Charlene Reviews: Been There, Noted That by Stephen Geez

ISBN #: 978-1936442051

Page Count: 292

Copyright: February 12, 2012

Publisher: Fresh Ink Group

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

The simple lives of everyday people in a mundane world prove extraordinary in this collection of 54 personal-experience essays by novelist Stephen Geez. The eclectic mix of memoir, commentary, humor, and appreciation covers a wide range of topics, each beautifully illustrated by artists and photographers from the Fresh Ink Group. Geez catches what many of us miss, then considers how we might all share the most poignant of lessons. Been There, Noted That aims to reveal who we are, examine where we've been, and discover what we dare strive to become.

Charlene's Review:

In the 50+ essays that make up Been There, Noted That Mr. Geez focuses on the very things that most of us take for granted, or imparts what the world could be like if we took notice of the small things. A natural storyteller, he left me with a comforting glow, like I was curled up, snug, in front of a fire, listening to a beloved grandfather tell me about his life. Mr. Geez offers up a wise gem one moment, and a laugh out loud vignette in the next.

With an observant and open heart, these essays open up new insights to the world around us, such as in "What We Leaf" where he describes the ever changing leaves, their beautiful patterns, and the vastness of the differences in each one, even though they are seen as all the same, and then ponders how people are so very much like the leaves in that "... most ... somehow manage to fulfill our destinies; but then toward the end, we begin to change, show our age, find our true colors, blaze brilliantly in those final moments before we must inevitably let go." Such beautiful imagery!

There are so many light-hearted essays, as well. "Skunk Skool" and the slightly risque "Fungus Among Us" were two of my favorites, as well as a fun look at politicians in "Cotton Dandy." There are too many highlight to mention, but I will say it is definitely worth reading. He has his own website, www.StephenGeez.com where you can sample his work, and even send it to others to brighten their day.

Enjoy!


*A physical copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.