Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Review from Lavender Orchids

The Poetic Book Tour for Faraway Tables continues with a detailed and insightful review by Enakshi J at Lavender Orchids. Enakshi J highlights the collection's themes of nostalgia, resilience, connection, and the paradoxes of modern life, praising its ability to transform ordinary moments into profound reflections.

Key takeaways from the review include:

• Faraway Tables captures “profound insights through mundane observations,” transforming everyday activities like brewing coffee (“Patience”) and walking a dog into meditations on patience, loss, and gratitude.

• The collection’s accessibility stands out, as Goodman uses comprehensible language and evocative imagery to connect the personal with the universal. Enakshi notes the balance between personal narratives and broader societal insights.

• Poems like “Patience” and “Toast to Friendship” are praised for their reflections on time and connection, while “Avocado Toast” ventures into socio-political commentary, blending the personal with the global.

Enakshi describes the collection as a whole as “engaging and evocative,” inviting readers to find beauty in the mundane and wisdom in stillness. Enakshi concludes that Faraway Tables is a powerful testament to poetry’s ability to capture both fleeting and eternal moments.

Read the full review here: Lavender Orchids.

Stay tuned for more reviews as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!

Treat Writing Like a Job

Alice McDermott said that she treats fiction writing like a full-time job — because it is one.

Alice writes four days a week and treats writing like a real job on those four days. She’s never been exclusively a full-time fiction writer. She teaches, does workshops, and fills her time with other activities as well. Few fiction writers actually write full time … or rather, few of them make it an exclusive job.

“As literary fiction writers, we’re trying to get to something true of us all. So write about common humanity, communal experience, not about a place, plot. Show universal truth to the reader in an interesting way.”

That sounds like a full-time job to me.

Learn more about Alice McDermott and her writing at https://www.alice-mcdermott.com/

Reston Reading Series – February 23

 

On Sunday, February 23, I’ll be one of the featured readers reading from Faraway Tables at the Reston Reading Series hosted by Nathan Leslie at Reston’s Used Book Shop in Reston, Virginia. This event will bring together writers and readers for an intimate literary evening. I’m excited to share some of my favorite poems from the collection.

Learn more here. 

Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Review from Impressions in Ink

The third stop on the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour brings a heartfelt review from Annette at Impressions in Ink. In her thoughtful analysis, Annette praises the collection’s ability to balance vivid sensory detail with emotional depth, highlighting the courage it takes to embrace life’s ongoing transitions.

Annette notes the collection is divided into four sections: Savor, Ache, Enough, and More (or Less), with an Epilogue featuring the final poem, “Taste.” She highlights several standout poems, each evoking a unique blend of reflection and emotion:

• “Patience,” the collection’s opening poem, creates a sensory experience with its vivid imagery:
  “Milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.”
  Annette describes it as a poem that immerses readers in the sights, smells, and feelings of an early morning ritual.

• “Renovate,” the first poem in the Ache section, stands out for its rhythm and emotional resonance, blending frustration with hope for the future.

• “Moments,” from the Enough section, reflects on the weight and significance of memories:
  “How can I pin down moments,
  select them, give them weight,
  anchor those greatest hits, I wonder.”

• “Taste,” the final poem, captures the ritual of making tea, resonating with Annette as a tea lover. She describes it as a fitting conclusion to the collection.

Annette’s review highlights the balance of sensory imagery and emotional reflection that makes Faraway Tables a rewarding read. Her thoughtful insights make this another meaningful stop on the Poetic Book Tour.

Read the full review here: Impressions in Ink.

Stay tuned for more reviews as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!

Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: Five-Star Review from The Reading Bud

 

The second stop on the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour brings a glowing five-star review from The Reading Bud. This thoughtful review dives into the heart of the collection, celebrating its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

The review describes Faraway Tables as “an exquisite collection of poems that takes the reader on a heartfelt journey through life’s quiet moments, grand explorations, and poignant reflections.” It highlights the balance between introspection and storytelling, showing how each poem resonates deeply.

