THE CHICKEN CHRONICLES: SITTING WITH THE ANGELS WHO HAVE RETURNED WITH MY MEMORIES Glorious, Rufus, Gertrude Stein, Splendor, Hortensia, Agnes of God, The Gladyses, & Babe

In her latest collection of essays, author Alice Walker introduces listeners to her feathered friends. The pieces, some of which are written as letters, document her experiences with raising chickens and the surprising connection she felt to the birds, who gave her companionship as well as eggs. Walker's affection for her “girls” is evident in her narration, which takes on the tone of a mother reading to her children. However, these 38 pieces, originally written for Walker's blog, are not bedtime stories. The chronicles discuss life and death, vegetarianism, Gandhi, bullying, and the peace and comfort to be found in connecting with nature. Walker's heartfelt reading makes listeners feel as if they were sitting alongside her, watching the chickens gather round for love and attention. While some may find her motherly tone a bit off-putting, the majority of listeners will be charmed by her personal connection to the chickens. C.B.L. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2012]