Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Chief Inspector Gamache Series
Best mystery, best writing, best story… by Louise Penny. Read them all (list included). Addictive AND satisfying! Review by Lynda Bernard.
Scaffolding
Building Strong Relationships.
Scaffolding, a poem by Seamus Heaney, reminds us that relationships that have stood the test of time will remain strong, even if the customary supports come down. Heaney draws a perfect analogy.
Park Avenue
Parallel Parking
Park Avenue, a poem by Diana Raab. Following Mary Oliver’s practice of “always carrying a notepad,” Diana Raab wrote this “rip-roaring funny” poem that we just had to share with you.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
Karla’s Choice
A John le Carré Novel by Nick Harkaway. A spy-thriller that captures, the intrigue, jargon and nuance of le Carré's meticulous writing style featuring George Smiley (of course!), the “Circus,” disappearance, a Soviet operative, an Hungarian assistant...Click thru for the review by Barry Novick
Holy Saturday
“I Could Do This One Good Thing Today.”
Holy Saturday by William Fargason. With no pretenses, a relatable poem about loneliness, and also kindness.
There is a fine line that separates us from despair.
Broken, Unbroken
Hummingbird’s Featured Poem.
Broken, Unbroken by Mary Oliver.
Loneliness, broken people, broken hearts. Love can heal all that. This a beautiful poem full of hope. Perfect to read as we approach a new year. Curated by Lynda Bernard.
I AM NOT OLD
Hummingbird’s Featured Poem.
I AM NOT OLD by Samantha Reynolds
A perception of aging that emphasizes the valor and grace in growing old. Curated by Lynda Bernard.
The Visitor
By Ada Limón
A poem about life, getting older, doing what we do best, waiting, and maybe doing nothing about anything. This is a wonderful poem by Ada Limón, the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States.
The Decision
By Jane Hirshfield
About making and then living with important decisions. On this last Sunday prior to the upcoming election(s), Jane Hirshfield in her poem, The Decision, provides perspective. Indeed we are at an important juncture for our times and for our future.
The Decision
By Jane Hirshfield
About making and then living with important decisions. On this last Sunday prior to the upcoming election(s), Jane Hirshfield in her poem, The Decision, provides perspective. Indeed we are at an important juncture for our times and for our future.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
The Midnight Feast.
A mystery/thriller by Lucy Foley. Multiple twists that make their way to the ending, a touch of paranormal possibilities, and a nugget of paganism with birds…. and of course, there is a body! Review by Carol Lichtenbaum.
An Ode We Owe
By Amanda Gorman
This beautiful poem, written and presented to the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 rings true today.
“I only ask that you care before it’s too late,
That you live aware and awake,
That you lead with love in hours of hate.”