Victoria Books

Many books have been written about a mother's loss of a child. Alan Busch offers a reflection of heartache told by a loving father. Though "Snapshots in memory of Ben," he relates his love, pride and respect for his "bechor," first-born child. Alan writes,"We set him apart . . . not because we love him more--but only that his childhood begins when ours ends." Snapshots," while heartwrenching, is so exquisitely written that it takes one's beath away at times. As a mother who also lost a child, Alan's perspective on his feelings have helped me better understand my own husband's grief. This narrative of lost love flows from deep within the writer's soul, which speaks so much more elequently than the mind. Expect to feel sadness, but you will receive so much more from this remarkable tribute from a father to his "bechor," Ben.

by Micki Peluso, author of . . .AND THE WHIPPOOORWILL SANG

This deeply moving account of the loss of a child reminds us that grief is not limited. While those around us hope things return to normal, it is clear that normal has changed dramatically and we may not even know what that will be. When everyone has returned to work, school, or their lives those with the loss still live it every second they are awake and perhaps more. Grieving such a loss is a long term event, needing support and understanding for much longer than we recognize. Alan helps us gently to remember the loss is on going, perhaps equivalent to a hole in our soul and while the acute pain may ease, the hole is permanent. Wonderful book, rich in traditions and educational about the impact of such a deep, deep, loss.
Nancy Petersen RN

At first I was too frightened to read this book -- a true story of every parent's worst nightmare -- the death of his child. But somehow the author brings me in, with a kind of tenderness, truthfulness, parent's humbleness and a graceful way of writing about religious questions without weighing the story down in any way. His spiritual approach is so fresh-hearted that I can't help being lifted -- at least while I'm reading this -- to his poetic and poignant way of experiencing the world.

I found the book to be very moving...a book written from inside knowledge of what grieving is all about...it's not in the words people say to comfort you, but in the silence as they sit with you...saying nothing...but they are there. Most people don't understand that...they are compelled to say something "smart"...there is nothing smart or comforting in the loss of a loved one. There is only learning to live with the pain. And once in awhile...however brief, perhaps a funny memory that allows you to smile instead of cry at the memory
You did a wonderful thing by writing this for your son and yourself...and your other children.

This is one person's account losing a precious child and how this young man had influenced the lives of his father and those around him. Beautifully written from the heart of his father and guarenteed to bring tears to your eyes.

It was the most intriguing and interesting book, I felt like I was right there at the circus.The stories were so informative and at times very funny. It was hard to put this book down.

This book is a veritable delight! It is all at once humorous, credible and compelling. The authors' use of language creates a visual mind picture that is like an outing with a friend. An easy , interesting look at the thought processes that we can all relate to at one point in life or another. Definitely 5 stars!!!

This book is the genuine experience! The author has an incredible knack for triggering each of the senses as she describes with vivid, page-turning detail the life she actually lived and observed first-hand in the circus. Anyone who remembers attending a classic, tented circus as a youngster will find most compelling her ability to virtually bring you back there again, but this time with the privilege of an extended personal tour that completely bypasses the ticket office. With the close of its last page, you'll feel that you, too, have actually lived the experience, and that you personally know each of the personalities who formed its fabric.

As thoroughly dazzling as this book is, it is NOT fiction, making all the more engaging the author's candid illustration of every facet of circus life. Surprisingly, the author also has a great deal to say about the far broader world at large within which the circus existed, told with a perceptive and poignant honesty and frankness, but also with an acquiescent reverence and humor that's accepting of the persuasions of that era. These observations were as engaging as those of the circus -- like watching vintage film footage of a 1930's baseball game but being just as intrigued by the look and dress of the audience in its stands.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to truly visit, or re-visit, the bona fide circus of yester-year. The author realistically tells of a time and place that you'll want to step back into and hang around in long after you've finished reading it...and as authentically as this author captures it, you'll feel that you easily can.

