We’re already half way through summer. It always goes far too quickly of all the seasons. Winter? Dragging…like an ellipses. Spring? The start of a new thought; like a semicolon. Autumn? Gathering, like a comma ordering things. But summer! The exclamation of the seasons. Bright, long days, swimming, parties and other exclamatory activities! But gone all too soon.
And there are baby crows who have fallen from their nest too soon and must be saved from predators, this according to my hubs. He loves animals and when he sees one in distress will bring it home.
So this little guy was on our deck for the afternoon. Well fed and making an absolute mess. As he tried to fly he inevitably fell into my flower pots, then decided to eat the flowers! Summer! Well, it was a happy ending as he was reunited with his/her mom. I won’t go into the whole story, but suffice that we are certain baby crow ‘Bert’ has survived and hopefully flying now.
Onto topic at hand, books I’m currently reading and/or read this summer! Sorry for the exclamation points but it is season of such!!
The quiet side of summer, of course, is reading. Reading light, romantic books, meandering psychological thrillers, or pondering over poetry, so long as they are paperback and easy to take to the beach.
I discovered this book by chance, had never heard of the author until I saw it on the bookshelf, IRL.
Everyday is a Poem by Jacqueline Suskin
This is the creative reminder to see beauty in our everyday life, and make poetry from your life. It’s a unique blend of self help and therapy. It has been enlightening, for example, one of the exercises the author suggests is to create a ‘life chart’. This was an interesting exercise as I created mine as a double page spread and it became a unique ‘visual’ road map of my life to date. It really illustrated the experiences of loss, grief, joy, and accomplishments of my life to this point in time.
The author encourages free thought as being more important than making rhymes or telling a story in your poetry. Of course, throughout the book, Suskin shares her own delightful poetry. If you are a writer of any genre, this book will crack open your creativity. I am just over half way through and taking my time with it. There are several exercises in each chapter.
Note that I suggest you buy the paperback and not the kindle because the author makes space for you to work inside the book. I found myself inclined to do the exercises, simply because the space was right there, waiting for my writing. I don’t think you can get the same results reading it on a digital device.
Highly recommend!
Hues of Hope: Selected Poetry by Balroop Singh
If you haven’t read Balroop Singh’s poetry books, you’re missing out. Her books are definitely for the home library collection. You’ll want her poetry at your fingertips to cheer you, make you reconsider, or haunt you. My five star review for Hues of Hope, Balroop’s newest release:
Hues of Hope: Selected Poetry by Balroop Singh is a beautiful collection of poems evoking not only HOPE but mystery and love. This collection is another one for the home library, as the author’s words both soothe and give the reader pause to ponder life’s gems and challenges.
My favorite (although I have several) is “My Muse” which I will share an excerpt:
“desires bow before me
I can swallow all
contentment eludes me
~
I am profoundly perfect
a burial abyss
of my own existence
~
I hang on icicles
holding hope that strengthens
tangible trust…”
This book couldn’t have been released at a better time! With all the strife and crisis in the world, Balroop’s collection of poetry is a balm to the soul. HIGHLY recommend for anyone who loves words and could use a little HOPE.
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith
When I spotted this beat up, almost falling apart, hard cover copy at Value Village, I greedily snapped it up like it was a rare crystal (or an ancient stolen statue). Because this classic was lost on me a few decades ago, I knew it was meant for me to read now–today. It was funny, sad, hopeful, tragic. It was the whole damn thing. Honestly? We’re hard pressed to find contemporary literature like Betty Smith’s, in our world today. Highly recommend!
