material, designed to withstand any watery environment, pop it in your bag along with your costume, towel, and flip-flops -- it's the perfect companion for a day of sun, sand and surf.  (WLD118, $16.95)