The Sigh and Flutter uncovers the shimmer of meaning in life's overlooked corners-dreams tucked away, goofy dog noises, a sudden rush of gratitude. With wit, tenderness, and keen observation, Julie Ann Baker Brin transforms the ordinary into the luminous, reminding us that the sacred lives within the everyday.
Both whimsical and wise, these poems embrace the paradox of human experience-its gravity and its wonder. From the emotional archaeology of a "personal storage space" to a cascade of unexpected gratitude, Brin's voice is intimate, sharp, and deeply human. She invites readers to rediscover beauty in the mundane and to see how even the smallest details can glimmer with significance.
Advance praise calls this collection "hopeful, specific, philosophical, wise" (Kevin Rabas, Kansas Poet Laureate, 2017-2019), "magnificent and alarming" (Michael Poage), and "reimagining the small intimacies and disconnects that shape our lives" (Gretchen Cassel Eick).
Whether enjoyed for solace, inspiration, or surprise, The Sigh and Flutter meets readers in the fleeting, unpredictable now. These poems remind us that life is both fragile and resilient-that the human spirit is as much about earthbound coffee as it is about the stars.
