One of the wonderful things about reading book blogs is discovering books that someone I like and admire loves. Some I might have found anyway, others I know I would never have found in a million years.
The Black Book of Colorsby Menena Cottin and Rosana Faria, translated by Elisa Amado and published by Groundwood Books, is one book I never would have found on my own.
This is an unusual and astonishing picture book. Every page is black. The text is clear, simple and written in braille, the raised alphabet for the blind that is made up of patterns of dots, along with raised typeface. The illustrations are textures embossed on inky dark pages. A sighted reader must read the book tactilely, the way a blind person would. This book expands the reader’s universe. I think reading it with a child would be a wonderful experience, offering a starting point for discussions on different ways of being in the world.
I discovered this book while checking out the book list on Herding Cats II. It was listed by Vasilly at 1330v, one of my favorite blogs. Vasilly is another blogger who welcomed me into the blogging community. She leaves lovely and encouraging comments and has great taste in books. She is a mom, a student who would love to become a children’s librarian, and a prolific blogger.
Another book I never would have found on my own is Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson.
Monkey Beach is a story of a young First Nations woman growing up on the rugged coast of British 
Columbia. It is filled with intense landscapes, finely drawn characters, great humor and mysterious beings.
Lisamarie grows up in Kitamaat, a reserve that is home to the Haisla people. She is tough, independent and is visited by ghosts and spirits. Her life is filled with mystery and she is surrounded by people who are struggling to blend native traditions with modern life. In clear, direct language Robinson blends modern times with distant memories.
I have always been fascinated by stories of spirits and shape-shifting. These kinds stories are told by different cultures all over the world. Monkey Beach is a wonderful example of mixing modern struggles with different cultural beliefs.
I would never have found this book without a suggestion from Nymeth at things mean a lot. Nymeth is amazingly, she leaves wonderful comments, writes many, many amazing reviews and creates very perceptive, thought-provoking posts. She is one of my favorite bloggers.
If you would like to find out more about Book Bloggers Appreciation Week please visit this site.
Page247 
Nymeth is one of my favorite bloggers, too. :)
Nymeth is an amazing blogger. She has recieved the award fro Best Reviews and definitely deserves it.
The Black Book of Colours is such a great bok. I gotta check it out!
BBAW: Which book blogger is responsible for this?
It is a lovely book.
Vasilly and Nymeth both have great blogs and give great recommendations. Love them. Don’t know if I could read white on black book though.
Nicole – Both Nymeth and Vasilly are bloggers that left me comments when I first started my blog. I appreciate them tremendously!
The Black Book of Colors is not whit text on a black background. The text is raised from the inky black paper and you have to read it with your fingers! It is a beautiful book.
I read Monkey Beach a few years ago, before I started blogging. I had totally forgotten about it…thanks for the reminder!
I loved Monkey Beach and want to find her book of short stories. Thanks for stopping by.
THE BLACK BOOK OF COLOURS sounds like an amazing read. It’s great to see that there are still picture books for blind children, and I’m sure it would be a great read even for a sighted child, for all the reasons you mentioned.
Nymeth’s one of my favourite bloggers, too. My wishlist wouldn’t be nearly as large without her!
Memory – The Book of Black Colors is a beautiful book, almost an art piece. And I know what you mean about Nymeth adding titles to your wishlist!
The Black Book of Colors sounds VERY intriguing. I would never have heard of that one either if I hadn’t read about it here.
E.L. Fay – The Black Book of Colors is beautiful.
Wow, both of these books sound really intriguing! The Black Book of Colors sounds like such a unique experience.
Emily – The Black Book of Colors is beautiful. The more I think about it, the more it feels like an art piece.
Monkey Beach sounds like an interesting read, and I’ve added it to my TBR list, thanks!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Gavin! I’m so glad you enjoyed Monkey Beach!
I also indirectly owe the discovery of the book I’m reading right now (and loving!) to you: Mortal Love by Elizabeth Hand. I was looking at the list of authors you link to and thinking how many of them are favourites of mine too. Then I noticed her name. I remembered reading a great short story of hers once, so I clicked over to her site, read about this book, and immediately HAD to have it! Thank you :D
I love both of these books! So nice to see them highlighted. Isn’t it amazing the number of books reviewed and brought to attention by bloggers? I love it!