I absolutely love this collection. I’m delighted that I have it on my phone because I always flip back to it and dip into poems from this book! Big thanks for the copy - when it came out I purchased a physical one as well.

This was a nice collection of Poems meant for poetry readers.
While I do read poetry, some of them were difficult for me to get into and understand - probably time for me to read more poetry and improve my comprehension :)
some of the poems selected were sweet. I feel that every collection of poems will have a mixed reaction as each person responds to the ideas and vision of that poem.

This was an interesting collection of poems and it asked some great questions. It helped me to pause in my busy, stressful day and just take note of the wonderful things around us.

A beautiful read.

What a beautiful reminder of how to notice and appreciate the things that are so easily overlooked in the day to day grind. I've already ordered my hard copy. It'll also be a perfect gift for those friends who are facing tough times.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I absolutely love a book of poetry and I fell in line with my love for poetry with The Wonder of Small Things by James Crews. I am so thankful to Storey Publishing, our author, and Netgalley for granting me advanced access to this baby before publication day.

DNF @ 26%
Well that didn't go as expected. I thought I was going to love this. At least the cover is still gorgeous.

A wonderful collection of poems, carefully-picked. This was such a pleasure to read through! I particularly loved the poems grounded in nature - this collection fulfils its aim of taking pleasure in tiny everyday details and it has helped me do so more as well.

Oh my goodness. What an incredible storyline. Metaphorically, this book nailed it, but you had to be looking for that connection to grasp it. It took a minute for me to get indulged with this novel but once I was looped in, I couldn’t put it down.

Wonderful selection of poems: I was not typically enjoying poems, but I truly savor this one as it weaves writings about mundane pleasure closest to us and draw us to think about... literally the wonder, of such small things we might have missed, daily. Enjoyable even if you think poems are too difficult for you.

This is a lovely, inspiring little book, and I enjoy the diversity of voices included. I also like the reflections/questions included periodically. It would've been a definite four stars for me except for one thing: almost every poem, if the line breaks are taken away, reads more like a meditation or devotion, not like a poem (despite the inclusion of some very well known poets). Because the book is short and the pieces accessible (and I love accessible poetry, but I still want it to feel like poetry, not prose), I finish feeling like I've read an essay collection more than a poetry anthology. This is great for mindfulness reading, but it's not what I was wanting based on the title.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

James Crews anthology is a gorgeous collection and a beautiful antidote for those times when the world seems nothing but disaster. It is a book I know I will return to and I will be buying copies to give as well as to keep.

What a wonderful book to read and apologies for the delay. I loved reading this book to unwind at the end of the day with a nice cup of tea. A fabulous read which I highly recommend

***I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review***

<b><i>”Did you ever think you could be so lost and so found in the same visible breath?”</b></i>
(Ellen Rowland, <i>What Branches Hold</i>)

This was such a wonderful collection of poetry! Cosy, heart-warming, and reading this in a state of bad mental health, it helped me so much. Kudos to James Crews for compiling this brilliant collection.

The themes which the poems explored were steady and powerful, reminiscent of 20th century ones, Even though many did not have a meter, the prose and lyricism was absolutely lovely. These are ones that you may read once in a while in a magazine, or a textbook even, make your moment of the day, and then vanish like a snowflake.

It was such a delight to see Rita Dove’s poem as well. Brought back memories from reading her in middle school.

My favourite ones were <i>Can You Hear It?</i> by Paula Gordon Lepp, <i>Lately</i> by Laure-Anne Bosselaar, <i>Sorrow is Not My Name</i> by Ross Gay, and <i>Under the Temple</i> by Mark Nepo.

<b><i>”But we are strange trees, reluctant in this forest-we oak and ash, we pine-the same the same, not different. All of us reach toward star and cloud, all of us want our share of light, just enough rainfall.”</b></i>
(Michael Kleber-Diggs, <i>The Grove</i>)

I will definitely be getting a physical copy of this. It’s a collection that needs to be revisited, reread, recollected, again and again.

As much as I have a penchant for horror, mystery, and the dark of human psyche, I too am a sucker for nature, spirituality, and hope.

