Friday, March 23, 2018

Philosopher's Crystal: Treacherous Terrain of Tassatarius by Marcin Dolecki


(c) Mustang Press and Marcin Dolecki

The Philosopher's Crystal is a philosophical fantasy that will pull you in, leaving you with the knowledge of several philosopher's basic ideals. Originally written in Polish, I read the translated English version and did not notice any discrepancies that would take away from the story. 

Our story begins with a bit of background from the all mighty Tassatarius, emperor of a land that despises his rule. He likes to play games with those who work for him, and is quick to sentence those who displease him to death. With curfews, forced political beliefs, and little rights for his citizens, people have been trying to break free from his power, but no one has yet been successful.

The story flashes to our main character, Philip, whose parents have been arrested for owning books and believing in other political beliefs than those demonstrated by Emperor Tassatarius. Philip just turned twenty, the legal adult age for those who live in his land, and is worried that the emperor will come after him next. He unexpectedly meets a girl named Julia, who was oddly around his home just before curfew hit. Taking a chance and being kind, Philip allows Julia to stay the night, even though the two are strangers. From here, the plot picks up quickly, and the pair are thrown into a time-traveling plot that (oddly enough) transports them to different famous philosophers from throughout time! Traveling to Roman Africa, Amsterdam, and even an Indian jungle, Philip and Julia meet Augustine of Hippo, Descartes, and Shankara--philosophers who willingly share their wisdom and views. This book has an ending that is more reality-based than fantasy, so take the plot as is and have fun with it!

The author, Marcin Dolecki, is an admirer of brevity, or the "concise and exact use of words in writing or speech," as stated in his foreward to the Philosopher's Crystal. This is important to know, as it helps sets the tone and pacing of the story. Mr. Dolecki's writing is very to-the-point, which benefits the reader when it comes to our main characters encountering famous philosophers. The explanations of each philosopher's ideals is short and elaborated with questions and counter-points from both Philip and Julia. The writing demonstrates knowledge without the jargon you may hear from a lecture or read in textbooks. It felt a bit like going back to school, which I mean in the fondest way possible. If I were in a philosophy course, I would want to read the Philosopher's Crystal as either part of my coursework or as a supplement to understanding basic ideals. I hope to read more philosophy fantasy books from Mr. Dolecki in the future!

If you enjoy debating the ideas of life and philosophy in general, and enjoy a thrilling, fast-paced story, then this is the book for you!


Photo by Beata Wysokińska (2014)
About the Author (from his website):

Marcin Dolecki is a philosopher (MA), chemist (MSc), and historian of chemistry (PhD).

He works as an educator at the Antonina Leśniewska Museum of Pharmacy (a division of the Museum of Warsaw). He gave lectures on the history of chemistry and philosophy at the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Warsaw.

He is an enthusiast of cycling, and has visited Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Ukraine on his bike. He is also a big fan of ancient cultures, history of Ethiopia, and of vintage buses.

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Hello Seattle!

Hi Gals and Guys,

I am in between a few books and am a bit behind on my requests. To those who I said I would review, please be patient, I am currently writing a review and am in between a couple more books. :)

In the meantime, I would like to share with you a bit of history from Seattle. With permission from my lovely friend with a passion for architecture, I would like to present to you... *drum roll please* the Seattle Public Library!

A bit of history:
(c) A.T.R. 2018
The Seattle Public Library had a rough start. In 1868, the town gathered to form a library association, which later became an official city department in 1890. Tight budgets led to a small existence for the library until 1899, when the library rented the Yesler Mansion, the "city's most elegant structure!" Unfortunately, in early 1901, a fire destroyed the mansion and much of the collection. The library had to be restored. Andrew Carnegie heard of the disaster and agreed to donate $200,000 to help create a fireproof library, which benefited the $50,000 budget the city had already raised towards a new library and maintenance. After much debate between city members and the library board, it was decided that the block between Fourth and Fifth Avenue and Madison and Spring Streets would be the new site of the library and was bought in 1902. An architecture competition then ensued, with a total of thirty firms competing! The ultimate winner of the contest was Peter J. Weber, who created a design for the library based on a Beaux-Arts design. Beaux-Arts architecture is a style that evolved from Roman and Greek influence, focusing on symmetry, interior spacing, columns and pediments, stone materials, statues/figures, a raised story, and a very decorative surface in all. (Seattle Public Library Website, Chicago Architecture Foundation)

