Cornucopia: National Poetry Month (2)

Rainy Day Challenge

By Kate Chamberlin

The rain splats across the window,

Thunder rumbles ominous and low.

Pull the covers back up to your chin,

It will be a good day to stay in.

**

The plip plopping of a rain drop

Cascading from flower anther to leaf top,

Is like the lively volley of the tennis game

That will be postponed -what a shame.

**

Fill your mug with tea and cream,

Enter a realm of thought and dream.

Reach for the long-forgotten book,

Curl up in a warm, cozy nook.

Cornucopia: National Poetry Month (1)

Vernal Equinox

By Kate Chamberlin

Vernal equinox, the scents of spring,

two moments in the year when the Sun is exactly above the Equator,

day and night are of equal length.

Listen to the plunkity plunk thunk of the melting snow in the gutter,

Many twitter-patered little birds in the pines, and A cacophony of frogs in the bog.

Smell the pungent odor of the emerging Crown Imperial Frittalaria,

Ozone left by the lightning, and earthiness of the damp loam.

Welcome the balmy, though still cool, breeze on your face,

The ooze of mud between your bare toes and stepping out of the house without a jacket.

Surely, you can see the willows yellowing and the Autumn Blaze buds swelling,

Not to mention, the white Snowdrops and lavender croci poking through the leaf mold.

The smoky taste of finger licking good chicken barbecued on the patio grill, freshly picked early peas, and plump, juicy strawberries are just around the corner.

The astrological Vernal equinox,

two moments in the year when the Sun is exactly above the Equator will continue,

But will climate change enable the scents of Spring to continue?

Kate’s 2¢: “Bone Truth” by Anne Finger

“Bone Truth” by Anne Finger

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   Kimberly Schraf did a good job of narrating this tory, however, I found that the narrative arc was in and out, up and down, and not easy to follow. I didn’t have much sympathy for this immoral, self-centered character.

   I understand that her father abused her and her polio further complicated her life and self-image, yet, as an adult this character succumbed to her self-pity.

   I think the time to think of becoming a parent is before you have unprotected sex. It would appear that this character will have the baby for all the wrong reasons and may not be the most stable of mother material.

From: Anne Finger – American Academy

WEBAnne Finger is a writer of creative nonfiction and fiction, and an activist for the disabled. She has written about her disability in Elegy for a Disease: A Personal and Cultural History of Polio (2006), and Past Due: Oakland, CA

Her novels include A Woman, in Bed published by Cinco Puntos; and Call Me Ahab, published by Bison Books and winner of the Prairie Schooner Award, which takes iconic disability stories and rewrites them from a disabled perspective. Two memoirs, Elegy for a Disease: A Personal and Cultural History of Polio published by St. Martin’s Press, and Past Due: A Story of Disability, Pregnancy and Birth published in America by Seal Press, consider Finger’s personal experience of disability, and look at how narratives of disease are formed and at the tensions and confluences between feminism and disability rights. Finger has taught both creative writing and disability studies, most recently as the Kate Welling Distinguished Scholar in Disability Studies at Miami University. She is the recipient of a 2021 Creative Capital Award, the Berlin Prize, and has held residencies at MacDowell, Djerassi, Yaddo, Centrum, and Hedgebrook.

annefinger.org 

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Bone truth: a novel DB43388

Finger, Anne. Reading time: 9 hours, 7 minutes.

Read by Kimberly Schraf.

Psychological Fiction

Elizabeth, single and unexpectedly pregnant, considers her own childhood and how her disability and her abusive father have shaped her. She finds peace with herself through her art and her humor, but worries about the effects she and the baby will have on one another. Strong language, violence, and explicit descriptions of sex.

Downloaded: April 3, 2024

Download Bone truth: a novel

Kate’s 2¢: “ Aracoeli: a novel” by Elsa Morante

“ Aracoeli: a novel” by Elsa Morante

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   I lived in Spain for a while, so I enjoyed the descriptions of the country  and listening to Peter Johnson narrate the book. Beyond that, nothing resonated with me in this story. I read the

first part, then, skipped to the end, because I didn’t enjoy this story.

