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Book reviews and concert previews brought to you by Betsy Burton, co-owner of The King's English Bookshop, and Austen Diamond, producer of 13% Salt. Books & Beats airs Saturdays at 7:35 a.m. and 9:35 a.m. during NPR's Weekend Edition.

Books & Beats: July 23, 2016

Courtesy of the Artist
Willie Nelson & Family play at Red Butte Garden on Thursday, 28.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail changed Robert Moor’s life.  In his book On Trails: An Exploration (Simon & Schuster), he examines trails in all their forms—from paths cut by insects, by animals, and finally by people.  Books & Beats contributor Betsy Burton says Moor’s “hard science is detailed, his social science intriguing—and his philosophical conclusions about humankind’s place in the natural world deeply thoughtful, carving a trail for the reader out of the chaos of the unknown.”

It takes a lot hard work, adaptability, and, of course, great artistry to stay relevant in the music world decade of after decade.  A couple musicians who’ve done just that are coming to Utah soon.

Dolly Parton, one the most acclaimed country artists ever, is performing in Orem on Tuesday, July 26th.

Willie Nelson—a legend of the outlaw country movement—plays at Red Butte Garden on Thursday, July 28th.

And banjo master Bela Fleck will be joined by Abigail Washburn at Deer Valley on Thursday, July 28th.

Music from this Books & Beats:

1: “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton

2: “Just Breathe” by Willie Nelson

3: “Railroad” by Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn  

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