Four Star Books | Polly Castor

Paradise in Plain Sight (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on June 4, 2022
This is written by a female Zen priest about the metaphors for life that she's gleaned from her Japanese...
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Frederick Douglas: Prophet of Freedom (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on July 1, 2021
This beautifully written, Pulitzer prize winning, detailed, and very long biography is a tour de force.
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No Crumbs Left (Cookbook Review)
By Polly Castor on January 24, 2020
This book can take staple meals in your house from ho hum to marvelous. Check out and make her...
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Mastery (Book Review)
By Polly Castor on May 24, 2018
This book will make you see that follow-through is the key component to mastery, and that is within everyone's...
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Book Review: Handling the Truth
By Polly Castor on September 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book and found it gives a good introduction to writing in the genre of memoir. The...
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Book Review: Spy in a Little Black Dress
By Polly Castor on May 29, 2013
This book was a pleasant surprise. I found it on the library’s new book shelf, and didn’t expect to...
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Book Review: The Lawgiver
By Polly Castor on May 10, 2013
I’m a Herman Wouk fan from as far back as the 70’s. I loved this recent light work written...
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Book Review: Imagine- How Creativity Works
By Polly Castor on October 24, 2012
After reading this book on the latest science regarding creativity, it is no miracle that I’m creative. I daydream,...
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I have so enjoyed your recent posts– about your garden, your reflections about parenting, your vibrant artwork– so many wonderful expressions of Spirit.

Thank you for passing along such wise words.

You are an inspiration to me, and I’m sure to many others. With appreciation for all you do to magnify good!

So beautiful, Polly. Thank you for spelling out – through such artful means – the beauty of patience.

Oh yum, Polly… These gorgeous photos made my mouth water and my eyes pop!

Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

I have tremendous admiration for your strength, your depth, your compassion, your passion and your love. You are a woman deeply filled to the brim…

This couldn’t possibly be more perfect, – so reassuring, and so fully expresses in every way what we all are praying for. Thank you for your a beautiful heart and generous giving of it!!

Yes, lots of good flavor triggers in there. I printed it out and will try it. Thanks so much!

I LOVE THIS BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amazing, Polly! A wonderful example of seeing the possibilities…creativity at its best.

Really enjoyed your poem on Animal magnetism. Very clear truths. Thank you. Your vibrant art work is superb.

This speaks to me. Love your work, Polly.

I really enjoyed this book, thanks for recommending it.

Thank you for revealing this idea you’ve been following. I can tell when an angel has tapped me on the shoulder–it feels light and right and fun.

I salute you! And I sure do thank you for inspiring me to greater efforts along all lines of life!

Oh my goodness Polly, this is absolutely magnificent and reaches so far deep into my soul.

Thank you for your ultra positive, upbeat, cheering and cheerful expressions in so many forms. What great seeds to sow in world thought!

Putting the art of poetry, photography and painting into your hands is God’s gift to us who get to read it and see it. Thanks.

I read and feel the security of the hearth and home. Many thanks…

The Spirit at work is so well described here. In between the lines I read that
our only true peace is in pleasing Our Creator! Thank you deeply, Polly!

Well done Polly, I love your book reviews! Please carry on the good work of guiding our book choices.

You are … just plain wonderful, Polly! Your blog is bursting with poetry, art, writings, love of God, family, friends, all things great and wonderful and good!

Thanks for the nudge!

You continue to inspire, impress, and
amaze me, Polly.

This blog deeply resonates while being beautiful, delicious, inspiring, and fun. Not easy to do!

Thanks for your strong, bright and clear art work!

Thanks, Polly, for listening so carefully and sharing so selflessly.

I loved this book, Polly. Thank you so much for the recommendation.

Way to go on your artistic journey. You show great courage, humility, and such support for everyone around you.

Just beautiful, Polly. So honest and uplifting. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and the helpful ones of others.

This is absolutely wonderful and so helpful.

Thank you dear Polly!

