Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Book Review: An Everyday Thing by Nancy Richardson

If you're looking for a moving collection of poetry that makes you think, shines the light on the political landscape, and reflects upon coming of age during a challenging time in Ohio's history, then you'll wish to grab a copy of An Everyday Thing by Nancy Richardson.

From the Kent State shootings to working on the Kerry campaign in 2004 to child abuse and beyond, An Everyday Thing is raw and complex and a bit angry. The author digs into momentous, and not so momentous, events and happenings and provides a glimpse into how they impacted her. If you're looking for a walk through the forest lyrical kind of poetry, it won't be found here.

My mind couldn't help but wander to Emily Dickinson's dislike of households and chores expected of a wife when I read "Guide to Meal Planning," which shares words from the 1960 Better Homes and Garden Cookbook. 

While this type of poetry isn't something I would enjoy on a regular basis--bring on the walk through the forest or something uplifting and inspirational for me--it was interesting to see how the author viewed those historical moments and to get a glimpse into a state I know little about. Life is tough. It's not always clean and tidy. It's often lots of gray and very little black and white. An Everyday Thing by Nancy Richardson reflects those social and political struggles.

Paperback: 70 pages
Publisher: Finishing Line Press (July 27, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1635345235
ISBN-13: 978-1635345230

I received a free copy from the author through Poetic Book Tours. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.


2 comments:

Serena said...

I'm glad this poetry collection offered you some insight into Ohio and social gray areas. Gray areas are often hard to see when the news seems so black-and-white these days. Thanks for being on the blog tour.

Cheryl said...

Thanks for stopping by, Serena. I'm glad to have been part of the tour.