Book Review: The Lost Apothecary

 

Caroline's quest:

"As distraught as I'd been in the last few days, I felt more alive in London--enveloped in an old mystery, an old story -- than I could remember feeling in years. I resolved to continue digging. To push through the dark and look inside of it all."

After learning that her husband has been faithful, Caroline goes on a trip to London by herself. Even though the trip was supposed to be an anniversary trip with her husband, Caroline goes alone and embarks on a personal quest.

The novel is empowering because it features a character who wants to reshape her circumstances.

Much of the novel is about pushing past the surface veneer and seeing the secrets that lie below. After going mud larking, Caroline finds an artifact, a blue apothecary jar with an engraving of a bear. This object reignites her love for history and scholarship that she had long repressed. Before marrying James, she had wanted to pursue a degree at Cambridge in the U.K.

Caroline learns the dreadful truth about the apothecary jar when she does research and even uncovers the centuries old apothecary and its relics. The apothecary register told the story of women who came to the shop seeking help and redress from men who had wronged them

Both a historical mystery and a thrilling treasure hunt, The Lost Apothecary intrigues readers on many levels. The apothecary, Nessa, is a historian recording the stories of women whose stories would otherwise be forgotten. In uncovering Nessa and Eliza's story, Caroline breaks free from her past and reconnect with her dreams.

Most of the story is realistic but there is a hint of the supernatural in it as well. 

Poems with a scientific bent

 

This month I'm focusing on poems with a scientific bent. I found a poem by David Hathwell, "Hidden Force Observed" (2015) that employs scientific themes.

 

Here's a poem written by a poem by a poet who is new to me, Charlotte Turner Smith, but its written much earlier(poets.org).

 Sonnet XLIV ("Sonnet Written in The Church Yard at Middleton in Sussex")

Press’d by the Moon, mute arbitress of tides,
    While the loud equinox its pow’r combines,
    The sea no more its swelling surge confines,
But o’er the shrinking land sublimely rides.
The wild blasts, rising from the Western cave,
    Drives the huge billows from their heaving bed;
    Tears from their grassy tombs the village dead,
And breaks the silent sabbath of the grave!
With shells and seaweed mingled, on the shore,
    Lo! their bones whiten in the frequent wave;
    But vain to them the winds and waters rave;
They hear the warring elements no more:
While I am doom’d—by life’s long storm opprest,
To gaze with envy, on their gloomy rest.

 

I love the phrase "mute arbitress of tides" and "silent sabbath."

The surprise in the end is that the speaker/narrator is envious of the dead. 

Charlotte Turner Smith was a poet and novelist of the Romantic age. 

Snakes survived by going underground

Snakes widely diversified after the Chicxulub crater event that ended the dinosaurs reign. An interesting study shows that the extinction event allowed snakes to diversify, innovate, and thrive. Findings are reported in Nature Communications.

Snakes survived even though all other reptiles perished by moving underground. Their survival which researchers call "creative destruction" was the direct result of the destruction of other life forms. 

Klein, C.G., Pisani, D., Field, D.J. et al. Evolution and dispersal of snakes across the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction. Nat Commun 12, 5335 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-25136-y

How one animal survived the asteroid that killed dinosaurs (inverse.com)

9/11

Photo by Lars Mulder from Pexels
 

Here's what I remember. The day seemed ordinary. I was working in a library--a different one than the one I work at now.

Earlier that morning I heard about a plane hitting one of the towers. No one knew it was terrorism at that time. 

I think by the time I got to work the 2nd tower had been hit. Newscasters were already theorizing terrorism.

Then, at the library, someone had a TV going in the off desk area. This was before web streaming became common place and before smart phones.

The TV was only turned on at the library when important or tragic events were happening. For instance it was on when the Columbine shooting happened.

The towers started falling. 

I had to prepare the desk because we were opening soon. Suddenly, a colleague started crying. He and his fiancee had just been on a trip to see the twin towers in New York scarcely a week ago.

"We were just there," he said, but I knew he wasn't talking only about the place. He was thinking of the senseless deaths, the lives cut short.

 

That colleague, who was also a friend, has passed away now. His marriage didn't work from what I heard.

His was the first honest reaction. Every one else was trying to maintain professional distance I think.

They were in shock but the reality had not settled in. They were still pretending, not letting their guard down, even me. In a library or any job, you have to keep going, provide service, no matter what. This is the mantra of service type jobs. 

That is probably what the stewardesses on the plane did, the captain and the crew. 

Daisy Jones & The Six

 

Daisy is that girl for whom everything comes easily. She has natural beauty, vibrant vocals, and a gift for song writing. Even with all this going for her, she self-destructs in the usual way–drugs and alcohol.

Billy who strives to stay on the straight and narrow calls her dangerous and an “impossible woman.” Even if that is the case, he needs her to take the Six to the next level. His song writing is too romantic. Her songs have a grittier edge that balance out his.

While the story appears to be a typical one, Reid has a way of telling it, as a transcript of a documentary, that is remarkable.