These photos are so wonderful, it really warms the heart.

What a fine piece! You certainly are a shining example….[it] was uplifting and instructive.

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing…. like a bird, natural and beautiful, just singing out truth in her special song on a fine winter morning.

Your inspiration and love of nature is appreciated!

I for one want to thank you so much for writing this blog. I started about a year ago and look forward to reading it every day. I feel like an armchair adventurer…

The Brussels sprouts were an exceptionally BIG hit here…. could you direct me to more literature on spiritual healing?

Polly, I just love your spirit, innovativeness, receptivity to beauty and to God’s goodness expressed. Thank you for your blog.

That definitely sounds like a book I’d like to read! Thanks Polly!

Thank you Polly for your radiant joy and embrace of each of us, wrapping us in your color and beauty of Soul.

Thanks for sharing from the seat of your soul with generosity and openness.

Providing us with wonderful refreshment, enlightenment, peace, encouragement, joy,
and a whole lot more. Thanks, Polly!

Love the photos, as usual. You are a Creative Genius, Polly.

You are my favorite artist. I just have to say it. Your paintings make me so happy.

Thank you Polly!! This has needed to be said for a while!

Your work is always spirited and inspirational.

You are terrific and amazing. In many outstanding ways.

Everything on your site is so colorful, spiritual and alive!

The last day of the month on your blog is always a BIG treat . . . This morning I went from fasting to feasting . . .

I am one of your readers who definitely looks forward to a positive message from you every morning. You grow people.

I recently I recommended your blog to a friend saying, “She’s like a dear friend, she just doesn’t know me.” Thank you for all the delight you add to my days!

Today’s post was a Gift from God. Opening your email this morning truly lifted my Spirit. Thank you.

I am a silent regular reader of your daily blog, and I’m finally in touch to tell you how much I like it. I love it!

These are awesome. You have such a gift for photography…and for pastels…and for cooking…and for finding interesting books…and, and, and. Where does it end?

Thank you for sharing the joy of your trip with us. I feel blessed this morning to know you in all the ways you reveal good and magnify it.

I love this poem! Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Yes!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery!

Wish I had gotten this message 75 years ago. It makes so much sense and would have saved me a lot of self criticism. I love your blog.

What a delight to experience the beauty of nature you shared of your slice of the world through these beautiful photos.

Well said Polly!

Life is so exciting we should limit ourselves less!

Let’s all have a productive day and be joyful!

Your posts are treasure troves of your beautiful and giving heart.

I did your tomato tart a few days ago, and it was fabulous! I am vegetarian and look for meals I can make that have lots of flavor. Your tart was just perfect!

I truly love and am inspired by your blog, including capturing the beauty of life in the moment, teaching by example, taking time with children, and spirituality.

Thank you so much for your fantastic, soulful images– your photos really capture the love, joy, camaraderie, power, and intensity of the present moment.

I feel such gratitude for the beautiful way in which you express God. Thanks for blessing my life and being such a shining light in the world!

Thank you for sharing yourself and creativity in such a transparent way, it is very inspiring and humbling to me.

I love the photos – such a gift which makes me feel closer to Fall, my favorite season.

Oh my gosh how did you know I needed this today? I am in absolute awe of your thorough and articulate way you describe how all of this works.

Thank you for bringing your hydrangeas into my home via the internet. Other flowers are lovely too, but hydrangeas are SPECIAL.

This is so well thought out and written. Thank you for this compelling essay. I agree with you on all points, Polly.

Thank you Polly–you are always such a clear thinker and always willing to share your God-given gifts.

A wonderful poem Polly! Thank you. Deeply nourishing….

Thank you for sharing this quote. It is very appropriate for our times. A beautiful wake up call to change our thinking and focus on what is real and true.

Thank you for sharing this.
Strange, nothing surprising here.
You are who you are.

Wow!! I cannot wait to try this recipe! Thank you!

I’m grateful for you opening my eyes to the wonders that surround us.