C. B.

"Spangles, Elephants, Violets and Me" by Victoria Cristiani Rossi her intelligent memoir is the best circus book since "I Love You Honey But the Seasons Over." Victoria Cristiani Rossi born into the Famous Cristiani Riding Family while her family was touring with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. From Ringling a very young Vickie moved with her family to another huge railroad show under the Big Top - Cole Bros. Circus. The Cristiani Family occupied an entire railroad car that was specially built for the family. Victoria takes us not only behind the Big Top but her days attending privates schools away from the circus. Our author spends her late teens on the Cristiani Circus Family Circus. She writes about 1958 tour from Sarasota to L.A. via Chicago and her near fatal Hollywood accident that landed her in the L.A. hospital and romancing her future husband Ben a featured cowboy roper and rider on her families circus. Ben within a short time also had a circus accident and was omitted to the same hospital. The (Ozzie & Harriett) Nelson Brothers Rick and David were regular hospital visitors. This is all great reading that once you pick "Spangles, Elephants, Violets and Me" up you won't put down until completion. This book is about real circus and elephants by someone that actually lived the story...Victoria's book is a significant circus memoir. The book is correspondingly an account of her own search for the "violets" in her life.

I found out about this new circus book on Buckles Blog which is a fantastic information source on the circus.
So I ordered this fantastic book and it was so good I could not put it down until I finished it.
It is about the famous Cristiani circus family who were on many famous circuses and who had at one time the largest tented circus that traveled the United States.
They flipped backwards from horse to horse with four horses going around a circus ring. This feat has not been repeated as they were the best ever.
The author who is a daughter of the famous group takes us step by step up their success ladder.
She was there and was part of this famous circus group and she tells us all about it.
There is a great section of photos that covers the Cristiani's career.
If you are a circus enthusiast like I am, this is a must.
You will really enjoy this great book.
Harry Kingston
Circus Fans of America

I never tire of this gorgeous book. The clothes are breathtaking and the photographs of very high quality. The text is informative and well edited. My taste runs more to mid-20th century clothing, except when I have this book in front of me.

Great book!! another Bible for me for great design and detail for young designers .

All of the books on historical fashion published by the Victoria & Albert Museum are beautiful, and this is no exception. I saw this exhibition while I was in London this summer and I was pleasantly surprised at liking the book because I always assumed that publications wouldn't be able to measure up to seeing the garments in person. Instead I found that the book gives me a chance to appreciate each beautiful garment at my leisure, and read the history about Queen Maud (which gives a context and feeling of `realness' to the clothing). The book features Edwardian coronation gowns (literally, Maud wore one for the coronation of Edward VII, her father), sportswear (riding gowns etc.), and dresses and suits through the late 30's all beautifully photographed and described.

Beautiful book. Beautiful images. I wanted MORE images but that's just me.
Cool to see some other designers works besides the greats like Dior and Balenciaga. There are a few outfits that really take my breath away. If it had more images I would have given it 5 stars! but it really is a 5 star book for most people.

This book is excellent for costuming ideas. It has large, sharp pictures that show the details on the dresses beautifully.

Like most people, I was drawn to this book because of the artwork. And while the drawings are first-rate throughout, it was the writing that really got me hooked. From the seasonal stories to the recipes to the Holly Pond Hill Gazette entries, this book is a delightful potpourri of words. My hat's off to Paul Kortepeter for his inventiveness and to Susan Wheeler for her vision. I can't wait for the next book! Ciao.

I really enjoyed the Polite Society Gazette stories throughout the book. We have tried the scone recipe and found it delightful and easy. This is a fun book to read, get ideas, and enjoy the pictures. There is significant detail on the history and etiquette of tea parties--presented in a way that is interesting and entertaining. In addition, there are a number of suggestions for turning a common get together into a special, memorable event--with minimal effort.

We enjoy giving this fun book away as a gift to friends and family.

A marvelous thank you to Susan Wheeler and Mr. Kortepeter for their beautiful work in creating this book. Wonderful artwork with that adorable Victorian setting, delightful recipes for teatime and useful tips for tea parties. Highly reccommendable for all tea lovers.

The book is lovely and contains ideas and recipes for sharing a tea party with your special little girl...even a darling miniature tea set is included!

This book is so delightful, that even as an avid coffee lover, I couldn't put it down. Filled with Susan Wheeler's heart-warming illustrations of Holly Pond Hill, delightful mini-stories featuring some of her characters, as well as delicious recipes for every kind of tea dainty, the book is a joy to hold in your hands. Paul Kortapeter's writing compliments the illustrations as a Stilton Pear Sandwich enhances a warm cup of Earl Grey. Inspired, I made a cup of tea to drink as I read. The tea went down the sink, but I went back to the book with undiminished delight! If you are a fan of Susan Wheeler, don't miss this keepsake.

