Prompt: Which three books would you take to a deserted island and why?
Survival Stories
When I’m asked what three books would I bring with me to a deserted island, I’m first tempted to list a medical/first aid book and a survival guide, but I know this is not the point of this exercise. Plus I want to have a little bit of fun here, and further introduce you to myself and my interests. Show you what makes me tick. So here’s a list of three books that mean a lot to me, written knowing there are MANY other books I could choose!
Book #1: “Art: A History Of Painting, Sculpture & Architecture” by Frederick Hartt
This massive, art history “Bible” used in many a collegiate Art 100 class offers such a compelling and sweeping overview of the greatest artists and artworks of all time. I’ve been lugging this book around for more than 35 years, and love looking at all the pictures and reading the accompanying text. The book has 360 color plates—so inspiring to me to look at, particularly during periods when I experience trouble with reading (this happens due to my medication). Hartt is a wise, gifted teacher, gently nudging me to explore the questions, What is art? And What makes certain works great, others less so? Perhaps it’s odd that I should choose a college textbook as my #1 book I would bring to the island. But the choice reflects my deep love of learning, being open to constantly being taught by the classic masters, and my deep love and appreciation of the arts. Plus with a whopping 1,087 pages, this book will certainly keep me occupied for a very long time.
Book #2: “Howard Finster, Man of Visions: The Life And Work Of A Self-Taught Artist” by J.F. Turner
Yes, it’s another art book I’d bring along with me for my prolonged stay solo on an island. This biography of a now deceased artist I deeply love was a gift from my mother when I was going through a particularly intense artistic period of my own. The Reverend Howard Finster was a true phenomenon: part gifted self-taught artist; part visionary minister of the Gospel; part eccentric man. His art is powerful and witty, something I’ve strived for in my own art. Finster created as a way to convey religious teachings; I’ve experienced a “calling” of sorts to relay Christian themes as well. I’m actually a proud owner of one of his pieces, a depiction of the first gas car (show group). Turner wrote this book when he was employed by ABC News. He spent a lot of time interviewing Finster for this book, which is written in an extremely interesting interview-type style. Yes, there are numerous color plates of Finster’s works, which I find inspiring and entirely relatable. I find Finster amazing, this man who only finished the sixth grade and now has pieces in the National Gallery of American Art in Washington and the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City.
#3 “Oil!” By Upton Sinclair
The third book I’d bring was really difficult to choose. I wanted to pick an author that made a huge impact on me, and certainly muckraking socialist journalist Upton Sinclair fits the bill. I would choose his “The Jungle” about exploitation of workers in 1900s Chicago meat-packing facilities, but that work is so damn depressing I’m not sure I could stomach repetitive re-readings on my deserted isle. But “Oil!” Is a little more tolerable, describing a father-son duo involved in the 1930s Southern California oil industry and the perils of capitalism and how the son ditches the business for a socialism calling. I love Sinclair’s battle cry to embrace socialism, even though I do see some merits in capitalism. I was a political science major in college, choosing a socialist Advisor to counsel me through my course selections and planning for my future. In addition, my family members worked in the oil industry, and enjoyed all the wealth trappings which i ultimately rejected in my later years. The seeds of Sinclair were planted in me at a young age, and I’m interested in him even though he was writing over 90 years ago. I think everyone should read some of his works, to understand political and business corruption, America’s systemic flaws, and the search for possible solutions.
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