I have almost no awareness that anything is happening with these two supposedly significant dates from the Mayan calendar…. My friend Ann, who is is Guatemala for 12.12.12, said that date is the end of the short count. And I always thought the winter solstice 2012 was supposed to be the end of the long count, when the calendar ends. This has been debunked lately — some say other discoveries have indicated it was not meant to be the end of the world for the Mayan people, but only maybe like the pause between the inhale and exhale of the universe.
But, oddly enough I found myself reading a few books lately that have some connections with “end of the world” “climate change” and what may be in store in our future.
This book, Barabara Kingsolver’s new one, is a gripping tale about climate change and the study of an unexpected change in nature. The monarchs, instead of flying on to Mexico, stop off in Appalachia. Our hero is a feisty, brilliant young wife and mother, held down by poverty and the expectations of her community. It is the story of how the world can change, and how people still have to live the lives they are given. Great book, Kingsolver did it again. (remember The Poisonwood Bible?”
This year I learned a new word when I read “The Hunger Games,” dystopia (the opposite of utopia) where everything goes bad and wrong instead of being a lovely ideal. This book tells of a time following increasing climate change when the earth has been purged of most of the population because of a fatal flu epidemic plus another vicious disease “the blood” that sounds similar to AIDS. Hig, who survives, lives with his dog and another man in a small FBO (airport) in Colorado outside Denver. (Yes, Bob really liked this book too) It is a Mad Max kind of world and Hig’s journey to survive and retain some semblance of humanity is told in first person. I came away with a huge and heavy heart. I won’t spoil it by saying more.
Finally, “Arcadia,” which takes us from the hippie days of commune living, through a present and on into a near future, which has some elements of a dystopia. We grow up with Bit who was born in a hippie caravan and was raised by his mother and father in a large commune. It is another story of survival in odd circumstances, against many odds, and the struggle to love and be a good person.
So maybe my psyche led me to these books during this time.
It seems to me the big lesson is to love and to take care of each other.
We know not what lies ahead, better make this one good.
I think you have it right. We have to wake up every day and love the people in front of us. Everything has a begining and an ending, but our compassion makes a difference.
Love to you and Bob.
Scott
Those sound like great books. I will add them to my Shelfari “plan to read” list. Thanks!
I’ve always enjoyed Barbara Kingsolver and will add this one to my list. It’s good to be reminded of that space between the inhale and the exhale. Thanks, Judy.
Love your book recommendations. We are having an end of the world party here… Michael’s idea. I think we both still remember and love the solstice gathering we had in the cabin and you recited Robert Frost from memory. I continually feel lucky to have been born into such a wonderful family.
Great post, Judy. You are like a live ‘goodreads’! I am interested in reading Peter Heller’s book after reading your suggestions. Too bad I am #146 on the wait list at the library!
LOVED Flight Behavior. Can´t stop thinking about it. Will read the others. Love from Lafitte.
We’ll, we made it past the 12/21/12 and 12/12/12 hurdles, I think.. .anyway, nobody seems to be missing.
Thank you Judy for sending this link to us, it’s generous and optimistic of you to share this way. I am going to get Kingsolver’s book for sure.
Happy New Year!