I bought this book two years ago, and my wife and I didn't actually use it until this weekend. We've really been missing out. The book contains 15 driving tours:

1) Northwest Georgia (Chicamauga to Rome)
2) Native American Tour (Fort Mountain, Chatsworth, New Echota, Etowah Indian Mounds)
3) N. Georgia Mountains Tour (Cleveland, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Ellijay, Helen)
4) Northeast Georgia Tour (Hartwell, Toccoa, Clayton)
5) Fort Yargo to Tucker's Ferry (Winder, Jefferson, Commerce, Danielsville, Elberton)
6) Classic South (Oxford, Covington, Madison, Eatonton, Greensboro, Washington)
7) Plantations (LaGrange, Pine Mountain, Warm Springs, Greenville, Senoia, Newnan)
8) Middle Georgia Ramble (Jackson, Monticello, Gray, Thomaston, Barnesville)
9) Georgia Capitals Drive (Milledgeville, Sandersville, Louisville, Waynesboro)
10) East Central Ramble (Metter, Millen, Sylvania, Statesboro)
11) Southwest Georgia Ramble (Cuthbert, Lumpkin, Fort Gaines, Blakely)
12) Middle Georgia Farmland (Perry, Marshallville, Americas, Vienna)
13) Altamaha River Loop (Claxton, Reidsville, Baxley, Jesup, Hinesville)
14) Wire Grass Tour (Ashburn, Fitzgerald, Douglas, Alma)
15) South Georgia (Bainbridge, Cairo, Ochlocknee, Thomasville, Valdosta)

This weekend we took two tours: 6 and 5 (we did them in that order, but did 5 in reverse since we drove north from Washington to Elberton). Even though the book was published in 1997, we only found one driving instruction that was no longer correct (and it was easy to figure out). The driving instructions were very accurate, and the information about the various cities and the houses, graves, and people were very interesting. I've lived in Georgia all of my life and I've never been to a Revolutionary War battlefield within the state before- but the tour took us to the Kettle Creek battleground, something I'd never heard of before.

Rather than just give you small bits of information about each stop of interest and lots of information about hotels, restaurants, etc., this book gives you lots of information about what you're seeing and lets you figure out where to eat and sleep on your own (which is best- that sort of information changes frequently anyway).

The only criticism we have about the book is that the driving instructions are blended in with the narrative. We got around that with the second tour by going through ahead of time and underlining all of the driving instructions so they'd stand out. Perhaps in future editions this could be set off to the side on boxes so it's easy to find.

All in all, if you're looking for interesting tours of parts of Georgia you probably haven't seen before and won't find in other guidebooks (which spend their time talking about touristy things like Six Flags and Zoo Atlanta), this is the book for you.

Bought this as a gift for my father who recently remodeled an old Austin Healy. He thought this book was great!

I bought this book for the driving tours and I loved the one drive I have taken so far. But, I really enjoy the delightful stories that fill this book. It has the most amazing array of colorful anecdotes from Georgia history. It is a wonderful armchair book and an even better driving guide. I'm looking forward to doing more of the drives.

Frank and Victoria Logue are prolific writers. Their work covers hiking, camping and outdoor adventures in Georgia so this book is a natural extension of that work.

Touring the Backroads covers the entire state (don't be misled by the title). The tours are Northwest Georgia Drive, Native American Tour, North Georgia Mountain Tour, Northeast Georgia Tour, Fort Yargo to Tucker's Ferry, Classic South, Plantation, Middle Georgia Ramble, Georgia Capitals Drive, East Georgia Ramble, Southwest Georgia Ramble, Middle Georgia Farmland, Altamaha River Loop, Wire Grass, and South Georgia.

Our favorites: Georgia Capitals, Georgia Mountains (covers the Georgia Gold Rush), Northwest Georgia (takes you from the Tennessee State line to Rome), and the Southwest Georgia Ramble (highlights the Kolomaki Mounds and Providence Canyon, two underused state parks). The Native American Tour covers the Etowah Indian Mounds, the first capital of the Cherokee Nation at New Echota (now a Georgia State Park) and a wall built by Indians that pre-dated the Moundbuilders.

One of the things I like about this book is that Frank and Victoria don't assume you know esoteric facts about Georgia's history. They take you through the whole story, telling what you need to know to appreciate the stop.

