Above Us Only Sky: Essays

Praise for Above Us Only Sky

"NPR personality Winik mines the intertwined humor and poignancy of life's exigencies in this earthy essay collection, taking stock of moments from childhood to motherhood and reliving them with relish. By turns heartfelt and cutting, playful and contemplative, Winik's chatty narration and musings emerge as vivid brushstrokes on a crowded canvas, jottings of her thoughts at both pivotal moments and more introspective times." --Publishers Weekly

"Intrepid NPR commentator Winik's voice is as unique as her observations and as recognizable as her experiences. By turns pithy and poignant, outraged and outrageous, Winik's latest collection of essays once again mines the rich veins of her personal life . . . and while the laughs are still there, there's also a tempered maturity that nicely balances Winik's self-deprecating, tongue-in-cheek approach. Middle age is upon her, a perfect time for reflection and prediction, appreciation and apprehension, making amends and making a difference." --Booklist

"Marion Winik is a skilled writer and her courage is impressive. Her struggle to find meaning from her life shines from every page and her humor is infectious." --Jennifer Lauck, author of Blackbird

"These essays on a woman's wild ride through life give us Marion's bracing tonic-of-truth voice in splendid form - her voice that is always brilliantly funny, intelligent, brave, haunting, and full of surprises, revelations, and wise, wild connections. At this point, I don't think I could live without it. If you don't know her yet, your life is about to get better." --Naomi Shihab Nye, author of The Tiny Journalist

"Marion Winik has written another smart, funny, wise set of essays. Her authorial voice has been sweetened and mellowed by domestic contentment, while her observations remain as sharp and her insights as deep as ever. If you're a Winik fan already, you won't be surprised to find yourself moved, amused, and enlightened by Above Us Only Sky. If this is your introduction to her work, you have a rare treat in store." --Martha Beck, author of Diana, Herself: An Allegory of Awakening