Book Review: Two books by former ministers in our area: ‘Postcards from Inner Space’ and ‘Where Do Butterflies Go at Night?’

I recently read two books by former ministers in our area whom I am lucky enough to have known. Both books are full of life and color, and both show a sensitivity to nature. That’s about all they have in common, other than my hearty recommendation that readers purchase them as holiday gifts.

“Postcards from Inner Space” (privately published, 225 pages, $20) comes from the remarkable, creative brain of the late Armand Proulx of Greenfield. The minister for a number of years at Greenfield’s Second Congregational Church, Proulx was also instrumental in the creation of the meditative practice known as Centering Prayer.

“Postcards” is part autobiography, part philosophy, part history, part poetry. It features snippets of its creator’s life and thoughts as well as photos of his life or of places and people (even dogs) whom he loved.

As he became weaker from the disease that eventually claimed his body, he was helped in the creation of the book by his wife, Jeanne Douillard. The book dances (dance is a major theme) through what was obviously a devoted, happy marriage.

The couple’s daughter Rachelle also pops up in images, in stories, in photographs in which she and her parents glow, and in a heartfelt afterword.

I didn’t know Armand Proulx very well. This book helped me appreciate his wisdom, his heart, and his sense of humor. It is indeed sort of a series of postcards. Each short section has a photograph of some sort, along with a brief essay that serves as the writing on the back of the postcard.

It may take readers a little while to get used to the format, but once they get into the flow of the book they will appreciate it. The individual postcards come together like a mosaic to sum up a person who was clearly remarkable.

Copies of “Postcards from Outer Space” may be ordered from Jeanne Douillard. Email her at [email protected].

The second book comes from Cara Hochhalter. Now living in Hyde Park, New York, she served as the minister of my own home church, the Federated Church in Charlemont, for a decade.

Before attending divinity school, Hochhalter was an artist and a teacher. She frequently created illustrations to go with her sermons. Her book “Where Do Butterflies Go at Night? And Other Pollinator Ponderings” (privately published, 66 pages, $24.50) leans on her varied background.

Its subject is native plants and their pollinators. I have a feeling the book is aimed at young readers. I found it useful as an adult, however.

Hochhalter poses 44 questions about plants and pollinators and then goes on to answer them. She also suggests entertaining art activities in which the reader can engage to underline the lessons she teaches.

The book’s greatest strength is in its illustrations. Depending on the subject matter, the author uses a variety of techniques, sometimes combining them in one image: painting, collage, block prints, sketches and photographs. Color pops out on every page. I dare any reader not to enjoy this book.

To cap off the book, Hochhalter includes a bibliography at the end so that readers can learn more about pollinators, their habits, and the plants with which they interact. Like Cara Hochhalter herself, the book doesn’t try to be self-important. Instead, it shares her passion for nature in a charming, useful way.

“Where Do Butterflies Go at Night?” may be ordered from its author by email ([email protected]) or by phone at 845-366-8636.

If you want to know the answer to the title question — or any of the others Cara Hochhalter poses — you’ll have to read the book. I can tell you, however, that butterflies apparently disappear because they don’t like rain or darkness. I empathize with them.

Tinky Weisblat is an award-winning writer and singer known as the Diva of Deliciousness. Visit her website, TinkyCooks.com.