Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
The City and Its Uncertain Walls
In Haruki Murakami’s newest novel, Murakami explores the “real” vs “imagined” worlds. Through the narrator, we enter the two parallel worlds with their own “operating systems.” Classic Murakami! Review by Barry Novick.
What Am I Afraid Of?
What Am I Afraid Of?
Too bad you can’t press the hold button. When it comes to life. Wouldn’t that be just the thing? While you go ahead and try something else? Something new? Observations about people and life by Sasha Debevec-McKenney.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
All the Colors of the Dark
A suspense thriller by Chris Whitaker. Imagine being kidnapped at the age of 13 by a serial killer. Set in a small rural Missouri town in the Ozarks, this suspenseful thriller has all of the ingredients for a great read. Review by Barry Novick
Featured Poetry Selection. Happy Mother’s Day.
Hurry. By Marie Howe.
A poem selected for Mother’s Day. By Marie Howe, 2025 Pulitzer Prize Winner in Poetry. Where are we all hurrying to? A beautiful poem about Motherhood.
Woodpecker
Like Making the Same Obvious Point, Over & Over
In Woodpecker, Jeffrey Harrison tells a very human story. Was he asking something “of us?” No matter, really. Click thru for an insightful perspective.
Book Shorts. Reviews in a Nutshell.
In the Bleak Midwinter
By Julia Spencer-Fleming. Awarded Best First Traditional Mystery. “Midwinter” brings it with an Episcopal Priest, a Town Police Chief, some very handy military training, a body, an MG, and some serious “sparks.” Review by Carol Lichtenbaum.
Hummingbird Weekly Quote. 2024 Edition.
Roberta Flack. Jazz Icon. RIP
Julius Lester'‘s words describing the incredible talent and richness of Roberta Flack’s music. A jazz legend. Curated by Sandra Novick.
Travel in the Andes. Not Another Death Road.
A White-Knuckle Experience
Getting from point A to point B “feels” death defying. Travel with Helene Munson through Northern Peru. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Afternoon Reflection. Post 24.
What to Tell Melania.
While there are many challenges on the national and international fronts requiring Presidential attention, there was a smaller one announced last week. Here’s my take. By Barry Novick.
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.