Family Celebrations: Prayers, Poems & Toasts For E
Editorial Reviews
The Spokesman-Review, May 17, 1999
Words matter. Carefully crafted speech carries weight. A well-turned phrase can inspire, uplift and bless. Yet when special occasions call for eloquence, it is often easier to position the camera and pour the champagne than choose words to aptly crown life's significant moments.
For the tongue-tied or tired-out, a new book by June Cotner will help in the quest for suitable sayings.
"Family Celebrations: Prayers, Poems, and Toasts for Every Occasion" is a diverse collection of more than 170 fitting tributes for every type of family gathering. From the author of "Graces" and "Bless the Day," this heirloom-quality hardbook is profound, yet small enough to fit in a coat pocket. Cotner considered more than 4,000 works for the anthology and has culled a selection from contemporary writers and traditional notables such as William Shakespeare, Carl Sandburg and Robert Browning.
"Family Celebrations" includes words of inspiration for the monumental milestones such as weddings, christenings, graduations and anniversaries as well as for life's more ordinary transitions including a new job, retirement, moving day or a missing tooth: "Here's to the old tooth under the pillow, Here's to the space that it left behind, Here's to the new tooth soon to follow, Here's to the tooth fairy, generous and kind!""(Barbara Younger)
Whether large or small, these are the events that touch our lives, Cotner said. "Family Celebrations" recognizes those shared rites of passage. The book is designed to appeal to a wide range of faiths, with selections such as "A Buddhist Grace," "Each Chanukah Candle" and "A Kwanzaa Commitment."
"My inspiration is to bond families," said Cotner. "These spoken rituals let family members know they are valued and important. Particularly in these times when families are stressed, appropriate words can create lasting memories."
Hutton Publications, April 30, 1999
You'll never be at a loss for the right word at the right time, if you have Family Celebrations at your fingertips. June Cotner has collected a delightful assortment of prayers and poetry, drawing on famous authors in literature, as well as contemporary writers.
Cotner's five previous books give her the necessary expertise to showcase these selections to be read aloud or recited at family gatherings, be they big or small. If you find yourself at a cowboy wedding, read Judy Barnes' poem; for a new home, a whole section of verse awaits you; other gems abound.
Family Celebrations contains material appropriate for any religious occasion, as well as words appropriate to highlight and brighten an ordinary day, without being maudlin. It is beautifully produced, well-indexed and of a welcoming size to hold easily. Highly recommended.
Family Celebrations: Prayers, Poems & Toasts For E
Family Celebrations: Prayers, Poems & Toasts For E,Cotner,Andrews McMeel Publishing,0836278569,Family,Family & Relationships,Family/Marriage,General,Inspirational,Inspirational - General,Prayers,Religious life,Religious poetry, American,Poetry / General
Book Contents:
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