This is a lyrical explosion of a book, a challenge to literature, and particularly to narrative non-fiction, as we know it.
Our books no longer reflect the way we understand our lives, Shields argues. They are not fractured enough, not various and stolen, too hemmed in. We are all of us increasingly hungry for the "real", and have created monuments of commodified irreality in a desperate attempt to find it.
This book is indeed a manifesto in the best sense, a call to action for readers and writers. Shields is demanding reader interaction, greater risk, more serendipity and - as difficult, possibly, to acheive as it is easy to say - more reality in our use of the written word. It's a stirring book full of more questions than answers, and one I'm very excited to have as the topic of a conversation here at the store..
News of Note
Staff Picks
Siddhartha
Written by Caroline
by Hermann Hesse (Penguin Putnam, $8.00)
A novelized fairy tale, this book describes the lifelong journey towards nirvana for an Indian nobleman named Siddhartha. Leaving behind family, friends and home, he immerses himself in asceticism before turning to sensual experience, until he finally finds his answer to the big question: What is the meaning of life?. Contemplative, nostalgic and finally romantic, this is a surprisingly pleasurable and easy read.
Screw It, Let's Do It: Lesson's in Life
Written by Terra
by Richard Branson (St. Martin's Press, $12.95)
To get pumped to write your business plan or brainstorm about what you want from life, read this short first-person account of how Richard Branson became an entrepreneur in one sitting. He probably dictated it into an expensive device while flying in his private plane to his private island, but the ideas and the attitude he conveys are contagious. You'll find yourself wondering why you can't just screw it and do it, too.
The Perfect Scoop
Written by Cheryl
by David Lebovitz (Ten Speed Press, $24.95)
Who wants to bake in the middle of August? Beat the heat by making your own scrumptious ice creams, granitas and sorbet. This delightful cookbook will teach you how to make every flavor from PANFORTE to BLACK FIG to LECHE MERENGADA. YUM YUM.
A novelized fairy tale, this book describes the lifelong journey towards nirvana for an Indian nobleman named Siddhartha. Leaving behind family, friends and home, he immerses himself in asceticism before turning to sensual experience, until he finally finds his answer to the big question: What is the meaning of life?. Contemplative, nostalgic and finally romantic, this is a surprisingly pleasurable and easy read.
To get pumped to write your business plan or brainstorm about what you want from life, read this short first-person account of how Richard Branson became an entrepreneur in one sitting. He probably dictated it into an expensive device while flying in his private plane to his private island, but the ideas and the attitude he conveys are contagious. You'll find yourself wondering why you can't just screw it and do it, too.
Who wants to bake in the middle of August? Beat the heat by making your own scrumptious ice creams, granitas and sorbet. This delightful cookbook will teach you how to make every flavor from PANFORTE to BLACK FIG to LECHE MERENGADA. YUM YUM.