Eric D. Goodman's Blog, page 3
March 13, 2025
Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Review from Lavender Orchids
The Poetic Book Tour for Faraway Tables continues with a detailed and insightful review by Enakshi J at Lavender Orchids. Enakshi J highlights the collection's themes of nostalgia, resilience, connection, and the paradoxes of modern life, praising its ability to transform ordinary moments into profound reflections.
Key takeaways from the review include:
Faraway Tables captures “profound insights through mundane observations,” transforming everyday activities like brewing coffee (“Patience”) and walking a dog into meditations on patience, loss, and gratitude.
The collection’s accessibility stands out, as Goodman uses comprehensible language and evocative imagery to connect the personal with the universal. Enakshi notes the balance between personal narratives and broader societal insights.
Poems like “Patience” and “Toast to Friendship” are praised for their reflections on time and connection, while “Avocado Toast” ventures into socio-political commentary, blending the personal with the global.
Enakshi describes the collection as a whole as “engaging and evocative,” inviting readers to find beauty in the mundane and wisdom in stillness. Enakshi concludes that Faraway Tables is a powerful testament to poetry’s ability to capture both fleeting and eternal moments.
Read the full review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Stay tuned for more reviews as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!
Key takeaways from the review include:
Faraway Tables captures “profound insights through mundane observations,” transforming everyday activities like brewing coffee (“Patience”) and walking a dog into meditations on patience, loss, and gratitude.
The collection’s accessibility stands out, as Goodman uses comprehensible language and evocative imagery to connect the personal with the universal. Enakshi notes the balance between personal narratives and broader societal insights.
Poems like “Patience” and “Toast to Friendship” are praised for their reflections on time and connection, while “Avocado Toast” ventures into socio-political commentary, blending the personal with the global.
Enakshi describes the collection as a whole as “engaging and evocative,” inviting readers to find beauty in the mundane and wisdom in stillness. Enakshi concludes that Faraway Tables is a powerful testament to poetry’s ability to capture both fleeting and eternal moments.
Read the full review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Stay tuned for more reviews as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!
March 10, 2025
Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Review from Impressions in Ink
The third stop on the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour brings a heartfelt review from Annette at Impressions in Ink. In her thoughtful analysis, Annette praises the collection’s ability to balance vivid sensory detail with emotional depth, highlighting the courage it takes to embrace life’s ongoing transitions.
Annette notes the collection is divided into four sections: Savor, Ache, Enough, and More (or Less), with an Epilogue featuring the final poem, “Taste.” She highlights several standout poems, each evoking a unique blend of reflection and emotion:
“Patience,” the collection’s opening poem, creates a sensory experience with its vivid imagery:
“Milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.”
Annette describes it as a poem that immerses readers in the sights, smells, and feelings of an early morning ritual.
“Renovate,” the first poem in the Ache section, stands out for its rhythm and emotional resonance, blending frustration with hope for the future.
“Moments,” from the Enough section, reflects on the weight and significance of memories:
“How can I pin down moments,
select them, give them weight,
anchor those greatest hits, I wonder.”
“Taste,” the final poem, captures the ritual of making tea, resonating with Annette as a tea lover. She describes it as a fitting conclusion to the collection.
Annette’s review highlights the balance of sensory imagery and emotional reflection that makes Faraway Tables a rewarding read. Her thoughtful insights make this another meaningful stop on the Poetic Book Tour.
Read the full review here: https://impressionsininkblog.com/2024...
Stay tuned for more reviews as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!
Annette notes the collection is divided into four sections: Savor, Ache, Enough, and More (or Less), with an Epilogue featuring the final poem, “Taste.” She highlights several standout poems, each evoking a unique blend of reflection and emotion:
“Patience,” the collection’s opening poem, creates a sensory experience with its vivid imagery:
“Milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.”
Annette describes it as a poem that immerses readers in the sights, smells, and feelings of an early morning ritual.
