On Tuesday, August 10 at 5:30 p.m. the Southwest Harbor Public Library will host an outdoor book talk on the lawn at St. John Church with author Ali Farrel, Holly Masterson and other featured women from Farrell’s book Pretty Rugged: True Stories from Women of the Sea. “Pretty Rugged” dives into the gritty lives of females in the commercial fishing industry here in Maine. The book features the true stories of dangerous situations they face on the water, the realities of the fishing lifestyle as well as family histories of generations of Maine fishermen. Farrell will share more information about the book and how it came to be and how the pandemic has affected fishing. Hear from Masterson and other local female fishermen about their experiences and journeys as women making a living from the sea.

In addition to Masterson who fishes on F/V Jennifer Lynn (F/V means Fishing Vessel) and F/V Luke & Grace, program guests will include Captain Ariel Gilley F/V Queen B of Southwest Harbor, Captain Heather Strout Thompson F/V Gold Digger of Harrington, Captain Genevieve McDonald F/V Hello Darlings II of Stonington, Captain Krista Tripp F/V Shearwater of Spruce Head and Captain Yvonne “Beba” Rosen” F/V Give Me a Hulla of Vinalhaven.

Farrell is the author of two books including “Pretty Combat: Nonsense, Shenanigans and Tactful Life Domination” and she plans to publish a children’s book “A Lobstergirl Can” this summer. In addition to being an author she also owns a photography business in mid-Coast Maine. She also donates her time to United Fishermen Foundation, which supports fishermen and their families through education and advocacy.

No reservations needed. Books available for purchase for $33 at the library and at the program. and For more details, call the library at 207-244-7065 or email programs@swhplibrary.org.