When a writer’s words dance with your soul, magic happens. You find yourself waltzing late into the night until eyes blur, thoughts collapses, and exhaustion tucks blankets under chin.
“Simply memorizing,” you whisper before drifting off to sleep. The journey you’ve embarked upon continues while you sleep, as insights and understanding sparkle in dreams.
This kind of enchantment graced me while I read Rumors of Water and God in the Yard by L.L. Barkat. I awoke the next morning and thought, these books are so delightful that I will parse out the pages in morsels so I can stretch out the experience as long as possible.
Each touches me in unique ways, both personally and stylistically. God in the Yard speaks to my love of nature and draws me into a worshipful presence. This book’s nonfiction format helps me to sort through my issues.
Rumors of Water transports me back to moments I enjoyed with my own daughter, Elya. Like L.L. Barkat’s two girls, Elya oozed creativity and began writing at a very age. Together we explored other art forms because my sister and I owned an arts and crafts business for five years.
I also enjoyed how the author weaves story and wisdom together in each piece. The story prepares me for the message.
Rumors of Water challenges my use of story. I’ve mostly written nonfiction due to a career in education, as a teacher and professional development trainer. I’ve struggled with story techniques, so L.L. Barkat’s use of story intrigues and delights me. It demonstrates her Facebook page comment, “The life is in the story.”
Rumors of Water intrigued me to point of reading until after midnight. Yes, the rumors are true. This book bubbles with life-giving streams of insight and inspiration.
JoDee Luna Art 