Book Spotlight: The Smooth Yarrow by Susan Glickman

The Smooth Yarrow by Susan Glickman is one of those cases where I read a book so beautiful, full of such profound yet delicate poetry, raw, honest and clear– that I immediately wanted to write a raving positive review. Unfortunately, I can't do so with much credibility: it just so happens that the poet, Glickman, is related to me. Still, I couldn't let The Smooth Yarrow go unmarked on my blog, so instead I offer an excerpt of Glickman's own words to convince you why you should definitely pick this book up.

"Whereas poetry offers the results of its meditation
tentatively; it is not embarrassed to show that thinking
–some of it slow, arduous, confused–has taken place.
And then poetry doesn't rush ahead shouting, "Look at me! Look at me!"
Instead, it takes your hand, your poor mangled hand, like the good surgeon it is
and massages it joint by joint, feeling for the sore places.
And because it doesn't speak without reflection
you trust it, and let it cut you open."

-From "On Finding a Copy of Pigeon in the Hospital Bookstore"

If you are interested in purchasing The Smooth Yarrow you can find it on Amazon.ca, Amazon.com and the Book Depository. Also, if you're unwilling to take my opinion on this– and I don't blame you– then be sure to check out the reviews, like Quill and Quire that says "Glickman’s writing is defiant: like yarrow, it is lean and strong, not only beautiful, but possessed of myriad healing properties."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Book Spotlight: The Remains by Vincent Zandri

Due to a late arrival of The Remains by Vincent Zandari, I am unable to review the book for my tour stop so I have decided instead to shine a spotlight on this mystery which I am very much looking forward to reading! Look forward to a review in the coming weeks as I delve into Zandari's creepy thriller which from the summary reminds me slightly of Laura Lippman's I'd know you anywhere, which I loved.

Summary from Goodreads:

Thirty years ago, teenager Rebecca Underhill and her twin sister Molly were abducted by a man who lived in a house in the woods behind their upstate New York farm. They were held inside that house for three horrifying hours, until making their daring escape. Vowing to keep their terrifying experience a secret in order to protect their mother and father, the girls tried to put the past behind them. And when their attacker was hunted down by police and sent to prison, they believed he was as good as dead. Now, it s 30 years later, and with Molly having passed away from cancer, Rebecca, a painter and art teacher, is left alone to bear the burden of a secret that has only gotten heavier and more painful with each passing year. But when Rebecca begins receiving some strange anonymous text messages, she begins to realize that the monster who attacked her all those years ago is not dead after all. He s back, and this time, he wants to do more than just haunt her. He wants her dead.

I admit I'm also a fan of stories involving twin sisters since I have one myself, and the mix of technology and old-fashioned horror in The Remains was instantly appealing. You can visit Zandari's website to learn more about the book or order your own copy.

Thanks to Pump Up Your Book for hosting this tour, and click here to learn what other bloggers think!