Absinthe & Flamethrowers
Registered by 
GoryDetails
of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 1/25/2021
This Book is Currently in the Wild!
GoryDetails of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 1/25/2021 This Book is Currently in the Wild!
1 journaler for this copy...
I got this softcover, subtitled "Projects and ruminations on the art of living dangerously", from an online seller, for another release copy. It's a collection of different things to do to try and add a little edginess to one's life. [I actually did try making absinthe some years back when I had a nice wormwood crop, so I already have a notch or two from the table of contents!]
The author opens with a discussion of the value of risk-taking and the - well, the risks, if you will - of trying to over-protect people. While I agree with the premise, it can be tricky to find the balance between acceptable risk and destructive foolhardiness; the author admits this himself, and anyone who reads the table of contents is likely to find some items a bit much while others just plain sound like fun. The book does present some criteria for what the author calls "artfully dangerous activities", and I think it could be the basis for some great discussion if you're facing down a friend or family member who's got a very different thrill-threshold from your own.
Chapter titles like "Obtainium" (how to get materials) and "The Inner McGyver" (pretty much what it sounds like) certainly invite dipping in, even if I don't plan on making a flamethrower any time soon. There's a section on "The Minor Vices" that covers things like driving really fast, smoking, and even pranks. The "Physical Arts" chapter includes instructions on how to crack a bullwhip or throw knives.
"Thrill Eating" was perhaps my favorite chapter. It does touch on the truly dangerous things like fugu, but also points out the simple thrill of eating outside your comfort zone, whatever that might be.
And yes, there is a chapter on how to make and use a flamethrower: "Before we get started with flamethrower fabrication, decide if you really want to do this. I think flamethrowers are novel and interesting, but you may feel differently. The risks (serious burns, setting the garage on fire, or a visit from an angry policeman) may not be worth the return. If that's the way you feel, no worries, just move on to a different project. But if you know this and still want to go ahead, then read on." And that pretty much sums up the book!
The author opens with a discussion of the value of risk-taking and the - well, the risks, if you will - of trying to over-protect people. While I agree with the premise, it can be tricky to find the balance between acceptable risk and destructive foolhardiness; the author admits this himself, and anyone who reads the table of contents is likely to find some items a bit much while others just plain sound like fun. The book does present some criteria for what the author calls "artfully dangerous activities", and I think it could be the basis for some great discussion if you're facing down a friend or family member who's got a very different thrill-threshold from your own.
Chapter titles like "Obtainium" (how to get materials) and "The Inner McGyver" (pretty much what it sounds like) certainly invite dipping in, even if I don't plan on making a flamethrower any time soon. There's a section on "The Minor Vices" that covers things like driving really fast, smoking, and even pranks. The "Physical Arts" chapter includes instructions on how to crack a bullwhip or throw knives.
"Thrill Eating" was perhaps my favorite chapter. It does touch on the truly dangerous things like fugu, but also points out the simple thrill of eating outside your comfort zone, whatever that might be.
And yes, there is a chapter on how to make and use a flamethrower: "Before we get started with flamethrower fabrication, decide if you really want to do this. I think flamethrowers are novel and interesting, but you may feel differently. The risks (serious burns, setting the garage on fire, or a visit from an angry policeman) may not be worth the return. If that's the way you feel, no worries, just move on to a different project. But if you know this and still want to go ahead, then read on." And that pretty much sums up the book!
Journal Entry 2 by GoryDetails at LFL - High St. (1) #109391 in Dunstable, Massachusetts USA on Wednesday, March 3, 2021
GoryDetails at LFL - High St. (1) #109391 in Dunstable, Massachusetts USA on Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Released 3 yrs ago (3/3/2021 UTC) at LFL - High St. (1) #109391 in Dunstable, Massachusetts USA
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
Guidelines for safely visiting and stocking Little Free Libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, from the LFL site here.I left this book in the Little Free Library; hope someone enjoys it!
[See other recent releases in MA here.]
*** Released for the 2021 Wine+Food challenge. ***
*** Released for the 2021 4 Elements challenge. ***
