Time marches on, of that there is no doubt. I can barely believe that July 2024 is here. Just like that — zoom! — the first six months of the year have disappeared into the ethers. And before we know it, 2025 will have begun, possibly full of promise, possibly not.
In the USA, where I reside, 2025 and beyond will be nightmarish if Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election (November 5, 2024 is Election Day). A fascist, a scoundrel, a convicted felon, a master at lying through his teeth, a riot-instigator and a vindictive bully, Trump is champing at the bit to damage democracy even more than he did during his first term. Are there enough sensible voters in the States to deny him a second occupancy of the high throne? One can only hope. Yes, Joe Biden performed miserably at his recent televised debate with Trump, and is aging right before our eyes. Nonetheless, Biden has done a solid job as president and is an infinitely better choice. For the record: If Trump were running against a box turtle, the turtle would get my vote.
But enough about Trump. Writing about him always puts a knot in my stomach. So, I’m going to move on to more agreeable topics. Such as books and music. Ahh, already I can feel my stomach untangling.
For quite a few years, some of the books I’ve read have entered my life via a largely random process: I sometimes wander through library aisles with no specific authors or titles in mind, pulling volumes off shelves and giving them the once-over. This willy-nilly approach to book selection at times has brought gold my way. For example, the novels Flight (by Sherman Alexie) and The Middlesteins (by Jami Attenberg).
The latest beauty I discovered by employing this method is Holding Her Breath. Published in 2021, it is the first and to-date only novel by Eimear Ryan, an Irish lass. It took 20 or 30 pages for the book’s rhythms to grab hold of me. After that, I remained hooked. Firmly.
Beth Crowe is Holding Her Breath’s main character. A college student in Dublin, Beth suffered an emotional breakdown a year or two before the book opens, and tentatively is hoping not only to rediscover but to further discover herself.
While in college, Beth, a one-time champion swimmer who ultimately couldn’t deal with the pressures of her sport, does her best to come to terms with her athletic past. She also begins a romantic relationship with a teacher at her school, probably not the wisest decision in the world. And she learns much about herself and her family when she becomes fascinated by the life and writings of her grandfather Benjamin Crowe, a famed Irish poet whose stature and mystique did nothing but increase following his suicide at age 43, many years before Beth was born. Before entering college, Beth was far less familiar with all things Benjamin than she should have been, although her mother is the poet’s daughter and her grandmother his widow. Beth and Benjamin entwine in a very real way during the course of Holding Her Breath.
Ryan’s writing is as clear as spring water, as lithe as a gymnast. Take, for instance, this section about Beth:
Later, as she’s going to bed, it occurs to her that she’s never actually heard her grandfather’s voice. She googles it—”Benjamin Crowe” + “audio”—not really expecting much. But there’s a page and a half of results. She clicks, pops in her earphones.
Here he is, in full flow, reading his famous long poem “Roslyn.” Voice deep and raspy, struggling up from great depths. The hitch in his voice is so croakingly alive. The lines come back to her like a nursery rhyme: “In that dark sash a comet appeared . . . trailing its afterburn . . .”
Beth closes her eyes. His voice vibrates through her. She falls asleep that way.
I’ll close this essay with Days Can Turn Around, a song I first heard a week and a half ago. It captured me immediately. Sung and co-written by Sarah Jarosz, Days Can Turn Around is a gentle reflection on life’s bumpy road. The lyrics remind us that we need to keep our heads up and, as best we can, follow our hearts and dreams.
Days Can Turn Around appears on Jarosz’s latest album, Polaroid Lovers, which came out in January. When I close my eyes and listen to the song, I feel as though I’m floating on air. Maybe it will have the same effect on you.
Yeah, Another Blogger 
Also, what a beautiful song by Sarah Jarosz. Makes me feel good in this uncertain crazy world.
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Hi Michele. It’s a beautiful recording. It improves the day.
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I agree with you when it comes to politics Neil. The book sounds like a story I would enjoy.