So beautiful and I have shared it with so many others. Thank you!

Polly your blog is simply a marvelously enriching, thought provoking part of the daily wonders of life! I give thanks for you and the blog!

Thank you for Saying So Well What Needs To Be SAID!

Hoping others can/will read this…

I wanted you to know that I found the time I spent on your blog to be relaxing, refreshing, inspiring, and totally enjoyable.

I just love your photos, Polly. Whether it’s food or art or nature . . . They are always so beautiful and interesting and full of life !

I get so happy when I see your paintings. I really do. They bring me such joy. I feel your heart when I see them.

I love this poem, Polly, and I shall read it often! I feel sure it will help lift my thought to healing.

I am simply amazed at the wealth of beauty, soul, and experience. Love it. Love you! Thank You for sharing your innermost so openly.

Very helpful in these seemingly uncertain times. I found a couple of specific ideas expressed here that apply to a specific situation in my life. Thank you!

Helen Frankenthaler’s works were interesting, but I like your abstracts better.

LOVE it. Made me smile while I was reading it.

I love your website, messages, poems and art. Thank you for the blessing of community that you provide.

Thank you so much for this wonderful insight! You put into words what I have been grappling with for a long time. This is just what I needed today.

I look forward to your messages each day, like a delightful gift to unwrap.

Your abstracts are interesting and you have a unique style that is all your own. Original, demonstrating individuality and confidence! I see joy and love expressed.

Illuminating thoughts, thank you for sharing them. Very clear.

I love your coffee cake recipe, I have a book list from your blog, I love the photos, the poems, the paintings, the movie reviews, the humor, the honesty, the color.

I love your swirling universes, the spirals that draw one in and introduce us to ourselves.

Wow…you have made carrots sexy!

I loved this post! It gave me much to think about. Thank you for being such a beautiful and prolific source of inspiration. You are a wonder! I’m a fan!

You are such an inspiring person, Polly, and I love the variety of your activities you share with us all! Thank you so much.

Oh how I love this! Thank you, thank you!

Thank you for your generosity and your overflowing sense of soul which you share so beautifully and articulately with everyone!!

I have just started this book and am really loving it! Thank you so much for recommending it.

Thank you for your burst of sunshine reflected in your positivity this morning… I look forward to your blogs.

I LOVE YOU!!

You amuse-inspire-edify-entertain-inform-uplift-enhance-educate-color!-…my days!

Absolutely stunning, Polly. I love the infinite range of ideas, expression, and media in this BIG blog of yours.

Polly, I needed you today and there you were and it was enough. Thank you for being a motivator.

Polly, please keep sharing these pages! I love seeing them. You inspired me to do the same thing.

Hi Polly, loved this poem. It radiates hope and feeling of calmness. I am glad I came across these beautiful words. Keep posting similar reads and spreading positivity.

I enjoy your blog so much. But today you are on top. Every thought you expressed so lovingly…. some very funny but always with love. Thank you for all you bring to so many .

Thank you for using this platform to share these references for listening & learning. Now the work required to make a lasting change is up to each of us! ❤️

This is a fantastic article Polly…so much in it, I know I’ll have to re read it at least twice more!

You have a great eye for beauty Polly. I love your blog.

Your art is thrilling.

Your blogs are a delight.

I just adore all of your wonderful posts and everything that you share so generously. ????? You have a beautiful sense of soul that you share – it blesses me and so many!

Butter! Lemon! Garlic!

It’s like a prayer!!!

This is absolutely magnificent. Bless your precious and beautiful soul for sharing this.

Wow! Love the abundance of exotic shapes and colours in the Autumn sunshine!

Such a complete radiance of Soul you are demonstrating. I find it very inspiring!

Glorious! Thank you for tending these lovely flowers together, and for posting on your blog, Polly.

Thank you for your efforts. I look forward to your positive thoughts and love.

How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth.

