Ornithomancy

by Mollie Jackman, Youssef Abdalla (cover_art), Maggie Jackman (illustrator)

Ornithomancy is an illustrated book of poetry that explores the journey of grief through interactions with spirit birds. The birds guide the reader through the underworld, outer space, and home again in an emotional journey. Illustrations, excerpts, and footnotes make the poetry accessible to readers who don't typically read the genre.

104 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2024

About the author

Mollie Jackman has been a writer since before she learned how to write. Somewhere, there's a home video of her on the first day of kindergarten, sporting punched-out sunglasses taking "notes" on Sesame Street.

Since then, she's completed a BA in Creative Writing, and an MFA in Writing with an emphasis in Poetry.

She's a career copywriter and editor, pursuing a dream of poetry whenever and wherever she can. You can also find her work in Coffin Bell Journal.

Reviews

[Brianna Steinman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dog-eared a few to return to again: Memoriam, Anatomy of the In-Between, Golden Hour, Polaris, The Necromancer among others. Such a beautiful blend of mythology, ornithology, dream-speak and midwestern imagery.

[Gabrielle J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this poetry book. I want this author to definitely write more. And she definitely gives me the vibe she’s a cool girl and would like MCM decor.

I also loved the big tree and centuries of chewing cud poem. The writing style is very allegorical and interesting. Keeps me intrigued and wanting more. Keep writing Jackman!!!! 🫶

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and profound. This writer weaves metaphors that are rich and deep and leave the reader feeling full and moved. Upon first read I could not put it down and when I did I couldn’t wait to pick it back up. The beauty of collected poems are their ability to always be picked up and re-read and given new context, and Ornithomancy is no exception.