J.F. Riordan

Fiona Campbell is a newcomer to tiny Ephraim, Wisconsin. Populated with artists and summer tourists, Ephraim has just enough going on to satisfy her city tastes. But she is fascinated and repelled by the furthest tip of Door County peninsula, Washington Island, utterly removed from the hubbub of modern life. Fiona's visits there leave her refreshed in spirit, but convinced that only lunatics and hermits could survive a winter in its frigid isolation. In a moment of weakness, Fiona is goaded show more into accepting a dare that she cannot survive the winter on the island in a decrepit, old house.Armed with some very fine single malt scotch and a copy of Meditationsby Marcus Aurelius, Fiona sets out to win the dare, and discovers that small town life is not nearly as dull as she had foreseen. Abandoning the things she has always thought important, she encounters the vicious politics of small town life, a ruthless neighbor, persistent animals, a haunted ferry captain, and the peculiar spiritual renewal of life north of the tension line." show less

I adored "But Still They Sing." Heartbreaking at times, laugh-out-loud funny at others, it displays a depth and range of emotion that is breathtakingly rendered on the page. You may cry; you may laugh, but you will surely come away with a fresh perspective on life, the universe, and everything.

"But Still They Sing" touches on such diverse themes as mortality, life in the face of adversity, dogs, and natural elements like snow and mud. It is unpretentiously philosophical and is a delightful, show more moving, tender read. show less

You know how Seinfeld promoted itself as "a show about nothing?" The Audacity of Goats could be said to be a book about nothing--but it's a pleasantly entertaining "nothing" about the inhabitants of a quirky little northern island town. The centerpiece is local politics, as klutzy newcomer Fiona takes on a sour-faced harridan of an opponent for town council. Add a fifth grader who's nursing wounded wildlife on the QT, a ferry pilot/poet who's lost his muse, a pretentious couple of goat show more farmers with opinions about everything, and a bunch of anything-but-trendy Lutheran husbands who take up yoga at the local coffee shop...and you get a good, easy read sprinkled with chuckles throughout. show less

I recently had the pleasure of diving into Ms. Janet F. Riordan's collection of essays, "But Still They Sing," and what a delightful literary journey it has been! This compilation is a tapestry of emotions, experiences, and profound insights, artfully penned by an author with a deep connection to the rhythms of life.
From the very first essay, Ms. Riordan's poignant words resonate, as she declares, "Life is hard…but they, still sing." This theme weaves throughout the book, reminding us of show more the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.
Ms. Riordan's writing style is akin to a gentle stroll through nature's wonders. Much like the renowned Ruskin Bond, an Indian author, she has an uncanny ability to bring the natural world to life with vivid descriptions and a profound appreciation for its beauty. Her love for nature shines through each page, making you pause and savor the smallest details of the world around you.
The collection encompasses a wide spectrum of emotions. From humorous anecdotes that elicited genuine laughter to soulful reflections that tugged at my heartstrings, Ms. Riordan's ability to traverse these emotional landscapes is commendable. Each essay is a window into her personal life, and I felt as though I was invited into her world.
One aspect that truly stands out is Ms. Riordan's capacity to find wisdom in everyday moments. She captures the essence of life's lessons with grace and authenticity, leaving readers with valuable takeaways.
While "But Still They Sing" is a captivating read, it's not without a few minor hiccups. Some essays resonate more deeply than others, and there were moments when I wished for a more consistent flow throughout the collection. Nevertheless, these are minor nuances in what is an overall remarkable work.
"But Still They Sing" by Ms. Janet F. Riordan is a heartfelt compilation that leaves an indelible mark on its readers. It is a reminder that, in the midst of life's challenges, there is always a song to be sung. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those seeking a thought-provoking, soul-nourishing but light read that celebrates the beauty of life in all its shades.
Ms. Riordan's voice is a welcome addition to the world of essayists, and I look forward to more of her literary offerings in the future.
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