Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Nevermore: Collected Regrets of Clover; Gathering Moss; Cowboys of the Americas; Four Thousand Weeks

 


Reported by Garry

The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer. Clover Brooks has long felt a stronger connection with the dying than with those who are full of life. As a death doula, Clover has made it her life-path to help those who need her services to pass over with grace and dignity. In doing so, she has recorded the final sentiments of many of her clients, split into three categories: Confessions, Advice, and Regrets. But…Clover has also closed herself off to life itself. At the behest of one of her clients, Clover goes on a road-trip to track down a long-lost love, and ends up finding not only herself, but life and all its possibilities. This book is full of very well written realistic characters, is brimming with heart and humanity, and comes highly recommended by our reader. KM

Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer. By the author of Braiding Sweetgrass, this beautifully written mixture of personal insights and scientific information speaks about the interconnectedness life around us, with mosses being the “glue” that binds the web together. Kimmerer is a scientist, teacher, and writer of Native American heritage, and in this series of essays Kimmerer explains the biology of mosses (there are more than 20,000 species!) and reflects on what these fascinating, ancient organisms can teach us about resiliency, tenacity, and our own existence. AH

Cowboys of the Americas: The Realities of Life as a Cowboy by Richard W. Slatta. Many of us grew up watching Gunsmoke and other western based movies and shows, but how realistic were those depictions? Not very! This book, lavishly illustrated and impeccably researched, lays to rest a lot of the mythology about the hard-working men and women who we call “cowboys”. Ranging from the Iberian Peninsula to the prairies of Saskatchewan, cowboys have been working with horses and cattle since the Spaniards brought both species over from the Old World, and it is hard, dangerous, definitely not glamorous work. Our reader says that this is a fun book to read, and is full of information about the lives of these hard working men and women. CD

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. Our time on this planet is limited, and 4000 weeks works out to just shy of 80 years. What are you going to do with your time? This book by British author Burkeman offers readers advice on how to best use their extremely limited time – don’t strive for perfection; accept that our time is short and that (in the big scheme of things), we have very little control over what happens to us. Let go and be in the moment with those around you. Do what matters and is meaningful to you, and let the rest go. Our reader found this book so uplifting that she purchased a copy to pass on to her son, and recommends it to everyone. DC

Also Mentioned:

Why Am I Like This?: The Science Behind Your Weirdest Thoughts and Habits by Dr. Jen Martin

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

The Middle of Somewhere: An Artist Explores the Nature of Virginia by Suzanne Stryk

To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings by John O’Donohue

The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E. B. Hudspeth

 Summertide by Charlotte E. English

Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky

The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto

Old Babes in the Wood by Margaret Atwood

Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory

The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

A Madman's Will: John Randolph, Four Hundred Slaves, and the Mirage of Freedom by Gregory May

Murder Under a Red Moon by Harini Nagendra

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs: A Haunted Bookshop Mystery by Cleo Coyle

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

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