My five star review:
*No Spoilers*
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a moving piece of literature. I was laughing out loud in parts and had tears, too. Following young Francie’s life from 1911-1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y. was surprisingly inspiring. I say surprisingly, because we peek into a life of poverty in 1911 as Francie and her brother Neely pull a wagon full of scraps they’ve picked up from the street, to exchange for pennies at the local scrap dealer. But they were only two of dozens that did the same to help their families collect pennies for their next meal. But we quickly learn that Francie, who always has a library book on hand, sees the world from eyes that see beauty in details and furthermore, hope. She sees hope in the little tree that grows after it’s been cut down. And it grows in places where poor people live (that’s how she knows she and her family are indeed of the poor class).
Francie comes from a line of Rommely women and dear reader, you want to know these women. The mother Mary and three sisters, one of whom is Francie’s mother, are all made of steel with the softest voices and gentle hearts. Following Francie and her family during the years until World War I begins, is also an education into the lifestyles of the era. My grandmother would be one year younger than Francie, and I found this a fascinating parallel.
Overall, this book teaches the ultimate lesson of gratitude, hope, and humour in overcoming challenges—even poverty.
I have to use many commas and it isn’t even autumn yet. I have quite a few books loaded on my kindle, mainly because of fellow author’s enticing book reviews. Loaded and waiting for my eyes are the following;
Welcome to Charm by Tonya Penrose
The Unravelling by Thorne Moore
The Calm and The Storm by Martha Perez-UPDATE: I have now just finished this ‘book’. Although I love the message the author was sending out, it was awkward. Further it’s presented on Amazon as a book. When you are buying an e-book, you expect more than twenty pages. When you open it on your kindle, and see the copyright with a statement about the people are real etc., you’re still expecting a book. Then you see the table of contents; 12 Chapters! Looks promising. However, you begin reading only to find out that each chapter is less than two full pages. I feel this author has a great attitude, but I also feel that she is presenting a book that truly cannot be considered a book at all. I actually even wondered if it had been hacked on Amazon and that the author’s real book was a different product altogether. Is that even a thing?
I guess, buyer beware here. Scroll down before you buy a book to see what you’re actually getting.
What are you currently reading?
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marcia @ menopausalmom
August 24, 2022 at 7:40 amOh my gosh, the brings back memories! I remember reading A Tree Grows In Brooklyn when I was young and loved it!
lisa
August 24, 2022 at 9:24 amHi Marcia, seems many women read this as a young girl. It went under my radar back then. But it’s a classic for sure and has inspired many a young girl to become a writer…like Pamela (her comment below). 🙂
LA CONTESSA
July 28, 2022 at 9:10 amOH BERTIE!!!!
HOW CUTE ARE YOU AND EATING THE FLOWERS!!
I GUESS HE DOES NOT KNOW HE IS SUPPOSE TO EAT WORMS AND INSECTS!!
I SAY ITS A SIGN!OF WHAT I DO NOT KNOW!!!HA HA HA!!
I am to tired to read these days as I just fall asleep…….. as far as I get is looking at catalogs which seem to be all THE SAME!
I read a lot on the computer however!Does that count!
SO HAPPY I MADE A MATCH!!!
XXX
lisa
July 28, 2022 at 1:16 pmHa. Bert was hilarious. Actually stepped into the food bowl. Its mom came over eventually and fed him a few times. A sign of a crow with a hankering for human food? 😀
Reading on the computer definitely counts!
Yes, you’re a good match maker, LA CONTESSA and well connected! xx
Pamela
July 24, 2022 at 11:44 amA Tree Grows in Brooklyn was my book. That is, the book I read as a young teen that made me decide to be a writer. I LOVE the book and cried during much of it (or at least, that’s my memory – I was about 12). Thanks for the urging to re-read this book and see what I discover now many decades later.
I LOVE Balroop’s poetry. I’ve been delving into her latests books a little at a time. She is a beautiful sensitive, giving poet.
Lastly, we love our birds also. “Sponsored” a nest on our front door wreath this spring. It was so inspiring and spiritual and wonderful to watch over the 7 weeks of building, hatching, and baby birds flying out of the nest.
lisa
July 25, 2022 at 3:17 pmWow, Pam, that is amazing. I can see how that would be the case. Her writing was unique. I think it’s worth a second read and it will be different for you this time. Balroop is certainly a beautiful and sensitive poet.
