A WWII story - all the usual village characters - the doers, charmers, kidlets, gossips, organizers, and an organist or two. Those who visit create biA WWII story - all the usual village characters - the doers, charmers, kidlets, gossips, organizers, and an organist or two. Those who visit create big stir - fathers, sons, husbands, and brothers heading off to war, leaving mothers, daughters, wives and sisters behind in their patriotic but dismaying wake.
What to do? Well, there's a new girl just come to visit. She's all about singing, they say.
I'll be reading this book again soon, for a more complete review, but for this 2024 read, I suffice it to say I have purchased my copy (not so easy toI'll be reading this book again soon, for a more complete review, but for this 2024 read, I suffice it to say I have purchased my copy (not so easy to find), and will be back. A burst of interest in romance and 'true love' has raised up in my TBR and affected my responses. . .change ever happens so I'm going with the flow. Have been having a grand time youtubing all things Sheila Kay Adams. . . as an old shape note singer, old time ways of music are ever appealing to me.
Set in the Appalachian mountains are two families - the Stantons and the Nortons - a web of them stretched over the hills and valleys like a quilt thrown, caught and laid over, tucking all underneath in a place to spread and grow.
Arty Norton, a young girl of big opinions has no doubt that she is the one who should raise her new born cousin Larkin Stanton when he has no parents left to care for him. No matter that she is not yet a teenager. She is willing and she claims him as her own, and he reciprocates. The story from there is one of the very best I've ever read....more
You're in a plane. With a bunch of yahoos. Irritating. Just want to land. Tension rises, the characters, the reader's.
A woman gets up and walks down tYou're in a plane. With a bunch of yahoos. Irritating. Just want to land. Tension rises, the characters, the reader's.
A woman gets up and walks down the aisle. . .pointing and making brief yet deadly pronouncements.
You'll get to know every yahoo on that flight, and Herself, who gets to make such pronouncements. But the larger question is you, dear Reader. If that finger found you and you were delivered such news, where would it put you? What would you do? Believe, not believe?
Read this book. . .get on that plane. Stay to the very end.
*A sincere thank you to Liane Moriarty, Crown Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #HereOneMoment #NetGalley...more
While in a mood set for thinking of fathers, this book crossed my path. Made for Me reminded me of the skewed perspective of childhood when one isWhile in a mood set for thinking of fathers, this book crossed my path. Made for Me reminded me of the skewed perspective of childhood when one is a little bit of a human and the new outside-of-mom world has giants spread round about. Passed from giant to giant it continues until a leveling process grows the little bit of human and giants grow smaller. The illustrations by Gregorio De Laurentis sell every word with which the author beckons, his swingy rhythm setting a body rocking.
The only thing I was missing was a grandkid by my side, but I'll get my chance with her on Saturday, and we'll check this book out together. I'll pull her out of her 6'9" Dad's arms, but he's so fond of her he'll probably stay close by as we read. She was his surprise, and made for him, as you might suppose.
*A sincere thank you to Zack Bush, Familius and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #MadeForMe #NetGalley...more
I took my time with this one! It is too delicious not to. . . .I spent my mornings listening and re-reading (I both read and listened - to have Judi DI took my time with this one! It is too delicious not to. . . .I spent my mornings listening and re-reading (I both read and listened - to have Judi Dench's voice and that sweet giggle start my day was a joy and delight!).
The interview process between Judi and Brendan O'Hea (a director and actor also) covers a wide range of acting and Shakespeare work topics:
[Work of W Shakespeare **Topic - Judi's Take On It]
Macbeth **Stratford-Upon-Avon A Midsummer Night’s Dream **Play Twelfth Night The Merchant of Venice **Company Hamlet Coriolanus **Fireside Ramblings As You Like it Measure for Measure **Rose Theatre Much Ado About Nothing King Lear **Failure The Comedy of Errors **Rehearsal Richard II Antony and Cleopatra Cymbeline **Critics All’s Well That Ends Well **Shakespeare’s Language Henry V The Merry Wives of Windsor **Audience Richard III **Changing Times The Winter’s Tale **Future of Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet **Advice
Mind you, these are not analyses or summaries of the above listed plays. They are the subjects of Dame Dench's reminiscences of her years of experience on and off stage / film working with notables and not-so-notables - all part of her life and days working within William Shakespeare's oeuvre and worldview. IF there were more than 5 stars, I'd be granting ALL The Stars for the pleasure this read gave me in both its formats. The audio also provides a rousing amusement in the form of outtakes from the interviews.