Some standout moments from the review include:

• The everyday beauty of “Patience,” which celebrates the ritual of brewing coffee:
  “These beans have traveled across four years,
  across the globe from Indonesia to our home…”

• The intimate musings of “Embracing Hermithood,” reflecting on pandemic-induced isolation.

• “Moments,” which juxtaposes daily life with the joy of cherished memories:
  “How can I pin down moments,
  select them, give them weight,
  anchor those greatest hits…”

The reviewer notes the vivid imagery and emotional depth throughout the collection, calling it “accessible and profound” and likening the experience to “a conversation with a wise and witty friend.”

I’m grateful for this generous review and thrilled to see Faraway Tables resonate with readers. Read the full review here: The Reading Bud.

Stay tuned as the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour continues!

Featured at The Hot L Poets Series on February 9

I’m honored to be a featured reader at The Hot L Poets Series on Sunday, February 9! This monthly series brings together poets and poetry lovers for an evening of readings, discussion, and literary camaraderie.

I’ll be reading from Faraway Tables and sharing the stage with another featured poet. The event is free to attend and includes an open mic session for those who want to share their own work.

Join us for a great night of poetry!

📍 Event details: Hot L Poets Series

Beyond Vilnius

 

Some scenes in my novel Wrecks and Ruins, take place in Vilnius, Lithuania. It’s a rich city, which I explored in person, in some travel stories, and in my new novel. But there’s more to explore in Lithuania beyond the city limits of Vilnius.

 

Whether you have read the Vilnius scenes in my Baltimore-based novel, Wrecks and Ruins,  yet, take a side trip with me in “Beyond Vilnius,” published in Go World Travel Magazine.

https://www.goworldtravel.com/beyond-vilnius-travel-in-lithuania/

Manor Mill Poetry Night Rescheduled for January 13

Last week’s Manor Mill Poetry Night was snowed out, but the event has been rescheduled for this Monday, January 13! I’m excited to be the featured reader, joined by Charles Rammelkamp, at this wonderful evening of poetry and community.

Manor Mill Poetry Night, held every first Monday of the month, brings together poets and readers to celebrate the written word. The event starts with featured readers, followed by an open mic for attendees to share their work. The evening is hosted by poets Mel Edden and Robert R. Bowie Jr.

I’ll be reading from Faraway Tables, my debut poetry collection, and Charles will share his latest work. Copies of our books will be available for sale, and we’ll be happy to sign and inscribe them.

The event is free to attend, and refreshments will be provided, making it the perfect way to spend an evening with the local poetry community.

Learn more about the event and Manor Mill at Manor Mill's Website.

We hope to see you there tomorrow!

Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour: First Review by The Bookworm

I’m excited to share the first review of Faraway Tables from my recent poetic book tour, featured on The Bookworm by poet and book blogger Nai. The review offers thoughtful insights into the themes and poems within the collection.

Nai highlights how Faraway Tables reflects on life’s transitions, travel, writing, and self-reflection. She notes the nostalgic tone throughout the collection and shares her thoughts on several standout poems:

• “Patience” transforms the simple act of brewing coffee into a moment of poetic beauty:
  “Outside the kitchen window,
  milky mist rolls along marshy grounds.
  You ask how much longer, although you know
  there’s no rushing such things.”

• “Embracing Hermithood” resonates with reflections on pandemic-induced isolation:
  “The pandemic drives us into
  our isolated caves. Gives us an excuse
  to be what we want to be.”

Other favorites include “Power of Positive Thinking,” a poignant poem about hospice, and “Poolside with Wilford Brimley,” a nostalgic nod to the film Cocoon.

Nai describes Faraway Tables as “a collection of poetry mainly about the author’s life and observations” with themes ranging from the pandemic to travel. She recommends the collection for those who enjoy poetry about life and self-reflection.

It’s an honor to have Faraway Tables kick off the tour with such a generous review. Read the full review and Nai’s reflections here: The Bookworm.

Stay tuned for more reviews from the Faraway Tables Poetic Book Tour!

