Reviews - Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive

237 reviews for:

Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive

Eliot Stein

4.27 AVERAGE

kind_taylor's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

charidabelle's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Custodians of Wonder is a thoroughly interesting book that looks at traditional customs, crafts, professions and items from around the world that are in danger of being lost to history and the people who are dedicated to keeping them alive. These custodians maintain a deep love and respect for their crafts and it was incredibly moving to read each person’s connection to it.

The book takes the time to examine the origins and histories of not only the traditions but also the countries where they are rooted and the custodians themselves. The result is a very human and personal look at some amazing practices that have stood the test of time.

numinousspirit's review against another edition

5.0

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

hurricanejoe's review

5.0

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

An unexpected surprise, Custodians of Wonder traces ten Customs / Practices / Traditions that are in danger of disappearing. Interlaced with the stories of the people trying to keep the customs alive is a history that covers the culture, people, and in many cases the events that brought about the practice. The blending of culture, custom, and travel / adventure make for, in my opinion, a deeply romantic book that reminds one of the few that do something out of love and obligation.

The ten customs range from music, food, art, and in many cases reflect a deep connection to community. I was deeply moved by the stories involving the World's Rarest Pasta and the Lectors who read to the Cuban Cigar assemblers during their work. Some of the stories seem somewhat silly initially, like Talking to the Bees, until it reveals our deep connection to nature.

I often times seek out travel memoirs hoping to get a glimpse of the cultures that one travels to, yet find myself disappointed that the stories are mostly about the writer. These are the types of stories I crave when hoping to know and understand the people and cultures of this world. It's also a subtle reminder of the fleetingness of beauty that few experience.