Oh, I recall that story about your bird wreath! That is so cool that you saw it all. I commented that it was something my husband would do. And here is your proof with baby crow, Bert. We watched the mom bird feed the baby right on our balcony. Although my husband had to wash down everything with soap after 😛 😀
Lorna
July 17, 2022 at 1:20 pmThank you for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Elizabeth has a wonderful way of introducing people and creating connections across the world. It is wonderful that you’re also a reader. It’s good to see what others may think of books I’m interested in reading. I’d love to read A Tree Grows In Brooklyn and you have made it sound like a book that’s definitely worth reading.
I’m currently reading Life Of Pi but not sure whether I’m enjoying it.
lisa
July 17, 2022 at 9:29 pmHi Loree, Your most welcome and it was a pleasure to meet you. Elizabeth is a matchmaker, for sure. When she told me you were an avid reader, well, I just knew we would hit it off 🙂 A Tree Grows is wonderful. I read Life of Pi several years ago. It’s gripping but also a bit confusing, if I recall. There is a movie as well. It’s actually quite graphic (the story in both the book and film). I have no problem discarding books I’m not enjoying. Life is too short!
DGKaye
July 17, 2022 at 12:57 pmNice varied selection of reading and reviews Lis. I was glad to see a few of my review recommends are on your reading list! Hugs and happy summer. <3
lisa
July 17, 2022 at 9:25 pmThanks, Deb and yes, a few of your picks are on my kindle. I always enjoy your heartfelt book reviews! Hugs to you and happy summer reading xx
Balroop Singh
July 14, 2022 at 4:25 pmHi Lisa, thank you so much for your lovely review of Hues Of Hope and many thanks for all the other reviews too. I love the way you recommend my books, saying they are for the home library.
I haven’t read ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,’ it sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for sharing it.
Recently I have read some useless books and had to drop two of them for profane language!
lisa
July 14, 2022 at 4:48 pmYou’re very welcome, Balroop. It’s always a pleasure to read your poems. I hope you like A Tree…it is so unique and beautifully written. Geez, I hate when I’m disappointed with a book. It has to be terrible for me to DNF but it happens. I’m reading one now that is kind of BORING.
Jeff
July 14, 2022 at 10:51 amI should read “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”
My current “poetry reading” is Raymond Carver’s magnificent collection, “All of Us.”
lisa
July 14, 2022 at 1:46 pmIt’s really funny and very touching. I think you’d like it, Jeff. It does start a bit slow but once you get past the first chapter or two it begins to draw you in.
I will have to look up that poetry book. Sounds like a good one!
Darlene
July 14, 2022 at 10:02 amI also enjoyed Balroop’s Hues of Hope. I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn a number of years ago and loved it. It had been one of my mom’s favourite books as well, so it is very special. Enjoy what is left of summer.
lisa
July 14, 2022 at 1:44 pmHi Darlene, good to hear you like Hues of Hope as well! A Tree is a classic. I had tried to read it in my late 30’s and for some reason couldn’t get into it. Finding that book was a sign…it was time to try it again and I really LOVED it. Aw, that’s nice that it was one of your mom’s favourites. You enjoy it, too with exclamation points!
Tamara
July 14, 2022 at 8:43 amLooks like I need to catch up on my reading! And I’m so glad that “Bert” is ok! Lucy tried to eat our flowers and plants today – took me by surprise. Summer is way too short. I always thought maybe I should live somewhere with less marked differences in the seasons. Then I did and missed the marked differences!
lisa
July 14, 2022 at 1:42 pmWell, you have more important things happening at the moment, like baby #4! 🙂 I hope Bert is flying now! It’s been a bit of a rescue mission 😛 I would also miss the marked differences without the changes of the seasons.