I am a librarian reviewing this book for our school library which we purchased. Like the backroads, at first glance one might think there's nothing much there. Eventhough the photos are small and not color, this book makes up for it with surprisingly rich content. I gave it 5 stars for the content alone. The history and facts about this my home region were quite impressive. I only wanted the tour to slow down and concentrate more on some of the individual topics, but alas when you're on tour you only get a few moments before moving on. I've learned some things I did not know. The style of writing is intelligent and very readable. The research level is substantial in order to have uncovered these facts, that as a resident here in the backroads I know were not easy to come by. If you take a tour of any of these areas, take this book along because you won't find this information readily available aside from long hours of historical research. Facts about the history of growing peaches in Georgia along with recipes for peach cobbler and pecan pie are especially nice. Printed on alkaline paper, I only wish it was hardback.

Setting - New Mexico, 1885 --- Married one week, now a widow and kneeling over the body of her dead husband Hank, Jayne Dawson was perturbed and didn't need the despicable looks she was getting from Ethan Trent. Too bad, that her husband had chosen Ethan's barn to die in, but a little bit of compassion would have been a nice thing, unfortunately, it was not forthcoming from the unkempt and furious looking man who'd found Hank's body in his precious barn. The last thing he wanted was to help her, but he's not so heartless to turn her away when he discovers that she's pregnant, and pursued by a vicious killer.Be that as it may, the fates intervened, with a blizzard that forces them to endure one another's company.

Jayne Dawson, a dressmaker by trade, has never seen such an unkempt and miserable human being with such bad manners yet would soon discover that underneath was a man, who if given a chance, had a remarkable ability to love. It was providence that brought them together to lean on one another and deal with the dangers of the present, and the tragedy of Ethan's past as both are given a second chance at love, if only -- they would both take a chance.

This story of second chances is the second book I have had the pleasure of reading by this very inspirational author. Her characters are real people that are given emotional depth, and believability. With subtle inspiration, she shows that with real tragedy that there is always hope and states it with the reverend's words of "Hope is a rope. Tie a knot and hang on!" With a deft hand she creates the moods of tension, danger, and makes you feel good with the final and long awaited embrace. This is an author who writes with heart, and articulates well a clear understanding of human feelings and frailties that readers should totally enjoy. --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ----

I won't detail the story since that has been very well done by another reader. I first read Bylin's book "of men and angels" and loved that. With a mental note to find any books she wrote I found West of Heaven. This author has a special talent. She gets into her characters souls and displays their emotions with enormous depth. You, the reader, feel the gut wrenching hurt and the joy as the story evolves. And it is a wonderful story. With very little swearing and no porn or really explicit sex, her story is still a page turner. And you hate to see it end. I, too hope there is a sequel with the rev.john leaf. This book just makes you feel good and reminds everyone of the need to cope with grief and the hope that life always holds even when we can't see it. Absolutely masterful. Congrats to VB!

When I think of Harlequin romances I think of simplistic storylines. West of Heaven has depth to the romance. Both characters had me cheering them on towards their second chances in life. I would be curious to know if Ms. Bylin would be interested in writing Reverend John Leaf's life. I am Very interested in his story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this quick tale of love lost, love found and pulling oneself up by the boot straps. The solid plot was full of meaning that kept you engrossed from start to finish. The Characters are strong and well described as having grace, grit and substance. This book is definitely first-rate!

I love this book! I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a book that will make them laugh and cry and shout "Hooray!" for the hero and heroine at the end. Plenty of emotion with realistic characters and lots of action with an intriguing plotline. I'll never forget the scene with the squirrels! Ms. Bylin has also written Of Men and Angels. I'm so looking forward to her next book!

Using diaries, log books, letters, and other narratives, the editor has woven an anthology of women and their stories about life on the Great Lakes from the late 1700s until the present day. There is also a strong emphasis on the Native American women's accounts of their lives and activities. Of special interest to me were the accounts of women lighthouse keepers and women who worked on the ships that navigate the Great Lakes. This book is highly recommended to anyone with an interest in women's literature and/or the Great Lakes.

The Women's Great Lakes Reader is an impressive, informative, superbly presented contribution to women's studies, native American studies, regional and Midwestern history studies. Victoria Brehm has assembled an outstanding contributors writing on the theme of women's roles in the cultures, development, and history of the Great Lakes region of the American Midwest organized into five major sections: Anishinaabeg: The First Peoples of the Lakes; Women Pioneers on the Frontier; Women Travelers on the Lakes; Women's Work; and Women's Lives, Women's Lakes. Of special note is Judith Minty's "The North Woods" (1981) which serves admirably as an introduction to the wealth of informative, insightful, and engaging commentaries comprising The Women's Great Lakes Reader which make this work a seminal contribution for personal and academic studies.

