“I can’t even enjoy a blade of grass unless I know there’s a subway handy, or a record store or some other sign that people do not totally regret life.” – Frank O’Hara, “Meditations In An Emergency”
What up dudes! Yes, the title is vague. So is the way I approach reading in July, which is not a designated month, but is a time where I am outside a lot and thinking about nature. On this book list, you’ll find fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. There isn’t much to tie them together, because of the aforementioned vagueness of the prompt I give myself. Also, this is far from a comprehensive list—unlike last month, when I pre-emptively told you to read two books that I was in the process of reading, I have read everything on this list.
One thing, though: all of my books are still packed away from the house repairs I’ve had going on, so you’re getting image rips for all of these. Also, since I can’t really reference my shelves, I’m working off the top of my head. So this is non-exhaustive, but there will be plenty of Julys.
THIS NEST, SWIFT PASSERINE by Dan Beachy-Quick
A 55-page book-length poem that is sort of a quintessential nature poem. Look, I took four poetry workshops in undergrad, and we read like 10 books per semester. Some made indelible impressions, and this is one of them. Bonus points for the way it incorporates quotes from other texts, really becoming bigger than itself.
DINOSAURS by Lydia Millet
I’ve read three Millet books, but haven’t read two of them in about 12 years, so functionally? I’ve read this one. All of her work, though, interacts with and thinks about the environment and our role in it in fascinating ways. Plus, her prose has this breezy, effortless quality that is really pleasing to read. This particular novel is one of those where you kinda don’t want anything bad to happen to any of the characters. Life, unfortunately, finds a way—aaaaaand if I’m gonna end with that, I should say that this is not a literary rehash of Jurassic Park or It Dinosaur Follows.
THE ONLY GOOD INDIANS by Stephen Graham Jones
Ever hear the thing about how Indigenous Americans “used the whole animal?” Well. Read this category-defying horror novel to find out what terrors await if they don’t. Probably my favorite creature feature book, also a slasher, also folk horror (I think?). And hey, it made me think about hunting a little differently, too.
DEATH AND LIFE OF THE GREAT LAKES by Dan Egan
A nonfiction history of The Great Lakes that is equal parts depressing (because of all the havoc we’ve wreaked) and fascinating (I learned so goddamn much about ecosystems dudes). Absolutely worth your time if you live near one of the Great Lakes, or just appreciate water. A great Dad book, too.
TO BE A WATER PROTECTOR by Winona LaDuke
Absolutely worth your time if you need water to live. LaDuke is a veteran activist and enrolled member of the White Earth Nation. You probably know this, but I didn’t—she was also Ralph Nader’s VP pick. An endorsement from the Seat Belts Guy goes a long way in my book, as does LaDuke’s simple, repeated assertion: water is life. Another nonfiction book that’s not always great for your mood, but is a good read that will affect your thinking.
GALÁPAGOS by Kurt Vonnegut
There’s some gruff and blunt discussions of natural selection, and there’s some incest. The depiction of the young girls from a made-up uncontacted tribe of hunter-gatherers is, uh—we’d probably handle it slightly differently today. That all said, Kurt is a lover of people and the planet, even if the former disappoints him all the time. Definitely one of those sci-fi books that makes you think on longer timelines. Top five Vonnegut book for me.
THE OLD MAN AND THE SEA by Ernest Hemingway
If you haven’t read it, here’s a classic you can knock out in an afternoon. Timeless tale of a man wrestling with the ocean and its various fish. Look, Hemingway has his haters, and I understand it. I love this novel, though. Also, the first chapter of A Farewell To Arms has some of the best nature-and-war writing I’ve ever read.
BLACK PASTORAL by Ariana Benson
Because why shouldn’t Black poets also write pastoral poems? I’ve read this a few times on the blog, and recommended it before, but really. Read this book.
MIDWINTER DAY by Bernadette Mayer
A book I have previously read | every | year, but am now going to read every other year (switching it out with Ross Gay’s Be Holding each year as my year-end read). This long poem was (allegedly, maybe, I’m not saying it wasn’t just saying I find it hard to believe) written entirely over the course of a winter solstice. It’s also the story of a winter solstice day. I love domestic poetry, the cataloging of what it’s like to be a parent and a partner and a poet, and Mayer is a titan of domestic poetry.
That’s it! I could think of more if I could access my shelves. Again, there will be more Julys. Go forth, read books, and enjoy the weather (without inducing heat stroke, stay hydrated and remember that air conditioning is life-saving). Even if you’re like Frank O’Hara and need buildings around. I get it. I am too.
Sorry you got an email,
Chris