Books Like...
"Holy the Firm" by Annie Dillard is a short yet powerful book that delves into the exploration of what is holy, what is good, and what is certain. The author's writing style is described as a prose poem, seeking to reckon with the place people have in the world, touching on themes of nature, God, suffering, and one's own beliefs. The book is moving and profound, written in an earthy way that is both intense and thoughtful about God, tragedy, and fierce landscapes. Dillard's exploration of the extremes of beauty and pain, as well as the coexistence of both in life, is a central theme that resonates throughout the book.
If you liked Holy the Firm, here are the top 5 books to read next:
Annie Dillard's 'Teaching a Stone to Talk: Expeditions and Encounters' is a collection of essays that invite readers to slow down and observe the world with awe and reverence. Through her prose, Dillard explores the natural world, spirituality, and the mysteries of life, encouraging readers to see things differently and appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. The book takes readers on a journey from a solar eclipse in Yakima to the Galapagos Islands, offering insights into the connections between nature, humanity, and the divine.
Dillard's writing style in this book is described as rich, deep, and full of wonder. She skillfully weaves together observations of the natural world with philosophical musings, creating a narrative that is both thought-provoking and enchanting. Readers are drawn into Dillard's world of meticulous observation, where even the smallest details hold profound meaning, and where the act of slowing down and truly seeing becomes a transformative experience.
IT HAD BEEN LIKE DYING, that sliding down the mountain pass. It had been like the death of someone, irrational, that sliding down the mountain pass and into the region of dread. It was like slipping i...- #2
Save:"For the Time Being" by Annie Dillard is a spiritual and philosophical exploration that weaves together insights from various traditions and musings on human existence. The book delves into topics such as birth, death, the role of God, and the impermanence of life, all while maintaining a clear and thought-provoking writing style. Dillard's narrative ruminations touch on the mysteries of existence, drawing inspiration from figures like Jesuit paleontologist Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and incorporating elements from different spiritual practices.
This photograph shows, for example, the bird-headed dwarfs. They are a brother and sister; they sit side by side on a bed. The boy a blond, is six years old, says the caption, and the girl, brown-hair... - #3
Save:Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard is a collection of meditations on nature, spirituality, and the human experience. The book takes readers on a journey through the author's observations and reflections on the beauty and brutality of the natural world around Tinker Creek in Virginia. Dillard's writing style is described as poetic, introspective, and deeply insightful, as she delves into themes of wonder, awe, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
The book is a blend of personal narrative, philosophical musings, and detailed observations of the flora and fauna in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dillard's prose is praised for its vivid imagery, lyrical quality, and ability to evoke a sense of reverence for the mysteries of the universe. Through her contemplations on nature, she invites readers to see the world through her eyes and find meaning in the intricate tapestry of life on Earth.
I used to have a cat, an old fighting tom, who would jump through the open window by my bed in the middle of the night and land on my chest. I’d half-awaken. He’d stick his skull under my nose and pur... - #4
Save:"Prodigal Summer" by Barbara Kingsolver is a beautifully written novel that intertwines the lives of different women, each connected in subtle ways, much like the ecosystems they are part of. The book combines themes of ecology, romance, and nature seamlessly, with each character having a unique voice and depth. Kingsolver's storytelling weaves together three seemingly disparate stories, focusing on strong female characters and the interconnectedness of nature and human relationships.
Her body moved with the frankness that comes from solitary habits. But solitude is only a human presumption. Every quiet step is thunder to beetle life underfoot; every choice is a world made new for ... - #5
Save:In 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver, a missionary family led by the fervent Baptist preacher Nathan Price moves to the Belgian Congo in 1959. The story unfolds through the perspectives of the four daughters and the wife as they navigate survival and adaptation in a vastly different culture amidst the backdrop of political upheaval during the Congo Independence movement. Each character develops uniquely in response to their exposure to the Congolese environment, creating a rich tapestry of family dynamics and individual growth.
Kingsolver masterfully weaves historical context with compelling storytelling, drawing readers into the vividly portrayed lives of the Price family and the Congolese people. Through her poignant writing style, she explores themes of faith, cultural clashes, family relationships, and personal evolution, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after they have turned the final page.
IMAGINE A RUIN so strange it must never have happened. First, picture the forest. I want you to be its conscience, the eyes in the trees. The trees are columns of slick, brindled bark like muscular an...
