The Natural World - Calming Reads in Difficult Times
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Beth writes…
Two exquisite books of the finest nature writing are coming out: First, a brand new release titled Vesper Flights by Helen MacDonald on August 25, and second, a publisher’s anniversary edition of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer on October 13.
I was fortunate to have obtained an advance reader copy of Vesper Flights last March. Here the author of H is for Hawk returns with a glorious collection of essays about the natural world. The title essay refers to swifts ascending every evening into the sky and disappearing, as regularly as one might utter an evening devotional. In each essay author Macdonald not only shares factual information about creatures or plants, but relays human stories, too, often about her own life. In this particular essay about swifts, she also examines her personal evening ritual of counting geological layers between herself and the center of the earth. In another essay, “Symptomatic,” Macdonald compares her migraine experiences with current ecological breakdowns; in both cases she allows for the possibility of miracles. This is a book that easily might be read straight-through, or, if desired, by chosen topic, be it goats, hares, or mushrooms.
Additionally, I recently listened to a fascinating author conversation between MacDonald and Kimmerer, two kindred spirits when describing the natural world. Some highlights from this event included their following observations:
Kimmerer: “The pandemic helps us remember how little we need in the world and what it is.”
Kimmerer: “Both science and literature are grounded in attention.”
MacDonald: “To learn to love difference is really the pathway to justice.”
Kimmerer: “Grief is a measure of how much we love vs. apocalyptic thinking, which leads to despair.”
MacDonald: “The local can be universal.”
Both authors remained optimistic about the future, focusing on young people’s learning about and democratizing nature by, for example, using digital devices for photography and identification. Finally, both shared personal reading recommendations: MacDonald suggested Animals Strike Curious Poses by Elena Passarello, and Kimmerer favored books by Louise Erdrich.
Such titles about the natural world act as panaceas during stressful COVID times; feel free to contact us, and we’ll have them ready for you on their release dates.