Well, I’ve reached the end of my “Twelve Days of Christmas” series, and let me tell you, this final trio of True Love’s gifts has been challenging. In relation to the song, I can’t imagine what anyone would do with ten lords a-leaping, eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming – sounds entirely too chaotic and noisy, in my opinion. In relation to the column, would you be surprised to learn that leaping lords and piping pipers are not well represented in the book world? Challenging? Yes, but not to worry. If you’ve been following “Check It Out” this month, you’ll recall that I advised in part one of this series that readers will need to “go with the flow.” Therefore, let the flow begin.
- “Born to Drum: The Truth About the World’s Greatest Drummers — from John Bonham and Keith Moon to Sheila E. and Dave Grohl” by Tony Barrell.
You may not want twelve drummers descending upon your household during Christmas celebrations, but a book about real drummers might be the perfect holiday read. No beating around the bush: this book celebrates all things percussion.
- “Clanlands: Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other” by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish.
Pipers and bagpipers — that feels like a good fit. Someday I would love to visit Scotland (I have genealogical ties); in the meantime, I can experience my homeland through the adventures of others like Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish. The Campbells are coming, tra la, la la …
- “DIY Industrial Pipe Furniture & Décor: Creative Projects for Every Room of Your Home” by James Angus.
If you can’t find a piper, a pipe will have to do — that is, a book about interior design using industrial pipes. Check out this unique guide, and get creative with cylinders and tubes.