Hurray and Huzzah for Dame Judi Dench's latest book Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent!
*A sincere thank you to Judi Dench, Brendan O'Hea, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* 52:21...more
Susan Goldman Rubin provides the difficult yet inspiring story of the Gee's Bend community resiliency to young people. She shows through the telling oSusan Goldman Rubin provides the difficult yet inspiring story of the Gee's Bend community resiliency to young people. She shows through the telling of the community's hard working women put in full days working in fields and then home to their families, and still found time and energy to develop a unique way of quilting to cover and warm everyone. Through simple and accessible narrative she introduces quilters, their contributions and historical photographs shows how quilting and their quilts gave them another way to raise their voices against past abuses done to them through slavery and the continued persecution that ran rife and under the cover of white law during the post-slavery days.
Gee's Bends Quilts are goin' strong. . .they have a wikipedia page, and are on pinterest and etsy! Sew On and Sew Forth!...more
Having been a "born and raised" member of a very rule-y religion, this book reached out to me from the bookshel. . .for the overchurched among us. . .
Having been a "born and raised" member of a very rule-y religion, this book reached out to me from the bookshelf, drew me close and wrapped its metaphorical hands around my real neck and stage whispered in an academic accent (provide your preference here) "she's talking to you - read me!" - and I did. The minute this is in print, I'm getting a copy for me and friends.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not looking to leap out of my religious choices (imposed 67% by life choices of generations past, parents devout, and personal alliances seasonally and pendulum affected). I have been very conscientious, I have been wholly lapsed, and I have been comfortably ambiguous. This author brilliantly gets me. She gets my children - most of who have jumped entirely out of religion's grasp (for now) - because of the rule-yness, the in-or-out mindset and the untimeliness of some of the culture concerns in religious organizations of today - particularly the one with which we are affected.
On the other hand - and Amy Leach does The Other Hand so brilliantly! - she doesn't discount a whit the joys, delights and blessings of regularly exercised faith, hope and charity. In fact, she adds to it with frilly giggles, lacey delights and heart-y guffaws. There are hilarious aspects of religious life - especially those in which ones are anxiously engaged from age 0 to 130 - if - IF - one can see the funny, and not punish those enjoying or providing the mirror and its uber-truth view.
No one "shoulds" on others as thoroughly as Religious Folk, especially of the Christian brand (but maybe all brands could be included here). I read this book as Amy Leach's Great Big Grand statement: Don't Should On ME! She gazes out to her readership with raised eyebrows - 'You with me?' - I'm shout-replying: Yep! Me, too.
Other bonuses: MUSIC! Lots of musical considerations, along with animal and botanical love, and an obsession with language that provided many paths down which to travel on philosophical bends.
A delightful read - truly a smorgasbook, can be done in bits and pieces, over time (I recommend the Sabbath (however you do that), after services. Get out of your serious suit, have supper, do the dishes, and carve your place out on the couch and check it out.
*A sincere thank you to Amy Leach, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* 52:50...more
The idea of a blind woodsman blew my mind! How can it be so?
John and Anni Furniss show how it IS so. . . right there in their every day! The BlindThe idea of a blind woodsman blew my mind! How can it be so?
John and Anni Furniss show how it IS so. . . right there in their every day! The Blind Woodsman: One Man's Journey to Find His Purpose is filled with amazing photographs and compelling backstories getting them to where they are now, showing how this blind woodsman is turning out beautiful work with his hands. Anni's artistry and skillful management of their combined talents show up in this book as well.
Together they are forging a life that is inspiring and an example to all of us who think we don't have a hope of getting around, over or through obstacles placed in our paths. It isn't magic, it isn't easy and the hardest mind to change is your own. These two show through their not-yet-together challenges how ready and easy they were for pianos, paint and love-is-in-the-air when it presented itself.
*A sincere thank you to John Furniss, Anni Furniss, Fox Chapel Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #TheBlindWoodsman #NetGalley...more
The Tigers of Lents ended out on my shelf because its about home. There are not many years in my long life that I haven't lived within a few zip cThe Tigers of Lents ended out on my shelf because its about home. There are not many years in my long life that I haven't lived within a few zip codes from the Lents neighborhood and years of my working and early salad days in the downtown Portland and outer areas. Reading this author's story was a crazy head trip. . .I've had a quick lunch on the run at the feet of Lincoln in the Park Blocks. . .how many times? Hell. . .I truly think I've met Ken and hung with him often. . .he was one of my favorite parts of this read, especially his Wendell Berry quote.
