Consolations

Exquisite. I cherished this book for a few brief but intense months, opening it on random pages, sometimes reading sequentially but always slowly, always savoring. Whyte makes the quotidian new again, granting fresh perspectives on words and feelings we thought we knew.

I wanted to hold on to it longer; forever, maybe, to continue perusing and learning from. Each moment with it was different. But it was not mine to keep—is anything? It is now in the hands of someone who will, I know, adore it as well and possibly also let it go when appropriate. (I could buy my own copy. I won't: it somehow feels right to pass it on, even though it hurts too.)

With deep gratitude, on this International Women's Day, to the remarkable woman who introduced me to this book and allowed me to visit with it.