   A few take aways:

–At times, especially in spells of extreme loneliness, a pulse causes them to seek their dead in time and space.

–I am not attracted to anyone, as I am unattractive to myself.

–Not even the 12 angels of death, are able to turn a mortal away from the course of his own fulfillment.

To live means to experience separation.

Elsa Morante – Wikipedia

Elsa Morante was an Italian novelist, short-story writer, and poet known for the epic and mythical quality of her works, which usually centre upon the struggles of the young in coming to terms with the world of adulthood.

   Elsa Morante was born in Rome in 1912, the daughter of Irma (née Poggibonsi), a schoolteacher, and Augusto Morante. Her mother came from a Jewish family in Modena. When she was a teenager Morante discovered that Francesco Lo Monaco, a family neighbour, was her biological father.

   Elsa Morante was a great loner, she knew how to put all her frustration, anger and sadness in words and this still makes her one of the most important writer of our history. Elsa Morante died of a heart attack in Rome in November 1985.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Aracoeli: a novel DB22894

Morante, Elsa. Reading time: 13 hours, 21 minutes.

Read by Peter Johnson.

Psychological Fiction

A man’s obsessive memories of his beautiful mother, who died when he was a young boy, plunge him into a search for her shadowy past and a confirmation of his own wretched psyche. His first recollection of his mother is a loving image of care and affection, but as he delves further, he unearths a fixation on maternal passion that turns repugnantly erotic. Explicit descriptions of sex.

Downloaded: March 17, 2024

Download Aracoeli: a novel

Kate’s 2¢: “Blood Orange” by Harriet Tyce

“Blood Orange” by Harriet Tyce

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   Julie Teal did a superb job of reading this book. I enjoyed listening to it. I even applaud the ending.

A few take aways:

–How She and I have both let our husbands tell us how to feel bad about ourselves.

–He hated his financial dependency on me.

–He wanted his power back.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Harriet Tyce (born November 1972) is a Scottish barrister and novelist, the author of Blood Orange (2019), The Lies you Told (2020) and It ends at midnight (2022).

Tyce was at first educated in Edinburgh, before gaining admission to Oxford University to study English literature, and then completing a law conversion course at City University. For nearly ten years she practised as a criminal barrister before changing her career path to creative writing and crime fiction. Her first novel became a Richard and Judy choice and according to Amazon, it became popular during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.

   She was the eldest of two children of Lord Nimmo Smith, retired judge, and Jennifer, an academic and classicist.[1][2] In Edinburgh, she at first attended an all girls school where she became friends with Sarah Hughes.[3] Subsequently she joined the Edinburgh Academy for sixth form, which was mixed.[2]

   Tyce lives with her husband, who works in finance. They have two children.[2]

• Blood Orange. Wildfire. 2019. ISBN 978-1-4722-5274-6.

• The Lies You Told. Wildfire. 2020. ISBN 978-1-4722-5279-1.

• It Ends At Midnight. Wildfire. 2022. ISBN 978-1-4722-8009-1.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Blood orange DB95046

Tyce, Harriet. Reading time: 9 hours, 59 minutes.

Read by Julie Teal.

Suspense Fiction

Psychological Fiction

Legal Fiction

London attorney Alison has just been assigned her first murder case. But she also drinks too much, neglects her husband and daughter, and is having a dangerous affair with a colleague. Saving her client may be the first step to saving herself. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2019.

Downloaded: April 3, 2024

Download Blood orange

Kate’s 2¢: “Dreamcatcher: A Novel” by Stephen King

“Dreamcatcher: A Novel” by Stephen King

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   You can expect the unexpected when you start to read a Stephen King novel and “Dreamcatcher” will not disappoint you. Gregory Gorton did a great job of narrating this lengthy novel for us.

   Wouldn’t it be wonderful if mental telepathy really could bridge the gap for those trapped within themselves?

–We are a species caught in the center of the dreamcatcher.

