| When we diligently read our history books as part | | | | seamless transition for the subjects of the poems |
| of our school's curriculum, we learn about the | | | | it connects. |
| famous men and women who earned their spot | | | | The poems by Janet Riehl are divided into five |
| in print as world leaders, great businessmen, | | | | groupings that are spread over four CDs. The |
| explorers, military heroes, or even criminals. While | | | | first section is devoted to her sister Julia (also |
| all aspects of history fascinate me, I must | | | | known as Skeeter), who was tragically killed in a |
| confess that my interest has always been more | | | | car crash several years ago. The emotional |
| with the everyday folks who loved their families, | | | | images Riehl creates through her words examine |
| took pride in their work, and, although they may | | | | Julia's work, her love of life, the moment of her |
| never be studied in a classroom, made a lasting | | | | death, and the longing of those she left behind. |
| impact on the people who knew them. My | | | | Riehl goes on to share equally captivating poetry |
| ninety-eight-year-old grandmother has an amazing | | | | about her father, her mother, and two places that |
| memory and can recount in detail an incident that | | | | have special meaning to her- the family home in |
| happened with a playmate in 1917. She is also a | | | | Evergreen Heights and her later residence of |
| musician who shares songs and piano melodies | | | | Clear Lake in Northern California. In addition to the |
| that remind her of being a teenager or raising her | | | | poems themselves, Riehl provides emotional |
| children during a war. I know from her that the | | | | commentary that fills in the missing pieces and |
| retelling of family history and traditions is the best | | | | develops a more complete memory for the |
| way to capture a picture of a bygone era. I have | | | | listeners to enjoy. Her words are straightforward, |
| discovered a treasure that beautifully captures | | | | beautifully crafted, and offer a wonderful piece of |
| this appreciation for the warmth of family and | | | | storytelling. |
| home. The new audio book Sightlines: A Family | | | | From beginning to end, the new audio book |
| Love Story in Poetry & Music by Janet Riehl | | | | Sightlines: A Family Love Story in Poetry & |
| is a compilation of very personal music and | | | | Music is a delight for its listeners. The passion that |
| poetry that is not to be missed. | | | | Janet Riehl has for her family, her history, and the |
| Riehl's audio book developed from her written | | | | beauty that surrounds her is obvious. Even if you |
| text, Sightlines: A Poet's Diary, which was | | | | already read the printed version of Sightlines: A |
| published in 2006. With the new release, Riehl adds | | | | Poet's Diary when it was released several years |
| the elements of down-home music and her own | | | | ago, you will want to enjoy the extra features |
| voice bringing life to the poems she created. The | | | | and meaning that are offered through this listening |
| musical component features her father's singing | | | | experience as well. The audio segments have |
| and fiddle playing as he is joined by other | | | | been expertly compiled and edited to create the |
| musicians for recordings that took place in his | | | | comfortable atmosphere of someone's home |
| living room. The fact that the music was not | | | | while also displaying professional detail to recording |
| performed in a high-tech professional studio | | | | quality and content progression. Each moment of |
| makes its inclusion even more appealing and | | | | the CDs is filled with warmth, humor, and a deep |
| appropriate. As you listen to old friends gather to | | | | connection to those who have come before us. |
| play music, you feel so fortunate to be let into | | | | Sightlines is a must-have audio book for anyone |
| the intimate gathering. I felt that I should be sitting | | | | who appreciates a good love story with the |
| in a rocking chair with my eyes closed as I let the | | | | perfect musical accompaniment! |
| simple beauty fill my soul. Each piece provides a | | | | |