“Renovate,” the first poem in the Ache section, stands out for its rhythm and emotional resonance, blending frustration with hope for the future.
“Moments,” from the Enough section, reflects on the weight and significance of memories:
“How can I pin down moments,
select them, give them weight,
anchor those greatest hits, I wonder.”
“Taste,” the final poem, captures the ritual of making tea, resonating with Annette as a tea lover. She describes it as a fitting conclusion to the collection.
Annette’s review highlights the balance of sensory imagery and emotional reflection that makes Faraway Tables a rewarding read. Her thoughtful insights make this another meaningful stop on the Poetic Book Tour.
Read the full review here: https://impressionsininkblog.com/2024...
Stay tuned for more reviews as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!
March 8, 2025
Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Five-Star Review from The Reading Bud
The second stop on the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour brings a glowing five-star review from The Reading Bud. This thoughtful review dives into the heart of the collection, celebrating its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The review describes Faraway Tables as “an exquisite collection of poems that takes the reader on a heartfelt journey through life’s quiet moments, grand explorations, and poignant reflections.” It highlights the balance between introspection and storytelling, showing how each poem resonates deeply.
Some standout moments from the review include:
The everyday beauty of “Patience,” which celebrates the ritual of brewing coffee:
“These beans have traveled across four years,
across the globe from Indonesia to our home…”
The intimate musings of “Embracing Hermithood,” reflecting on pandemic-induced isolation.
“Moments,” which juxtaposes daily life with the joy of cherished memories:
“How can I pin down moments,
select them, give them weight,
anchor those greatest hits…”
The reviewer notes the vivid imagery and emotional depth throughout the collection, calling it “accessible and profound” and likening the experience to “a conversation with a wise and witty friend.”
I’m grateful for this generous review and thrilled to see Faraway Tables resonate with readers. Read the full review here: https://thereadingbud.com/2024/11/07/...
Stay tuned as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!
The review describes Faraway Tables as “an exquisite collection of poems that takes the reader on a heartfelt journey through life’s quiet moments, grand explorations, and poignant reflections.” It highlights the balance between introspection and storytelling, showing how each poem resonates deeply.
Some standout moments from the review include:
The everyday beauty of “Patience,” which celebrates the ritual of brewing coffee:
“These beans have traveled across four years,
across the globe from Indonesia to our home…”
The intimate musings of “Embracing Hermithood,” reflecting on pandemic-induced isolation.
“Moments,” which juxtaposes daily life with the joy of cherished memories:
“How can I pin down moments,
select them, give them weight,
anchor those greatest hits…”
The reviewer notes the vivid imagery and emotional depth throughout the collection, calling it “accessible and profound” and likening the experience to “a conversation with a wise and witty friend.”
I’m grateful for this generous review and thrilled to see Faraway Tables resonate with readers. Read the full review here: https://thereadingbud.com/2024/11/07/...
Stay tuned as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!
March 3, 2025
“A Weekend in Nashville” - in the print edition of Baltimore Style Magazine
My Nashville story was published in the print edition of Baltimore Style Magazine (on pages 12, 13, 14).
Our recent journey brought us to the vibrant heart of Tennessee—Nashville, a city that resonates with the vibrant chords of music history and the warm hum of Southern hospitality. During our visit, we experienced the multifaceted layers of this iconic city:
The historic paths and the lively cultural scene of Downtown Nashville.
The storied origins of the city, once known as Fort Nashborough.
A taste of Nashville's culinary pride through places like Prince’s Hot Chicken and Arnold’s Country Kitchen.
The Parthenon at Centennial Park, a full-scale replica that stands as a testament to Nashville's nickname, “Athens of the South.”
Iconic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, each with its own rich narrative and contribution to the country music tapestry.
The tranquility and natural beauty within the bustling city, from the trendy Gulch neighborhood to the serene Cheekwood Estates and Gardens.
