Dear Fellow Readers,
There is a definite chill in the air. Fall seems to be upon us. I look out the window and see the green grass is dotted with yellow leaves. I am not sure that we will see the beautiful colors that I have seen in past years. The start of fall means that I have been burning candles more and we have had a couple fires in the fireplace.
Yep, that weather change is coming.
And so, this week, I will give you a change also. I know that I review mysteries most of the time interspersed with historical fiction or romance novels. Our something new this week is a book of essays.
I didn’t really decide that I needed to read a book of essays. I am not sure that essays would have caught my attention. So, why did I read this book? There are three reasons. I had read the author’s previous works. She has a 4-part series of fictional novels (soon to be 5), a children’s book, and this is her second book of essays. I have enjoyed her books and so I look forward to reading her works. Last but not least, she is a local author, and I have had the pleasure of meeting her at a few events.
At this point, I will remind you that if you have a chance to meet an author at a local event, go do it. Listen to them read their works. It is a fun fan experience and sometimes eye-opening. (When I heard Elizabeth Berg read from one of her books, I was amazed. When I was reading, I never heard that character’s voice with a Southern accent but apparently, I should have.)
But Still They Sing by J. F. Riordan has 42 short essays. The first essay, entitled, “They Sing”, is about the local fowl starting the morning with “their own language of song”.
“But they start each morning by raising their voices.
I don’t know if that’s cheer. Who can say? But it is life-affirming. It’s a statement of presence, of vitality, perhaps of territory, perhaps of love.
Life is hard and may be over before the sun sets.
But still they sing.”
The book has short essays about her dogs, her inspiration, her life, and nature. Each essay is short and well-written. Just enough to keep you wanting the next one. When I look at the book now, I have marked an essay entitled “The Paradox of Inspiration” and another, “Words for the Newlyweds”. I found “Words for the Newlyweds particularly thoughtful.
“Love isn’t an emotion. It’s a policy….
Love has its seasons of emotions that come and go, but it is, in fact a policy. It is a decision we make about commitment, about value, and for the day-to-day essence of any relationship, it determines how we treat each other in the casual exchanges of everyday life. …
So… remember…
Love isn’t a feeling. It’s a policy.
Be polite.
Apologize.
Forgive, forgive, forgive.
Have fun.”
One of the things that I liked about the book is that you could put it down, read other books, and then pick it up again. Each essay is different and there is no reason that you have to read it in one sitting but it is hard to stop after just reading one or two. I found that I just kept reading.
I think you will enjoy this book and the others by J. F. Riordan. They are all a pleasure. The series, North of the Tension Line, takes place on Washington Island, which is in Wisconsin and the children’s book, My Dog Pete, is delightful. Her other book of essays is Reflections on a Life in Exile.
I have picked up two other books of essays because I enjoyed this book so much. We’ll see if I enjoy the others as much.
Enjoy your fall. May your pumpkins be easy to carve and your trick or treats all be treats.
Thanks for reading!
Carol Early Cooney 