Pick Up A Book
Happy August! We are well into summer, and just for fun, I thought I’d share something a little different with you. I’m an avid reader, so I thought I’d share three books I’ve read recently that I think are worth your time.
Here you go!
Endurance by Alfred Lansing. This is the story of Ernest Shackleton’s expedition to be the first group to cross Antarctica on foot (in 1914!). However, on the way, their ship, the Endurance, became stuck in a prison of ice, and the crew had to abandon ship. Hundreds of miles from any sort of civilization, and in perhaps the harshest climate on earth, Shackleton is determined to make sure every member of his crew survives. This is one of the wildest stories of human perseverance that I’ve ever read. After finishing this book, I thought to myself … I don’t think I’ve ever done a hard thing in my entire life. Obviously, that’s a bit dramatic, but learning from real hardship does put life into perspective. I highly recommend this book.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson. Here is easy-reading fantasy at its best. A charming story based on The Princess Bride, Tress, the heroine, sets out on an adventure to save the man she loves. She leaves her tiny island - the only life she knows - and finds herself (and a much bigger world) as she partners with a band of pirates. This story is set in Sanderson’s “Cosmere” which is a fictional universe where many of his stories take place. Fans of his Cosmere books will love this addition, but even if you’re new to Sanderson, this is a great read all on its own.
The Light Eaters by Zoë Schlanger. If you love plants and nature, this book is for you. While I’m not yet finished with it, my imagination is swimming. This is the epitome of engaging scientific journalism. Schlanger delves deeply into the science and debate surrounding plant intelligence. Every day, we are discovering more and more amazing attributes of plants. They are capable of things our old paradigm would suggest are impossible - sending signals to other plants, changing their chemical compounds to ward off predators, distinguishing kin from other plants and making sure not to take up their sunlight, and many other strange things. If you have a Tolkien bent and love the romantic idea of nature being alive and having a personality, this book will plant the seed that perhaps plant intelligence is a reality. But to what degree? That’s the big question.
Whether it’s one of my recommendations or something else, pick up a book and read. Reading slows you down, focuses your attention, and teaches you to enjoy the slow and methodical rather than quick hits of dopamine.
Happy reading!
Tom Page, LCPC
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