The Book Blog

Good afternoon everyone, everyone good afternoon!

The book I have chosen to discuss this week means a lot to me. Whenever anyone asks me about a book that impacted my thinking, this book is my answer. Please enjoy my brief description, and if you decide to read this book, you will be rewarded with quite a story.

"Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn is a philosophical novel that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world through a unique narrative framework. The story centers on a disillusioned narrator who responds to an ad from a teacher seeking a pupil interested in saving the world. This leads him to Ishmael, a telepathic gorilla who becomes his mentor. (I know that is a bit of a stretch, but rewarding if you can stay with it!)

Ishmael divides human societies into two categories: the "Takers" and the "Leavers." The Takers represent modern, industrialized societies that exploit the environment, while the Leavers are traditional societies that live in harmony with nature. Through their dialogues, Ishmael challenges the narrator to reconsider the common assumptions about civilization, progress, and human destiny.

A central theme is the Takers' cultural mythology, which began with the Agricultural Revolution. This mythology promotes the idea that humans are the pinnacle of evolution and have the right to dominate the earth. Ishmael argues that this mindset leads to environmental destruction and the potential collapse of human civilization.

Ishmael also introduces the concept of "Mother Culture," an invisible force shaping beliefs and behaviors within Taker society. This narrative perpetuates the false notion that human well-being is separate from the well-being of the planet. Ishmael highlights the interconnectedness of all life and the need for a new cultural mythology that respects the natural world. Ishmael also delves into how organized religion has played a role in our culture.

Ultimately, "Ishmael" challenges readers to question their cultural assumptions and consider the ethical implications of their relationship with the environment. The novel advocates for sustainable, ecological principles and a rejection of exploitative practices, encouraging a deeper reflection on humanity's place in the world and the choices shaping our future.

Hello Everyone, Everyone Hello!

For my blog post this go around I will be switching back to my non-fiction graphic novel theme! I read this one a while ago, but it has a resonating message for our times.

"Tiananmen 1989" is a poignant and powerful graphic novel that delves into one of the most significant and tragic events in modern Chinese history. Written and illustrated by Lun Zhang with co-authors Adrien Gombeaud and Ameziane, the novel provides a gripping and emotional account of the 1989 pro-democracy protests in Tiananmen Square. It is almost hard to believe this was 35 short years ago y’all!

Through stunning artwork and compelling storytelling, the graphic novel captures the fervor and idealism of the student-led movement, while also shedding light on the harsh realities of government suppression and censorship. The authors skillfully intertwine personal narratives with historical context, offering readers a multifaceted understanding of the events leading up to the infamous June 4th massacre. The main voice you hear from is a professor of Sociology, who aids students and citizens and helps organize them.

What sets "Tiananmen 1989" apart is its humanizing portrayal of the individuals involved in the protests. From the idealistic students to the weary soldiers, each character is rendered with depth and empathy, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and sacrifices. The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the brutality of the crackdown, yet it also emphasizes the resilience and spirit of the protesters in the face of adversity.

In addition to its compelling narrative, "Tiananmen 1989" is also a visually stunning work of art. Ameziane's illustrations are both evocative and haunting, capturing the chaos and emotion of the protests with striking detail and nuance.

Overall, "Tiananmen 1989" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the events that shook China and the world three decades ago. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of free expression and the enduring quest for democracy.

Tiananmen 1989: Our Shattered Hopes by Adrien Gombeaud; Lun Zhang

ISBN: 9781684056996

Publication Date: 2020-06-16

Follow the story of China's infamous June Fourth Incident -- otherwise known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre -- from the first-hand account of a young sociology teacher who witnessed it all. Over 30 years ago, on April 15th 1989, the occupation of Tiananmen Square began. As tens of thousands of students and concerned Chinese citizens took to the streets demanding political reforms, the fate of China's communist system was unknown. When reports of soldiers marching into Beijing to suppress the protests reverberated across Western airwaves, the world didn't know what to expect. Lun Zhang was just a young sociology teacher then, in charge of management and safety service for the protests. Now, in this powerful graphic novel, Zhang pairs with French journalist and Asia specialist Adrien Gombeaud, and artist Ameziane, to share his unvarnished memory of this crucial moment in world history for the first time. Providing comprehensive coverage of the 1989 protests that ended in bloodshed and drew global scrutiny, Zhang includes context for these explosive events, sympathetically depicting a world of discontented, idealistic, activist Chinese youth rarely portrayed in Western media. Many voices and viewpoints are on display, from Western journalists to Chinese administrators. Describing how the hope of a generation was shattered when authorities opened fire on protestors and bystanders, Tiananmen 1989 shows the way in which contemporary China shaped itself.