The Secret Lives of Color, Kassia St. Clair (3.5)
This book is an encyclopedia of color with 2-3 pages devoted to the history of ~60 important colors. Each major section covers the broad categories (reds, greens, whites, etc.) including their general significance and metaphorical meanings over the years. Included are those colors that are no longer with us due to availability and often toxicity and those still being used today. The delight in the book is in the discovery, such as: since Orange is so important in Dutch culture, why isn’t their flag orange? Also: there is a color called Mummy that actually came from bitumen in Egyptian mummies! This is not a page turner but can be picked up intermittently and enjoyed. It’s not just for painters, though certainly would be appreciated by any painters in your life. Not surprisingly, I recommend reading this in color as it doesn’t work on a black and white e-book.
A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Madeleine L’Engle (4.0)
Having read and enjoyed this trilogy as a child, I decided to reread it as an adult to remind myself of the wonder I felt upon first reading it. Having said that, my review of ‘4’ is based the first read. These books have many unique ideas that are mind opening as a youngster. Some of the faults of the book (one dimensional characters, religious overtones and repetition) were plainer to me as an adult, at this point less surprised by the plot. I like the strong-willed protagonist, Meg, who has typical young adult doubts about her abilities. Also, the idea of a family of scientists with greater purpose is always a crowd-pleaser in my house. My favorite character is Charles Wallace. Who doesn’t love a ridiculously smart younger brother with great dialogue who’s always watching out for the older sister? As far as the plot goes, Meg and Charles Wallace go on an adventure to find their father, with the help of three ‘witches’. That’s all I’ll say as it’s best experienced firsthand without spoilers. While there are more options these days, this book was an important example of a smart girl leading the adventure, something rare in the 60’s and 70’s for young girls to read.