(c) A.T.R. 2018
Over time, the library grew as the city did, with branches opening in the surrounding neighborhoods. Andrew Carnegie was a key philanthropist and donated much to fuel the growth of the libraries. But, by the 1920's and continuing into the depression, the library (termed the Carnegie Library due to the amount funded by the philanthropist) went through much change. Overzealous patrons who were down on their luck and a dwindling budget led to crowded facilities, an issue that helped push the city to develop a 10-year plan to expand the library. The library was also a source of information during wartime, with circulation increasing throughout the years. With its popularity rising, the library had to undergo physical changes to accommodate the public's needs. The old Carnegie library was knocked down, and in 1960, a new main library branch designed by a Seattle firm, Bindon & Wright. This new branch had a particularly interesting innovation - a drive-up window for book pick-ups! (Seattle Public Library Website)

(c) A.T.R. 2018
Celebrating its 100th birthday in 1991, the Seattle Public Library looked once more into revamping the premises. In 1998, a project titled "Libraries for All" proposed a makeover for the library, which gained much public approval, and the project was voted in. The project led to four new library branches in neighborhoods without libraries, as well as the overall expansion and renovation of current branches, including the large main branch. This once again led to a decision of who would design the new renovated branch. Out of 29 architecture projects, Rem Koolhaas won with his unique glass design, for which he won the highest architecture honor: a Pritzker Prize. Rem Koolhaas is known for his "gravity-defying" architecture designs, focusing much on glass and shape. His designs have built up his reputation to be one of the best architects of the 21st century! His design of the Seattle Public Library provided a glass and steel frame, which now houses a book spiral and a "living room" overlooking Fifth Avenue. The reopening of the main branch was in May 2004, with the Libraries for All project finishing in 2008. (Seattle Public Library Website, Architecture & Design Magazine)

A spectacular open and airy space to visit, relax, and read, the Seattle Public Library has helped provide a haven for those seeking knowledge and leisure since it was built. If you have not visited yet, both my friend and I highly recommend it!
(c) A.T.R. 2018
(c) A.T.R. 2018
(c) A.T.R. 2018

Have you visited any remarkable libraries lately and would like to share your story? Let me know in the comments below!


Thursday, March 1, 2018

His Name is Joe by Chloe Mathis and Mimi Lou Martin

(c) Paps Publishing, Chloe Mathis and Mimi Lou Martin
His Name is Joe is the story about a boy who cannot walk and uses a wheelchair to navigate. Joe's schoolmates do not understand why he uses a wheelchair and end up staring at him. Although he admits that it happens quite often, Joe takes this in stride and, with a smile, communicates with those who stare to please stop staring and to say hi. Through his verbal communication and friendliness, Joe makes easy friends with fellow classmates Jimmy and Jill.

His Name is Joe is a cute illustrated book, with images drawn by the author's grandchildren. Her character Joe exhibits well taught manners and an understanding that while you may look different, you are still the same as everyone else - a person who wants to belong. I would recommend this story for children who can read longer stories by themselves or are able to sit through wordy text and few illustrations (approximately 4 years +), and for those children who have questions about others with disabilities. Well written and well-meaning, I definitely recommend His Name is Joe to those young at heart, for it is a story that will definitely put a smile on your face.


About the Author (from her website):
Mimi Lou Martin wants to make the world a better place, one story at a time! With her grandchildren's help, Ms. Martin achieves her goal through their heartwarming stories. Beginning with His Name is Joe, a charming book with a powerful message about a young boy in a wheelchair, each of Joe’s books is perfect for entertaining kids while making a positive difference in the world, one page, and one book at a time.

In addition to writing stories with her grandchildren, Mimi loves writing adventure novels for tweens and teens. In Song of the Eagle, what starts as a tale of vengeance becomes an unforgettable story of overcoming racial prejudice in a heart-opening way that rules and regulations could never accomplish. In her page-turner sequel, Adventures of Breezy Texas, adventures and surprises abound. One of the best surprises in this tall tale is the heroine, Molly Anderson. Molly is the main character in a story written by Mimi’s mother, Etta Pruitt Martin.

Mimi also enjoys writing short stories for the older generations on her blog and sharing treasured family stories. Mimi lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas with her husband, Jack Mathis. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.

You can visit her website for more information and for more warmhearted stories!