Enchanting and nostalgic.
★ ★ ★ ★/5
If you want to connect with nature again, and read actually good poetry, this is just perfect <3

<b><i>”A host of wild creatures live inside you and you call them stories.
A variety of beautiful birds nest inside your mind and you call them memories.”</b></i>
(Nikita Gill, <i>The Forest</i>)

⊹ . ⋆ ☽ ⋆ . ➶

Poet and editor James Crews delights with an autumn offering, "The Wonder of Small Things: Poems of Peace and Renewal "(Storey Publishing, 2023).

An anthology of poetry filled to the brim with lush lyrics that send tingles to your toes and tickles down your throat! A who’s who of contemporary poetry. And with writing chops like these? I expected The Wonder to up and fly away like a dandelion wish or spark a fire like so many banned books in unfortunate flame.

What poets? Ross Gay. Mary Oliver. Rita Dove. Nikkita Gill (who even writes the charming and thoughtful foreword). With a splash of Mark Nepo. Jane Hirschfield. Wendell Berry. And Joy Harjo. A dash of Ada Limon. A sprinkle of Maggie Smith. Perhaps several dozen more and a shake of James Crews, too? All speaking on the nature of wonder and awe in the everyday.

Don’t let me mislead you! This isn’t a serious tome (only). Meghan Dunn’s “Ode to Butter” may well provide bakers (and cookie lovers) everywhere a chance for folly and depth of understanding.

"The Wonder of Small Things" also includes several “Reflective Pauses” throughout the text where contemplative consideration is offered, as well as suggested writing opportunities.

For those looking for a bit of awe or “aww” in their days instead of “aaarrrgghh” "The Wonder" overflows with poems and prompts to provide a path to peaceful reflection.

Thank you to James Crews, Storey Publishing, and Netgalley for the eARC.

Book Review: The Wonder of Small Things: Poems of Peace and Renewal by James Crews

The Wonder of Small Things: Poems of Peace and Renewal, edited by James Crews, is a delightful anthology that invites readers to explore moments of wonder and peace in everyday life. With a deep love for the world permeating each poem, this collection sparks curiosity and encourages readers to embrace the beauty and mysteries of existence.

Crews has curated a diverse selection of poems from renowned authors, including Native American poets Joy Harjo, Linda Hogan, Kimberly Blaeser, and Joseph Bruchac, as well as BIPOC writers Ross Gay, Julia Alvarez, and Toi Derricotte. Additionally, the anthology features new works from popular writers such as Natalie Goldberg, Mark Nepo, Ted Kooser, Naomi Shihab Nye, Jane Hirshfield, and Jacqueline Suskin.

The book opens with a foreword by Nikita Gill, setting the tone for what lies ahead. As readers delve into the collection, they are guided through moments of reflection with pauses interspersed throughout the pages. These reflective pauses allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the meaning and essence of each poem. Furthermore, the inclusion of reading group questions at the end of the book enhances the reading experience, making it suitable for both individual contemplation and group discussion.

One of the standout features of The Wonder of Small Things is its accessibility. The poems are highly approachable, making them perfect for both seasoned poetry enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Crews has successfully compiled a collection that engages readers with its beauty and meaning, drawing them in regardless of their prior familiarity with poetry.

As a reader who had not delved deeply into poetry before, I found this anthology to be an excellent starting point. The carefully selected poems in The Wonder of Small Things touched me with their elegance and depth. Each piece captured the essence of life, nature, and appreciation, offering moments of solace and inspiration.

I particularly enjoyed the thought-provoking questions that followed each poem. These prompts encouraged me to pause and reflect on the themes presented, deepening my understanding and connection to the words on the page. Additionally, the writing prompts provided were an unexpected bonus, igniting my own creativity and allowing me to engage more deeply with the poetic form.

Furthermore, I must highlight the charming cover of this book, which immediately caught my attention. Its visual appeal perfectly complements the content within, creating an aesthetically pleasing reading experience.

In conclusion, The Wonder of Small Things: Poems of Peace and Renewal is a gem of an anthology that invites readers on a journey of wonder and contemplation. With its accessible poems and thoughtful prompts for reflection, this book is suitable for both poetry aficionados and those new to the genre. James Crews has curated a collection that celebrates the beauty of life and nature while reminding us of the importance of appreciating the small things. For these reasons and more, I give The Wonder of Small Things a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

Nikita Gill writes in the forward of The Wonder of Small Things that “Every poem in this collection is filled with such awe and reminds us of the duty of the poet: to collect that awe and write it down.”