When I open my email in the morning I read all the have-to emails first; I save yours to read as dessert. Thanks, Polly!

Thank you for writing this opinion so eloquently, Polly. You have addressed many nuances that I have been espousing for years, and your words are powerful and thought-provoking.

Yes indeed! You are a shining light and you are definitely using all your wonderful talents

You are doing so wonderfully at praising God with your talents.

What an inspiring and uplifting painting. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with the world!

I feel the joy and love of the color and thought in all your work! You are letting your light shine.

Your poem feels like a lesson, a treatment, and a love letter all rolled into one perfect package.
Thank you, Polly.

This blog is a daily dose from an spiritually-oriented, artist, thinker, sage.

Love this– actually so “timely” for what I have been thinking about lately.

Your blog is full of the wonderful, multilayered colors and textures that you play with, and share so unselfishly with the world.

Polly lets her spirituality into her art as you can see in the many abstract paintings she creates. We were wowed by her ability and her encouragement of others to express themselves artistically.

Gorgeous new work. I love the vitality of the city scenes and vibrant color palette.

Thank you so.much, Polly. It says with abundant clarity what thousands upon thousands of thoughtful men and women think and believe. I appreciate you!!

Thank you Polly for this article on supply! I cherish the healing thoughts therein very much, and they are very helpful.

Polly, your wonderful blog is doing more than its bit in this dreadful time. Thanks, and keep on keeping on!

Beautiful photos. It is uplifting and energizing to see such bright, cheerful, healthy and fresh images. Thanks, I needed that!

Love your blog. Today’s is dynamite and very helpful to viewing our role as individuals at this time.

Thank you very much, Polly. You are a bright light!

Thank you Polly for sharing those wise words! I heartily agree with them all now I have a bigger perspective on life.

This is relevant and an excellent way for me to look at some situations I have been in recently.
Thank you Polly.
I will continue to benefit…

Thank you for all your uplifting daily contributions, wherever form they take – photos, recipes, artwork, book reviews and smiley faces!

What a breath of fresh air!! Thank you for your honesty, integrity and willingness to speak out for Truth and Justice!!!

Love your blog. Today’s was dynamite, and very helpful for understanding our role as individuals at this time.

My mother adores your blog and speaks to me often about what recent nugget you shared which she thought was wonderful!

I think one reason I enjoy your blog is that you Stand Forth In All Your God-given Glory, expressing everything Good!

What a stunning place! It is just a slice of heaven. Thank you for sharing its beauty.

Quite unforgettable. You truly have a way with words: warm; strong; inviting; enlightening; so substantive, and more.

Polly, I am absolutely amazed. My mouth was watering! I’ll be thinking about it all night…and tomorrow we will break out the paints!

Thank you for the joy you share. I look forward to reading your posts!

Grace is a beautiful quality and you exude it in spades – thanks so much for all you do and are! You are a treasure!

What an incredible blessing and inspiration you are. Thank you so much for your beautiful heart!

Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

Thank you for the constant good thoughts and beautiful expressions of love and joy that you share on your blog.

Your multiple images and vocabulary choices give energy and renewed resolve to flagging spirits. Thank you for sharing.

Loved your plein air painting, the pictures of the garden plenty — oh wow. Love opening your blog each day — it is a treat that I save sometimes.

WONDERFUL blog, Polly! Thank you for your spiritual calm, support for each of us, uninhibited creativity, and amazing paintings. I am just left in awe !

Love the poem so so much and the first painting with the trees is INCREDIBLE!!

I really enjoy reading your blog – but I have to say that your monthly ‘Bits and Clips’ posts and your ‘Grace Notes’ posts are my favorite :)

Your blog is very interesting and insightful.

I love your blog! I shared it with my mom, an artist, and she is impressed with your art. I’ve also spent time studying your paintings. Just listened to your interview, it was stellar! Thank you!!

This blog is upbeat, progressive, sincere, colorful, metaphoric, and exploratory. Such a rich feast!

