Book Reviews

by Eva van Loon

Two very different books about coming down to Earth, about what life is really like for us humans. One locally authored; the other recommended by omnivorous local reader Martin Rossander.

Right Relationship is massively important. Even if a degree in economics is the last thing you’d ever want, or you glaze over in two-point-five seconds hearing yet another explanation of why your money is worth so much less today than yesterday, you’ll want to master the premises of this book.

I’ve long held a suspicion that economics is just a subset of human behavior, that all talk of how money behaves belongs either in an insane asylum or in departments of psychology. Martin Rossander claims money does not exist. Watching capitalism crumble while “free” trade squanders Earth’s treasures, some think he’s right. What economics has ignored too long is the real cost of our “productivity” and “innovation” to habitat, health, and our souls—not to mention the other beings with whom we must share this planet. Economists have failed to acknowledge that “the economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the biosphere.”

Climate change, overpopulation, soil and water loss, species extinction, invasive species, pollution, deforestation, dead oceans, poverty, hunger, and the collapsing economy are all signs of pursuing wrong relationships.

“Economics is about access to the means of life” and we humans are totally dependent on the well-being of the living planet. Brown and Garver argue for a life-centered economy: “A thing is right when is tends to preserve the integrity, resilience and beauty of the commonwealth of life. It is wrong when it tends otherwise.” By means of dialogue and truth-seeking, a long-held Quaker tradition, we can achieve right relationship with the commonwealth of life.

by Eva van Loon

Avatar: My usually tough-minded daughter cried twice. The film made Townsite parking difficult for the first time since I’ve been here and put a smile on theater-proprietress Ann Nelson’s face quite possibly never seen before. Even an old fart like me plans to see it again…seeing this film in three-D would almost be worth a trip to the Big Smoke.

Seems like one helluva movie…until you hear people playing Film Critic: “It’s racist—the Noble Savage all over again.”

“It’s just a stupid fantasy about race told from the point of view of white people. It reinforces the whole white Messiah thing.”
 “Dances with Wolves in space. Another white guy has to save the natives from the bad guys.”

Wo! It may be just a movie, but it sure brings out the sneer in some people. Protest too much?

The Wolf at Twilight: This thick but easy-flowing book I received for Christmas from someone who knew me for a wolf nut but hadn’t apparently spent so much as a micro-second between its covers. There’s not a paw print in this book. It’s about a white guy, author Nerburn, who’s been exceptionally close to the “Indians” (as Americans still say), getting wisdom from a First Nations elder (the wolf). Been there; done that,I thought, unwrapping it, but it’s the thought that counts. Was I mistaken! Every morning over coffee I reached for that dratted book and two weeks later was reading as slow as possible so it wouldn’t end. One helluva book.

by Jana Pierce-van Loon

Witches in the Kitchen (2006) by Blair and Anne Marie Drawson is a fun, fanciful and down-to-earth romp thru a year in the life of a Junior Witch by the name of Ivy Prickle Tree. Ivy is a young Witch who has failed cooking at school, so she is sent to her Aunts Nettle and Thistle to be taught Kitchen Witchery. We follow Ivy throughout a whirlwind year at her Aunts’ place, celebrate seasonal holidays such as the Solstices and Equinoxes with her, and learn a little bit about Witches in the process.

Witches in the Kitchen is accessible and informative for all ages. It is easy to understand without falling into the simplicity trap, and its characters are lovable and fun. Blair Drawson is an award-winning illustrator, which shows in the book’s artwork. The book was done collaboratively between Blair and his wife, Anne Marie, though she sadly passed away while the book was being put together, and did not get to see it to fruition. You can see her as a character in the book, and in the dedication at the back.

Altogether enjoyable, Witches in the Kitchen gets 4 bookworms out of 5.

by Barb Rees

Have you ever said, “I couldn’t write a book?” Gwen Enquist was one of those people until she came to the Festival of Writers three years ago. Inspired and encouraged, she went on to join the writer’s group Sassyscribes. The rest is history.

Gwen launched her novel, Phone Calls After at this spring’s festival. The story follows a family reeling from the death of one of their members, and further complicated by a mystery woman’s appearance.

“Nothing good ever comes from a phone call in the night. Anna sat against the headboard, trembling, the down comforter clutched tightly around her neck. People die.” Excerpt from Phone Calls After.

Readers will recognize aspects of their own lives in this story of love and family strength. I enjoyed this page turner and look forward to her next book. Phone Calls After is available at Breakwater Books and Coffee Shop, online at: www.trafford.com or through Coles Books.