   I think I’ll have a more open mind when I wear my dreamcatcher earrings from now on.

www.biography.com/authors-writers/stephen-king

Stephen King (born 1947) is a prolific and immensely popular author of horror fiction. In his works, King blends elements of the traditional gothic tale with those of the modern psychological thriller, detective, and science fiction genres. Stephen King was born on September 21, 1947, in Portland, Maine.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Dreamcatcher: a novel DB51542

King, Stephen Reading time: 22 hours, 22 minutes.

Gregory Gorton A production of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress.

Supernatural and Horror Fiction

Bestsellers

Four friends have hunted together for twenty-five years. This trip, however, is interrupted by an intruder’s rambling about lights in the sky. Patterned like a Native American talisman, the dreamcatcher phenomenon must be summoned for the men to fight alien and natural horrors. Strong language and some violence. Bestseller. 2001.

Download Dreamcatcher: a novel DB51542

Kate’s 2¢: “The House of Eve: a Novel” by Sadeqa Johnson

“The House of Eve: a Novel” by Sadeqa Johnson

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   Nicole Lewis did a good job of narrating this story for us. While this story reflects the caste society within the black community, it also reflects the human foibles of all of us. I liked this story and appreciated the wrap-up ending.

From the WEB:

Sadeqa Johnson is a best-selling author1who is originally from Philadelphia2. She is the author of Yellow Wife, And Then There Was Me, Second House From the Corner and Love in a Carry-on Bag1. Her accolades include being the recipient of the National Book Club Award, the Phillis Wheatley Award and the USA Best Book Award for best fiction1. She is a Kimbilo Fellow1. Johnson is also the co-founder of 12th Street Press, a boutique publishing company specializing in unique voices2.

   Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times best-selling author of five novels. Her accolades include being the 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, and the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner. She is a Kimbilio Fellow and teaches in the M.F.A. program at Drexel University.

   A native of Philadelphia, she currently lives with her husband and children in Richmond, Virginia. When Sadeqa Johnson was growing up, she used to visit the library every day on her way to school. She used to be very close with the local librarian who would pick out the best books for her.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

The house of Eve: a novel DB112651

Johnson, Sadeqa Reading time: 10 hours, 31 minutes.

Nicole Lewis; Ariel Blake

Historical Fiction

Psychological Fiction

Romance

“From the award-winning author of Yellow Wife, a daring and redemptive novel set in 1950s Philadelphia and Washington, DC, that explores what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal. 1950s Philadelphia: fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college, in spite of having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising a daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed on to her like a birthright. Eleanor Quarles arrives in Washington, DC, with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his par­ents don’t let just anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done. With their stories colliding in the most unexpected of ways, Ruby and Eleanor will both make decisions that shape the trajectory of their lives.” — Provided by publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.

Download The house of Eve: a novel DB112651

Kate’s 2¢: “Yellow Wife: A Novel” by Sadeqa Johnson

 “Yellow Wife: A Novel” by Sadeqa Johnson

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   Robin Miles did an excellent job of narrating this novel based on the extensive research done by Sadeqa Johnson.

     You cannot deny that the cruelties portrayed in this book happened, because there is so much documentation on the era. It is time to let the wounds heal and go forward to never let it happen again.

From the WEB:

Sadeqa Johnson is a best-selling author1who is originally from Philadelphia2. She is the author of Yellow Wife, And Then There Was Me, Second House From the Corner and Love in a Carry-on Bag1. Her accolades include being the recipient of the National Book Club Award, the Phillis Wheatley Award and the USA Best Book Award for best fiction1. She is a Kimbilo Fellow1. Johnson is also the co-founder of 12th Street Press, a boutique publishing company specializing in unique voices2.

   Sadeqa Johnson is the New York Times best-selling author of five novels. Her accolades include being the 2022 Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy finalist, a BCALA Literary Honoree, and the Library of Virginia’s Literary People’s Choice Award winner. She is a Kimbilio Fellow and teaches in the M.F.A. program at Drexel University.

   A native of Philadelphia, she currently lives with her husband and children in Richmond, Virginia. When Sadeqa Johnson was growing up, she used to visit the library every day on her way to school. She used to be very close with the local librarian who would pick out the best books for her.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Yellow wife: a novel DB102908

Johnson, Sadeqa Reading time: 9 hours, 33 minutes.

