A review by hurricanejoe
Custodians of Wonder: Ancient Customs, Profound Traditions, and the Last People Keeping Them Alive by Eliot Stein

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

5.0

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.