The Trees and the Cosmos

My friends wrote books! You should read them. 📚

Every now and then, I have to do a little check in with my content consumption situation. You know, the Instagram noise that dominates the feed, the Substacks I never get to read because I’ve subscribed to far too many.

Not too long ago, I settled in to take stock of my Substack list and noticed that actually? A lot of these people are my friends? And they’re writing cool things? I didn’t really unsubscribe from very many newsletters that day.

It’s a real gift to know so many thoughtful, creative writers out here. And wouldn’t you know, three of them have books either out now or coming very, very soon! I’ve read and loved all three of these and hope you’ll find something here to love too.

Well, of course I’m plugging Chris’ book. ;) Before we were married, our friendship started over writing and poetry. We’ve joked about how it takes me 5-7 years to even think about putting a book together, while he can write enough poems to fill a collection, design the cover and layout, hit publish, and say “Hey guys, I wrote a book.”

But this one’s different, I think. These poems came slowly, from the other side of a hard, dark season 7 years ago. They remind Mary Oliver’s simplicity and wonder, with Rilke’s perception and mysticism. But most importantly they’re gentle, wise, and true. I humbly suggest it’s his best book yet.

In Chris’ words:

”I’ve poured my blood, sweat, and tears into these poems over the last 7 years, and I’m just really proud of what has emerged. If you’ve been through or are going through a dark season of doubts and questions, especially as a person of faith, I hope these poems can be a companion and comfort for you on the journey.

Available now at Amazon / Lulu
And if you haven’t already, check out Chris’ Substack Beauty is Truth

Speaking of books from hard seasons (is this a theme?)… I had a chance to read an ARC of Lore Wilbert’s new book and my goodness, is it beautiful. I know I need to write a helpful review for the book selling websites but I don’t know how without it becoming incoherent soup of words and crying emojis.

In a polarized age driven by sound bites and rage, Lore invites us to slow all the way down, to listen to our lives and the world around us.

From the publisher:

“On this journey, Wilbert shares her story of alienation and disorientation after years of religious and political unrest in the evangelical church. In doing so, she looks to an unlikely place--the forest--to learn how to live and even thrive when everything seems to be falling apart… Her tenderness and honesty will help readers grieve, remember, hope, and press on with resilience.”

Releases on May 21. Still time to preorder at Bookshop.org / Amazon / Baker Book House
Also you should absolutely check out S A Y A B L E on Substack.

I met JJ during Hutchmoot Homebound back in pandemic times. I’m a big fan of the joy, wonder, and unmistakeable poetic voice he brings to his art. He’s also become such an integral part of The Poetry Pub as one of our intrepid zoom open mic cohosts. (99% of the time I forget it’s happening and kick myself hours later for missing it.)

Also, I’m a sci-fi nerd, so of course I was extremely pumped to hear he was putting together a book of his space poetry and flash fiction.

“An unforgettable journey through the Cosmos via poetry and flash fiction: naming stars, inventing new worlds, and exalting the Divine. This is where narrative poetry and poetic storytelling meet to form a galaxy of wonder. For fans of science fiction, flash fiction, poetry, story in verse, and all things outer space. While the Morning Stars Sang Together blends lyrical beauty, theology, philosophy, whimsy, and the contemplation of the deep and wide, the small and the hidden.”

Available now on Bookshop.org / Amazon
He’s not really on Substack (yet?) but you can check out all the typewritery space poet goodness on Instagram at jjbrinski