Robin Miles

Historical Fiction

Born on a plantation, Pheby Delores Brown has lived a relatively privileged life. She is promised her freedom, but instead she finds herself thrust into the bowels of the most infamous slave jail in Virginia. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Commercial audiobook. 2021.

Download Yellow wife: a novel DB102908

Kate’s 2¢: “Down The Aisle” Book 4 by Barbara Hinske

“Down The Aisle” Book 4 by Barbara Hinske

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   Laura Hatch did a good job of narrating this fourth story. Hinske has put all the drama of a chicklet romance into an accurate portrait of a blind woman’s life, not to mention the very emotional ending. Wow, what a twist to have her father walk her down the aisle to the rich and handsome Grant. Job well done.

From www.barbarahinske.com:

USA Today Bestselling Author

Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. Her novel Guiding Emily was conceived during a tour of The Foundation for Blind Children. She was inspired and moved by their mission and is donating half of her proceeds from the book to the Foundation. Barb is also the author of the bestselling Rosemont series and the murder mysteries in her ‘Who’s There?!’ collection. Her novella The Christmas Club was made into a 2019 Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. A true homebody, she is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking, and gardening.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Down the aisle DB116315

Hinske, Barbara Reading time: 7 hours, 59 minutes.

Laura Hatch

General

Animals and Wildlife

“When a cyberattack threatens to destroy Emily’s company, she does what she can to counter the threat. Her efforts, however, are thwarted until she’s promoted to oversee both her team and the cyber security group. With the company’s survival at stake and in her hands, she knows the one person she can turn to—Dhruv. Meanwhile, work deadlines and family emergencies repeatedly interrupt Emily and Grant’s plans for a romantic weekend. Luckily, Zoe and Diedre are determined to keep things on track so they can become stepsisters. Eventually, a simple family wedding will hold a touching remembrance. Join Emily and Garth as they walk down the aisle…” — Provided by publisher. Some strong language.

Download Down the aisle DB116315

Kate’s 2¢: “Over Every Hurdle” book 3” by Barbara Hinske

“Over Every Hurdle” book 3” by Barbara Hinske a

NOTE: There is a plethora of in-depth biographies of authors and reviews of their books, that state the title, author, published date, and genre; as well as, describing what the book is about, setting, and character(s), so, Kate’s 2¢ merely shares her thoughts about what she reads. Inho…

   Laura Hatch Did a good job of narrating this third story in the Guiding Emily series. Many aids that enable a blind person to be all they can-be are mentioned in this story.

   Hinske has portrayed a blind person’s personal and professional challenges with accuracy and compassion.

From www.barbarahinske.com:

USA Today Bestselling Author

Barbara Hinske is an attorney who recently left the practice of law to pursue her career as a full-time novelist. Her novel Guiding Emily was conceived during a tour of The Foundation for Blind Children. She was inspired and moved by their mission and is donating half of her proceeds from the book to the Foundation. Barb is also the author of the bestselling Rosemont series and the murder mysteries in her ‘Who’s There?!’ collection. Her novella The Christmas Club was made into a 2019 Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.

She inherited the fiction gene from her father who wrote mysteries when he retired and told her a story every night of her childhood. She and her husband share their own Rosemont with two adorable and spoiled dogs. A true homebody, she is besotted with decorating, entertaining, cooking, and gardening.

From NLS/BARD/LOC:

Over every hurdle DB111986

Hinske, Barbara Reading time: 6 hours, 52 minutes.

Laura Hatch

Disability

Animals and Wildlife

“Emily’s new relationship with Grant is jeopardized by adolescent animosity between Zoe and Diedre. Will Gina swoop in to calm troubled waters? Meanwhile, Emily and Garth travel to Denver to assist their company’s cyber security team—only to find that their unsolicited aid is most unwelcome. There’s no time, however, to worry about workplace drama. Emily and Zoe are busy with Gina’s wedding, followed by the surprise birthday party they’re throwing for Stephanie. Is Stephanie the only one who will be surprised at this party?” — Provided by publisher. Some strong language.

Download Over every hurdle DB111986