books

Can't let February slip by without a word.

I want to mention some books I've read recently; first and foremost Michael Pollan's THE OMNIVORE'S DILEMMA, that I want everyone I know & love to read. It's a life-changing exposé on the business of growing corn, its connection to petrol, & their effect on food and health in this country. One of the many startling facts I learned that much of the so-called "organic" stuff I buy in shops may not be what it appears to be.

I was already knocked out by Pollan's first book, THE BOTANY OF DESIRE, and have his latest, IN DEFENSE OF FOOD, waiting on my desk. Tried to get into his talk at the Public Library downtown but not a chance. You've got to know someone to get into those talks when there's a superstar on stage. Mostly what I'd like is to invite him over for dinner.

I read Ann Enright's THE GATHERING, which I loved. Can't help being seduced by fine writing and beautiful use of language, which the Irish do so well.

Now I'm reading Eckhart Tolle's A NEW EARTH. Yes, it says the same as his first book, THE POWER OF NOW, but I felt the need for a refresher. I also joined - ugh! how I hate to join anything - Oprah's worldwide seminar which will be conducted online with Tolle. I just figured anything non-religious connected to enlightenment that connects half a million people on the internet is something to check out. I joined - ugh! there it is again - an Oprah/Tolle book club, which if nothing else, gets me out of the house on Tuesday nights. I actually like the people too. We met at Canter's delicatessen last night, where I enjoyed a fine cheese Danish.

Higher consciousness is worth working for but it's a slippery, evasive thing.

So sad to read that Dutton's bookshop in Brentwood is closing down. I loved their premises and the readings. But I must confess I buy books on the internet because of the cheap prices on Amazon. I can't figure out how to be socially responsible & frugal at the same time. I'll go broke saving the planet.