I am often intrigued by patterns, and fell in with the rhythm of Pomeroy's end of chapter statements, usually a person, place or thing in an attitude of a personified full stop. . .period. . .I had to stop collecting them. . .but so interesting. . .probably just a me thing.
As for the characters, the Garrison family and their cohorts, it took me a while to sort them. Because the reader is in their heads so much and many seemed similar in thought that was a challenge. Basically this is a story of a family falling apart - not a fun thing, having gone through it myself in this very locale. But every family falling apart has hard work to do on the Other Side of the Coin: once children turn into parents each generation moves to the next shelf - if you want contact with the following generations - the cute new darlings in the care of people who you raised up and who can now choose not to share them with you - you must make a different choice for the good of everyone.
Families need all their members, those who know each others' beginnings, laughter, prankster acts, the mad faces, or stupid-in-love faces, happy tears versus sad tears versus run-for-the-hills tears, and the terrifying silent scream. Every family falling apart has to learn how to fall together somehow - to reassemble differently - facing the new situations, choices, and the new faces they bring into the circle, that can also come and go. There's a bunch of forgiveness, reunion, letting go of stuff, patience and compassion to dish out with no strings attached and to receive from others with acknowledgement. That's what I took away from this read. I'll be thinking about it for a long time.
Kudos to Mr. Pomeroy for getting Portland and the Garrisons on bookshelves. and . . .Tell Ken I've missed him, and hope he's well.
*A sincere thank you to Mark Pomeroy, University of Iowa Press, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheTigersofLents #NetGalley 25|52:19a...more
Starting this read with a skeptical spirit, having lived through this era, and known those who spent time in Vietnam, witnessing scars carried forwardStarting this read with a skeptical spirit, having lived through this era, and known those who spent time in Vietnam, witnessing scars carried forward, I believed a horror such as that couldn't be given a credible view through a window this far away. Still, I read. At the end of the read, with tears aplenty, I admit my belief was unfounded.
Frankie, her family, her support group - were real to me, gathered my sympathies and kept me reading through the night. The steamy jungles, the thwacking copters, the blood, the yelling, the smells, I was there. All those bullets had me ducking. All that death and outrage tore open the spaces of my memories, hearing Walter Cronkite disillusioned before our eyes and politicians protesting mightily while the coffins came off the planes night after night after night. The confusing change about fighting morphing from a great idea to a stupid one. Kristin Hannah brought it all back, with a new nugget we didn't even think about: The Women. damn! My rage at Frankie's dad for the hero wall and his discounting his girl's service? Argh! All Heroes Walls need to have Every.One who served in that pride of place. No women "served" in Vietnam?! Not So. (Humph. That dicey matter of translation/interpretation raises its hoary head.)
So, for all the Frankies - women and men - who went and didn't get what they needed, or went and did - thank you for your Service and Sacrifice for me and mine, you and yours, this country and the world.
Thank you, Kristin Hannah, for putting this book on our shelves to remind us that heartbreaking times are never really over - they are through-going, requiring acknowledgment and recognition in order to emerge reshaped and ready for whatever the hell is next.
*A sincere thank you to Kristin Hannah, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #Kristin Hannah #NetGalley...more
Sara Seager is a fascinating person - having read her book The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir I started looking around trying to undersSara Seager is a fascinating person - having read her book The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir I started looking around trying to understand more about her work having to do with exoplanets, and life (similar to earth life) out in the broad expanse of space. She's done work that has been recognized and awarded throughout the world. There are youtubes with her sharing her ideas, TED talks and written materials, presentations all available at our fingertips. Add to that this gem of a book.
This is about her own life experience - family life, love and encouragements from parents, then her favorite distraction that became her professional focus - Outer Space - Waaaay Outer Space. On her way to becoming a brilliant scientist she found a husband, had some kids and went on fighting the space science battle, challenged by her gender in a field stubbornly held and defended by men. Soon it was clear she was gaining ground with all of her many discoveries and reports.
