Reader's Place: May 2019
Spring: a Novel
Spring: a novel, by Ali Smith, 2019. FIC Smith
The third installment of Smith's Seasonal Quartet (Autumn, 2017; Winter, 2018) touches on previous themes of creativity and friendship and delves deeper into current events with a sharp-edged look at the treatment of immigrants. The three novels have a few common elements - the pain and pleasure of creativity; the pairing of an older adult and an intelligent youth; the showcasing of an English female visual artist, here Tacita Deanbut - they are self-contained and increasingly urgent in their hope that art might bring change.
Aware: the Science and Practice of Presence
Aware: the science and practice of presence: the groundbreaking meditation practice, by Daniel J. Siegel, 2018. 158.12 SIE
Aware provides practical instruction for mastering the Wheel of Awareness, a practice to focus attention, open awareness, and cultivate kind intention that can help one grow a healthier brain and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in one’s life.
The Montessori Toddler
The Montessori toddler: planting the seeds to grow a curious and responsible human being, by Simone Davies, 2019. 649.122 DAV
Davies, a Montessori teacher in Amsterdam, presents a "new picture of the toddler" as an engaged, forgiving, and highly capable young human being. She begins by explaining Montessori principles, which encourage independence and practical skill-building in children within a carefully prepared classroom, then moves to an extensive list of typical activities. A section on applying these principles to make one's household child-friendly stresses uncluttered simplicity, to ensure go-to items aren't buried in the back of a closet. But the heart of Davies's teaching lies not in home decor but in encouraging toddlers' curiosity while helping them feel validated, and setting limits without making threats.
Flowers and Foul Play
Flowers and foul play: a magic garden mystery by Amanda Flower, 2018. MYS Flower
Fiona Knox lost her fiancé and her flower shop--but when she flies to Scotland to inherit her godfather's cottage and possibly magical walled garden, she may lose her life as well when she's swept into a murder investigation.
Creating Sanctuary
Creating sanctuary: sacred garden spaces, plant-based medicine, and daily practices to achieve happiness and well-being, by Jessi Bloom, 2018. 635.9 Blo
Author Bloom taps into multiple sources of traditional plant wisdom to help find a deeper connection to the outdoor space you already have--no matter the size. Equal parts inspirational and practical, this engaging guide includes tips on designing a healing space, plant profiles for 50 sacred plants, recipes that harness the medicinal properties of plants, and simple instructions for daily rituals and practices for self-care.
Compiled by Ina Rimpau