What Poets Need by Finuala Dowling

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars


John, the poet, is caught in an unfulfilling, mostly by e-mail, love affair with Theresa. He longs for, yearns for her. But life with his sister and niece keeps his feet on the ground. Plus he has to edit a volume of poetry. Plus he has to write a menu in rhyming couplets.



Such an enjoyable book. Very vivid sense of place, the action all takes place in and around Kalk Bay. A wonderful cast of characters, from Tiny the bergie (hobo) to 9 year old Sal who keeps John pretty much on his toes.



A gentle book, filled with wit and humour. This is one of those books I will read again, and press into other people's hands saying, "Read this! You'll love it!"


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The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars


What a book. A story in a story in a story. I admired the skill of the author, how she made these stories flow into one another. It is an amazing book; strong, well written. I will definitely look for more books by Margaret Atwood.


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Eat, Pray, Love

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I found this a frustrating book. I alternated between appreciating the sometimes valuable insights and humor in the book, and being irritated by the author.



On the one hand her description of depression is the most accurate I've ever read. She is literate, smart, funny, self aware...all things I appreciate in people.



And yet, yet. Every few pages I felt, I don't know...suspicious? Unbelieving? Envious? Everything just works out so perfectly; the sojourn in Italy, the spiritual experiences in India, the handsome older man who adores her in Bali.



I don't know. I finished the book because two friends, who really enjoyed the book, wanted me to finish it, no doubt for long discussion over wine and sushi. If not for them, I would have left off after the Italy part.








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Which creature of the night are you? Your Result: Vampire   You are a social pragmatist, as likely to kiss as to bite. Your sensuality and social pragmatism is the counter-balance to your existential angst and your tendency toward depression.
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Which creature of the night are you? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

The Merrow

A while back I wrote a poem called The Merrow.  A woman I know took it and put it to music.  I didn't know she was doing it, and this weekend my mentor gave me the CD and told me, "Go listen."

So I did. So my mouth is hanging open in total astonished, gratified, delighted admiration.

Like, WOW.