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Let’s wrap up non-fiction week, here @ heatherfromthegrove, with a little humor.

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“Joy has been leaking out of our life… We have let the new Puritans take over, spreading a layer of foreboding across the land until even ignorant small children rarely laugh anymore. Pain has become nobler than pleasure; work, however foolish or futile, nobler than play; and denying ourselves even the most harmless delights marks the suitably somber outlook on life.”

– Barbara Holland, Endangered Pleasures: In Defense of Naps, Bacon, Martinis, Profanity, and Other Indulgences

There’s nothing like a little hedonism on a hot summer day. Endangered Pleasures is an unabashed and irreverent ode to self-indulgence. In defense of small vices and taking time to smell the roses, the late Barbara Holland reminds us that we should loosen our ties, kick off our shoes and… live a little bit.  Have some fun. If only Barbara Holland had met someone like Alexis Zorba (Zorba the Greek)… they would have shared quite a few dances together!

This beautifully written book contains essays that extol every simple, little joy – from waking up in the morning to padding barefoot around the house and yard. Holland’s wry sense of humor comes through, loud and clear, making us realize that sometimes we take ourselves way too seriously.

Here are a few Barbara-isms (her endangered pleasures):

“The cold and limey rattle of a vodka-tonic being walked across the lawn.”

“Finishing our tax returns.”

“The smells of the morning paper, cut grass, and old leather jackets.”

“A glass of cold champagne and a perfectly ripe pear, perhaps with a spoonful of caviar eaten straight from the jar.”

“Singing to ourselves in the car.”

I’m so happy that I came across this book, but sad that the author has since passed away. Endangered Pleasures is a great summer read, so kick off  your shoes, pour yourself a glass of something and have a good chuckle. Life’s too short.