The six authors of Under Sonoran Skies Prose and Poetry from the High Desert all met in Tuscon, Arizona at a writers’ group a number of years ago and proceeded to leave an impact on the world.  This book is a culmination of true story tellers, poets, artists and down to earth human beings.  It is the best anthology I have read in years. The authors kept in touch over the years and compiled a combination of poetry, general essays, historical essays, reflective essays, short stories and unique graphics.  The intro was engaging because it immediately resonated.  It started out with a poem called Visioning the Craft that sums up what poetry is all about in six lines…simple and eloquent.  These authors know how to write.

The short stories/essays are about divorce, retirement, they are uplifting, realistic, reflective, thoughtful, heart-warming, tear jerking and shocking.  The various visual artists that contributed have created stunning works.  What Really Matters (by Katherine. L. Wilson) was my favourite picture with Eye World coming in second as part of the introduction.
 
There are a few more favorites of mine.  The Barn had me giggling and reading out loud to my partner.  Dinner at Five led to conflicting emotions about this piece.  I can’t give it away but it needed mentioning!  Addled was a story that, since reading the book, I have re-told a number of times.  When you walk away and are impacted by a novel, well, that is story-telling at its best.  This anthology is well put together and a perfect anytime read.  It is a book that I recommend buying in hard copy and re-reading over again.  These authors are indeed true writers and artists.  I hope they keep in touch and grace us with another compilation soon.