Say Whaaaaat?

I should probably revisit this post after I get through L2NE THING 22 (podcasts) so I could have the title out loud with appropriate verbal style.

Until then --

The temptation to open and browse through books while cataloging is hard to resist, even though it does diminish productivity.

The opening paragraph of the foreword in one of this morning's shelf of new titles reads, "I was re-reading Voltaire's Candide the other day and, as always, was struck by the ending. After experiencing all the horror that the 18th century was capable of -- war, state- and church-sponsored torture, conscription, slavery -- Candide and his battered crew conclude that 'We must cultivate our garden.' In other words, we cannot reform the world: our job is to tend to those tasks, however humble, that are within our power to accomplish."

This morning's shelf of new titles includes Poetry Speaks Expanded, Grow Organic, and My Story, along with lots of "how to" books.

So what title unexpectedly reminds us of the value of a classic liberal arts education and knowledge of history?

Tah Dah !! Small Gas Engine Repair, 3rd edition.

The thrilling choral line "and make our garden grow" from Bernstein's Candide replays in my head as I compose this entry. I guess I should read Voltaire & listen to Bernstein. All from opening a book on small engine repair.

Come in and browse and you too can experience Library serendipity.