Storing Up Books for Winter
We have an abundance of squirrels in our neighborhood. And a neighbor who feeds them peanuts. How do we know? Because we find them stored in one of our flower pots by the front door!
I think bibliophiles go through something like this as cooler temperatures arrive. We start thinking of having a stack of books for reading on those cold winter nights.
And the fact that fall is the time when publishers role out some of their big titles. They are like that neighbor with his peanuts. I didn’t find a pile of peanuts at my door yesterday. Rather, it was a box of books from a publisher whose books I like to review. Five books! Along with other books I’ve bought or received for review, I’m prepared for winter!
So if someone looks askance at that pile of books from a book sale or the library, just tell them you are storing up for winter. And read on
Five Articles Worth Reading
Speaking of forthcoming books, The Millions posted its much-anticipated “The Great Fall 2024 Book Preview.” It features both well- and lesser-known authors. There’s even a new book by Kenneth C. Davis titled The World in Books.
So far, everything I’ve written here assumes the love of books. But not everyone shares the love, Publisher’s Weekly addressed the question of “How to Make Reading Fun Again.” The focus is particularly with school-aged children where the battle is often won or lost and where books increasingly compete with screens.
On a related but deeper note, I came across this “Letter of Pope Francis on the Role of Literature in Formation.” Francis writes, “What I would like to address here is the value of reading novels and poems as part of one’s path to personal maturity.” This is one of the most profound statements I’ve read of the power of literature to form character and change our lives.
Intellectual humility is often touted these days as a virtue for readers and scholars. Rachel Fraser wonders if sometimes intellectual humility is just cowardice. She considers Barbara McClintock as someone who was anything but intellectually humble in “Against Humility.”
Finally, Hillary Kelly reminds us “You Are Going to Die” in a review of Four Thousand Weeks in which Oliver Burkeman is described as “an unlikely self-help guru by reminding everyone of their mortality.”
Quote of the Week
I am a fan of Graham Greene ever since reading The Power and the Glory in college. He was born October 2, 1904. I thought this quote an example of his penetrating insights into the human condition:
“It is impossible to go through life without trust: that is to be imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself.”
Miscellaneous Musings
As you may know, I love local history, having written over 500 pieces on my hometown of Youngstown. We also lived for a time in the Cleveland area. Terminal Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the city. In Invisible Giants, I’m reading the fascinating account of the two Van Sweringen brothers who built this complex of buildings, developed Shaker Heights and Shaker Square, rapid transit systems, and a railroad empire.
I hear from friends of the struggles libraries are facing in the UK, many closing and some being run by volunteers. In my city, libraries seem valued and well-funded and serve so many constituencies so well. Yet I recognize that without continued efforts and vigilance, this could change.
One of the newer local stores I have yet to visit is Griffey’s Book Emporium, located in Delaware, Ohio. I just learned that they offer an unusual service, book repair and rebinding. They do require a consultation during which they can view and handle the book in person before booking any services. I have an old family Bible that might qualify. It is good to know there is a place we might go to preserve books we treasure in our throwaway society!
Well, that’s The Weekly Wrap for this week!
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