A Carnival of Losses

"Big, bearded, blowsy Donald Hall died in June, at age 89. In New Hampshire, the former U.S. poet laureate spent decades writing of the earth, his farm, his beloved poet wife Jane Kenyon and getting old. This book collects short, personal observations and essays on the theme of aging. Simple and sincere, they’re also, often, witty. For instance: “When I was young, my language wore coats and shirts and trousers, neckties, bespoke shoes. In my lifetime as a writer I have cast off layer after layer of clothing in pursuit of nudity.” Right there, in a single sentence, he reflects some of his themes. Hall is funny, sad, rueful, melancholic and, most important, a practiced observer and writer of truth. It’s a wonderful book to pick up and put down at random. I suggest you do it!"

"I read the entire thing cover to cover in one sitting. And I just thought, Oh my God, what a great gift."