HeyJaredBeck and Call: Where Readers Meet Writers
This newsletter will offer insights on books and what writers can learn from them. Think of it as a book group on steroids!
- Indexed issues, last 90 days
- 13
- Latest publication
- Sep 28, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 6, 2026
Latest issues
The Spreading Circles of Violence (opens the original)
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I have a friend named Signe who is a talented painter. I was impressed by the piece below when I saw it on an easel in her kitchen and asked if I could have it. She said yes! And even though I generally prefer a realistic picture, I love how this piece speaks differently at different times. Even though it’s abstract, I see a boat in the lower left corner and an abstract script on the right. And look at the energy! This piece demonstrates the difference between our thinking and learning styles.<a
Annie Dillard Hijacks Daffodil Days (opens the original)
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I was planning to write about “Daffodil Days,” by Helen Bain this week, but Annie Dillard’s death seemed more worthy because she has just died. It’s hard to believe so many big thinkers have died in the last month—Wendell Berry, Gloria Steinem and now Annie Dillard. And then there the juggernaut of Dolly Parton, who is just plain BIG.A glance at the best seller list at the New York Times tells me that Dolly Parton’s life has translated into number 7 on the Nonfiction List for “Star of the Show”
Poems of the Earth and Sky (opens the original)
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When the poet Ted Kooser received a phone call telling him that he had been appointed poet laureate of the United States he was at first incredulous, then amazed. Then he went outside and lay down on the grass. <img alt="" class="sizing-normal" height="6
Gloria Steinem and Me (opens the original)
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If you believe, as I do, that the spirits of the dead hang around—at least for a while—then wonder with me how the spirits of Dolly Parton, Wendell Berry and Gloria Steinem are getting along. All three were passionate people, but central casting could not have found three people who looked and spoke so differently. What on earth (pun) will they have to talk about?This week, I noticed the flags in my town were at half mast. The internet said it was because of Dolly Parton’s death. Apparently, the
Should Douglas Stuart win another Booker prize? (opens the original)
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Thank you, thank you to the many folks who commented on my post “Is Mary Oliver Embarrassing?” I so appreciate your insight and affirmation. As I thought about this week’s post, I felt much as Douglas Stuart felt waiting for Shuggie Bain to be published, angsting over what will come next (see below.) I hope those of you who hit “subscribe” will not be disappointed. “Don’t do it! Don’t do it!” I found myself saying this out loud, listening to the brilliant audible version of “John of John,” the l
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