James Crews has collected poetry that will remind readers to wonder at this world, to be alive to it, and allow its transforming power to change us.

Each section concludes with a Reflective Pause in which Crews considers a poem’s message, followed by Invitation for Writing and Reflection with a writing prompt inspired by the poem.

Themes of the Reflective Pauses include Let Wonder Guide You, A Time for Everything, Choosing Peace, The Place of Attention, The Awe of Aliveness, Nothing for Granted, The Gift of Stillness, Winks of Calm, and Worlds of Wonder.

The poems are not only presented thematically in groups, but are so perfectly curated as to flow one to the next. The effect was to draw me into the next poem. All the poems in a section work together to produce a deeper emotional connection.

There is a wonderful mix of poets, the well-known next to the emerging. You will find Wendell Berry’s beloved The Peace of Wild Things and Jo Harjo’s Redbird Love, Jane Kenyon’s In Several Colors and Rita Dove’s Horse and Tree. I discovered many poets I was unfamiliar with and plan to read more by them.

I found myself so moved at times, I was inspired to jot down my own lines.

I loved the poems about the commonplace, like “My Mother’s Colander” by Dorianne Laux describing the many ways the old tin colander was put to use, or Penny Harter’s “Just Grapefruit,” describing the preparation of a grapefruit to eat. We are reminded to take enjoyment in every part of life.

I highlighted so many lines.

What is the way to pay tribute to glory?
The aspen knows: applaud with every breeze.
Web by Marilyn McCabe

One of my favorite poets, Joseph Fasano, is included with his haunting poem “Letter” with its ending “change me, change me change me. All I want is to be more of what I am.”

I have been reading books on some very somber subjects. These poems lifted my spirits at the end of the day.

Thanks to the publisher for a free book.

So, to be clear, I'm in the middle of a reading slump and thinking of quitting blogging, but I never turn down the chance to read, review, and promote any anthology by James Crews.

(And it was possibly the thing to pull me out of the slump.)

I've read and adored The Path to Kindness and How to Love the World, and The Wonder of Small Things has become my favorite of the three. This collection focusing more on poems about nature is the first collection that has forced me to read and love nature poetry; I had just assumed in the past that it wasn't for me.

All three of James Crew's anthologies contain reflection exercises, and while those are interesting, my main aim has never been those when the man puts together a phenomenal anthology. Between William Sieghart and James Crews, I never run out of poems when I need them.

Thank you NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the chance to read and review this book!

An anthology of poems by various different authors offers insight to one’s heart of healing and mindfulness. While each poem was different I found the voices of many authors to be very similar in styles of writing. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who loves to cozy up on a fall or winters day with a cup of coffee and read a couple at a time. The cover was inviting and appealing to the eye.

I received this ARC via NetGalley and Storey Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing, LLC. This is a nice beginner poetry collection for those wanting to see the joy in the everyday. It also has prompts to help those who want to be poets themselves or who want to journal ideas. Sometimes they were after poems which I liked, but some were all at the end.

My favorite poems were:
What Beaches Hold E. Rowland
Crocheting in December A. Photos
The Grove M. Kleber-Diggs
The Forest & Your Soft Heart N. Gill
Heavenly Bodies A. Luterman
Ocean Love C. C. Casas
Water R. Francisco
Nothing Wants to Suffer D. Laméris
November Praise J.M. Stewart
Latent by R. W. Trommer
Lost and Found & What Stillness L. Foley
Breathing Peace C. M. R. Norcross
Advice from a Raindrop K. Stafford
True North R. S. Petrouske
The Listening Bridge I. Goff-Maidoff
In my Mind's Coral, Mother Still Calls from Inside J. G. Lai

Overall a 3.5 or 4. I thought the organization could have been better, but a lot of amazing poets and a nice collection to have on your shelf.

This is an anthology of poetry by numerous different authors from around the globe. Most focused on the beauty of existing, the natural world, and appreciation for all that is around us. This is a wonderful book. It is a reminder that life is exciting.