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Quite Contrary
There are no trolls in my life. I am solidly grounded in the here and now. My imagination is pretty much maxed out once I have dealt with the leftovers in my fridge. Still, there is much in my life and that of my friends and family that intrigues and amuses me that I want to capture and share.
The subtle, seemingly insignificant events in life are the ones that interest me. Wry or wistful, it is the small stuff that grabs my attention and inspires my writing. This is as true of the nuances of relationships as it is of the surprises I find in my garden. “Quite Contrary” is a collection of personal essays that meanders through the homely stuff of my life; with luck, its very ordinariness will resonate with you, as well.
The subtle, seemingly insignificant events in life are the ones that interest me. Wry or wistful, it is the small stuff that grabs my attention and inspires my writing. This is as true of the nuances of relationships as it is of the surprises I find in my garden. “Quite Contrary” is a collection of personal essays that meanders through the homely stuff of my life; with luck, its very ordinariness will resonate with you, as well.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 20, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Mary. I haven't seen her in about 30 years, but have great memories of living next door to her in Olympia. She and Fred were wonderful neighbors. Reading her book made me remember her voice and she writes just like she talks. She gave me her pie crust recipe. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy making pie crusts like she does...but, at least I have it if I need to make a pie crust. I will make the zucchini patties, though. They look easy. I live in Colorado in an area that would be considered high mountain desert. I have not been successful growing zucchini yet. Come to think of it, I couldn't grow it in Connecticut either. Oh well. My son, Tommy, who is a chef, will give me some from is garden. I would recommend this book as the perfect book to take to the beach, read on a plane, read in bed, read with a cup of tea, read with a glass of wine, or simply just read!
January 24, 2015
This was a delightful read. It is filled with personal stories about the author's life. These stories of everyday life make you smile, even laugh out loud and they make you think. For example, the first story tells how she met and married her husband after knowing him for only a few weeks. She knew it would last because of his "laugh lines". The book made me appreciate the small stories in my own life.
The book was illustrated by Mimi Williams, an Olympia print maker. If you purchase the book it is signed by the artist and the author and will be inscribed to the buyer or to whomever they direct.
I know that others will enjoy these stories and I am eagerly waiting for the next book. The next book is "Too Far From the Tree" and will be out at the end of April
The book was illustrated by Mimi Williams, an Olympia print maker. If you purchase the book it is signed by the artist and the author and will be inscribed to the buyer or to whomever they direct.
I know that others will enjoy these stories and I am eagerly waiting for the next book. The next book is "Too Far From the Tree" and will be out at the end of April
May 9, 2015
Refreshing personal essays.
Mary is able to write about life events as if she's talking to you one to one. She writes about observations and lessons that are familiar and affirming. Women "of a certain age" will recognize similar events in their own lives.
Mary is able to write about life events as if she's talking to you one to one. She writes about observations and lessons that are familiar and affirming. Women "of a certain age" will recognize similar events in their own lives.
July 30, 2016
Very Charming book!!!
August 17, 2015
Short essays with lots of poignant associations.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews