The Philosopher’s Daughter —by Lori Desrosiers

 Nonfiction / Poetry

98 pages / 286 KB

5 Stars

 

I have a bad habit—if I’m truly enjoying a book, I read fast. Poetry should be read slowly, each poem savored. The feel of it in the mouth as you read it aloud, the taste of the spice, the texture of the meat and the vegetables, the subtlety of the dessert—all should be given their own time to be enjoyed. But sometimes when I’m starving, I just want more, more. I did try to slow down in reading this book, but the mouth feel was too good, I wanted more, and I didn’t want to wait.

 

I have a second bad habit—I love good poetry, and I’m book poor. Fortunately, I own my own copy of The Philosopher’s Daughter, and will go back to enjoy the poems, individually, and give them, each and every one, the reverence they are due.

 

My third bad habit—I dog ear pages of the books I own. The bottom corners. When a poem speaks to me, grabs me, evokes laughter or tears, is one I know I want to read again and again, I dog-ear the bottom corner. About a third of the poems in this book are dog-eared. There isn’t a poem in this book I didn’t like, but so many reached out and touched me—from “Conducting in Thin Air” to “Night Writing.” 

 

These poems are about family, about life, and even to someone not “into” poetry, I think they will be accessible and enjoyable. 

Sometimes I Hear the Clock Speak —by Lori Desrosiers

 Nonfiction / Poetry

68 pages

5 Stars

 

In many respects, reading this collection of poems was a trip down memory lane for me although we were raised on opposite sides of the country many of our childhood memories are very close.

 

We both learned of reveille and taps at summer camp, we both played violin. Well, she played, I tried. I haven’t a musical bone in my body.

 

We each have a best friend in our life by the same name. Her first poem is after a sculpture by Isamu Noguchi. There are sculptures in Seattle by him. 

 

There is a poem in the book I didn’t find beautiful, but my favorites are mostly in the second part, Echoes and Voices. At least my favorites the first time I read the book. When I read it again, those will change because I will change.

 

As another reviewer says, these poems are “quiet and delicate, but can soar like violins and waxwings.” Nothing more needs to be said.

Case of the One-Eyed Tiger (Corgi Case Files Book 1) —by Jeffrey Poole

 One of the funnest books I’ve read in a while. I laughed out loud in several places. The writing style was fun, and it’s a delight to find a cozy with a male protagonist. The corgi stole the show. Realistic? I don’t know, and frankly, my dear... I read fiction for escape, and this was a fantastic escape.

 

Zack Anderson is a writer, newly widowed, and inherits his wife’s aunt’s winery. Zack doesn’t like wine. He also doesn’t care much for art or cell phones. He arrives in a small town (suspiciously like Jacksonville, OR) and immediately ends up meeting an old friend, acquires a dog, and gets arrested for murder. All before spending the first night in his new home!

 

A fun and delightful book. Looking forward to book 2.

Dead Heat (Alpha & Omega Book 4) —Patricia Briggs

 Fiction / Urban Fantasy

1350 KB

5 Stars

 

Living forever isn’t always easy. There are a lot of goodbyes to be said when your non-were friends and family grow old and die. But that’s one of the prices one pays to live forever—you have more time, and more goodbyes to be dealt with. And Anna must help Charles deal with his best human friend dying. As well as deal with a witch who is raising havoc with the human family of the local pack. 

 

People often say they’d like to live forever, but would they really? This book brings that conundrum to light. Joseph, the BFF of Charles, is dying. Charles can save him. Joseph’s father can save him. Except for one small thing, and if either of them do it, they will have the Marrock to deal with—Joseph doesn’t want to be saved! 

 

Boy Howdy! Make sure your cinch is tight, ‘cause you’re goin’ for a ride with this one.

For other reviews of Patricia Briggs' books, go here: http://lenoragood.blogspot.com/search?q=patricia+briggs