But Still They Sing

In BUT STILL THEY SING, an essay collection with deep connection to the natural world, J.F. Riordan writes with warmth as she broaches a variety of subjects. At times humorous and at other points bringing me to tears, Riordan takes both the simple and the complex and presents thought-provoking material to the reader in an easy-to-digest format. I found myself stopping to re-read certain essays before even finishing the book as I wanted to experience my connection to them again right away. I will certainly be visiting my favorites more in the future. There were a few essays that had very similar topics which made them feel somewhat repetitive but it wasn’t significant enough to diminish my overall enjoyment. This book is definitely a show more keeper and one that came into my life at just the perfect time.

I’d highly recommend BUT STILL THEY SING to fans of essay collections. This is the first I’ve read by this author. I look forward to checking out her other works. Thank you to Beaufort Books for the Early Reviewers giveaway copy. show less

I mostly enjoyed this collection of simple, short essays -- vignettes filled with perceptive, interesting observations and insights of everyday life and musings on nature. There was the charming story of the spider who hung out in the author’s bathtub and an anecdote about how her dog acquired the name Moses (her dogs make many appearances in these tales). While I did not find myself looking forward to picking up the book every single day, several pieces engendered a smile and some self-reflection.

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, moving, tender read.

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 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 show more 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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But Still They Sing is a collection of short essays, most of them only two or three pages long. A few have appeared in weekly newspapers or an online magazine and are so noted. As with any such collection the entries vary widely, ranging from the commonplace (having car trouble while driving home in a heavy rainstorm) to the amusing (a French rental car with “audible safety alarms permanently set to Hysteria”). The descriptions of sunsets and the movement of woodland creatures are beautiful and the stories about her dogs are poignant.

Riordan’s voice is that of an old friend who has lived long enough to have garnered a degree of wisdom which she shares generously. Speaking at her niece’s wedding, she advises “Love has its show more seasons that come and go, but it is, in fact a policy. It is a decision we make about commitment, about value, and for the day-to-day essence of any relationship, it determines how we treat each other in the casual exchanges of everyday life.” On aging she says “And so, I look forward to the next phase of my life with hope and joy, ready for new adventures, grateful for my many blessings, and knowing that there are no guarantees. Time to watch the sunrise.”

This is a quick and easy read that is by turns delightful or thoughtful. show less

The author has written a series of short essays, some light-hearted, some more serious, but almost all examining the ways the experiences in her life have affected her thoughts and behavior. They cover such diverse subjects as her love of dogs, the trials as well as the joys of travel, the numbing effect of pandemic inactivity, but above all the yearning to write as a way to make sense of her life. I enjoyed most of these short essays especially the delight she takes in her canine companions.

This collection of short essays ranges widely through topics of life, death, dogs, walks in the woods, small pleasures and joys, ect. I read it in short bursts- the essays are comfortable and reassuring. They were written during the COVID Pandemic, and may be a reaction to the chaos that many felt during that time. Pleasant light reading.