I read a lot of books.
Of course, I enjoy reading, particularly when I find something enthralling to devour, but I have two underlying cravings behind this now lifelong activity.
For starters, I wish I could travel around the world to see all its beauty. I would visit botanical gardens, libraries, and museums and try all kinds of foreign food. But honestly, this desire is neither practical nor realistic. I could not under my good conscience abide by the massive carbon footprint a person creates simply by flying on an airplane. For example, according to the BBC, a “return flight from London to San Francisco releases about 5.5 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per person – more than twice the emissions produced by a family car in a year, and about half of the average carbon footprint of someone living in Britain.” Humans have been careless enough with our planet as it is. While I am not opposed to flying occasionally, I do not need to jet-set all over the planet multiple times to make matters worse.
Secondly, I also crave learning new skills. I would voluntarily return to school and take classes if this did not cost money. I would take courses in American Sign Language, French, Spanish, audio recording, how to make sushi, jazz piano, and how to tango. Unfortunately, time is not on my side. I have too many other beloved pursuits and responsibilities that occupy my life.
But reading is my gateway to the world at large. I have traveled all over the place through the stories and perspectives of other people. I rode on a boat through a river in southern France (stopping at little towns along the way), ran barefooted through a jungle in India, fell in love along the moors of Great Britain, stayed in the servant’s quarters of a classy hotel in Moscow, caught a misogynistic serial killer on a cold and lonesome island in Sweden, and jumped out of a window in Korea. These were memorable places and cultures that I experienced in books and in the comfort of my own reading nook. Our climate was not affected by these adventures and hijinks.
Through nonfiction, I have learned to draw, play ukulele, organize my life, build a Japanese garden, and so much more.
Because of these cravings, I always hunt for something good to read. This week, I am recommending three books that I love to you, my dear readers. They all live happily in my carefully curated library of beloved books. I have seen, discerned, and learned so much in their pages.
Old Growth: The Best Writing About Trees from Orion Magazine
This is a book about trees. Yes, trees. It is a compilation of stories and poetry about trees featured in Orion magazine over several years. (For the uninitiated, Orion is a seasonal/quarterly magazine that compiles the best writing about the natural world and the challenges it faces, presenting a mix of well-researched articles, striking visual art and photography, and poignant, inspiring prose all within a gorgeously designed framework.)
I am learning that the natural world has so much to teach us. Trees, by their very nature, carry a certain kind of wisdom that has existed long before humans came around. The writing and stories in this book have made me love trees and nature even more, helping me look deeper into the world that thrives somewhere within the forest of trees I see every day.Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
A lesser-known fact about me is that I have read a lot nonfiction about productivity. As someone who has a lot going on, I have been curious to learn how other artists get their work done. This book is among the most down-to- earth and practical that I have found in this genre. It highlights the universal mortality that we all face and capitalism’s toxic demand for efficiency. Burkeman’s clear and fluid writing lays out realistic and sensible ways that we can live more meaningful and substantive lives. I have a small list of books that I revisit periodically. Because of its practical approach and tone, this book is one of them.Bathe the Cat
Written by Alice B. McGinty and Illustrated by David Roberts
Previously, I have mentioned that I love children’s books here on WPR. A truly masterful children’s book is akin to great literature and fine art by my estimation, and I have a few treasures in my collection. Bathe the Cat is a recent discovery. It first caught my attention when I saw that one of my favorite artists, David Roberts, did the illustrations for it. And then, I read it.
Apart from the actual plot of the story, the context of all its hullaballoo is a blended family of adopted kids from different backgrounds being raised by two dads who are Black and POC. Presented in plain sight in this children’s book is a modern queer family, and this quickly melted my heart.
The story is engaging and funny. The art is playful, colorful, and fun, and it even has a very clever cat! If children could see the world this joyously subversive book portrays, our future would be more compassionate and kind. I seriously love this book.
So, thankfully, my cravings may never be fully satiated. This hunger drives me to explore, be curious, and hunt aggressively for the best books.
I do not need to trot across the globe for adventures and enlightenment or enroll in a school to learn something new.
I carry a book with me everywhere I go, just in case I get a craving.
P.S. Do you know of a book that I might love? Respond to this email with a suggestion or two. Pretty please and thank you.
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Sometimes, all you have to do is look up to see something incredible. For the second time in my life at my house in Middle Tennessee, I got to see the celestial art of the northern lights last night. I thought I had to travel far into the northern hemisphere to witness this spectacle. The display was graceful and magical. Nature is the world’s greatest artist. I hope I get to see them again.
Greetings Roqué, Hope your gigs have been going swimmingly. I enjoyed this post immensely. Lots of good food for thought. A trip around the world is waiting for all of us at the library. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones said that America’s greatest asset is its libraries, Amen. A book I usually recommend to fellow artists is by Henry Miller, “On Writing.” Cheers…