by Bonnie Mason
This is the month I traditionally devote to gardens in some regard, but I don’t even want to think about my back yard this year. I am totally devastated by the city’s great plan – whatever it could possibly have been – that destroyed my enchanted forest full of happy little creatures.
The trees home for countless birds and squirrels and a delightful buffer for me and my own little world, chopped down, replaced by grass ( who’s going to cut it?) and the tackiest cement block wall. I feel as if someone built one of those basement houses from the 50’s on my gorgeous lot. What does Historic Preservation even mean?
Between the grocery store parking lot, the bombed out hill, and 7th Street/MLK, Jr. Vegetation Mow Down… I simply cannot make a right turn from my driveway. Topics to avoid if you see me – don’t get me started.
So while this is my “think garden” month for books, not this year – I found two irresistible history related books that are great fun to pour over.
The first entitled Inside The Red Border is a compilation of TIME Magazine covers (no surprise there) coupled with compelling excerpts from the stories referenced. Divided into sixteen sections from The Presidents to Science & Medicine to Person of the Year, the book even includes a section of covers that didn’t make it, we get a fascinating overview of history. This book would fall under the genre of “coffee table” books, but I love it.
I look back with great interest at what was important enough at the time to make the cover of a magazine respected for nine decades. How the images were presented speaks to their historical significance as well. Published by Time Books, 2013, hardcover it sells for $34.95 (B&N Bargain Dept. $14.98).
The second book is LIFE The Classic Collection which holds LIFE Magazine’s 100 greatest pictures including 25 prints ready to frame. Many of these images are immediately familiar as part of a news story. In this book they are “allowed to sing as they have never sung before” standing on their own as works of art.
The photographs are not without description, but it doesn’t interfere with their presentation as art in this volume.
To quote “in these pages is the best of LIFE Magazine and – as is clear in many of these heroic, lovely or simply touching photographs – the best of life itself”. Another great book to pour over. Published by LIFE Books, 2008, hardcover it sells for $29.95 (B&N Bargain Dept. $9.98).
If you are looking for just a rather delightful mystery – not little “cozy” mystery, more than that – but not violent, terror, I am going to suggest Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series.
Read them in order, you must read them in order, but they are perfect for curling up on a cold and windy March day or evening with a cup of tea and biscotti. Heaven!
A charming cast of characters in a small town not too far from the border in Canada…They are interesting and fun, well written, and available in paperback for $15.00. The first one is entitled Still Life, start with it and enjoy!
Also, if you have little girls in your life, Anne Martin has written a fourth book in the “Doll Series”, The Doll People Set Sail, hardcover, $17.99.
Last, but not least, John Grisham is coming out with a 5th Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer on May 15th for the little boys in your life, hardcover, $17.99 as well. (I have reviewed these series in the past).
Stay warm – in just a few weeks we can watch for daffodils, tulips and buds on the trees with winter behind us! I am always thrilled with the arrival of March – it’s so hopeful!