My connection with her came through her human needs, as a wife, mother and dismay as she was diagnosed with a neurodivergent disorder - as an adult. Complicating this was another life-shattering diagnosis. Her husband's cancer. She shares the hard moments, the kid moments, and his last moments. . . .where she and they must carry on.
Inspiring and hopeful, always with an eye to the sky, I found this read surprisingly spiritual, in a way. Not through a religious lens, but in a strictly human one. Even if you are not sciency. . .I highly recommend this read!
I'm so EXCITED by this book. . .it brings joy, warning, hope, remedy, gentle chiding, parental reminders, friendly nudges, forlorn whispers, rooted wiI'm so EXCITED by this book. . .it brings joy, warning, hope, remedy, gentle chiding, parental reminders, friendly nudges, forlorn whispers, rooted wisdom, cautious disquiet, and chest deep chortles. . .52 snippets of all that good stuff to start each of week of your year to remind you of the life you are living. In the middle of. Wherever you are. Start there. . .Week 1 of Winter. . .read through it. I'd never really considered it that way - that each week of the year has a name, a role. Week 5 of Spring is different than Week 13 of Summer or Week 2 of Fall. Check out your living place - no matter how you came to it, settle in and get to know it. Follow the lead of this brilliant author, and her brother the illustrator whose artwork accompanies hers. . .
You'll find all that nature offers in these pages: birds of all sorts, bumblebees, flowers, dirt, worms, skinks, feathers, nests, foxes, nuts, trees, roots, spiders, fungi, migrating individuals and groups, kids, partners, neighbors, red wasps, storms, life, death, birth, writing! oh the writing!, wonderings, wishes, happiness, geese, sadness, water, more birds, crows, of course, crows. . .the author writes from her Tennessee home and backyard, so there is a southern voice woven throughout. (I listened and read. The author narrates the book, which makes it even more compelling. . .my maternal line is southern women raised so my ears are particularly tuned to that key. . .)
It's absolutely a gift to all of us - my copy (right by my calendar) will be carefully followed and considered as the year grows older and moves through its beautiful seasons. 5+ stars, shining on this big beautiful world.
*A sincere thank you to Margaret Renkl, Spiegel & Grau, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.*...more
I don't have enough praise for this journal-memoir of an Adventure Activist. . .before opening the book, I'd never heard of her, or her quest (Pond toI don't have enough praise for this journal-memoir of an Adventure Activist. . .before opening the book, I'd never heard of her, or her quest (Pond to Peak Challenge) or the subject of her mighty obsession (Desert Island Discs - BBC's Radio 4). And here I am putting off committing my review to print because I want reasons to keep reading over sections. . . .but the time has come. . .
Jessica Hepburn starts out explaining her purpose in writing - her love of lists, and keeping track of things. She's had a rough road, but there are two major life loves that have helped her through it all: Adventuring and Music - and the best of all her worlds are the combining of both. She explains that she's not the one you'd think of as the athlete, but that she is the only woman to have completed the "Pond to Peak Challenge," which is to say English Chanel swum, London Marathon run, and the Sherpa's Chomolungma (you may know it as Mt Everest) climbed. In addition, she walks and walks and walks and walks - throughout the world. Getting through the sad, the happy, the worry, the warp and the weft one foot in front of the other. She's claimed the title of Adventure Activist - and her main point to you, dear Reader, is to become one, too. That therein lies the way through this life.
But wait, there's more! That's only half of her message - the other is AMAZING - MUSIC! Remember she loves lists? All of that stuff she did (and still does) in the previous paragraph? She did them as she listened to MUSIC! She's got 8 of her playlists for your review (as your homework is to think about building your own):
* Songs of Childhood * Songs of Home * (If You Still Believe In) Love Songs * Sad Songs * Happy Songs * Songs for a Wonderful World * Songs of Faith and Survival * Songs to Die to
I wish I could list them all for you, but then you might not have all the fun I did as I went through and found every one and added them to my lists (or didn't if they didn't hit my spots). I cried as I listened through the sad songs, and a few of the songs to die to. . .others had me up dancing, bouncing around and startling all my home mates. It was a blast! ("?did she just samba through the kitchen?!" "yep, she's doing laundry to the Girl from Ipanema, just clear the way through.")
