Why Literature Still Matters by Jason M. Baxter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This beautiful, little book is the first publication from Cassiodorus Press. Let’s start with the little part: it was the intention of the publisher to provide a ‘pocket-size’ book that one could slip in his purse, large or small, and have with him wherever he was. The beautiful part: I’m going to say one of the things that makes me crazy when people say it of others — It is ‘beautiful inside and out’. Seriously, I usually hate that phrase. It’s like I feel guilty for praising your outward appearance, so I’ve got to get all spiritual. Anyhow, this little book has a beautiful cover, with illustration by young artist Gabriel Chou. The beauty inside is provided by the layout and, of course, Jason Baxter’s very poetic way of delivering his ideas.
I had to laugh at some initial criticism by a couple of people about the font size because it actually proved some of Dr. Baxter’s points. Here’s what I found the font size did for me: I had to slow down. Oh, horrors! Our modern (or post-modern) consumer culture has made us expect things to be smooth and fast. Two things that are illustrated from the start of this beautiful, little book. I could do a whole lot of pointing the finger to other people and our society but could feel that I am complicit also, as I felt compelled to hurry the reading to meet my goal to have it read and reviewed by the end of the weekend in which I received the beautiful, little book in the mail. (I went 3 days past my goal.)
I was particularly struck by how much a high-minded scholar such as Dr. Baxter could be so familiar with contemporary pop culture. When you read his words, it is obvious that these are observations he has made as he goes along with his daily life. He did not go looking for unfamiliar (to him) songs, art, or stories that he could negatively criticize to prove his point — something that other writers do that comes across laughable and ineffective, like old Senators questioning tech people in hearings about things they haven’t a clue about. Because Dr. Baxter lives a life of observation, contemplation, and caring, he comes across as way more authentic than most. His purpose is pure.
Many, many kudos to the staff of Cassiodorus Press for this debut production. I look forward to seeing Angelina Stanford, CP’s Founder and Publisher, “among the regal and magnanimous souls on Dante’s Jupiter”, as Dr. Baxter predicts in his Acknowledgments.
Thank you, Dr. Jason Baxter, for this beautiful, little work, that will be carried about with me in my purse, ready to re-read many, many times. Slowly. Thoughtfully.
