I don’t know about you but when it gets cold-ish and dark I just want to turn into a bit (more) of hermit that subsists on puzzles, old movies & tv shows (Northern Exposure, The Thin Man series, anything Hammer or Amicus or Carpenter, and some good ol’ 80’s action will do fine pleaseandthankyouverymuch) and lots and lots of books. Lately I’ve had some good book stuff fall into my lap and I just had to share a few of them…
First up is the The Gourd Girls. I’ve been wanting to visit the Gourd Museum for just about forever now and I finally snagged an appointment for this upcoming weekend! Not to mention the gourd inspired pottery they make, and their amazing life stories put to paper in their book. I got the book and now about to get my ceramics on! I’m going to throw down money I do not have but since Priscilla and Jane are semi-retired nowawadys, I’m going to get my shopping and museum time in when I can. And you should too! Here’s their website.
“Gourd Girls is Priscilla Wilson’s richly told memoir of her 30-year business and personal partnership with Janice Lymburner. It is the story of two girls barely out of college who, through good karma and the kindness of others, wind up creating a life that allows them to live simply, artistically and on their own terms. Short on money but full of love for each other and their desire to live and work together, Priscilla sets out to revive an old art, gourd carving, while Janice continues to teach and bring in a small but steady income. Priscilla’s account of the trials and errors involved in gourd farming and collecting is at once hilarious and poignant. But life wasn’t always fun and games for the pair, who struggled for years with fear of coming out of the closet, at a time when many people in larger and more liberal areas of the country would not. Not knowing what would happen, but with trust in their community and a willingness to accept the consequences, the couple’s desire to live authentically finally helps them stop hiding.” – source
All photo descriptions run from left to right.
Dreadful Company is anything but! I just wrapped up Vivian Shaw’s 2nd installment of a now 5 part series about Dr. Greta Van Helsing, a doctor for the undead. I can wait to dive into the next one! I started these after finishing the last T.S. Kingfisher ‘Sworn Soldier Series’ and they’ve been an excellent transition piece but with a very different vibe. Thanks to my public library for suggesting this one. *ahem* SUPPORT YOUR LIBRARIES!
Explosion at Orly found its way into my reading rotation after viewing a piece at the Atlanta Museum of High Art and discovering it was in honor of the art community who died Orly plane crash of 1962. Over 122 passengers and all but 2 of the crew were killed, and the majority of the passengers were from the Atlanta, Georgia arts and civics community. I had no idea of this event so it’s been a slow, sad but informative read so far…
The Book of the Dead: Lives of the Justly Famous and the Undeservedly Obscure. I’ve only *just* started this one but it seems like it’s going to be both irreverent and educational. Right up my alley, yes yes.
Typography – words that look like logs? Check.
That 70’s brownish sketching (because it is from the 70’s)? Check.
Tattered, odd stains and small publishing house? Check. Check. Check.
I love covered bridges and so it’s a given that I love this book. It’s primarily PA bridges but there’s also a few Vermont ones sprinkled in. Not the south of course but the designs are familiar, the stories similar and, well, it’s covered bridges. ‘Nuf said.
My collection of UGA Press books is bonkers y’all! I love 99% of what they put forth (The Ogeechee: A River and Its People book by Jack Leigh is one of my unicorn thrift finds) and the newest release, 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See before You Die, is an excellent read even if you were born and raised in G-A. Seriously. And the paintings/illustrations are lovely!
Philip Simmons was a blacksmith whose ironwork has become some of the most celebrated of the 20th Century. If you’ve been to Charleston, South Carolina then you’ve probably seen his metalworkings as he created numerous gates and decor for the city and its citizens. Pieces of his work have been acquired by both the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution, and his home is a museum. 10/10 recommend picking up a copy of Charleston Blacksmith: The Work of Philip Simmons for yourself.
Scoring in Heaven absolutely renewed my love of books that picture heavy and have simply organized yet creatively expansive categories. Created in the 1990’s, this book is full of cemetery photos from the road trip of two friends from Atlanta who meandered all over the sunbelt of the USA. I’m inspired to work on my next booklet thanks to this treasure! And big thanks to Ellen from Mt. Yonah Book Exchange for finding me a copy.
These books were quick fun reads or on on my ‘to browse’ shelf. I’m not going to review them but wanted to give you a glimpse at some of the things that catch my eye when I’m book buying or browsing the library. You can see more of what I’m into on my Goodreads account.
Friend me on there and share some suggestions, eh? Would love to connect and see what you’re reading as of late…
