Road to Seeing

Road to Seeing by Dan Winters, 4/5

This 696-page, unwieldy brick of a book is part biography, part portfolio, part manifesto, part history of photography, and wholly unsuitable for reading in bed before falling asleep. Though I did not resonate with the author’s artistic journey and have not [yet?] developed a deep appreciation for most street and fine art photography, I really enjoyed expanding my horizons with this lavishly illustrated, high-quality labor of love.

Why I read it: a recommendation from “The Updated, Essential Strobist Bookshelf.” Once again, I am indebted to my library’s interlibrary loan system, which sourced this out-of-print, $200+ book for me.

Logic Made Easy

Logic Made Easy by R.H. Warring, 1/5

For years now, I’ve been looking for an accessible introduction to logic that would demystify its specialized language and symbols. Unfortunately, this book is not entirely it. Not only is it somewhat outdated, but the author lacks the gift of simple explanation and includes several errors and omissions (pages 31, 59, 89-91).

Though I was disappointed by this book, it did provide a framework for further research and learning, especially while attempting to identify its inaccuracies. Notably, I was surprised to find out for the first time just how useful AI can be as a personal tutor. I uploaded pictures of troubling equations and concepts from the book and was extremely impressed by ChatGPT’s clear assessment of the text’s accuracy, and simple, personalized explanations far exceeding what the text itself could provide.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.

Northwest Weeds

Northwest Weeds: The Ugly and Beautiful Villains of Fields, Gardens, and Roadsides by Ronald J. Taylor, 4/5

A casual guide whose color photographs provide a good starting point for identifying the most ubiquitous of plants in the northwest United States.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.

Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits

Gregory Heisler: 50 Portraits: Stories and Techniques from a Photographer’s Photographer by Gregory Heisler, 5/5

I read a lot of books that I consider to be 5/5, but this is one of those rare ones that feels like it deserves a category of its own. I was absolutely blown away, not just by the portraits (many of which did not appeal to me, actually), but by Heisler’s incredible storytelling, photographic expertise, experimental mind, and problem-solving skills.

Why I read it: a recommendation from the Strobist, David Hobby.

Great Pianists on Piano Playing

Great Pianists on Piano Playing: Godowsky, Hofmann, Lhévinne, Paderewski and 24 Other Legendary Performers by James Francis Cooke, 5/5

Persevere through the tediously didactic introductory chapters and you will be rewarded by a generous series of short biographies and fascinating interviews with the most renowned pianists of the 19th-century. Some still claim fame today, and some have been lost to time, but all provide their unique perspective on a variety of musical topics, while providing a glimpse into the rarified world of piano virtuosi.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.

Humblebee Bumblebee

Humblebee Bumblebee: The Life Story of the Friendly Bumblebees and Their Use by the Backyard Gardener by Brian L. Griffin, 5/5

This charmingly illustrated book is written with such warmth and solicitude toward the humble bumblebee that one soon comes to share the author’s view of it as a beautiful and sophisticated creature, not a mere lowly insect.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.

The Traveling Photographer’s Manifesto

The Traveling Photographer’s Manifesto: A Guide to Connecting with People and Place by David Hobby, 5/5

When a book is written well by someone with personality who is passionate about a topic on which they have expertise, the subject becomes almost irrelevant. In these circumstances, I can and have enjoyed reading about everything from botanical art to infrastructure. But when a book checks all of these boxes and is also about two of my passions–photography and traveling–what a treat!

Though I am not (and do not aspire to be) a street photographer or photojournalist, I enjoyed absorbing the author’s practical advice, technical guidance, interesting anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes perspective. Perhaps most influential of all is the well-developed, people-first photography philosophy that permeates every page and is clearly the product of an open and enquiring mind.

I knew beforehand that this independently-published book contains no photos and, by the end, had even convinced myself that it doesn’t need any because it is so philosophical in focus. Then I came across the author’s PetaPixel article about the book, saw the accompanying photographs, and immediately changed my mind. The photos were so beautiful and, having read so much about their context, so meaningful, that I felt it was a crime that none were included in the book. Yes, there is a helpful Supplemental Visual Notes document, which the author e-mailed to me (along with a kind, personalized note) almost immediately upon request. But this book deserves to be picked up by a publisher, expanded, given a proper cover design, and filled with photographs.

Why I read it: I learned about the author through his popular website, “Strobist.”

Charles Harper’s Birds & Words

Charles Harper’s Birds & Words, 5/5

Charming bird portraits in Harper’s trademark “minimal realism” style combine with witty text to create a feast for both the eyes and the nature-loving mind.

Why I read it: A Christmas gift from my sister-in-law.

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, 5/5

These poems are utterly charming, sophisticatedly silly, and exquisitely illustrated by the inimitable Edward Gorey. I read the entire collection in one go and found myself practically tapping my toe to the flawless rhythms, which beg to be read aloud.

Why I read it: a thrift store find.