FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Page & Palette, 32 S. Section St. in Fairhope, will host author Beth Maynor Young on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 2-4 p.m.

She will sign copies of her book, “Headwaters:  A Journey on Alabama’s Rivers,” at the downtown bookstore.

“Headwaters” is a breathtaking portrait of Alabama rivers.

From their primal seepages in the Appalachian highlands or along the broad Chunnenuggee Hills, Alabama’s rivers carve through the rocky uplands and down the Fall Line rapids, then ease across the coastal plain to their eventual confluence with the Gulf of Mexico.

Young’s 155 full-color photographs constitute art through a lens; the colors, the light, and the angles all converge for a tender praise of her subject.

Her stunning visuals are supported by tantalizing captions and introductory text from John C. Hall, a master field trip leader.

Together, they tell a proud story of the native beauty and complexity of these Alabama watercourses that shepherd fully 20 percent of the nation’s freshwater to sea.

The intimate close-up of verdant mosses or pebbled beaches pulls one into their space just as surely as does a sweeping scene of a watershed valley or a sparkling sunset over water.

We all become eager listeners and observers on this guided “paddle to the Gulf,” drinking in the peace, delight and beauty offered by the experience.

In addition to being a celebration of their richness, “Headwaters” serves as a call to greater stewardship of these resources.

Conservation sidebars describe the current efforts in this direction and encourage further study and protection.

This book tells us, in glorious color and instructive word, why we’ll always treasure these wonderful rivers.

The author will exclusively sign all books purchased from Page & Palette.

For more information about this or any of the other events held at the bookseller, call (251) 928-5295, or visit them online at www.pageandpalette.com.