Mary Kay Rummel Bücher

Exploring themes of mysticism and personal liberation, the author recounts her journey from a convent, where fiction was forbidden, to a life enriched by reading and writing. Inspired by whispers of freedom, she delves into early Irish history and myth, transforming her experiences into exquisite lyric poetry. The narrative is punctuated by celebratory bells, symbolizing her newfound voice and the beauty of words that transcend ordinary existence.

The poems explore the deep spiritual connections that bind humanity, especially poignant during the pandemic. Rummel intertwines elements of color, light, and art, crafting verses that resonate like psalms. Through vivid imagery, she takes readers on journeys from Afghanistan to Paris and St. Paul, Minnesota, highlighting beauty amidst chaos. Her work encourages a transformation of turmoil into harmonious reflections, reminding us to seek solace and connection in shared experiences.

Awarded the 2014 Blue Light Book Award, this work stands out for its compelling narrative and unique perspective. It explores themes of resilience and transformation, drawing readers into the intricacies of its characters' journeys. The author's vivid storytelling and rich character development create an engaging experience that resonates deeply, making it a notable addition to contemporary literature.

Cypher Garden showcases Mary Kay Rummel's rich poetic voice, reflecting her extensive experience as a celebrated poet and educator. As the first Poet Laureate of Ventura County, her work has garnered multiple accolades, including Pushcart nominations and the Minnesota Voices Award. Rummel's poetry often intertwines with musical performance, enhancing the emotional depth of her themes. With a career spanning numerous readings and festivals in the US and abroad, she continues to inspire through her craft while balancing family life in California and Minnesota.

Focusing on the impact of teachers' personal reading histories, this book explores how these experiences shape their literacy instruction and professional decisions. It highlights the importance of authentic literacy practices over rigid, skill-focused methods, using autobiographical accounts from teachers to advocate for creative and responsive teaching. By addressing the backlash against whole language approaches, it aims to contribute positively to ongoing discussions about effective literacy education, promoting a more meaningful and engaging framework for teaching reading and writing.

The collection captivates readers with its powerful and evocative poetry, designed to elicit strong emotional responses. Each poem resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring reflection. The author’s ability to evoke vivid imagery and profound feelings ensures that the experience is both moving and memorable, appealing to poetry lovers and those seeking inspiration alike.

This is a book about story, the human experience, teaching and learning, creativity and community. The authors maintain that story in a broad and newly enlightened sense may help us to break out from the narrow concepts of literacy, content knowledge related to measureable standards, and random facts that are unrelated to dispositions for addressing human needs.