As opportunities for woman waxed and waned on the frontier of the Great Lakes of the 1800s, those few who performed jobs restricted to men were forced back into a patriarchal society that determined their roles more suited to hearth and home, "quelled by the anti-feminist rhetoric of the 1920s and the diminished opportunities of the 1930s". Harriet Colfax, a thirty-seven-year old lighthouse keeper of the Michigan City, Indiana, lighthouse in 1861 shined more than a figurative beacon on the wilderness landscape. In the late nineteenth century, gender roles were fluid in the Great Lakes region, allowing women to assume occupations formerly reserved for men. For a time, the frontier gave women access to well-paying positions as fur traders, cooks on lake's ships and travel writers. East Coaster's were avid readers of "local color", post-Civil War tales of wilderness travels by women who returned from their adventures to write of their exploits, delicious escapist reading for those concerned with urban sprawl, immigration and the inexorable advance of the Industrial Revolution.

Industrialization and the changes it wrought altered the landscape of women's opportunity, bringing with it restrictions of class and gender long familiar to "cultured" society, but in these tales, albeit briefly, women are the putative masters of their own fates. The Women's Great Lakes Reader honors those women who took the risk and journeyed into the unknown, achieving in this vast wilderness what they were denied in professions at home, an escape from the domesticity assigned to them, relying on their wits for survival in a genderless landscape. These narratives avoid the stereotypical stories of nation-building and development, the standards of a male perspective, written from the female point of view, "they tell us less about mastering a landscape and more about adjusting to it", perhaps the most important lesson in preparing for the future.

From "The First People on the Lakes", "Women Pioneers on the Frontier", "Women Travelers on the Lakes", "Women's Work" and "Women's Lives, Women's Lakes", these selections range from the Indian settlers of the early 1800s to a spiritual midlife journey in the 1990s. Here the voices rise from a distant past to join with the present in profiles, narratives, essays, stories and poetry that emerges from the common experience of a life-changing region, women in communication with nature, forging unique identities in a wilderness that refuses to be tamed. Luan Gaines/ 2006.

Lighthouse keepers, fur traders, cooks, wives and mothers - women from all walks of life have traveled to the Great Lakes region over the past 200 years.

Some stayed only a short time, others made interesting and often challenging lives. Their stories, collected by Grand Valley State University Professor Victoria Brehm in The Women's Great Lakes Reader, reveal a wide range of voices and experiences, from the poetry and travelogues to letters and diary entries about life in mining camps and homesteads around the shores of these vast bodies of water.

Among several dozen chapters are the polished words of novelist Constance Fenimore Wilson, who committed suicide at age 54, after becoming a popular and successful author. Weaving narrative into rich and vivid scenic detail, Wilson puts herself in the shoes of Roxana, who follows her husband into the west.

Brehm also includes brief but fascinating Chippewa tales penned in English by Jane Johnston Schoolcraft, daughter of a fur trader and a Native American woman who married explorer Henry Schoolcraft.

Written from 1789 to present day, each of the stories in this collection holds a unique place in women's history. Best of all, The Women's Great Lakes Reader reflects a diversity of women's voices and reinforces the timeless notion that no one voice speaks for us all.

I found this book to be extremely informative and entertaining. It enlightened me about the history and culture of the region, and looked at both aspects from a more feminist point of view. An excellent read for pleasure or education. I will definitely read it again.

This was the December pick at Wiccans.com and it truly was the perfect 2002 calendar complete with all things Wicca. Blessed Be and enjoy!

This is a very well put together date book- not only is there plenty of room for jotting down appointments as well as notes on the daily calendar pages, but it also includes a 'month at a glance' section for each month. Also included are major and minor 'power days' for working certain spells, AND shaded areas on the 'month at a glance' so one can see AT A GLANCE the waxing/waning phases of the moon. I must add, the art is lovely and all the little extras make it worth EVERY penny.

I thought this planner couldn't get any better and then I got my 2002! Every witch should have one.

The 2002 Seasons is just gorgeous! Love the art, poetry and all the useful information, but I couldn't get by without the powercasting dates. This is my second year to work with the planner anbd I swear I'll never be without one.

