Supernavigators

Supernavigators: Exploring the Wonders of How Animals Find Their Way by David Barrie  301 pp.

David Barrie, not to be confused with humorist Dave Barry, explains the science behind the abilities of different living creatures to navigate their surroundings. Many people know about the "dance" performed by bees to share directions to food sources or new hives. But how do animals know which way to go when they migrate? How do fish and sea mammals find their way in the depths of the ocean? How do the swallows return to Capistrano on schedule and Arctic Terns make their way from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back again? It can't all be visual because their travel continues even in storms, fog, and the dark of night. Scientists around the world have studied this question and have proved or come near to proving that most use a variety of inborn methods including auditory, optical, and olfactory senses as well as the ability to detect the magnetism of the earth itself. This book examines the science behind all this and proposes even more questions about the mysterious abilities in the animal kingdom. 

Exit West

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid (2017) 231 pages

There are at least four reviews of Exit West on this site that compelled me to add the book to my "to read" list. I'm glad I finally had a chance to check it out. Two young adults, Nadia and Saeed, meet in their native land, an unnamed Middle Eastern country, while political turmoil is altering their country and endangering their lives. Eventually the couple decides to migrate, first to Greece, then to Britain, then to the US. Their migrations are almost magical, except that we see it often takes much waiting and concern before the time is right for them to go through the "doors" to other countries. Author Mohsin Hamid's power lies in his portrayal of the changing relationship of Nadia and Saeed. He packs worlds of meaning into what at first seem to be long, but simple phrases. One that particularly struck me:  "They slept on the slender single bed together without speaking, without touching... not unlike a couple that was long and unhappily married, a couple that made out of opportunities for joy, misery" (page 127).  Hamid also deals with evolving personal changes, e.g., one's changing inclination for prayer, or independence. This is a thoughtful work, filled with many instances of pithiness.

  

Parable of the Sower

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, 352 pages

In the near future, Lauren Olamina lives in a small, walled community outside of Los Angeles. But this isn't the kind of fancy gated community we're used to; no, this one is walled and insular to protect the residents and homes from thieves and arsonists that would take and destroy their meager pantries and closets. When the fire and robbers finally break through the walls, Lauren and two of her neighbors flee to the north, where they hope to find paying work, shelter, and drinkable water. Along the way, they pick up some traveling companions that find interest in Lauren's new religion, Earthseed, as well as her innate vulnerability as a hyperempath — someone who uncontrollably feels the same physical sensations as those around her.

I'd call this book "post-apocalyptic," except that nothing apocalyptic has happened; rather, it's the gradual degradation of society, government, and environment that created the situation in which we find Lauren. It's a world full of disconnected politicians, abject poverty, drought, price-gouging, gun culture, and apathy to human suffering. It's scary, and haunting, how prescient Butler was, publishing this book nearly 20 years ago. It's beautifully written, and somehow full of hope, and I highly recommend it.

The Warmth of Other Suns

The Warmth of Other Suns: The epic story of America's great migration / Isabel Wilkerson 622 pgs.

This is an amazing book that follows the migration of three individuals as they decide to leave the Jim Crow dominated south and move to other places. In between the stories of these three amazing people, are the general history of the times and places covered in the book. Isabel Wilkerson spent a lot of time interviewing people and doing research. This was on the ALA Notable books list and it is easy to see why. A little bit of our history that is not America's proudest moments.