Little Birds with Broken Wings

by David Martin

"These pages represent the accumulated wisdom of more than thirty years that David Martin has spent as a writer, teacher, editor, and inspiration. Fine Lines has been his gift to the world, a champion of literacy and lyricism, a 'lighthouse' to countless writers of all ages, from all over the globe, but it is not his only gift. In this collection of his writing, Martin invites us to see the world through his attentive eyes, bearing witness to what endures, what matters: a mother's love, the flicker of a firefly, the mystery of a dream, a beloved teacher, a triumphant student, the power of myth, and most of all, the written word. Inside his vision, readers are shown the richness, challenges, and rewards of the individual's effort to write, as he says, 'my own internal rhythms and play my own tunes.' This book is a song, a gift, in which we can all take pleasure." -Dr. John Price, Department of English, University of Nebraska at Omaha

248 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 2012

Reviews

[Marcia Forecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is David Martin's second compilation of essays and poetry. He explores himself, the world around him and his place in it with wonderful clarity and honesty. David has dedicated himself to nurturing the writer in his students and friends. It's a pleasure to enjoy the fruits that dedication has brought forth in his own life and work in this new collection. From all your readers, I say to David, "Write on!"

[Hallie Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book at a thrift store, and took a chance on it. I think it's one of the best thrift store books I've picked up! I wanted to read more books by local authors, and I wasn't disappointed. His takes on living in Omaha made me love the city even more. I've never taken one of his classes, but I wore a highlighter pen out while reading this. So many great quotes that will stick with me. The parts about religion, humanity and inclusion really resonated with me. There was so much good advice. I really connected with the parts about his mother. I hope I can inspire my kids to love reading like she did.

[Raven J Loureiro · Rating 1 out of 5]

I took two classes from the writer and we were forced to read this and I didn't enjoy it.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little Birds With Broken Wings is a wonderful collection of a writer's life journey. Personal anecdotes, essays, book reviews, poetry, and more give insight to Martin's mind and the way he writes. My personal favorite chapters are So Many Questions, Pensees: Small Thoughts and Reflections, Little Birds With Broken Wings: The Beginning of Fine Lines, and Proverbial Wisdom. Martin writes about the love of reading and writing, his family, wisdom, and how to observe. I personally know David Martin, and he is a wonderful writer and editor. As a writer and editor myself of the non-profit organization he began, Fine Lines, I know personally how much Martin has done for the writing community, and I feel as if I am a better writer for reading his book. In the words of Mr. Martin, "Write on".

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

*I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley to review.

I really didn't know what to expect from this book and I had an open mind. A few of the short stories or rather essays were interesting and there were a few good ideas. I learned of an event under the Wilson Administration termed the United States Occupation of Veracruz which occurred in 1914. I never had a clue about this part of our history and I enjoyed reading the back story leading up to the 7 month occupation. The essays afterward seem to proclaim a general view that Christianity is false and the attitude about religion is negative. The book ultimately ended up to be in my opinion "anti-Christian". This fact pushed back my enjoyment and the rating for this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

These essays are a concise collection of attitudes, observations, and facts as the author found them and dealt with their results. As Montaigne understood, most people do not accept what they know until it is written down and lies in front of them. Only then do they see clearly. Only then do they understand. Only then does vision become real.

[Tanja · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a treat! While some of the essays were very interesting just because I learned some new facts, my favorite writings all seem to include a little lesson about life. My favorites are: Read All About It, Winter: A Metaphorical Season, Dream Well, and the poem Mother's Nature.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. It felt as though I got to know the author through his writing and that is always something I look forward to in a good book.

[Tena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting.