Now that spring has officially arrived, here is a list of books to broaden the horizons of most bibliophiles.

“The Moon and Serpent Bumper Book” by Alan Moore and Steve Moore (no relation)

This book was 17 years in the making by the authors with seven different illustrators. It is the most complete book on chronicling magick practices and the occult from ancient times.  The book is lavishly illustrated (each page a work of art) presenting Egyptian, Kabbalah, and Tarot to a beginner interested in harnessing magical practices.  The authors, using both art and text of their ideas on magic, society and creativity, take on the occult imagination. Of special interest is “The Things to do on a Rainy Day” section, offering suggestions and projects for the beginning neophyte to embrace ancient teachings. The focus is on different areas of magical practices; magic as art, the cultivation of altered states, magic as “transgression” mental projection, evoking vs invoking entities, and other practical applications of magic. The book, 352 pages in length, is definitely a table top display, containing an encyclopedic array of magic knowledge.  It has a childlike splendor yet, specifically states, “For adults only.”

“The Dark Forest” by Cixin Liu (book two of the “Remembrance of Earth’s Past” trilogy)

Earth is reeling from the revelation of a coming alien invasion in four centuries time. The aliens have been defeated, but the presence of the siphons, the subatomic particles that allow Trisolarians instant access to all human information, means that Earth’s defense plans are totally exposed to the enemy. Only the human mind remains a secret. This is the motivation for the Wallfacer Project, a daring plan that grants four people enormous resources to design strategies, hidden through deceit and misdirection. Cixin Lui (an actual physicist) is China’s most beloved science fiction author. This book is the sequel to “The Three Body Problem.”

“James” by Percival Everett

This is a retelling of the Huckleberry Finn story from the viewpoint of his slave friend Jim. When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, to be separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Simply put, this story is a masterpiece. Everett’s take is funny, riveting, and horrifyingly brilliant. Some may read this in one day; others may want to take time to enjoy the dialogue and intelligence of the character. It is fast becoming a must-read for book enthusiasts and won the 2024 National Book Award. With regard to my book enthusiast friends, all agree that even Mark Twain would have approved of this brilliant rewrite. It actually provokes readers to revisit the original Huckleberry Finn.

“Earthing” by Clint Ober, Stephen T Sinatra

Clint Ober is a former cable installer who put together his own study of “grounding” using the earth’s natural forces to reduce inflammation in the body. Earthing or grounding is the practice of walking barefoot using the magnetic forces of the earth to help reduce inflammation and cortisol levels in the body. When we walk barefoot, we reconnect to the earth.  Mankind disconnected from the earth by building walls, wearing shoes, and isolating ourselves from earth’s energy. By touching the earth we are connecting to every living thing on the planet. Studies have shown that by grounding the body, it releases stored energy discharging and recharging, thus equalizing or normalizing the body’s natural energy field. Some believe this practice is a pseudoscience, yet the testimonies of traumatized parents who have had their asthmatic children become symptom free documents that earthing or grounding is beneficial. Is it possible to be unhappy while sitting outdoors on the grass with a little bit of shade, a little bit of sunshine?

By Jim Hersheway

Maintenance Dept.