Tagged: 5/5
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.
The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha
The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha (NRSV 5th ed.), edited by Michael D. Coogan, 5/5
The Apocrypha is one of those literary works that is impossible to approach without some pre-conceived expectation, since the very name is steeped in mystery. Raised Christian, I cannot remember ever being explicitly told to avoid these noncanonical ancient writings, however they were not included in my Bible and I had a vague conception of them as useless at best, and untrustworthy at worst. At some point in my spiritual meandering, I started to suspect that the Bible may have been compiled by a bunch of card-carrying HOA Karens and maybe the Apocrypha was simply too fun and awesome to be included. At any rate, I expected to encounter bizarre prophecies, entertaining stories about Jesus as a child, and lots of enticing, controversial ideas.
Not for the first time, my preconceptions turned out to be wildly inaccurate. I was surprised to find that most of these ancient writings fit pretty clearly and uncontroversially into the categories of history, storytelling, or praise, and, while I enjoyed reading these works, the Bible feels complete to me without them. My favorite book was Sirach, with its deeply relatable and often snarky proverbs. There were a couple quotes that I wished were in the Bible, but it was clear from context that Ben Sira had a lot of his own ideas and issues to work through. Overall, I found the Apocrypha to be a fascinating and occasionally inspiring collection of historical writings, regardless of any Biblical associations.
Why I read it: My husband was listening to the Book of Enoch and it sounded so wild that I wanted to check it out for myself. I just assumed it was in the Apocrypha and didn’t realize it wasn’t until I was about 80% done. Next stop–pseudepigrapha, I guess.
The King of Diamonds
The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief by Rena Pederson, 5/5
Pederson takes the reader on a ride-along as she investigates the most glamorous cold case imaginable: a brazen and idiosyncratic jewel thief who terrorized the fabulously wealthy of Dallas for a decade. Over seven years of research is condensed into a satisfying page-turner that weaves history, biography, and true crime together, while exploring the good, the bad and the ugly of 1950s and ’60s Dallas society, from the richest philanthropist to the shadiest gangster and everything in between.
Why I read it: I think I saw an author interview on social media and the story sounded fascinating.
Norse Mythology
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, 5/5
I am not a fan of Neil Gaiman’s work in general, but there is no denying the excellence of this retelling of tales from Norse mythology. The tone is fresh, without too much anachronism; sensitive and poetic, not melodramatic; and witty without flippancy.
Why I read it: my husband enjoyed the audiobook and I liked the bit that I overheard, so he bought a hard copy.
All That the Rain Promises and More…
All That the Rain Promises and More: A Hip Pocket Guide to Western Mushrooms by David Arora, 5/5
Don’t be fooled by the frankly insane cover photo and title–this helpful book is packed with color photographs and well-organized descriptions of the most common mushrooms found in the western United States, interspersed with additional info, poetry, recipes, and anecdotes collected from the mycophile community. Yes, it’s a little silly at times, but the author is deeply knowledgeable about the topic and I appreciate the sense of humor and passion that are reflected in this conveniently-sized book. I found the closing essay to be particularly compelling on the topic of over-regulation of hunting/gathering activities:
“In other words, the largely urban-suburban vision of nature as a beautiful, peaceful refuge from the stresses and conflicts of civilization, is in fundamental conflict with the rural or less “civilized” perception of nature as a provider of sustenance and wealth. Therein lies a great irony: it is the cities that suck food, energy, and resources from the landscape, yet there is a long and tragic history of industrial and agricultural peoples persecuting “savage” outsiders (in the most literal sense of the word) who hunt and gather (253).”
…
“No doubt the admonition to “take only photographs, leave only footprints,” is desirable in certain sensitive or pristine areas. But it is inappropriate in most situations because it is a fundamental denial of who we are: creatures of the earth whose most ancient heritage (or birthright, if you will) is foraging for food in the forest.
This enforced separation of human being from the natural world can only undermine support for the public acquisition and protection of habitat. The more we view the forests and fields as a resource […] the more likely we are to cherish that resource (254).”Why I read it: I find mushrooms fascinating and love to spot them around the yard.
OmniRambles 