Read more about our visit in Baltimore Style Magazine: https://dmag.baltimorestyle.com/Decem...
Our recent journey brought us to the vibrant heart of Tennessee—Nashville, a city that resonates with the vibrant chords of music history and the warm hum of Southern hospitality. During our visit, we experienced the multifaceted layers of this iconic city:
The historic paths and the lively cultural scene of Downtown Nashville.
The storied origins of the city, once known as Fort Nashborough.
A taste of Nashville's culinary pride through places like Prince’s Hot Chicken and Arnold’s Country Kitchen.
The Parthenon at Centennial Park, a full-scale replica that stands as a testament to Nashville's nickname, “Athens of the South.”
Iconic music venues like the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, each with its own rich narrative and contribution to the country music tapestry.
The tranquility and natural beauty within the bustling city, from the trendy Gulch neighborhood to the serene Cheekwood Estates and Gardens.
Read more about our visit in Baltimore Style Magazine: https://dmag.baltimorestyle.com/Decem...
February 17, 2025
Treat Writing Like a Job
Alice McDermott said that she treats fiction writing like a full-time job — because it is one.
Alice writes four days a week and treats writing like a real job on those four days. She’s never been exclusively a full-time fiction writer. She teaches, does workshops, and fills her time with other activities as well. Few fiction writers actually write full time … or rather, few of them make it an exclusive job.
“As literary fiction writers, we’re trying to get to something true of us all. So write about common humanity, communal experience, not about a place, plot. Show universal truth to the reader in an interesting way.”
That sounds like a full-time job to me.
Learn more about Alice McDermott and her writing at https://www.alice-mcdermott.com/
Alice writes four days a week and treats writing like a real job on those four days. She’s never been exclusively a full-time fiction writer. She teaches, does workshops, and fills her time with other activities as well. Few fiction writers actually write full time … or rather, few of them make it an exclusive job.
“As literary fiction writers, we’re trying to get to something true of us all. So write about common humanity, communal experience, not about a place, plot. Show universal truth to the reader in an interesting way.”
That sounds like a full-time job to me.
Learn more about Alice McDermott and her writing at https://www.alice-mcdermott.com/
February 13, 2025
Reston Reading Series – February
On Sunday, February 23, I’ll be one of the featured readers reading from Faraway Tables at the Reston Reading Series hosted by Nathan Leslie at Reston’s Used Book Show in Reston, Virginia. This event will bring together writers and readers for an intimate literary evening. I’m excited to share some of my favorite poems from the collection.
Learn more here: https://www.restonsusedbookshop.com/e...
Learn more here: https://www.restonsusedbookshop.com/e...
February 3, 2025
“Hospitality” in Cajun Mutt Review
My poem, "Hospitality," has been published in the Cajun Mutt Press. Delighted to be featured among diverse voices of modern verse.
Read "Hospitality" in the Cajun Mutt Review here: https://cajunmuttpress.wordpress.com/...
Read "Hospitality" in the Cajun Mutt Review here: https://cajunmuttpress.wordpress.com/...
January 20, 2025
Beyond Vilnius
Some scenes in my novel Wrecks and Ruins, take place in Vilnius, Lithuania. It’s a rich city, which I explored in person, in some travel stories, and in my new novel. But there’s more to explore in Lithuania beyond the city limits of Vilnius.
Whether you have read the Vilnius scenes in my Baltimore-based novel, Wrecks and Ruins, yet, take a side trip with me in “Beyond Vilnius,” published in Go World Travel Magazine.
https://www.goworldtravel.com/beyond-...
Whether you have read the Vilnius scenes in my Baltimore-based novel, Wrecks and Ruins, yet, take a side trip with me in “Beyond Vilnius,” published in Go World Travel Magazine.
https://www.goworldtravel.com/beyond-...
January 6, 2025
Wolfe: Fact or Fiction?
