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Re-reading the Mars trilogy. This middle volume was mostly as I remembered. But I seem to find several of the characters viewpoints less painful to read this time around, including Michael and Ann. Also, struck by how close the depiction of Praxis was to naive positive viewpoints people have, or have had, about Google.

This may be the finest collection of black and white photographs I have seen. The details and nuances Adams is able to achieve are incredible. Viewing these pictures is restorative and recreates a reverence for nature. Includes commentaries by Wallace Stegner, among others, that peer into Adams’ philosophies and techniques as well as his conservation efforts. There are a few personal notes from Adams as well that read like poetry. I particularly enjoyed his description of his first visit to Yosemite. Some interesting info: Adams studied piano for years, intending to be a concert pianist. He worked with natural light, tending to reject darkroom manipulation. He wrote more than 1,000 letters regarding issues of park and wilderness management. “My task which I am trying to achieve is...before all, to make you see. That—and no more, and it is everything.” An exquisite, eloquent book.

Great, great book. I wish I could read it again for the first time. Wonderful exploration of what it means to be American.