Characters often argue with each other or remember events differently. People blame each other and use one another.

Worst of all, people write songs about the other resulting in hurt feelings. For instance, Daisy writes “Regret Me” about Billy.

While Billy and Daisy croon about the dangers of falling in love, they face similar temptations. Reid’s characters are complex and flawed but easy to relate to.

If you liked reading Daisy Jones and the Six, you may also like the true account Girl in a Band about Sonic Youth or works of fiction about rock bands and music from the 70s.

Blau, Jessica Anya. Mary Jane.

Doan, Amy Mason. Lady Sunshine.

Egan, Jennifer. A Visit From the Goon Squad.

Gabel, Aja. The Ensemble.

Mitchell, David. Utopia Avenue.

Moore, Scotto. Your Favorite Band Cannot Save You.

Sloan, Elissa R. The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes.

Straub, Emma. Modern Lovers.

Daisy Jones and the Six has been adapted as a mini-series for Amazon. If readers are wondering what the songs sound like, they will get to hear the original music in the mini-series (13 episodes).

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

 

Even if you’ve read this classic novel of mystery and suspense before, by re-reading it you will find new facets and nuances to admire. 

Ten people come to an island for different purposes but find themselves fighting for their lives. Among them is a murderer who wants his or her own type of justice. After each death, the adversary meticulously removes a porcelain figure from the dining room table.

A gramophone recording relates that each of these guests have committed an unpardonable sin and have been as of yet beyond the reaches of law. One of them has invited them all here, produced the recording, and eliminating them but who could it be? 

Could it be the young reckless Marston, the well-respected doctor, or the elderly Emily Brent? Could it be General McArthur, the reptilian judge Wargrave, the prim Vera Claythorne, or the callous Philip Lombard? 

This one of Christie's darkest and most intricate mystery. 

Nightbirde

I

ts no often that I'm moved by anyone on AGT; all of the reactions seem so rehearsed. There is something genuine, however, about the singer who calls herself Nightbirde that cannot be ignored. 

The song is called "It's okay," which is perfect for this particular time--when many people do not feel ok .This is a song that asks everyone to accept their situation, whatever it may be.  

She sings with a pleasant, echoing vibrato. For me, its not the performance or the vocals but the actual lyrics that stand out most. For example, she sings, "said I knew myself but I guess I lied."

The Big Door Prize by M.O. Walsh

 

In a novel that's sweetness served up with a side of realism, Walsh explores a small town's inhabitants desire to live the best version of themselves. When a simply plywood cubicle with the word DNAMIX shows up at Johnson's grocery story, it causes the good people of Deerfield to behave in outlandish ways.

The machine, which does a quick DNA scan, determines if an individual has lived up to his or her potential. Ordinary townspeople suddenly decide they are meant to be puppeteers, Olympic champions, magicians, or members of royalty.

The townspeople's gullibility infuriates Douglas Hubbard who feels the machine spits out random occupations. He is flabbergasted and irked to learn that his readout is spot-on. Even though Douglas wants a more exciting life, that of trombone player, the machine tells Douglas his life station is "teacher."

Douglas has been a teacher for years and it leaves him depleted and exhausted. Every day that he teaches feels like eight days instead of one. Naturally, he is irked to find he is the only person in town given such a prosaic life station.

Most of the characters are humorous and endearing. Pat, Deerfield High's principal, refuses to swear yet she uses nonsense words that sound suspiciously like swear words. Tipsy is the town's only cab driver. He drives constantly, taking no money for fares, because it helps him keep a promise he has made to himself.

Father Pete is a good man even if he takes a drink now and then. The mayor nearly abandons his mayoral duties after getting his DNAMIX readout of "cowboy."

Mixed in with the humor, however, is an unfolding mystery. What happened to the mayor's son, Toby? Did he die from a DUI accident or was it something even more sinister? Beneath the amusing stories about Deerfield eccentrics, there is a darker story of the mistreatment of a young woman and the unquenched desire for revenge.

PBS' The Gene Doctors a New Era of Medicine.

This PBS film introduces viewers to a new world of therapies that may help anyone who has an incurable genetic disorder. Scientists are using viruses, messenger DNA, and CRISPR to treat disease at its root level, the genetic mutation that causes disease. 

Research scientists--Dr. Jean Bennet, Dr. Edwin Stone, Dr. Jennifer Doudna, and Dr. Eric Green--make appearances in the film. Viewers also hear from the patients whose lives are directly affected by their research.

Book Review: How I Build This by Guy Raz

 

Business podcaster and journalist, Guy Raz, offers insights on how many innovative companies got started in How I Built This. Raz summarizes key takeaways from his podcast where he interviews founders.

Even though no two stories are alike, there are some similarities. In his estimation, entrepreneurs are open to the call. Some businesses were a direct response to an unmet need. Carol’s Daughter, FUBU, Walker & Co. met the needs of an ethnic demographic. Other companies thrived when their business model tweaks the industry: Airbnb, the Knot, Stitch, Rent the Runway, Canva, Warby Parker.

