Böcker av Phil Trapp

Humans are always drawn to flowers – for joy, for love, for meaning, and for connection with the natural world. In “Grandfather’s Legacy…”, we have met the narrator before – as the beloved and wise Grandfather who shares his views of humanity in “Did the Smarter Apes Stay in the Trees?” The current book is a treasure trove of writings on flowers collected (and some written) by Grandfather and discovered by his Grandson after his death in a box in the attic . This eclectic and unorganized collection of facts, fables, and folklore about “earth stars” (his name for flowers) included stories from mythology, poems celebrating flowers over the millennia, and tales of the intricate language of flowers seen in the Victorian Age. Together, the assorted writings reflected what Grandson knew to be his Grandfather’s passion for flowers and their role in human history and the world today – in effect, his legacy. Grandfather claimed, “Flora…[are]…truly a culture-free language, understood by the young and old, the dull and the bright, the saint and the sinner, all over the known worldwide.” So for lovers of flowers, this book enriches our understanding of flowers. The selection of poems and myths about flowers is a uniquely personal perspective on the meaning of flowers over the ages.  And there is more. Because Grandfather had firm convictions about the state of the world and an ironic, humorous approach to sharing his views, the writings are embellished by his own whimsical fictions. These begin with erstwhile graduate student and the discovery of Adam’s diary (and the real story of Adam, Eve, and Eden, the First Garden) and ending with a talking woodchuck who reenacted in a mini-drama a conference of the flowers discussing the endangered species Homo sapiens.  As an author, Trapp provides a unique voice and a distinctive writing style that challenges our thinking and adds to our knowledge.

Does the state of the world leave you feeling battered, gloomy, depressed?Phil Trapp's new book will have you laughing despite yourself. The title - Did the Smarter Apes Stay in the Trees? - should be a dead giveaway that this satire takes an irreverent, tongue-in-cheek look at human foibles.The book is written in the form of five taped dialogues between Grandfather, the fount of wisdom, and his newly graduated, somewhat lost Grandson. Grandfather proposes a hilarious group of related theories about human intelligence, including the role of Dum-Dum (DD) and Smart-Smart (SS) cells in some of the more irrational, ill-considered, yet basic human behaviors. Few beliefs are left unchallenged, beginning with Adam and Eve and continuing through healthcare today.Grandfather's theory can explain the brilliance of the discovery of DNA, the invention of quantum mechanics, and the landing of a space shuttle on the moon. On the other hand, the theory also sheds light on such follies as the boarding of flies and mosquitoes on Noah's Ark, Custer's Last Stand, and the vote for prohibition. Drawings by Rhonda Butler underscore the whimsy in some of his concepts.Over these conversations, Grandfather also shares his understanding of the inconsistencies and inherent flaws in the perspectives of many in our most valued professions, including medicine, theology, science, education, and law. Nothing is sacred. Each new revelation pushes the satire further, challenging commonly-held beliefs. The reader is torn between laughing out loud, wincing, and snickering appreciatively at the creativity of Trapp's reworking of the facts of life as we know it.Some examples of Grandfather's dry wit will help flesh out the workings of his mind. On human intelligence: "Since the brain is 80 percent water, it's little wonder most of our lives are all wet." On religion: "That it's much more fun being bad than good is proof of the pudding there is more devil than angel in us." On health: "Heart mechanics charge a heap more for valve jobs than auto mechanics because they have to keep the engine running." A secondary theme running through the dialogues is the common flaw of taking life too seriously, the tragedy lying in the roadblocks it sets up to happiness, the much-needed balance to grim reality.This is a book to be read slowly and savored. The levels of meaning and humor can be appreciated on first reading, but there is even more to enjoy on subsequent readings. The satire can also be an ideal gift to a friend or relative associated with one of the professions challenged in Grandfather's world view.