Baron Wormser

The main character of this novel is the landmark time in history when the baby boom generation came of age. Seen most of all through the eyes of the Brownson Family in Baltimore, the narrative moves between the parents, Helen and Daniel, and the three kids, Starflower, Tom, and Herb, as they respond to the local and international events taking place in 1968. Other chapters examine the possible thoughts of President Johnson and Ho Chi Minh, particularly regarding the situation in Vietnam. The Brownson family seems to be unusually engaged in current events, discussing them together, and grappling with broad issues and specific tragedies. Religion plays a significant part in their points of view, especially Tom, who attends Quaker meetings prompting him to think about being a conscientious objector. This novel is very evocative of a time in my life, and is spot on with dialog and the national climate.… (meer)

This novel is not a page turner, but rather should be savored a page at a time. It tells of the inner life of a famous singer-songwriter, clearly fashioned after Bob Dylan. Reading like a non-linear memoir, the narrative describes the journey of Abe Runyan from his modest childhood as the only Jew in a small midwestern town where he feels squelched, isolated, and misunderstood. Music is his escape, both figuratively and literally, and of course his arrival begins in Greenwich Village when his talent begins to be noticed. Looking back, Abe reflects on his relationship with his parents and hometown, the origins of folk music, what it's like to be an outsider, the nature of fame, and the importance of music and creativity. What makes this book so special is its lyrical flow. Each short section is introduced with a four line poem, but in fact much of the prose reads like poetry, with lovely turns of phrase. As Abe Runyan says, "The story was a way for the words to hitch a ride."… (meer)

For getting inside the mind of a Vietnam vet, this novel is spot on. It tells the story of Tom's journey by bus ten years after his return from the war, from sister to sister to mentor to sister to girlfriend, all the while reliving his war experience. Of course it's an emotional journey as well, and his preoccupation with King Lear provides the framework for many of his thoughts and feelings. Readers will gain new understanding of Shakespeare's tragedy as well as the relentless costs of war for the participants. The stream of consciousness and dialog are sometimes blurred, which works well, given the nature of the narrative.… (meer)

Not as a political statement, nor as part of a cult movement, Baron Wormser decided to build a home in the woods of Maine to connect with the earth in a closely physical and spiritual way. Believing this was an important part of learning to write poetry, he immersed himself in the work and joy of living off the land with his young wife and family. Without the modern conveniences of indoor plumbing, electricity and central heating, it was back to basics.

"The life occuring around us was small-scale but intense; I came to love the feeling that the woods were alive with an energy I couldn't hear or see..."

Though living off the grid, he and his family were not isolated from their community or the world. They were insulated from the battering noise and frantic pace of materialism. They grew the food they ate; were warmed by the wood they cut; were attuned to the slow rhythmic cycles of nature. This is a good-natured story – written with honest introspection, wonder, and a fantastic vocabulary.

Wormser, a former Poet Laureate of Maine, shares his personal observations and appreciation of just being alive. He includes many loosely connected essays about his experiences and meditations of poetry, family, faith, and nature. I really connected with his views on what is important, essential, and valuable in life. To me, he says it all just right. I applaud his individuality. I’m now ready to search out a book of his poetry – and enjoy knowing the poet before reading his poems.

I would rec this book to anyone who thinks they might be interested. Since this is a collection of essays, if one gets too deep - skip it! There are so many good ones here.… (meer)