ORDINARY NOTES

With precision and clarity, the author delivers seven definitions of the word "note," her voice rich in tone and meaning. Then she immerses listeners in each of the 248 lyrical notes she's written about poignant works she's read, powerful pictures she's seen, and meaningful experiences she's had. These notes, brief in expression, merit relistening, for their strong insights and emotions have the impact of poetry. As they shift in time, place, and situation, they form skillful collages of bits of newspapers, letters, books, and conversations on subjects that are personal, political, and artistic. Sharpe's reflections are thoughtful in idea and delivery. In particular, her many stories of the ways white people's distorted views perpetuate racism and violence demand listeners' attention. S.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]