Your blog captures a life well lived, constantly imparting good– truth, health and happiness– including beauty, harmony, art, science to the world.

Your site is bolstering my creative thoughts. I need to put them into action.

Your blog is uplifting and enlightening, and seems to speak to me just when I need it most.

Sounds delicious and simple! Two of my favorite adjectives!

You share so freely, with so so so much love and joy and an open-open-heart…

All of your work is eye and mind popping. I love it!

Thank you for all the inspiration you share so generously. I am deeply grateful!

Deep and encompassing. Passionate and motherly. Loving and expansive. The photos speak volumes too…and I see the connections with the poem perfectly.

Thank you so much for this thoughtful, informative and articulate book review, Polly!

It is always refreshing to see the loves, joys, challenges, and triumphs that you share on your blog.

Every day I look forward to your blog. It’s encouraging me to find ways to express what God reveals in me.

Your photos have opened my eyes to the beauty surrounding us everywhere.

Wow, super powerful and definitely what I needed to hear today.

Yes, healing does happen when we deeply and humbly pray. Thanks for keeping that idea alive.

I love that you live such an active life, have so many interests, and share your insights with me. Your blog is like a conversation with a dear friend.

This poem is what I needed to further focus on moving out of the fear of COVID.❤️

This is a beautiful summary and reminder of how we can both individually and collectively dissolve the powerless, baseless lies with Truth. Thank you, Polly!!

Polly, you are a whiz at living life the way it’s meant to be. I’m fascinated by all you do!

You encourage me to grow with your everyday wisdom and your lovely contributions.

Once again, you have come through for us with such clear and coherent thinking and put into words the feelings in our hearts.

Polly! I love this poem! Letting our true, authentic self come forth! Yes!! Thank you for all the delightful imagery!

Thank you for your transparency of love, your generous sharing of what you are pondering and doing.

You are such a gem Polly- it is an incredible blessing to daily read your blog!

Love your blog’s colour and joyfulness and the inspiring leads, Polly. Easy to see why you are much loved. Thank you.

What lovely Soul-inspired insights! Thank you for these great ideas!

I am so happy to have found your site and to be able to enjoy your expression of Spirit! Love your poetry, your photos, your ideas, your …YOU! THANK you for sharing so abundantly!

Thank you sincerely for your joyful out-pouring of love, light, color, comforting, inspiring words…

Thank you for bringing to light and sharing an undeniably important part of the one stupendous whole we all share…the countless ways beyond sight, and not to be missed, always at hand.

I want to express my gratitude to you for such a well thought out essay. I found it quite enriching and resonate with those true answers.

Beautiful and profoundly perfect for pandemic season, your poem empowers hope for what’s next. I plan to read it at Sunday Devotional. Thank you!

Polly, what amazing and timely insight in these wise words! Thanks for sharing this wisdom.

You capture so vividly the beauty of nature. Thank you for bringing such beauty into my every day.

Graciously and lovingly spoken, like a true friend to all. Thank you for your blog Polly.

Magnificent poem. How blest you are to be a poet, photographer, artist, metaphysician, all wrapped up into One.

Wonderful words of wisdom, Polly!

Perspective is everything – and choosing a liberating one blesses everyone, as you point out!

With its awesome art, recipes, book reviews, and really excellent writing, this blog is the perfect corner of the internet.

You show us how God’s love shines in all things. You are a blessing!

Thank you for expanding my ways to see, Polly.

Thanks so much for this recommendation Polly. We watched in awe … and have recommended in turn.

The phrase ‘divine choreography’ is resonating with me. Bless you for sharing your inspiration with us all.

I just want to say that I have really been enjoying your blog! It gives me hope for the world…

Polly this is absolutely exquisite and so inspiring. I will refer to it often.

This is one of the BEST explanations of one’s understanding of God I have seen in a long time. The image paired with the text was spot on!

I made your fabulous Fish Tacos and they were BEYOND delicious!!

You brighten my life with your thoughts, views, words, pictures….