Tom Wolfe knew all about reporting and all about writing fiction. He did both quite successfully in his career. And he was even able to marry the two by producing the novel as social commentary as well as nonfiction as creative narrative.
That's why Wolfe suggested young fiction writers try to get a bite of news reporting before tackling a novel.
"News is stranger than imagination, and it triggers ideas," he said. "Find detail to help your imagination."
As an example, Wolfe mentioned socialite Paris Hilton. "The unaided imagination of a novelist needs to know what he's going to read in tomorrow's newspaper. Who would've thought Paris Hilton's scandalous video would be the very thing to launch her career?"
He strongly encouraged writers to do their homework before writing. "Blend in and live with people you want to write about. Learn about them before you write about them. Write about something real, something that relates to the world around you. Many great American novelists began as reporters."
No doubt, he included himself in that lot.
Learn more about Tom Wolfe and his books here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
That's why Wolfe suggested young fiction writers try to get a bite of news reporting before tackling a novel.
"News is stranger than imagination, and it triggers ideas," he said. "Find detail to help your imagination."
As an example, Wolfe mentioned socialite Paris Hilton. "The unaided imagination of a novelist needs to know what he's going to read in tomorrow's newspaper. Who would've thought Paris Hilton's scandalous video would be the very thing to launch her career?"
He strongly encouraged writers to do their homework before writing. "Blend in and live with people you want to write about. Learn about them before you write about them. Write about something real, something that relates to the world around you. Many great American novelists began as reporters."
No doubt, he included himself in that lot.
Learn more about Tom Wolfe and his books here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
December 26, 2024
Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: First Review by The Bookworm
I’m excited to share the first review of Faraway Tables from my recent poetic book tour, featured on The Bookworm by poet and book blogger Nai. The review offers thoughtful insights into the themes and poems within the collection.
Nai highlights how Faraway Tables reflects on life’s transitions, travel, writing, and self-reflection. She notes the nostalgic tone throughout the collection and shares her thoughts on several standout poems:
“Patience” transforms the simple act of brewing coffee into a moment of poetic beauty:
“Outside the kitchen window,
milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.
You ask how much longer, although you know
there’s no rushing such things.”
“Embracing Hermithood” resonates with reflections on pandemic-induced isolation:
“The pandemic drives us into
our isolated caves. Gives us an excuse
to be what we want to be.”
Other favorites include “Power of Positive Thinking,” a poignant poem about hospice, and “Poolside with Wilford Brimley,” a nostalgic nod to the film Cocoon.
Nai describes Faraway Tables as “a collection of poetry mainly about the author’s life and observations” with themes ranging from the pandemic to travel. She recommends the collection for those who enjoy poetry about life and self-reflection.
It’s an honor to have Faraway Tables kick off the tour with such a generous review. Read the full review and Nai’s reflections here: https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/202...
Stay tuned for more reviews from the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour!
Nai highlights how Faraway Tables reflects on life’s transitions, travel, writing, and self-reflection. She notes the nostalgic tone throughout the collection and shares her thoughts on several standout poems:
“Patience” transforms the simple act of brewing coffee into a moment of poetic beauty:
“Outside the kitchen window,
milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.
You ask how much longer, although you know
there’s no rushing such things.”
“Embracing Hermithood” resonates with reflections on pandemic-induced isolation:
“The pandemic drives us into
our isolated caves. Gives us an excuse
to be what we want to be.”
Other favorites include “Power of Positive Thinking,” a poignant poem about hospice, and “Poolside with Wilford Brimley,” a nostalgic nod to the film Cocoon.
Nai describes Faraway Tables as “a collection of poetry mainly about the author’s life and observations” with themes ranging from the pandemic to travel. She recommends the collection for those who enjoy poetry about life and self-reflection.
It’s an honor to have Faraway Tables kick off the tour with such a generous review. Read the full review and Nai’s reflections here: https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/202...
Stay tuned for more reviews from the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour!
