I am wrestling with my purpose here at my desk, as the world careens into an unprecedented piece of history as if into an iceberg. I grew up at a time when history was (relatively, artificially) frozen, and the onslaught of events since we moved out of the thaw of the nineties has left me disoriented. Maybe an unfamiliarity with events on a large scale has made people of my generation ill-equipped to predict for them.
Your work has been and remains a serious inspiration to me. You were one of the first creative people I knew imagining and creating new ways of evolving the ecology. I look to Book Post as a beacon!
I appreciate this note, and though I have actually been fortunate to write for Book Post, I wanted to join this conversation as a reader. Like others, I am glad and curious when I see something from BookPost come in as a respite from not only the news cycle, but the recent stream of cancellations, closings, delays for so many events, organizations and watering holes of all kinds. Of course, this is a good time for reading, and I have found myself reading differently, drawn more to fantasy and other world-building literature as well. I have also found that re-reading old favorite books has been a comfort over the last couple of weeks. I'll also admit to reading beloved children's books from my childhood or my children's childhoods (I literally re-read "The Borrowers" last week) as I have done before when going through difficult times. I highly suggest children's books, and there are so many great ones. I find them especially comforting for middle-of-the-night wakefulness and anxiety. Your work and voice are indeed a light in a dark time, Ann. Thank you.
Oh Rebecca thank you for these welcome suggestions! Just thinking about the Borrowers makes hunkering down in one's little shelter while a frightening world hovers looms seem more like a romantic adventure. We are about to run a piece on rereading by Anakana Schofield, its particular comforts and adventures, thanks to Vivian Gornick. We were so grateful to have your beautiful piece on Gretel Ehrlich (look it up friends!), I recommend it to anyone looking for a consolation!
What you offer on a regular basis is just what we need in this time. It is a relief to see Book Post pop up in my email between two breaking news alerts. I have already been sharing your free posts with friends and family, and I just subscribed. Stay with us!
Thank you Ann! I've been enjoying Book Post as a respite from the awful cocktail of news, Twitter and group chats about the pandemic.
Maybe some more Lewis Hyde? I'd be interested in a review of "Common as Air," since it seems different from his other works. Some escapism might be nice. Sci-fi has never been my thing, so a good guide would be all the more valuable. Literature from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub Saharan Africa are also beyond my knowledge.
I'll still keep enjoying posts that are more topical, if you head in that direction. Just wanted to share my appreciation for providing space apart from the craziness of the world. A word-cocoon sounds pretty cozy right about now.
Robert, thank you so much for these kind words and excellent suggestions! I have been wanting to get more coverage of science fiction and other parts of the globe myself; you give me fresh energy there. And Lewis Hyde, one could have a book review just for him! I hope you keep reading and Book Post keeps giving a harbor in the storm.
Your work has been and remains a serious inspiration to me. You were one of the first creative people I knew imagining and creating new ways of evolving the ecology. I look to Book Post as a beacon!
Abby thank you so much! You are such a genius, an old boot could edit you beautifully. I'm grateful to have you as a reader.
You are too kind! This encouragement is a much appreciated boost. ❤️
I appreciate this note, and though I have actually been fortunate to write for Book Post, I wanted to join this conversation as a reader. Like others, I am glad and curious when I see something from BookPost come in as a respite from not only the news cycle, but the recent stream of cancellations, closings, delays for so many events, organizations and watering holes of all kinds. Of course, this is a good time for reading, and I have found myself reading differently, drawn more to fantasy and other world-building literature as well. I have also found that re-reading old favorite books has been a comfort over the last couple of weeks. I'll also admit to reading beloved children's books from my childhood or my children's childhoods (I literally re-read "The Borrowers" last week) as I have done before when going through difficult times. I highly suggest children's books, and there are so many great ones. I find them especially comforting for middle-of-the-night wakefulness and anxiety. Your work and voice are indeed a light in a dark time, Ann. Thank you.
Oh Rebecca thank you for these welcome suggestions! Just thinking about the Borrowers makes hunkering down in one's little shelter while a frightening world hovers looms seem more like a romantic adventure. We are about to run a piece on rereading by Anakana Schofield, its particular comforts and adventures, thanks to Vivian Gornick. We were so grateful to have your beautiful piece on Gretel Ehrlich (look it up friends!), I recommend it to anyone looking for a consolation!
What you offer on a regular basis is just what we need in this time. It is a relief to see Book Post pop up in my email between two breaking news alerts. I have already been sharing your free posts with friends and family, and I just subscribed. Stay with us!
Music to my ears! Thank you so much for your subscription and I hope it brings you many joys!
Thank you Ann! I've been enjoying Book Post as a respite from the awful cocktail of news, Twitter and group chats about the pandemic.
Maybe some more Lewis Hyde? I'd be interested in a review of "Common as Air," since it seems different from his other works. Some escapism might be nice. Sci-fi has never been my thing, so a good guide would be all the more valuable. Literature from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub Saharan Africa are also beyond my knowledge.
I'll still keep enjoying posts that are more topical, if you head in that direction. Just wanted to share my appreciation for providing space apart from the craziness of the world. A word-cocoon sounds pretty cozy right about now.
Robert, thank you so much for these kind words and excellent suggestions! I have been wanting to get more coverage of science fiction and other parts of the globe myself; you give me fresh energy there. And Lewis Hyde, one could have a book review just for him! I hope you keep reading and Book Post keeps giving a harbor in the storm.