Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

 Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage - 329 pages

The Golden Girls in action as true crime solvers.  If you have ever watched the iconic TV show The Golden Girls, this cozy mystery is right up your alley.  Rose, Blanche, Sophia, & Dorothy are pulled into a murder investigation when a first time date of Dorothy's turns up dead at Rose's cousin Nettie's wedding venue.

While Rose is trying to plan a traditional St. Olaf wedding in Miami with all the St. Olaf family and friends in attendance, a gentleman that Dorothy met for a one-time date turned up dead in the hotel freezer.  Dorothy becomes the main suspect.  The four women are tasked with helping Rose try to pull off a unorthodox wedding, with resistance from the groom's family, and prove Dorothy's innocence at the same time.

The story is set back in the 80s just like the series.  The terms, clothing, music, etc. are all true to the 80s era.  The Golden Girls are true to their characters.  You can almost hear their voices when reading the book.  I would have enjoyed the book even if I had not seen the series, but knowing the series and the characters does help bring the book to life.  I hope the author continues this series.

The Poets' Corner compiled by John Lithgow

 

The Poets' Corner  compiled by John Lithgow -279 pages

Award-winning actor John Lithgow grew up with poetry.  From listening to his grandmother recite poetry to curling up in bed as a child listening to his father read funny versus, he has had poetry in his life.

In this book John has selected over 40 different poets.  There is a brief story about the poet and one or two poems by each.  If you want to sample a variety of poetry, this is your book.  I am partial to Emily Dickinson's 

                                                There is no Frigate like a Book       

                                                 To take us Lands away         

                                                Nor any Coursers like a Page      

                                                Of prancing Poetry--    

                                                This Traverse may the poorest take     

                                                Without oppress of Toil--      

                                                How frugal is the Chariot        

                                               That bears the Human soul.

The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman

 

The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman - 29 pages

On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman became the sixth and youngest poet to deliver a poetry reading at a presidential inauguration.

A must read poetry keepsake that celebrates the promise of America.  This is such a moving poem coming from such a young poet.  I think maybe this amazing young lady should read this poem again to the nation. This poem can only move us to do better at focusing on our similarities instead of our differences.

When Green Becomes Tomatoes Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano

 

When Green Becomes Tomatoes- Poems for All Seasons by Julie Fogliano-56 pgs

This is a simple watercolor illustrated children's book of poems that take you thru all seasons and every month.  I really enjoyed these poems, sweet and all about nature in some form.

September 10

a star is someone else's sun       

more flicker glow than blinding   

a speck of light too far for bright      

and too small to make a morning

The Trouble with Poetry and Other Poems by Billy Collins

 

The Trouble with Poetry and Other Poems by Billy Collins - 88 pages

What a great collection of thought provoking and funny at times poetry.

This author shows that poetry can be enjoyed by all.  If you are looking to enjoy some poetry, this is a smaller book with easy to read poems and simple language.  Hope you enjoy.