What I’m Reading Right Now
4 Books.
Bewilderment by Richard Powers (iPad book) (the story of an astrobiologist father and his 9-year-old son (who may have autism spectrum disorder, OCD, and/or ADHD), coupled with the beauty and environmental catastrophes in the natural world).
https://www.npr.org/2021/09/21/103909047/richard-powers-bewilderment-review
Fresh Water for Flowers by Valerie Perrin (book book) (the story of a woman who is a caretaker of a cemetery in a small town in France).
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/valerie-perrin/fresh-water-for-flowers/
Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin (audio book) (a masterpiece of modern fantasy that follows several characters and families through wars and intrigue and strategy, all to lay claim to the highest crown).
https://www.readerslane.com/reviews-title/a-game-of-thrones-a-song-of-ice-and-fire-book-1/
In the Jaguar’s House by Debbie Hall (book book) (a book of animal poems and photographs for children).
https://thepoetrybox.com/bookstore-2
None of those descriptions does justice to any of those books. Each is completely different from the other. I am enjoying them, in turn, as I dive in each day. And I highly recommend each one.
The remarkable thing—beyond the writing, great characters, plotlines, subtexts, foreshadowing, etc.—is that I now can (and do) read in a variety of ways. When I am walking, cooking, cleaning...I love an audio book that is beautifully narrated (as Game of Thrones is). When I have only a short time to devote to reading, I love to pick up a book of poems and read one or two. During the day (when the light is good and I don’t need my reading glasses), a book-book is best. Nighttime (unless I am avoiding “screen time” before bed), I like to read on my iPad, when I can crank up the font size of the type.
Having these options available is a luxury (and so is my subscription to Scribd, which—for just $9.99 a month—gives me access to thousands of audio and iPad books). It is something that my mother, who was a devoted reader, could never have imagined and would have loved, I think.
Incidentally...I will be reading with poet/photographer Debbie Hall (she from her lovely In the Jaguar’s House (Poetry Box Press) and me from my book of poems for children, The Galloping Garbage Truck (Kelsay Books). The date: Saturday, April 9 at 5 pm EST, via Zoom. Please watch my website and Facebook page and plan to attend!