The author's passion for music has been fed over the years by a world treasure that I (a music person) had never heard of: BBC's program, running since 1942 - every week - 3000+ programs to listen to, called Desert Island Discs wherein guests are invited to be interviewed and respond to a scenario, always the same for all these people famous and not, professional and not, in all walks of life - the list is impressive. The scenario is this - If you were sent off to a desert island, never to return and could take 8 pieces of music to listen to, 1 book, and 1 luxury (an inanimate luxury) - what would you take with you? This scenario sparks the most surprising interviews, weaving in the reasons why they make the choices they do - and the final question, which is the reason for the title of this book - of the 8 choices if you had to save only one of those pieces of music from the waves - which would it be and why? I've found the program and am now a new fan and listen every day (the archives have my favorite Jimmy Stewart - so lovely to hear him and others who've already gone to their Islands. . . .)
I will indeed save Jessica from the waves. . .this book is a delight. One of those that you can take in bits and pieces - to help you get to that new place you want to go for a long walk, or swim across, or climb near or far. Her words may trigger for you the right tune to soothe, amplify and acknowledge the hireath that's overcome you of late. She may not have exactly what you like, but she's got the wisdom to point you in the right direction. Adventuring with Music is her recipe for getting through this life. . .(I actually have images of you all out there moving, dancing, bouncing as you read this. . .it's quite nice. . . )
Lastly, a note for those who only go by genre tags. This book is tagged with nonfiction and Autobiography & Biography genres. It's so much more than that, in my opinion - this is also Music / Art / Outdoor Recreation / Performing Arts / Sports & Recreations / Travel / Women's Health (she talks about her IVF struggles and the grief of leaving that battlefield unwon).
With my wand I grant more than 5 stars. Probably 8 with a couple of luxuries thrown in for good measure.
*A sincere thank you to Jessica Hepburn, Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion, Aurum, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and independently review.* #SaveMefromtheWaves #NetGalley 52:26...more
To the overlooked and misunderstood, to compassion and grace that conquer all division.
And a foreward by David James DunWith a dedication that is
To the overlooked and misunderstood, to compassion and grace that conquer all division.
And a foreward by David James Duncan, how can this be anything less than 5 stars. . .?for me it's all about how a read makes me feel.
One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder gave me all the feels I expect out of wisdom written to connect us with higher minds, powers and potential - however that is presented and received. If it presents on my library bookshelf, so be it. This did not disappoint.
The deep hits, the upward reaches for light, the gentle arm that pulls one close in comfort, and the respectful hand on shoulder to assure. . .not just touch, either! There's a voice throughout this "Song" book, that carries hope, peace and a reminder that we are not alone, and never have been, yet the large-hearted admission that we all feel very isolated. It flows, word over word, over word, never letting go of the wonder of it all. From death to birth to persons to earth to all of it, everything a miracle, a moment to be considered carefully, and left for the next wonder wanderer to find.
Here a reader finds magic of a non-magical sort, for every bent and skillset. It's one of those books to keep by your bedside, to read in bits and pieces; or a ready read when needs drive a reach for a 10-minute psalm that can change mind and heart to a better tune, restful lyric, brighter beam across the distance....more
Heartbreaking. . . exquisite. May be the best love in writing, for all its shown negative space. Our little Narrator is torn between what she has expeHeartbreaking. . . exquisite. May be the best love in writing, for all its shown negative space. Our little Narrator is torn between what she has experienced with the Kinsellas, and what she has experienced (and been taught that she deserves) with her birth family.
Keegan's writing brings all the senses to the fore. . .textures and temperatures felt, flavors and mouthfeel boosts tastes. Sounds forecast the wind and water, new awarenesses inventoried by bright open eyes, and the prophesying gifts of smell fill her pages. My heart breaks as our Narrator makes connections - she's a young girl, and hopeful. I am an old woman, and am fearful as I read, yet I read on.
Everyone is caught in the crosshairs.
The most precious truths reveal themselves when the circumstances that uncover them, show them for what they are - unattainable. . . .still. Yet I am an old woman, and I hope.
I must confess - I had to read this out loud a number of times before I could get through it without tears. TFeatured in a grandma reads session. . .
I must confess - I had to read this out loud a number of times before I could get through it without tears. This is as much an entreaty to adults to change their thinking as it is to children, a different way to see things, a tool to shuuush that mean voice in our own heads, replacing it with a comforting voice (and who knew it would be Matthew McConaughey's delicious voice? I'm taking it!).
