Some Observations and Opinions
Some Observations and Opinions is not your average collection of essays or memoir.
Synopsis
Some Observations and Opinions is not your average collection of essays or memoir. It is an exploration of the human condition by an 83-year-old man who has seen decades of change, progress, regression, beauty, absurdity, and occasional grace. With his feet planted firmly on the deck of his self-built home in the rural Florida woods, Joel Aaron Smith reflects on everything from the nature of God to the state of modern America, from abstract painting to the personalities of cats and dogs.
His writing flows freely, not bound by chapters or constraints, but by what he sees, feels, and remembers. The result is a deeply human, often humorous, always thought-provoking journey into one man's mind and heart.
For Whom This Book Was Written
This book speaks to readers who think deeply, question freely, and appreciate honesty even when it stings. It’s for artists, spiritual seekers, political independents, and anyone who prefers conversation over condemnation. Whether you're 25 or 85, if you’ve ever sat alone with your thoughts and wished someone else understood the swirl of complexity you carry, Joel Smith may just be your companion through the pages.
Excerpt
“So what do we have? An elderly man sitting on the deck of his house in the woods somewhere in northern Florida. He says he is not infrequently under the influence of marijuana... He believes his thought processes are expanded with Gd implicit (and explicit) in what’s before his eyes... He writes that in the quiet, he is inclined to realize that there’s something 'out there'... but still, he is uncertain.”
Why This Book Deserves Your Time
In a world driven by trends, echo chambers, and superficial content, Some Observations and Opinions offers something rare: sincerity. Joel does not try to impress, persuade, or perform. He simply thinks aloud. And in doing so, he gives permission to the reader to do the same. His reflections might make you laugh, nod, pause, or even disagree, but they will always make you feel. And in an increasingly desensitized world, feeling something true might just be enough reason to read.
What Readers Are Saying
"A masterfully crafted debut that will stay with you long after the final page. Thorne has given us a story that's both intimate and universal."— Publishers Weekly
"Whispers in the Attic is a beautiful exploration of family, memory, and the stories that shape us. I couldn't put it down."— BookList Review
"Margaret Thorne writes with such grace and insight. This novel will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered about the secrets in their own family tree."— Library Journal