The Alabama Writers’ Forum
The Alabama Writers’ Forum, a partnership program of the Alabama State Council on the Arts, works to cultivate our state’s literary culture. We do that through supporting writers at all stages. We encourage our young writers to find their creative voice through the Father Goose Poetry Festival for Kids!–and through our Alabama High School Literary Arts Awards. We support the work of our state’s literary community through our Alabama Authors Directory, First Draft magazine, and other programming and opportunities for writers across the state. And we celebrate our state’s rich literary legacy through the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. We are, above all, a community of writers united by our desire to advance the literary arts in Alabama. If that describes you — join us! There are many ways to get involved.
Box Turtles, Hooligans, and Love, Sweet Love
Box Turtles, Hooligans, and Love, Sweet Love By Mary Dansak Little Green Notebook, 2025 Paper: $19.99 Reviewed by Cindy Ragland It seems as if we live in a time where everyone is nature journaling. Often, these are observations – looking at something from a stationary, protected point of view. Like looking out the kitchen window. Most people claim to love nature; they just do not want to get any of it on them. Not the case with Mary Dansak. She immerses herself in the natural environment. From letting a baby opossum sleep in her hair as a child to dealing with a snake in the toilet as an adult homeowner. She tells these stories in a way that invites the reader in with her and in a way that seems so familiar. Dansak assembled this collection of essays to take readers not only into her day-to-day world, but on a journey of discovery of nature and ho w our human lives intertwine. While I have lived a life embedded in the natural landscape, Dansak’s writings seem inviting even for those less familiar with the outdoors. You feel safe on this journey with her. She marries her explorations with the everyday perspective of a mother, wife, sister, and daughter. She nudges us so gently to consider humans within the context of the natural world. Softly telling [...]
