Good day, readers. Today is June 22nd, the 174th day of the year 2024, with 192 days remaining.
Not all those who wander are lost.
J.R.R. Tolkien
Today in Literary History:
On this day in 1949, Mary McCarthy’s novel The Oasis was published. McCarthy, known for her sharp wit and keen social commentary, explores the idealism and disillusionment of a group of intellectuals attempting to create a utopian community.
Notable Birthdays:
Octavia Butler, born on June 22, 1947, was a groundbreaking American science fiction writer. Her works, including Kindred and Parable of the Sower, delve into themes of race, gender, and societal transformation, earning her multiple Hugo and Nebula awards.
Today’s Readings:
From Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë: “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
Literary Fact of the Day:
On June 22nd, 1898, writer Erich Maria Remarque was born. Best known for his novel All Quiet on the Western Front, Remarque’s work provides a harrowing and poignant account of the experiences of German soldiers during World War I, highlighting the brutal realities of war and its enduring psychological impact.
Poem of the Day:
“Hope is the thing with feathers” by Emily Dickinson:
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
Emily Dickinson’s poem beautifully captures the essence of hope as an enduring and resilient force within the human spirit. Its simplicity and profound truth make it an enduring favorite that resonates with readers of all ages.
Advice for Writers:
Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s words, consider how the theme of wandering can be used in your writing. Whether it’s a physical journey or a metaphorical exploration, think about how your characters’ wanderings can lead to self-discovery, growth, and unexpected revelations.
Wishing you a day of adventurous reading and inspired writing, dear readers. Until tomorrow, may your literary journeys take you to new and wondrous places.
I used to have that Tolkien quote on the wall of my office–it means a lot to me. 🙂
Amelia and I watch a YouTube channel called Jess Of The Shire; she is obsessed with Tolkien. 🙂