After 911 there was so much that was crammed down our throats that to be honest I got quite tired of everything having to do with it. It wasn't that I didn't care just that our modern media desensitized me to it leaving me feeling very guilty. As one of the contributors in this book I was of course excited to recieve my copy as anyone would be but then I started to read it page by page. By the end I was in tears and feeling full of love and compassion for my fellow Americans once again. This book is as open and honest as it gets. No lies, no frills, and no gimmicks. Just the heart felt feelings of men, women, and children who were forever changed by the events of this day. I hope you enjoy.

I had thought I'd heard and seen all I could stand of the 911 terrorist act. My heart could not take anymore, my soul had cried enough....then I read this book. It was then that I realized my heart needed to take it -- all of it. Or how could I go on? I was foolish to think my soul had cried enough, for there never will be enough tears shed for those who were lost on that day, or for those who had their families brutally ripped apart by senseless acts of hostility. I urge you to read this book and never forget that fateful day, because those who were lost deserve at least that much from us.

This beautiful book clearly defines the reasons why September 11 will never be forgotten as it pays a memorial tribute to the victims and families who lost loved ones that day. "Voices of America's Children" is a chapter in the book that shows even the children of America were deeply affected and felt the need to write out their feelings about the heartbreaking event. Executive Director of the Todd M. Beamer Foundation, Doug MacMillan, said, "Although each story is unique, you will be especially touched by the short stories written by the children. Their unique perspective on the events of September 11 reminds us that today's children are tomorrow's heroes, capable of positively impacting our world for the good of others." American will never get over September 11, but this book clearly shows that the victims who died that day did not die in vain, and they will never be forgotten. As editor Tina L. Miller said, "This book was born of a tregedy, but it is offered in the spirit of hope." Victoria Walker, who complied the book, said, "To all the young writers who contributed to this book--Your forthright honesty and emotion is priceless. Never stop reaching for your dreams, never give up hope in America or in your fellow Americans." There are seven chapters and 243 pages of inspiring contributions from the contributors who as Victoria Walker said, "You are the heart of this book." This is not counting the biographical information that is interesting in itself. The stories will awaken saddness, but they will also inspire, encourage, and motivate us all to stand united for the sake of our country, America, the land of the free and the home of the brave! Old Glory yet waves! From children's inspiring, encouraging words to those of adults, let freedom continue to ring with their lasting words of encouragement. As President George Bush said, "Freedom itself was attacked this morning, and I assure you Freedome will be defended." "The Heroes of Flight 93: Interviews with Family and Friends Detail the Courage of Everyday People" begins the book and is one of the most interesting parts of the book written by Kim Barker, Louise Kierman, and Steve Mills with the Chicago Tribune. Proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Todd M. Beamer Foundation, and contributing authors unanimously decided to donate any royalities from the sale of this book to the Todd M. Beamer Foundation. My contribution is "911: A Cry for Tolerance," and my website is http://pages.prodigy.net/bud25. My students and I are proud to be part of such a worthwhile cause, and it is a great feeling to know that our writing could contribute to such a great cause.

This book is filled with stories that will definitely make you remeber where you were on that fateful day. The emotions expressed are raw, in depth looks into how Americans as individuals felt about and dealt with this tragedy. This is one of the books you should keep on your shelf for years to come.

Emily Dickinson said "If I read a book and it makes my body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry." This reaction is felt many times when reading this collection of poems. Each of them is a precious gem with many facets to reveal its inner light and meaning. Hallerman's vivid imagination expands into poetic thought expressed with word so carefully selected that when we meet them on a page, we can share the experience. "The lily opens into brown velvet glove tips erect, its speckled yellow silk folded under, opening all the way like a woman whose eyes are closed in fantasy" (from "The Woman in the Magic Show." This book is perfect.

These quiet, stirring poems make you want to whisper them aloud and read them again and again. Victoria Hallerman has a way of inviting you in to listen to her think about love, home, mind, and world, in a way that feels both profound and easy. It's a relief to read a poet who is so approachable and yet so wise. I love this book!

Finally, poetry that is clear and concise while also being stimulating and thought-provoking. This book is wonderful!

This is wonderful poetry - modern but not incomprehensible, with startling images (yes! just right!) and references to all our lives and our childhoods, delicate but sturdy - poems to keep coming back to and to quote to friends.