Faraway Tables Hits the Amazon Bestsellers List

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: Faraway Tables has officially made its way onto the Amazon Bestsellers list! Thanks to the recent 99-cent sale and everyone who supported the book, it reached #7 in the category “Poetry About Specific Places” and #20 in “Contemporary Poetry.”

What makes this achievement even more special is the company I’m in—poets like Walt Whitman, Billy Collins, Allen Ginsberg, Charles Bukowski, and Mark Doty also grace these lists. It’s humbling to see Faraway Tables standing alongside works from such iconic voices in poetry.

This milestone is a testament to the power of readers and the connections we build through words. Whether you’ve purchased a copy, shared the book with a friend, or written a review, I can’t thank you enough for helping Faraway Tables reach new audiences.

While the sale has ended, the journey isn’t over. Could we push Faraway Tables even higher? Let’s see how far we can go. If you’ve been enjoying the collection, consider leaving a review or sharing it with someone who loves poetry. 

For now, I’m celebrating this moment with gratitude. Thank you for your continued support! Here’s to the ongoing journey of Faraway Tables.

Stay tuned for more updates in the months to come!

Featured Poet at Manor Mill's January Event

Every first Monday of the month, Manor Mill features Poetry Night. The local poetry community comes together to share their work. Each event has a featured poet (sometimes two or three). They read and discuss their work during the first half of the program. Then, after intermission, there is an open mic section. The events are hosted by poets Mel Edden and Robert R. Bowie Jr.

I'm pleased to announce that I'm the featured poet on Monday, January 6 at Manor Mill Poetry Night. And even better, Charles Rammelkamp is joining me as a featured reader. Two poets for the price of one (and since admission is free and refreshments are included, it's a deal you cannot beat).

I'll be reading from my debut poetry collection, Faraway Tables. Both Charles and I will have copies of our book available for sale, and we'll be happy to sign and inscribe them.

Learn more about the event at https://manor-mill.com/poetry. 

Faraway Tables on WBJC’s BookNotes – January

I’m honored that Faraway Tables will be featured on WBJC’s BookNotes program this January. 

Baltimore’s Classical Music Station will be highlighting my debut poetry collection as host Judith Krummeck interviews me about this new literary turn. 

Don’t forget to tune in to 9135 FM or wbjc.com! The broadcast airs at 5:15 on the first Friday of January and again at 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of January. It will also be archived here.

Five Poems in BlazeVOX Journal

Five of my recent poems, "Taste," "As for the Ticket," "Tremble," "Community Workshop," and "Thanks for the Socks," were featured in the Fall 2023 issue of BlazeVOX Journal. This issue showcases a variety of contemporary poetry.

Read the poems in the latest BlazeVOX here: https://www.blazevox.org/BX%20Covers/BXFall23/Fall%2023%20-%20Eric%20D.%20Goodman.pdf
 

Lit & Art at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower – December 21

Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 21, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. for a special Lit & Art event at the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower! Join us for an afternoon of readings by talented writers, including Danielle Ariano, Shirley J. Brewer, Nitin Jagdish, and myself, along with music by Red Sammy and emcee Judith Krummeck. I’ll be reading selections from Faraway Tables, so come out for a great afternoon of literature, music, and art.

Learn more about this event and the featured talent by visiting the Lit And Art Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LitAndArt

 

Charles Rammelkamp’s review of Faraway Tables in North of Oxford

I'm pleased to share that Faraway Tables has been reviewed by poet and editor Charles Rammelkamp in the literary journal North of Oxford. In this thoughtful review, Rammelkamp delves into the themes of memory, nostalgia, and global connection that weave through the collection. He reflects on how the poems capture both the personal and the universal, exploring moments that resonate across borders and generations.

“Faraway Tables is a delightful read that provokes philosophical self-reflection.”

It’s always rewarding to see how readers and fellow writers connect with the work, and I’m grateful to North of Oxford and Charles Rammelkamp for this generous review.

