I wish there were more reviews of this so I could read them and get back into it. It's warm and thoughtful, but a bit slow. If you gain momentum reading it, don't let go of that.

The Wonder Paradox discusses the necessity of wonder and enrichment amidst the mundane through the lens of poetry. I found this book unique and not quite what I expected, but I found that I enjoyed Hecht's grounding of the philosophical and spiritual in poetic texts. This book was approachable, and it was a great read to muse over! Definitely a good book to chip away at and use as a guide for reexamining one's own spirituality.

I am not a person drawn to poetry but am drawn to the spiritual and psychology. For these reasons I gave this book a go. One thing I learned is this is not a book to pick up and read through in the course of say, a month. It’s best dipped into a chapter here, a chapter there. Many chapters resonated with me. Some, not so much. If one is into poetic journaling, I think it’s a handy resource. Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed the weaving of poetry, spirituality, and meaning in this book - I'll be sure to come back to it many times in the future.

For many, religion gives guidance for everyday living and for special occasions or events. In this book, the author gives people an alternative to that structure, using poetry. Each chapter covers an event or situation, giving pertinent poetry that can be memorized or used during that time. She gives some background on how religion, art and science help in the particular situation; she offers her poem for that occasion, along with some history or a poetry lesson. Then she gives guidance for finding your own poem. This isn't really a book to be read from front to back; rather it's one you could read piece-by-piece as the need arises. At times, I felt I was in a college course, but there were some lovely passages and poetry, also. Many thanks to NetGalley, Ms. Hecht, and the publisher for the ARC of this title, which releases in March 2023.

This is a wonderful book for poetry lovers, the poetry curious, atheists, agnostics, and anyone looking for some secular contemplation or nondenominational spiritual support. Each chapter takes on a theme of a different life event and provides historical context and sample poems for how people have and how we now can make meaning or live with mystery. It's carefully researched, clearly written, and practically oriented. I can see myself consulting it again many times in the future.

A delightful book that helps to bring poetry into the many varied rituals and milestones of your life. Inspiration and education all wrapped in a surprising package.

A fascinating read that taks up such an odd and delightful niche. I am thrilled at having stumbled across it, though it was a read I feel goes best if the reader wants something from the experience going in.

Thank you, Farrar Straus and Giroux, for the advance reading copy.

I find this book quite unique.

From the blurb, I expected this book to be in poetry format throughout mulling on various topics of life in general.

But what a surprise I am into!

The book has four main sections in which the writing is in the form of essays representing the opinion of the author on topics of decision making and the themes of everyday practices of sleeping, meditation; on being grateful and such.

The author has some very valid questions on the holidays we celebrate; the various rituals we perform; on topics of morality and the various social practices we live with.

I would say the entire book won’t take up much of your time. Read it when you want to have some valid answers you want to give yourself. This one is a thought provoking one I say!