Entrepreneurs face many obstacles which Raz eloquently describes in Part 2. Some companies are noted for how well they have recovered from setbacks e.g. Jeni’s Splendid ice creams. Others are notable for how well they have pivoted into new niches: Stacy’s Pita Chips, Angie’s Boomchickapop, Slack, Twitch.

Even after companies have succeeded, founders must decide whether to sell or to maintain creative control. Neither decision is right or wrong; it just depends on what the founder’s goals may be.

While there are many success stories, there are a few cautionary tales: Dippin Dots and American Apparel.

How I built This is great for those who want to dip their feet into the entrepreneurial waters. While it offers many tips from the world’s foremost startups, its an enjoyable and engaging read.

Millions of jobs won't be coming back

 

According to the Washington Post, millions of jobs will not be coming back after the pandemic ends. Many people will need to discover or rediscover their "why" (as Sinek calls it). they will need to repurpose, repackage their career or make career shifts and changes.

More people will work from home and less employees will travel. According to the McKinsey Global institute, twenty percent of business travel will end. 

The economy will need the same number of jobs post pandemic as pre-pandemic, but the job duties will change.

Start With Why by Simon Sinek

In  six part and fourteen chapters, Sinek reveals what organizations need to do to be industry leaders. Surprisingly simple, leaders needs to remind employees why the organization was founded in the first place; they need to remember their WHY.

Those organizations that forget their WHY experience a strange bifurcation between what they do and why they do it. According to Sinek, Dell, Microsoft, Walmart, and Starbucks are some of the companies that have forgotten their original purpose. 

For Sinek, it all comes down to a golden circle. At the center of the circle is the company's purpose or passion. The leader turns this golden circle, now imagined as a cone, into a megaphone. Everything the company does, even the people it hires must be aligned with company's purpose. 

Using anecdotes and historical examples, Sinek explains how a trend is different from a fad, how novelty is different from innovation. Real innovation changes the industry and can change society.

Sinek highlight those companies that inspire the most--most notably Apple, Virgin Records, Southwest Airlines but also some less well-known companies.

To be successful, these companies need to market to early adopters and others that share their values. They need a marketing team that effuse their message;  products and services that pass the celery test. They need good successors that keep the WHY alive.

Playwright, Ken Lin

Ken Lin speaks about the universality of performing arts in this Houston Chronicle article:

 “My parents were immigrants, and I grew up in a family where some people didn't speak English...So as a child, I learned the power of storytelling and also of nonverbal communication. I was drawn to the performing arts because of how universal they are.”

Lin is best known for the plays Po Boy Tango, Farewell My Concubine, and Kleptocracy. 

https://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Playwright-Kenneth-Lin-is-realizing-his-dreams-1706503.php

Arrokoth

Detected in 2014, Arrokoth is the most distant and  object  explored by spacecraft so far. 

Arrokoth is the Powhatan/Algonquin word for sky. 

        Credits: NASA/John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Southwest Research Institute/Roman Tkachenko

For a great overview of everything space-related see Universe which is streaming on Netflix (an eighteen part series). 

German Library Acquires 400 Year Old Friendship Book

 

Mymodernnet.com reports that a German library,  Herzog August Bibliothek Wolfenbüttel acquired a 400 year-old "friendship" book containing the signatures of kings and emperors.

This is like a modern day equivalent of a yearbook.

Grants for Cozy Mystery Writers

For my writer friends,

Cozy mysteries accepted between January 1 and November 1.

https://www.malicedomestic.org/grants-program.html

• Authors are invited to submit one work in progress per submission period.
• The Grants Committee is looking for works in progress that are consistent with the Malice Domestic genre of Traditional Mystery, typified by the works of Agatha Christie. These works contain no explicit gore, violence, or sex. 
• The submission period is from January 1 - November 1 every year.
• Please include your author name, story title, brief bio, contact email, and phone number on your submission. 
• Submissions are accepted via email (click below).
• Please contact our Grants Chair Harriette Sackler with any questions regarding your submission or the Grants Program. 

The Memory Garden by Mary Rickert

 

Perfect for Halloween, The Memory Garden by Mary Rickert is a treat. 

Mistaken for a witch, Nan is actually an older lady who happens to have a shoe garden. People send her cast-off shoes and they become the perfect planters for hollyhock, pennyroyal and mallow. 

Along with harsh words, people leave clothes, bread, honey. Eventually, someone leaves a baby in a shoe box. This sets all kind of figurative fireworks and changes the course of Nan's life. 

The author's use of foreshadowing is superb:

"Nan tries to hold her breath against the scent of memory, but there they are, the three of them in whispered conference, standing in the snow, promising to die with the secret of Eve's last hours, bound by the very oath that would tear them asunder."

This is a story of three old women with a dark secret and the baby (now grown into a teenager) whom Nan has adopted.

Similar titles:

Shipman, Viola. The Heirloom Garden.