Read the full review here: North of Oxford

Family-Friendly Portugal Story Published on Baltimore's Child Magazine Website

 

My Portugal story was published in Baltimore's Child Magazine.

Come along on a journey through Lisbon, a city steeped in historical significance and cultural richness. Discover the age-old Alfama district and take in sweeping vistas from Castelo de São Jorge.

Read about our fascinating destinations here.

Faraway Tables Named Finalist for the Willow Run Poetry Book Award

I’m honored to share that Faraway Tables was named a finalist for the Hidden River Arts Willow Run Poetry Book Award! This recognition is especially meaningful, as the award celebrates poetry collections that bring fresh, evocative perspectives to the literary landscape. Being acknowledged alongside such talented poets is a true privilege.

You can read more about the Willow Run Poetry Book Award and see the list of finalists here: Hidden River Arts.

Faraway Tables Kindle Sale – December 1-10

If you’ve been waiting to grab a copy of Faraway Tables, now’s your chance! From December 1 through December 10, you can get the Kindle edition for only $0.99. This is the perfect opportunity to dive into my debut poetry collection at a great price. Don’t miss out!

https://www.amazon.com/Faraway-Tables-Eric-D-Goodman-ebook/dp/B0DDDHWFRC 

The Novel According to Irving

 

John Irving found he needed to know where he was heading in order to get there when writing The World According to Garp, perhaps his best-known novel. He didn't realize it till he got to the end, however.

When Irving began the novel, he wrote, "In the world according to Garp, we are all terminal cases." He thought he was writing the novel's first line. Then he thought it would be more effective as a conclusion to the first chapter. 

"First I thought it was the first chapter, then the second, then it slowly made its way through the novel until I finally realized it was the end." Of course, the line ended up being the book's final sentence. 

Since Garp, Irving says he has always focused on the final line before moving on to the rest of the story. "That makes it as if the story already happened to me. I already know what I need to say and only need to focus on how to say it — the language and structure and tone." 

Not all authors agree.

Find out more about Irving and Garp at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7069.The_World_According_to_Garp

Faraway Tables Reviewed in Syncopation Literary Journal

I’m excited to share that Faraway Tables has been reviewed by the founding editor of Syncopation Literary Journal! 

This thoughtful review highlights the collection’s sensory elements, noting how tastes, music, and vivid descriptions create an immersive experience for readers. Reflecting on today’s anxieties, the review acknowledges an overarching theme of hope within the poems. 

”Throughout the collection, Goodman challenges his readers to consider their personal choices and the ultimate impacts that these have on the world,” Natalie Welsh writes. “While many of the poems reflect on today’s global anxieties, there is an overarching theme of hope, such as when Goodman imagines his own children one day sharing drinks with the children of his Ukrainian and Russian friends.” 

Read the full review here: Syncopation Literary Journal

 

JMWW Journal Publishes Excerpts from Faraway Tables

I’m excited to share that JMWW Journal has published an excerpt of three poems from Faraway Tables! “Poolside with Wilford Brimley,” “Dogwoods,” and “Elastic.”

Read the full excerpt here: JMWW Journal

 

Five Recent Poems Published in Bold Monkey Review

 

My poems “The Web in Your Path”, “Power of Positive Thinking”, “Pests”, “Celebratory Condolence”, “Barefoot” have been featured in Bold Monkey Review.

Some of the poems touch on bad ends, and others are perhaps more hopeful, each with a somewhat twisted sense of humor.

Enjoy my five poems, along with others, at Bold Monkey Review.
https://georgedanderson.blogspot.com/2023/08/featuring-eric-d-goodman.html

Faraway Tables Book Blog Tour in November

I’m thrilled to announce that Faraway Tables is hitting the road with a virtual book blog tour! Throughout November and beyond, seven book blogs will be publishing reviews of my debut poetry collection. 

Stay tuned for updates on each review as they come out. I’ll be writing about each one here, so you can follow along with what readers and reviewers are saying about Faraway Tables.

Learn more here.

Watch the Faraway Tables trailers and unboxing video here if you missed them