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The Sense of Wonder by Rachel
Carson
I've read this short book
a dozen times, smiling over every word like a letter with photos from a wise
old friend. Her advice? Make sure you give your children a sense of wonder
about their world. But it is NOT about nature; it is about us and our ability
to appreciate what is around us. Reading this book is like a breeze in a forest
- peaceful and thundering, soothing and awakening, all at once. It makes a
wonderful gift. |
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French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in the South of
France by Richard Goodman
Richard Goodman left New York City for a southern French farming
town, and this is his memoir of life and people and learning to garden. It is a
pure delight. |
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Everyday Zen by Joko Beck
Forget parables of tigers in far-off lands and wondering
if you'll ever really understand all this Zen mumbo-jumbo. Joko Beck is an
American Zen master, who shows simply and directly how to live more
compassionately. A wonderful practical guide to Zen and just living your life.
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Nothing Special: Living Zen by Joko
Beck
More straight talk from
this down-to-earth American master, relating Zen to our own everyday lives. You
cannot read Joko Beck without thinking "This makes perfect sense." No promises
of enlightened bliss - just living your life and making that somehow ok. Really
great stuff. |
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Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within,
by Natalie Goldberg
You don't
learn Natalie's writing rules in 10th grade. Keep your hand moving and lose
control. Don't think and don't be critical. Go for the jugular. And practice
writing like you would practice the piano or playing golf. She is funny and
makes writing easy. Really. |
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Wild Mind: Living the Writer's Life, by Natalie
Goldberg
How can you not love a
book that compares the rules of writing with the rules for sex? Keep your hand
moving. Be specific. Oooh baby! Great exercises (for writing, not sex) for new
and seasoned writers alike: "Write for 10 minutes, starting with ‘I
remember.'" |
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Bird by Bird, by Anne
Lamott
Like having a friend
chatting on every page. Give yourself "short assignments." Expect "shitty first
drafts." She is wise and funny and neurotic and offers her father's sage advice
on feeling overwhelmed as a child, writing a massive report on birds "Just take
it bird by bird." |
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Aphrodite, by Isabel Allende
Allende's fiction is sensual and magical. And
her insights on food and love provide the same! She blends her own
reminiscences with folklore, legend, a dash of wit and humor, and a ton of
recipes. Joyful wisdom, both ancient and modern, for those who love and those
who long. |
