Ghostways: Two Journeys in Unquiet Places by Robert Macfarlane

4/5 stars

What's it about? An exploration of two spaces that unsettle and lure the spirit: a strip of land off the coast of England that hosted nuclear tests and a forgotten valley thoroughfare. In "Ness," Macfarlane fashions a harrowing tale of encroachment, while "Holloway" chronicles friends as they hunt for a passage using instructions from a novel.

How’d I find it? I selected this book during a weekend browse at Bridge Street Books.

Who will enjoy this book? Fans of Roger Deakin, Leanne Shapton, and Rob Cowen's Common Ground

What stood out? The writing is poetic and textured, and the lovely use of illustration and white space allow the reader to soak in the language before moving to the next page of prose. While the two tales differ greatly ("Ness" is certainly more didactic), they complement each other and pair for a delightful read.

Which line made me feel something? From "Holloway:" "...the landscape's pasts felt excitingly alive & coexistent, as if history had pleated back on itself"

Soft Science by Franny Choi

4/5 stars

What's it about? The collection explores the tension between human and human-made, between strength and weakness, control and abandon. Choi's language is rich and intoxicating, a dessert that you finish over several sittings.

How’d I find it? This was a solid birthday gift from my love.

Who will enjoy this book? Fans of contemporary American poets (Hanif Abdurraqib, torrin a. greathouse, Sally Wen Mao, etc.)

What stood out? "Perihelion: A History of Touch" is a standout piece, taking the titles of its various subsections from full moons in the Farmer's Almanac. I am personally skeptical of most books where the word "wound" is used on the first page, as it typically means I'm in store for a book-length exploration of identity — not always the reading experience I'm going for. The craftsmanship of Soft Science makes the appearance of "wound" twice on the first page forgivable. I'm telling you, this is high praise.

Which line made me feel something? There were so many. An example from "A Brief History of Cyborgs:" "Even blood, when it comes down to it, is only a series of rules."