FEBRUARY 2025 READING LIST
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Forest of Fontainebleau, 1834. National Gallery of Art
SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE BY WILLIAM PENN
A collection of reflections and maxims put together by the early American Quaker leader William Penn.
The writings of William Penn were mentioned in Adventures of Solitude as one of Grayson’s few precious selections of reading allowed in his hospital recovery room. At first glance, I wasn’t too interested in the musings of a Quaker of old, but I found it thoughtful and insightful. Separated into sections such as avarice, reparations, truth, respect, government, etc. Tag-lined as a book about Reflections and Maxims Relating to Conduct of Human Life, Penn shares his thoughts on life.
Many lines and topics were encouraging to read. So many sections were relatable to today and the society we hope to have but rarely experience. Here are a few lines that stood out to me:
REPERATIONS:
124. We should make more Haste to Right our Neighbor than we do to wrong him, and instead of being Vindicative, we should leave him to be Judge of his own Satisfaction.
POSTERITY:
214. If we could amend the World, we should mend Our selves and teach our Children to be not what we are, but what they should be.
IMPARTIALITY:
414. Partiality is always Indirect, if not Dishonest: For it shews a Byass where Reason would have none; if not an Injury, which Justice every where forbids.
The old English list of maxims should not be overlooked. Yes, the writings are from another era, but many are still true today. I could perfectly understand why Grayson in his book wanted Some Fruits of Solitude during his convalescence. It is a book meant to be read slowly and thoughtfully, so the words can take hold of the reader. This is a book to have on your shelf and occasionally read through a section or two.
4/5 Stars
Washington Allston. The Sisters, c. 1816-1817. Harvard Art Museums
ADVENTURES IN FRIENDSHIP BY DAVID GRAYSON
Grayson writes about the intricate dynamics of human relationships through a series of country sketches that illuminate camaraderie and friendship.
I am fully on the David Grayson bandwagon. Although Friendship was not as impactful to me as Solitude, I still gleaned a great deal about life and friendship from this reading.
David Grayson (the pseudonym of Ray Stannard Baker) strove to showcase country life through his interactions with people in the community. Sometimes, it was the blacksmith, the immigrant, or the local preacher. Regardless of the relationship, there were several sketches on life and the friendships created, whether lifelong or in passing. Below are just a few of my favorite lines:
“Is it not marvelous how full people are—all people—of humour, tragedy, passionate human longings, hopes, fears—if only you can unloosen the floodgates! As to my companion, he had been growing bitter and sickly with the pent-up humours of discouragement; all he needed was a listener.”
“My friend, did it ever occur to you that you are unhappy because you have lost connection with life? Because your feet are not somewhere firmly planted upon the soil of reality?”
“A friend is one with whom we are fond of being when no business is afoot nor any entertainment contemplated. A man may well be silent with a friend.”
4.5/5 Stars
Frederick H. Evans. Kelmscott Manor: From the Orchard, 1896. The Art Institute of Chicago
DRAGONWYCK BY ANYA SETON
This is a gothic romance in which 18-year-old Miranda Wells falls under the spell of her distant relative Nicholas Van Ryn, his opulent world, and the mysterious old mansion called Dragonwyck. The book portrays a country torn between freedom and feudal tradition, divided by the very rich and the very poor. Against the backdrop of anti-rent wars, Miranda learns that the house holds many secrets and that Van Ryn has much to hide beneath his placid exterior.
After reading Katherine and Avalon, I wanted to try another Anya Seton book. Dragonwyck was appealing, first because of the title and the time period. The story's beginning was slow but built up as it progressed. The book was like Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and Daniel Deronda all rolled into one.
Seton’s strength is in the historical references she includes in her writing. Reading about the patroon system, anti-rent wars, the Astor Place massacre, and questions regarding the feudal system was fascinating. The inclusion of Herman Melville and Edgar Allen Poe was amusing, but I did not feel their characters brought much to the story.
What I struggled with was the depth of the characters. Seton did so well with the background of Katherine and exploring Merewyn's journey in Avalon. In Dragonwyck, there is less background and depth. While I can believe a country girl would be captivated by the allure of wealth and splendor, Miranda comes off as overly naive for someone her age. I appreciate Jeff Turner’s character, who serves as a foil and counterpart to Van Ryn. The story was somewhat predictable but still worth reading.
3.25/5 Stars
Unidentified Artist. Untitled (Blurred wedding snapshot), 1959. Harvard Art Museums
REDEMPTION SONG BY BERTICE BERRY
People’s lives intersect at Miss Cozy’s small African American bookshop. Josephine, Fina, and Ross are searching for a rare book, Children of Grace. They have yet to realize what the story will mean to each of them, but something special is about to happen when the bookstore owner insists they read the book together.
I have had Redemption Song on my shelf for some time, having found it at a library sale. The plot seemed intriguing, and the book's length meant it would be short. I have been combing through my bookshelves, finally attempting some I have had for a while. Once I started the book, I could not put it down. Iona's tale was heartbreaking as she related her life in slavery. Her passages read somewhat like Octavia Butler’s Kindred.
Berry's Recipe of Life was powerful because it provided a framework for changing society and encouraging Black people to strive for dignity amid white supremacy. The book contains many lines on the meaning of truth, and oh, how do those lines resonate with life today? It also discusses the connection between suffering and comfort. No other culture and heritage in America can better understand the power of joy that comes after severe suffering like Black people can.
“A person has to go through a lot of pain to get to comfort!”
I finished the book with a fresh reminder of the horror of slavery, the impact of generational trauma, and the importance of connecting with others. Every culture that enters America has to assimilate to some degree, but Berry challenges us to hold on to precious elements that make our culture unique. She calls the Black community to better care for children who are without one or both of their parents. In Latino culture, we have the strength to recognize the integral role of generational influences and to connect with our relatives, young and old. This small book moved me, earning a spot on my bookshelf for rereading one day.
4.25/5 Stars