As August comes to a close, I thought I’d add another “Things Worth Sharing” roundup to top off the summer. I’m catching up with inspiring items hitting my inbox including a screener for a new documentary about one of my favorite poets Mary Oliver and a set of cute gift books from artist Julia Rothman.
Plus I have an update on my latest read Whistler by Ann Patchett. I told my daughter A who is an avid reader that her mom is inching ahead with her 2026 commitment to read more. There are always more books on my Library Libby list. Did I say I love Libby? I do. I do.
Let’s get started…
What I’m Watching: : In the Words of Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver: Saved By the Beauty of the World is a touching and introspective tribute to the iconic poet Mary Oliver. Watching the story of the life of this Pulitzer Prize poet was a great escape last Sunday evening. I felt like I really got to know Mary — her love of dogs and long walks in the woods, her openly queer but intensely private lifestyle, her mystical nature, her 50 years of stalking the ponds and forests of Cape Cod (specifically Provincetown where she lived with her longtime partner) in order to open herself–and her readers to the known and unknowable world.
A new documentary about poet Mary Oliver is now showing on PBS
From a lonely childhood to literary fame (not until her early 40s), Mary’s life was shaped by devotion to nature, paying attention, and the long journey toward learning to love and to be loved. It’s amazing that her poems are even more prevalent today — speaking to contemporary anxieties about attention, presence, and the human relationship with the natural world – issues that feel especially pressing in an era of climate crisis, digital distraction, and social media.
Mary Oliver started writing poetry when she was a young girl
Do you have a favorite Mary Oliver poem? I have a few: Summer Day; Wild Geese; and The Journey. I may have to buy another Mary Oliver book of poetry. Her poems are so good, so good, so good.
You can watch the documentary American Masters – Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World on PBS, the PBS App, or the American Masters YouTube Channel starting this week. If you don’t have PBS, give a much needed monthly $5 donation to your local channel like I do and you can watch all your PBS shows.
On My Nightstand: Anne Patchett’s Whistler
Whistler seems to be on every book club list this summer — including President Obama’s. So I reserved it on Libby and finally it was time to borrow. I didn’t really know much about the novel but thought if everyone is recommending it — maybe I should take a look.
Ann Patchett’s newest novel
There was a horse on the cover so I thought it was about a horse. Not really. The horse is a story within the story and plays a symbolic role with the main characters Daphne and her stepfather Eddie.
Not having read any Ann Patchett books I wasn’t familar with her style of writing. She drew me into the family and I liked getting to know each character. Just as I described Mary Oliver, I felt similar vibes reading Whistler. I wanted to know more about the people and how the good and bad life events of this family helped shape the characters, especially Daphne.
If you read Whistler, LMK what you thought. Was the ending satisfying to you? It did fall a bit flat in my opinion — would have liked more.
I think I’m going to reserve other Ann Patchett books on Libby this fall or winter – Bel Canto and Tom Lake – both sound appealing. Have you read them?
A Small Joy: A Sticker Book That Makes Me Smile
Hachette Book Group and Workman Publishing have fun activity books and gifts. Two that caught my eye are The Eclectic World of Julia Rothman Sticker Book and The Eclectic World of Julia Rothman Wrapping Paper Book.
Julia Rothman is a renowned illustrator and her charming pictures make me happy. The Sticker book has over 1,000 stickers! From patterned socks & undies to ornate teacups to handsome dogs, there’s a sticker for the animal lover, the foodie, the bookworm, and anyone looking to decorate their world in Julia Rothman’s signature whimsical style.
Illustrator Julia Rothman’s books make great gifts
The curated collection of Julia’s wrapping paper sheets and matching gift tags features a wide variety of designs, from ballerinas to bakeware to the beach.
The two together make a nice gift or keepsake to cover storage boxes and use on cards, notebooks and more.
Women’s Conference Coming This September
I’m attending the Livelong Women’s Health Summit about the future of women’s health and longevity and hope you’ll join me. The Summit is at the Hilton Midtown in New York City on September 25 & 26, 2026. Since I’m a new Livelong ambassador, my readers can get a $50 discount using my special code listed below.
Jane Fonda is a speaker at Livelong Women’s Health Summit NYC
The agenda includes award-winning actress, author and activist Jane Fonda; beauty entrepreneur Bobbi Brown; internationally recognized exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist Dr. Stacy Sims; and 75+ speakers spanning menopause, longevity cardiovascular health, mental health and women’s health science.
To get $50 off any ticket to the Summit use code JudyF50 — simply add the code under promo code when you checkout. Register here. LMK if you decide to go.
Have a great end of the summer and I’ll see you in September.
Judi
Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors. I just finished Whistler. I enjoyed it, but it was not one of my favorites. I agree with you on the ending. I really liked Tom Lake and would recommend it. If you are adding to your reading list, I would also recommend Theo of Golden (heartwarming and makes you believe in the good of mankind) and Mad Mable was also a good read. I like the Libby App, but every book I go to get has a long list of people ahead of me, so I have not been patient enough to wait for it. Happy reading!
Marian, thanks for your feedback. I’m going to check out Tom Lake on my queue. I did try Theo of Golden but couldn’t get into it. Found it a bit slow moving. May try again as I resisted it in my queue.