Swimmer in the Secret Sea --by William Kotzwinkle

 Fiction: The Circle of Life

ISBN: 0-380-00342-2

 Avon Books a division of

The Hearst Corporation

September 19975

91 pages

5 stars

 

This novella is a quick read, a perfect story. There is not one word too many, not one word superfluous. It is a sad story but treated with such respect. I can’t help but wonder if it might not be autobiographical.

 

I recommend this book to anyone who has lost a child, especially at or before birth. It is sad, but not maudlin. It is beautiful. How Laski goes through his wife’s labor, and the birth of their first child, a son. How Laski comes to the realization that death is part of life. How he makes the casket with care and love. How he buries the baby on their woodland property.

 

Although it is a fairly modern story, I kept thinking back to the pioneers, and that time, and birth and death and life. 

Peace of Music (Book 1 of 3) --by Denise Kahn

 Fiction: Historical / Ancient China / Modern Egypt / Modern Greece

ASIN: B00OTRRLZC

4Agapi

October 22, 2014

2462 KB

5 Stars

 

This is a story of a vase created by a blind potter in 13^th century China, as told through the eyes of people who come into its possession. Music is an undying theme that weaves through this story as people discover their talents through the vase. 

 

Ms. Kahn has a good knowledge of the different times and cultures she writes about, making the people and stories believable. I was sucked in at the very beginning.

 

In a word, this novel is: Beautiful. It is beautifully written, the stories are beautiful, and I can hardly wait to get Book #2. 

A Day Like This: A Novel --by Kelley McNeil

 Fiction: Contemporary Women Fiction

Lake Union Publishing

November 1, 2021

ASIN: B08ZWPKZG1 

5284 KB

5 Stars

 

I believe I should state, right at the beginning, DO NOT START THIS BOOK AT NIGHT! No, it won’t give your nightmares, but you won’t want to put it down once started. It’s that engrossing. And pay attention to chapter headings/dates.

 

Like many reviewers, this book was a one-sit read! I’m still shaking my head over it. I loved it. I’m not going to go over the plot, that’s been covered by several, so no spoilers here. But I admit I am in awe of the way Ms. McNeil wrote this book. She grabbed me on page one, and didn’t let go till page end. Actually, I’m not sure she let go then, either. ;-)

 

Read this book. It’s wonderful. It will make you think. You will love the characters. You will enjoy this book, start to finish.

The Glass Constellation, New and Collected Poems --by Arthur Sze

Nonfiction / Poetry

Copper Canyon Press 

April 13, 2021

ISBN-13: 978-1556596219

560 pages

5 Stars

 

This book covers 50 years of Sze’s poetry. I saw him (via Zoom) give a reading when it was first released, and became so enthralled, I ordered a copy before the reading finished. Every poem in this book sings, some melodies reached out and grabbed me, others gently washed over and through me. He has several long poems, with each section numbered, and each section in a different format. He plays with words; he plays with format. 

 

I consider a book to be superb when the author sends me to the dictionary at least once. I have no idea how many times Mr. Sze sent me to the dictionary. I gave up trying to remember after 10. 

 

He takes us from China (Ancient and Modern) to the Pacific Northwest, from Santa Fe to the desert of Sahara, with stops at any and all places in between and around the globe. He made me laugh, he made me cry, but mostly he held me in thrall. I am in literary lust!

 

If you are a lover of contemporary poetry, I heartily recommend this book. If you aren’t sure about it, get the book anyhow. It’s a thing of beauty and a collection of pearls of great price.

 

Relax and Enjoy Your Food: Save your money, your health, and your sanity by separating fact from flapdoodle —by Craig Good.

 Nonfiction / Nutrition

Very Good Books 

September 2021

ISBN: 13: 978-1-64062-119-0

ASIN: B09CN4CTFS

127 Pages / 3939 KB

5 Stars

 

 

This book packs an enormous amount of information inside its 127 pages about food—eating food, what food to buy, and what not to buy, and all the reasons for making those decisions.  He writes in a very relaxed, conversational style, uses humor to make his points, and tells it like it is. Or at least, should be. 

 

His advice on anorexia nervosa is spot on. I ran it by a friend of mine, a retired pediatric neurologist and he agreed. Mr. Good covers it all in this book. This is one to buy copies of to give away as gifts. There, I just helped you with your Winter Gift List! A one-size-fits-all kind of gift.

 

If I tell you this is the book on nutrition you need to read, I’m afraid I’ll scare you off. But it is. Mr. Good tells us the good, the bad, and the ugly of supplements, of organic vs. non-organic foods, the myths of food and how they became imbedded in our psyche, and the facts we need to make good, flavorful, and healthy decisions. Oh, and save oodles of money while doing it. That makes it worth the price of admission, yes?

 

Under $10.00. For the price of two lattes, you’ll have an enjoyable read, get smarter, and have several good laughs. Oh, be sure to read it cover-to-cover, there are notes in the beginning that will make your read more enjoyable. Good advice from a master instructor.