Grand Forks author Robin Silverman has released a new book in collaboration with her photographer husband, Steve Silverman.
"America's Land of Tranquility: Visions of the Secret Beauty of North Dakota" will be available for the first time at the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase today and Sunday at the Fargo Civic Auditorium.
Steve took pictures of North Dakota over the past 10 years and Robin added the text, dividing the book into three parts: "The Journey Begins," "The Road Untraveled" and "Tranquility Found."
Steve traveled the entire state, taking pictures of everything from hay bales with smiles affixed to sunsets over the prairie. He found rare flowers and wild horses, interesting rock formations and endless untouched fields.
In her foreword, Robin says that the book can just be used for "eye candy, to treat your mind to something beautiful on a gray day."
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"Although all states and countries have their national beauty, what will surprise you most is how unspoiled North Dakota's is," she writes. "North Dakota has an incredibly rich geography. It's far more than just the plains, slews and Badlands. You just have to know where and when to look.
"For those who like to go deeper, think of this as an adventure of the spirit," she suggests. "Read the text. Look at the picture. Then close your eyes, and let it sink in until it echoes in your soul. You'll likely discover that whatever challenges or choices you need to make in your life right now seem easier to face."
In his foreword, Steve says that he found the beauty after he learned to "see" and the pictures represent "wow" moments in his travels.
"That's why I called my photography project 'The Secret Beauty of North Dakota.' "
Steve also recognizes the people who assisted him in finding the 85 locations throughout the state, and gives the camera buff a listing of the cameras and film he used.
A generic label is also given to each picture, telling where it was shot, and then a more detailed map is included at the back of the book.
The book sells for $40 and is available at the Silvermans' Web site, www.stevesilvermanimaging.com , Silverman's Clothing at 3001 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, or by calling (701) 787-0946 or (701) 775-2521.
