Dispatches from the coast

Wind, snow, tornadoes and tsunamis — author and journalist Lori Tobias has experienced them all on the Oregon Coast. In her virtual presentation on Thursday, July 15, “Color Your World with Nature from the Oregon Coast,” Tobias will share her tales of adventure as she raced up and down the coast to report on the results of Mother Nature’s fickle power, including the beach landing of a 211-ton Japanese dock set adrift by the 2011 tsunami.

The talk is one of the many events that are part of Newport Public Library’s summer reading program. This year's theme, “Reading Colors Your World,” influences all of the programs, prizes and signage. 

Tobias is the author of “Storm Beat — A Journalist Reports from the Oregon Coast,” and the novel “Wander,” winner of the Nancy Pearl Award for Best Book of Fiction from the Pacific Northwest Writers Association.

As a journalist, she has freelanced for local and national outlets, including the New York Times, Seattle Times and The Oregonian as well as writing a regular column for the Oregon Coast TODAY for many years.

“Storm Beat” is her first book of nonfiction, and includes behind-the-scenes stories of learning to live on the Oregon Coast, the decline of journalism and the unexpected, often unglamorous experiences of a working reporter.

Tobias lives on the Oregon Coast with her husband, Chan, and rescue pups Luna and Monkey.

The Zoom presentation begins at 6 pm and will include a question and answer period. For more information, go to www.newportlibrary.org or call 541-265-2153.