The Storks' Nest: Life and Love in the Russian Countryside - Softcover

Laura Lynne Williams and Igor Shpilenok met in Russia and connected over a shared interest in nature and the environment. Williams grew up in Colorado, and earned a bachelor's degree in international environmental policy from Cornell University and a master's degree in conservation biology from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Shpilenok is recognized as a world-class photographer, especially having won an award in the 2006 BBC Wildlife Nature Photography Competition. He is also a member of an elite group of photographers committed to nature conservation-the International League of Conservation Photographers. Today, Williams and Shpilenok live in the remote Russian village of Chukhrai, whose population swelled to 21 in 2004.

"...[Williams'] life reads a bit like Laura Ingalls Wilder's 'Little House in the Big Woods' written in Cyrillic." -- LancasterOnline.com, May 3, 2008

"...a consuming read...well worth reading and whets the appetite of those of us who have failed to venture out..." -- PASSPORT Moscow, June 2008

"...draws you in and doesn't let go...only way to better understand Russian provincial life would be moving there oneself." -- Russian Life, March/April 2008

"...provides a look into a very different place. This is a very satisfying memoir on many levels." -- Bookviews.com, April, 2008

"...writ[ten] on a very personal level. You get a taste of the culture...and the fascinating nature reserve and inhabitants." -- Rainboreviews.com, April 2008

"...written in a delightfully meandering way and includes photos of villiage life...Williams easily pulls us into her world." -- Shelf Awareness, March 7, 2008

"I turned to the first chapter-and stayed until the end...I couldn't resist wanting more." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 2, 2008

"...beautifully written by a first-time author whose powers of observation bring to life the Russian countryside and its people." --The Denver Post, October 17, 2008

Heartwarming and heartbreaking at times too, 'The Storks' Nest' by Laura Lynn Williams will make you yearn for the great outdoors. You'll learn so much about Russia and the natural beauty that is rarely promoted. You'll also learn about a woman who followed her heart and became something more than just herself. --Chick with Books Blog, "Memoir Monday"