The Uncanny Grasp of the Obvious

To have an uncanny grasp of the obvious is the ability to see things that people often overlook or take for granted. It allows us to dig deeper into the reality of our lives and to discover that which often seems so commonplace, can be quite complex. In this collection of entertaining and insightful essays, poems, and stories, the authors delve into the very imaginative as well as the most mundane aspects of our world. Gleaned from their professional experiences as well as casual encounters with others, they explore everything from the roundness of tires, inventory taking robots, ghost stories, belief in ESP, to music, getting older, and social justice. While the narrative presentation may at times be light-hearted or satirical, and at other times more serious in nature, these essays provide a metaphor for more profound aspects of our living—and nothing is as obvious as it seems.

Reviewer's Comments:

“This book is an enjoyable and thoughtful read by observant storytellers. The Uncanny Grasp of the Obvious leads us to insightful forays into our own thoughts, and takes us along new pathways with glimpses of gleaming colors available to the mindful. The authors ask ‘creative questions,’ encouraging us to ‘think like an artist;’ exploring ‘What might be possible?’ And, ‘What are the next steps in our personal journey?’”

— Andrea Ros, Artist - Apocalypse Carousel Project

"As I live the life of a retired fine arts and art history professor, making an effort to further engage with community and make every day meaningful, The Uncanny Grasp of the Obvious, has opened new windows for me as I continue, after forty years of teaching, to note that our lives will thrive as long as we use creativity in our shared humanity! This book will be a fascinating resource for me. I highly recommend this read!"

— Greg Winterhalter, Visual Artist and Professor Emeritus, Southern Vermont College