Book Review of Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl

Book Review of Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl: 5 Stars!

In Late Migrations, Renkl shares bits of her life– some larger moments and some smaller moments– primarily as she grew up in Alabama in the 1960s. She writes in short, micro-essays, connecting them to themes of nature, love, loss, the value of memories, and the meaning of life. (For these reasons, it’s a great book for Spring.)

Each word matters, and the essays have poetic qualities. They are soulful and bittersweet as they explore a complex range of emotions that everyone experiences in life: love, joy, sadness, and darkness. Renkl acknowledges, through several connections to nature, that everything that lives will die, but she exquisitely explores the meaning of life and the grief that follows after death. (I also consider this to be one of the best books on grief.)

This excerpt perfectly captures the spirit of my review of Late Migrations:

It’s the type of book everyone should read at least once, and then take some sort of action to preserve memories, both big and small, in their own lives. It’s also a very quick and easy read to which anyone and everyone can relate.

The Today Show Segment on Late Migrations With Margaret Renkl

An Ordinary Morning

Before work one day in 2019, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed and spotted a quote from the author of Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl:

It resonated deeply with me.  It reminded me of the last line of my favorite TV show, The Office:

“There’s a lot of beauty in ordinary things.  Isn’t that kind of the point?” 

It made me stop and think about my mission as a blogger promoting the value of reading in a “highlight reel” kind of world. I believe in the value of stories, of the empathy and knowledge we gain from them, and how they change us for the better. In stories, the ordinary in life can often be extraordinary. 

I commented on the Instagram post: “This.  All of this.”

“There’s Been a Call”

I checked my Instagram page again at lunch and was shocked to receive a message from @ReadwithJenna, asking me to be part of an upcoming segment on The Today Show, where I would discuss the book with the author. 

Here’s a secret I’d like to share with you: I hadn’t even read the book yet!  I texted my husband, “Should I drop everything, read it, and say yes?”

The normal side of me was ecstatic to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and feel that the little internet community I had only recently created was resonating with people and thriving. 

On the other hand, the introverted, bookish side of me was an anxious, nervous wreck!  I started panicking:  How could I be on TV?  Me! I’m not a TV person.  I’m a silently read and write alone kind of person. 

Then, for a few hours, I pictured myself stumbling over my words, falling out of my chair, and becoming a viral laughing stock. 

As the day drew to a close, I got into my car and turned it on. Out of nowhere, my iTunes started playing.  Now, I hadn’t listened to iTunes in a few years, and the only songs I have on it are from Broadway musicals I attended. 

The song was from my favorite musical, Sunset Boulevard, and it was called … “There’s Been a Call.”  The song is about old Hollywood actress Norma Desmond receiving a call to return to Paramount Studios to film, and making them wait all day until she agrees. It was a sign. At that moment, my anxiety waned, and I started feeling excitement. 

I said yes.

Lessons Learned

The process of reading and preparing a review of one of the best memoir books, Late Migrations, as well as appearing on The Today Show taught me tremendous lessons. As an anxious and quiet person, I had to face and walk directly through many fears in order to relax and enjoy this amazing opportunity.

Lastly, and most importantly, I learned that when you force yourself to step outside your comfort zone and share yourself and things that matter to you in a way that is authentic to you and genuine online and on social media, you can positively connect with others.

The experience reminded me of this quote from The Alchemist:

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Paulo Coelho

Recap

To conclude my book review of Late Migrations, I highly recommend it as a 5-star read, particularly for a book club, as it addresses numerous major life topics that lend themselves to discussion.