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Hi. It’s a good book. The characters seemed real.
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Agree with your intro and appreciate the book review. Sounds like a good read. But honestly, I always enjoy Irish literature (must be in the blood).
Let’s keep our fingers crossed for November and make sure people get out and vote.
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Here’s to Trump losing in November!
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Thanks for that lovely song, both the melody and the sentiment moved me. Have you read James by Percival Everett? One of the best I’ve read in a long time – the Huckleberry Finn story from Jim’s point of view.
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Hi Ruth. Thanks for the book recommendation. I appreciate it.
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What a voice! And lyrics. Gave me goosebumps. The Trump debacle has my stomach in knots as well, but the song and voice give me hope. May the majority of us care for others, use kindness not stranger danger hate, and spread love. Your post does this. You’re an explorer of words and language and music. Thanks for sharing the book review and the song. ❤
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Hi. For the sake of democracy, Biden (or another Democrat) better win in November.
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Thanks for the tip, Neil. I’ve added it to my reading list. Also for the song, and the diatribe directed at TOT – the orange turd. May he never reign again.
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Trump’s a con artist. And millions and millions of people don’t realize it or don’t care. He’s a sickening phenomenon. And so are the people who support him.
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It’s a sad era in America, Neil.
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Living in deep red Missouri, it’s refreshing to hear a rational voice. I echo your fears and would also vote for a box turtle over trump. I just finished Chanel Miller’s memoir regarding her rape trial and she touched on how horrifying and soul crushing it was to see an openly gleeful sexual assaulter elected to the highest office in the land. And now it’s a distinct possibility that he will be elected again, even now that he’s been convicted of serious crimes!! Ugh, what will it take??
I should pick up some of these reading selections to get my mind off things. Great post!
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It’s bad enough for people to be far-right-wingers. But to idolize an immoral creep like Trump on top of that boggles the mind. These people have twisted minds.
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Sharing what hubs said to me the night of the debates.
“Ice cream is cold, Coffee is hot,
I’m not gonna lie tonight,
Well, not a lot.”
Pretty much sums up my take on politics right now.
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Hi, and thanks for stopping by. One thing to keep in mind, though, is this: A vote for Trump is a vote for fascism.
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I loved how cleverly you have connected two completely differnt subjects (politic and book review) in one post! The contrast is what makes this post interesting and fun to read. 🍵☝️
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Hi, and thanks. I appreciate what you said.
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I tend to avoid political commentary… it is incendiary. I find it difficult to believe that the two candidates we have to choose from are so bad…not bad, but awful. Watching the events of this past week has only confirmed this. I pray that we can figure out how to move forward and find better candidates and a more civil tone in our country where the people can choose a true leader.
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Howdy. I rarely write about politics. Here’s the thing, though: I will vote for the Democratic presidential candidate, whoever that turns out to be. Why? Because Trump is a fascist and is despicable in many other ways too.
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Well, Neil, as I don’t have to tell you, we live in whirlwind times, so I feel pretty sure you are breathing a DEEP sigh of relief at the excitement over Kamala Harris and the promise she brings of a saner, truly democratic America. I’m also very glad to hear you talk about the twin joys in your life–music and good books. Indulging in what brings us joy, what we love, I truly believe gives us the strength to move the world in a positive, caring way, and in this moment, that is the job before us. (Hint: my next post has plenty to say about this–great minds think alike, eh?) Take care, stand strong, be joyful!
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I’m feeling a Harris victory in November. Go blue!
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Great post! I added this book to my list! Ended my evening listening to this the lovely song! Thank you!
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Hi there, and thanks for stopping by. Have a good day!
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The nightmare is upon us and the Barbarian is at the gate! It will take more than the lovely music you source to make me feel better when I think of the new White House team.
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There is something seriously wrong with many of our fellow citizens, for they elected this creep. Trump and his supporters are the opposite of forward-thinking, decent and sensible.
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