This is a collection of masterful poems that we can sink into, taking us away from the world, but also bringing us back with grace and joy. From the cover, to the layout, to the artful and lovely prose, I am affected by it all. Love it. ( )

Evocative and emotive, simple poems about deeper thoughts of everyday life. Most enjoyable. Very accessible. ( )

For right now I am just saying I am finding it hard to get into the book. I think that part of it I don't care much for poetry but I will persevere and continue with it and hopefully give a better review after the first of the year.

Reduced to Joy by Mark Nepo I am not much into poetry but I found several of Nepo’s to be something I can relate to and enjoy. ‘Feeling the Oar,’ about his father’s hands, reminded me of my mother’s hands as I helped take care of her as Alzheimer’s took her life. ‘Running the Table,’ a story of his uncles, reminds me of my childhood with my aunts and uncles. ‘Between the City and the Sea’ and ‘The Throat of Dawn’ are about all kinds of things happening at the same time around world, really good and thought provoking. ( )

I know I am not alone is stating that this book arrived on a day when I needed to hear its message most. Mark Nepo's writing style has cured me of avoiding books of poetry. I have found that I can open the book to any page and find something relevant to my life experience every time. These poems make you think, make you take notice of everyday occurrences, make you question and turn inward. This book is, in short, comfort on paper, and a gem. ( )

Very touching, very personal book - it spoke to me. The author's heart and soul was in every one of these poems. The words written are very profound - they have such deep meaning that it sometimes takes your breath away. Highly recommended. ( )