Don’t you love a book that hits the sweet spot in terms of (a) entertaining and (b) informing? One you can’t put down because it’s so much fun but that’s also brilliant enough to talk about at dinner parties?
Here are two books we think manage this tricky feat:
A Natural History of the Senses, by Diane Ackerman. This Amazon review will give you a sense of this beauty:
“‘One of the real tests of writers,” notes Ackerman in this liveliest of nature books, “is how well they write about smells. If they can’t describe the scent of sanctity in a church, can you trust them to describe the suburbs of the heart?”
Ackerman passes the test, writing with ease and fluency about the five senses. Did you know that bat guano smells like stale Wheat Thins? That Bach’s music can quell anger around the world? That the leaves that shimmer so beautifully in fall have “no adaptive purpose”? Ackerman does, and she guides us through questions of sensation with an eye for the amusingly arcane reference and just the right phrase.”
Woman: An Intimate Geography, by Natalie Angier.
This is biology written about beautifully, passionately, and with humor. The New York Times called it “A tour de force … a wonderful, engaging, and informative book.” From Publishers Weekly:
“With wit and verve, Angier discusses such topics as ovulation, conception and birth; the social and physiological functions of breasts; orgasm, mate selection and child-rearing behavior; the complex workings of estrogen; hysterectomy; muscle strength; and female aggression and bonding. Her wide-ranging celebration of the female body engages the intellect but, more importantly, also offers a rigorous challenge to male-oriented theories of biology.”
Are you engrossed in a must-read these days? Send it our way!
Thanks for sharing Carrie. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying A Natural History of the Senses in my library for many years and often come back to it. Very sensual and unique.
It’s lovely to highlight “backlist books” — books that have been out in the world for years but remain relevant and powerful.
Consider adding Gina Cloud’s “WOMAN: A New Definition”
I know Gina personally, and she is quite a force and an inspiraition, but the Amazon and other reviews speak for themselves.
Here’s the editorial description on Amazon:
Product Description
In this revolutionary book, women (and men!) will learn a new perspective that empowers them biologically, sociologically and personally — all from the inside out, through their own eyes, and free of media stereotypes and myths. With insight and humor, Gina Cloud guides the reader through a rich, soulful and thought provoking journey into each letter of her powerful acronym, W.O.M.A.N., introducing a new way to live a unique, true-to-yourself life. She reveals the wisdom of women’s bodies, long ago lost in places like the menstrual cycle, and shows how beauty is not skin deep, but soul deep and spirit fed. You’ll feel inspired and ready to celebrate your hormones and your unique biology as a woman. You’ll find new definitions for PMS and explore other revolutionary concepts that will excite and empower you. This book is for women everywhere who are tired of feeling like they’re not enough and want to feel good in their own skin.
About the Author
Gina Cloud is an internationally known radio talk show host, author, inspirational speaker, life coach, dancer, mother, and a passionate W.O.M.A.N. Her show is heard in 250 countries. She is also the creator of a unique workshop (The Sacred Facts of Life) for ‘Tweens which teaches young girls the birds-and-the-bees talk from a one-of-a-kind and empowering perspective. She has spent the last 25 years developing this revolutionary body of work based on the powerful – often misunderstood, misrepresented, even despised – biological cycles of women. Her work is the alchemical blending of self-help techniques from every part of the world. She is an expert in nutrition, alternative health strategies, and natural beauty. She is also an advocate for women creating images of woman that are woman-made. She is a native of New Orleans and currently lives in Los Angeles with her daughter.