Sunday, October 30, 2005

Crack Open the Books for Autumn Reading!

Something Old, Something New ...

Here are some titles that I've read over the past 2 months which I would like to pass on to any other avid readers to peruse for analytical, probing novels that focus on human interaction, personal decisions, and connecting with those we love.

1) The Art of Mending by Elizabeth Berg
2) The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
3) Mercy by Jodi Picoult (of course, one of my favorite authors)
4) In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner (books are always deeper than their cinematic counterparts, so at least see the film AFTER reading this.)

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Book Discussion of Vanishing Acts


I just finished reading Jody Picoult's novel Vanishing Acts and loved it! This is the 6th novel I have read by the New Hampshire-based author, and she always manages to leave the reader wondering about where they stand on issues. I don't want to write a spoiler here, so I will just say that she incorporates her trademark twists of the tale, in fact, several. Picoult skillfully explores issues of identity, child custody, divorce, trust, memory, alcoholism, Native mythology, the violence of the prison system, and yes - there are some fingernail biting courtroom scenes. Her writing is always engaging. Enjoy and be on the lookout for 2 new novels coming out in March 2006 and 2007.

If you are an avid fan of Jody Picoult and also a writer, explore her website which has message boards about each of her novels as well as advice for writers.
www.jodypicoult.com

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Publishing News!

YAWP Magazine (Ottawa, Canada) will be publishing my poem "Alone" in their Summer 2005 issue.

Web address for the De Grazia Gallery in the Sun for images of all of Ted De Grazia's paintings.

  • www.degrazia.org



  • ALONE by CMRN
    (Inspired by a painting by Ted DeGrazia)

    Two horses walk
    into the milky white expanse of the desert.
    One rider guides the path
    that casting shadows lead.

    A weathered red blanket rests
    on his shoulders like a torchlight.
    The sky is a pale turquoise
    that has been white washed by the sun.

    Alone – the rider bends forward
    as if the very thought of his journey
    weighs heavily on him,
    curving his weary spine.

    “I have been here before,” he thinks.
    “My people have always walked this land,
    and I shall be here again.”

    This thought echoes
    beneath the horses’ hooves.
    A vibration moves the earth just slightly
    until the ground hums a familiar refrain.
    The rider is no longer alone.

    History rises like steam
    and he sees not an endless journey,
    but a road filled with Light.

    Pausing to gently lower himself off his horse,
    the rider allows his dry, cracked feet
    to be bathed by the golden earth.
    It is shimmering with glinting flecks of agate and granite.

    “I have new shoes,” he thinks,
    “and now I will walk.”

    Monday, May 30, 2005

    Ink-worthy List of Books for Summer Reading

    The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
    My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
    The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson
    The Reading Group by Elizabeth Noble
    The Elegant Gathering of White Snows by Kris Radish