This is spectacular, Polly! I love it!

Beautifully written, Polly … captures my sentiments exactly.❤️

Your reading challenge has inspired me and given me permission to read again, as previously I had just fitted reading round everything else. Now it is a legitimate activity in my life and I am enjoying it immensely!

Polly, your reflection of Soul’s endless creativity is truly wonderful! Thank you for letting the divine shine through you so brightly!

Well Done! This is such a wonderful venture. Your work is just extraordinary!

I find the ideas you share on your blog very encouraging in having a sense of order when it comes to goals and priorities.

Thank you for sharing such a personal, and at the same time, universal, love of beauty.

Lovely Polly! You are an inspiration! I am so happy to have your blog in my life!

I must find the higher spiritual path that nature often helps me see. Thank you for this beautiful poem.

I appreciate your blog. It’s a breath of fresh air, beauty, and innovative thinking!

Your eyes are keen and your photographs dynamic.

AUDACIOUSLY GORGEOUS!!!!! (:

How blessed we are to have someone like you on this Earth.

I did your 52 books challenge, and loved the structure that it provided to my selections. Doing it again this year too!

Love your pastels!

A powerful message. Thank you for getting it out there.

Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration! I love reading your blog with it’s many insights.

Beautiful photos! All that color, texture & gorgeous pattern….

Excellent post, dear Polly! Thanks!! There is lots that I relate to in your comments!

Polly always captures the balance between what I can do, and all the miracles I am given.

WOW! Polly! Some truly marvelous work there!!!

You are so incredibly sweet, gracious, kind, thoughtful, creative, generous, joyful, witty, courageous, tender, persistent, compassionate, brilliant, articulate, ad infinitum!

This blog is simultaneously simple and profound– a perfect, balanced combination of seriousness and light.

I so enjoyed your trip blog. The outstanding photos and the amazing narratives made me feel I was on vacation for a few minutes each day.

I have been blessed beyond words by your daily posts. I often quote you to others, saying I got the idea from a wonderful friend I’ve never actually met.

I’m so grateful to be able to enjoy all you so generously share on your blog, the colorful photos, the recipes, the art works, the insights, the book reviews and so much more!

Wow, you outdid yourself this month with your Bits and Clips. It was a wonderful mix of beauty, humor, and thoughtfulness.

I never before found computers this beautiful….

I am touched by this well thought out, well written essay. You have put into words what so many of us have in our minds and hearts. Thank you!

Thank you for this….I absolutely love reading it!

I have to tell you that your spiritual to-do list was the springboard for a great talk with my older daughter. We are going to check on each other, and progress.

This is absolutely beautiful and so incredibly helpful and inspiring! Thank you so much! ❤️

Love all you do and express. You’re an amazing role model!!

Your photos are so vivid and expressive and inspiring and artistic and alive!

I think you have covered absolutely every way anyone would wish to be blessed

What a beautiful spirit you have, shining right through your source.

Without a doubt my life has been enriched and uplifted by my acquaintance with you through your blogs. Every day I look for the interesting ideas you amplify and the lovely arts you share with us. I am never disappointed.

Thank you for your commitment to reality and our true nature!

Your blog has inspired me to get back into painting, cooking, prayer and meditation.

You inspire goodness, wholeness, contentedness and joy.

Thanks, Polly! Your zest for the good things in life makes me feel happy too!

I enjoy your strong, bold artwork– there is so much going on in them that my imagination takes off. I really appreciate your blog. It brings joy every day.

You are such an inspirational person Polly! I love everything you share with us – such a joy to have your daily input in my inbox! X x x

This blog is colorful, beautiful, and edifying.

I always appreciate your reviews. Our fave film in 2019 was The Green Book – which we watched following your recommendation.

Love these colours and the strong contrasts Polly!

Polly….I’m happier because of you; I sure do thank you.

I am so totally impressed with your photography, poetry, and painting. Your talent is incredible!!!