Once in a while we sit gazing away at our archive, wondering which books we’ve in fact read through over the years. Of course there are those who slip away, which become just another curious title on the shelf…precious contents unbeknownst to our own wandering minds. Delirious for narratives, paper cuts, and a twist to the story.
Recently though, we'd packed up a few boxes of books that have been on our shelves for a long while, and sold them off to a local collector. How wonderful it felt to just let go of some titles, knowing that they would go to a new home and be thoroughly digested -hopefully not by a dumpster.
Now that we've cleared out some of our inventory, I can finally sit down and put together a list of a few titles I've been reading through over the last two weeks. In hopes that you'll find at least one or two of these books to frequent your bedside stack of glorious titles to get lost in. Here are just a few that made it to the top of my raging pile of fiction and nonfiction favorites for summer. Recommended musical companions are also featured at the end of this article.
Good Bugs for Your Garden - Written and illustrated by Allison Mia Starcher
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 1995, ISBN 1-56512-071-X
In order to make sense of which insects are valuable for your garden, Starcher's practical compendium makes the top of our list. Not only is this delightful tiny book a humble companion for any botanist, it also dives into how one can omit pesticides and use instead the knowledge of a very detailed collaboration within the kingdom of pollinators & predators alike. Explore with your wee ones this lovingly illustrated guide for identifying predacious thrips, tiger beetles, ant lions, braconids, ichneumons, green lynx spiders and more.
Tarot of the Old Path - By Howard Rodway
Urania Verlags AG Books, 1990. ISBN 3-908647-17-7
Is it true that bumbling human being can also hold the key to wily divinations? Speak to the sceptic and coalesce the elements -extend the lamp to the seeker! The Tarot is a beneficial nature-based philosophy which can be applied playfully to one's routine, while accessing determination and recognizing the synchronicities available. Are the cards just a game of chance, or do they help us speak directly to our ancestors? That's a question only the conjurer can answer. Either way, this guide is a helpful and descriptive source for anyone interested in deciphering the unexplainable methodologies behind the art of the Tarot.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - By Peter A. Levine (with Ann Frederick)
North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 1997. ISBN 978-1-55643-233-0
Each and every life contains difficulties which neither of us are exactly prepared for. I've spent years trying to locate the right book on such subject matter, in hopes that I'd find one which explores trauma without pacifying the reader, or glorifying religious implications. This is where Levine's ideas come into play, as his lessons are rooted in a more scientific approach. The author lyrically elaborates on instinct, compassion, and the neurological basis of emotional regulations. His theories allow for the seeker to "assess the problem at its physiological roots through the felt sense" and explains as to why stereotypical therapy limits the treatment of trauma-based healing. In a crumbling world it's time we take a more transformative look into allowing for overwhelming experiences to morph into points of departure rather than helplessness. Levine taps into methods which (at times) reveal Shamanic approaches to dealing with hyper-arousal, disassociation, stimulus barriers, and other symptoms of trauma. The author also offers plentiful exercises for the reader, which allow for the body to remain fluid during the minds rehabilitation.
Autumn Story - Written and illustrated by Jill Barklem
Philomel Books, 1980. ISBN 0-399-20745-7
It was a fine autumn. The blackberries were ripe and the mice of Brambly Hedge were very busy. Lord Woodmouse, who lived in the Old Oak Palace, was out early with his youngest daughter, Primrose. Ah, delicate yet ambitious little Primrose, who loves pies and puddings, resting her paws around a cup of hot acorn coffee, and snuggling by the fire before bedtime. But once our tiny Primrose obtains just a taste of the blackberries along the edge of the cornfield, she suddenly can't resist her fascination with the nearby wildflowers.
Time ceases to exist for the little one, as she wanders into secret underground tunnels, and takes to a grand fascination with her neighbor's collection of family photos. Meanwhile, Primrose's parents are preparing for their trip to pick mushrooms past the barge -but where has their daughter gone off to? Join Lady Daisy, Mr & Mrs Apple, and a lonely whoot owl on their quest to bring Primrose home before the sun descends behind the thicket.
Of course, there's nothing better than a musical companion for these moments where we transcend time and space at the mercy of an author's words. There are two records which I'd been saving for just the right occasion, and even though my record player seems to be on the cusp of kaputt...I can't resist a set of tunes to surrender alongside.
The Wonderful Moving World - Narrated by Frank Sentry, singing by Minnette Shaffer
Minnette Productions, circa 1920's.
This 10 inch 33 is in three parts -each one of which consists of poetry, narration and song. A children's record series for first, second, and third graders.
I wasn't able to locate a date for this album unfortunately, and perhaps I didn't spend enough time scouring discogs -so alas, there's not much I can tell you about this record other than I am absolutely in love with these tender tracks so graciously featured. The vinyl itself is a clear ruby-red release, uncanny almost. I can't be sure how very rare this album might actually be, but as far as I can tell we may be the only one's who have a copy. Aside from one that might be buried in an attic…beneath a rack of stinking old mink furs. No matter, each of these songs simply take my breath away. Part one is The Tumble Weeds; tumbleweeds tumble in the fall when the wind begins to call. Part two The Clock; this rhythmical excursion into the world of time aids in creative writing for children. And, the third and final installment is titled Raindrops; raindrops, rainbows and clouds have always been a mystery for children: What holds the clouds together? What is a rainbow? Where does the rain come from?
Hauntingly precious. At the same time, I find this record to be just lovely to fall asleep to. But if you happen to pick up one of our recommended readings we've assigned above, the truth is I don't think you'll be disappointed with this musical companion. The cover of the record is also quite a treat, although the illustrations have almost completely faded.
Eugene Fodor Solos [Tchaikovsky, Ysaye, Paganini]
Showpieces by Wieniawski & Prokofieff, piano by Jonathan Feldman
A storm from within enraptures you, so let yourself be hurled into the abyss of Fodor's melancholy serenades. Ballads of confidence fluttering around your peripherals, with each and every stroke mastered on strings by the young violinist; as Fodor was only 24 years old in 1974 -the debut of this collection itself. His capricious version of Prokofieff's March from "The Love for Three Oranges" is divine, and often reminds me of that very specific scene in Die Legende ov Paul und Paula (Heiner Carow) as they watch the orchestra from afar beneath a dizzying sky.
This collection is not exactly the best representation of Fodor's work, but nonetheless it was the very last of what was left from when we sold off most of our records, back in 2022. Not featured on this album though, is Fodor's other masterpiece which I'd like to recommend; from Saint Saens:Violin Concerto, Op. 64 in E Minor: Allegro molto appassionato. This one I often play on repeat, imagining I am the only one to show up for a secret after-session performative, down the hallway from the stage where Fodor perhaps was taking a piss before heading home. But seeing me there, with an eagerness to confront the strange genius, he decides to play Op 64 one more time while I lay beneath a faux eucalyptus tree by the lobby, only inches from the strings of his violin. A girl can dream, can't she?
Until our next update, don't get sunscreen in your mouth and thanks so much for stopping by. What's been on your reading list as of late, fellow Venusian? We always love hearing feedback from our listeners, so please don't hesitate. If you have an insightful literary gem or a flavorful record you'd like to share with us -we're all earz.