Playing Life by Ear

by Doris Markland

This is a collection of writings, both non-fiction prose and poetry, by Doris Markland. A good sidetable book for brief reading or for long sessions, and a great gift item. True stories from her long lifetime, thoughtful poems and light verse all fit under the titles of living, learning, laughing, loving and believing. Insightful and inspirational, with lots of humor. Many of these pieces have been published and are printed here by permission of Hallmark Cards and several magazines.

182 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2015

Reviews

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous read. It is a book filled with wisdom, experience, candor, and smart humor. It is insightful and thought provoking, without being "heavy" or too serious. It speaks to the universal themes we all think about regarding life, aging and what it all means. I promise you'll read this with a smile and come away with a positive attitude. The poems are especially delightful, as are the author's personal stories. It is the type of book you can pick up, put down and come back with ease to where you left off. It is optimistic and utterly delightful.

[Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

In school, she was the last one chosen for any team. In college, on a music scholarship, she was dropped from the choir. She was passable at tennis, terrible at golf, couldn't stick with contract bridge. What a failure! Yet I thoroughly enjoyed reading the brief, one- or two-page life stories of this woman who found she was best at simply taking things as they came--thus, playing life by ear. Happily for us all, she is no failure at writing, and the tales in this rich and charming memoir are witty, wise, and fun to read.

[Jessica Buike · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely adorable collection of stories by an absolutely adorable gal!