The words hit my heart deeply and profoundly. . .the child within me stepped right up and took over, so the adult within me could run for kleenex. And with each set of words came a drawing that told a story, pure and truly illustrating the author's very meaning. . .
The book's dedication is at the end, and that's when I knew I wasn't wrong. He wasn't just writing this for my kids. . .he was writing to me as well:
To my kids, your kids, and the kid in all of us. We're all as young as we're ever gonna be, so let's just keep learning. -- McConaughey
Amen, to that MM.
This is the BEST children's picture book I've read this year, maybe in many years, and I've read plenty, surrounded by lots of kidlets that love reading. I will be nominating this in the GR Best Books election this year, for certain. In the meantime, I will be singing the praises for the author, Matthew McConaughey, and the illustrator, Renee Kurilla, a hearty well-done to both.
Reader, do yourself a favor, and get this book by hook or by crook. Find someone to read it to - anyone. I read it to the birds outside my window as the kiddos are all in school today. But baby grandgirl#2 is coming over tonight, so guess what we are reading? I do believe I'll ask her sweet papa (#1son) to stay put and listen as well. . ....more
Cole Arthur Riley's book is a Standard of Liberty. . .waving high and hard. It is an inspiration and demands respect in the reading of it. Chose your Cole Arthur Riley's book is a Standard of Liberty. . .waving high and hard. It is an inspiration and demands respect in the reading of it. Chose your time thoughtfully, when you read this book.
For me it reads with an almost tangible spirit of reverence, that same which sits with me when I read scripture - holy and heart-deep - a quiet power to support me at times. Needful moments that are rare and far-between, but her words have the same silver ring to them, in which I hear those echoes.
This is a book that bears reading and re-reading, as it presents issues that need constant consideration. So I do. . ....more
A she-Goblin is the leader of this pack of 9, of which there is a civilian supporter of Elven descent and of the veterinaA delightfully off-beat read.
A she-Goblin is the leader of this pack of 9, of which there is a civilian supporter of Elven descent and of the veterinarian profession (who has trolls at his beck and call). In the pack at large, there is a weasel with special gifts, a teddy bear (as in stuffed) with military rank and privileges, and at loose among the forest and humans is a wizard with alarming blue powers.
Altogether short and absolutely won my allegiance. This author is funny and twisted. What more can we possibly need?...more
Another great palate cleanser, between BIG READS. . . the e-book treated me to the most exquisite photographs of the the areas that show up in the HilAnother great palate cleanser, between BIG READS. . . the e-book treated me to the most exquisite photographs of the the areas that show up in the Hillerman books. Written by his daughter, Anne, Tony Hillerman is clearly loved and adored, and admired for the works of art and acts of peacemaking between cultures as he brought Navajo, Hopi and other indigenous communities to the reading public. He provided a bridge that showed "cowboys" are NOT the only good guys. In fact, as we often suspected they rarely were - as in life the gray areas rule until we chose to see the colors, and boy, it is so often what we prefer that prevails (as everyone's truths overlap in a messy heap). As a reader is educated, so are their communities. . .so Huzzah to Tony Hillerman, turning our gaze outside our own isolated shelters.
This book is filled with gorgeous photography, with Hillerman books fitted in to their places and settings, along with engaging origin stories about how they came to be, from title choice, to crimes committed, and characters developed and expanded. An all-star delight to this Hillerman fan!...more
In Every Life, author / illustrator Marla Frazee reminds all of us - the youngest through the oldest of us - that Featured in a grandma reads session.
In Every Life, author / illustrator Marla Frazee reminds all of us - the youngest through the oldest of us - that the work of being a human is to earnestly and whole-heartedly acknowledge and recognize what our lives are knee-deep in each and every moment.
Her illustrations are sweeping, and simple. Complete scenes communicate the moment so thoroughly that even my youngest listeners, and the middle-agers, and the jaded teens showed by upturned corners of mouths and eyes that they understood the message being sent. Certainly my old heart tumbled happy memories at the moments her artwork evoked in my life.
Specific life moments are called out: birth, smiles, hopes, sadness, regular ordinary moments, and the spectacular surprising ones. . . .it is as simple as that. . . .As absolutely fantastic as that.
5 stars from me and mine in our read together today with this book (followed by chapters of Oliver Twist and Treasure Island)....more
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