cover image A Gift of Days: The Greatest Words to Live By

A Gift of Days: The Greatest Words to Live By

Stephen Alcorn, A Gift of Days: The Greatest Words to Live By. S&S/Atheneum, $21.99 (115pp) ISBN 978-1-4169-6776-7

Powerful quotations from 366 revered artists, writers, political figures and other visionaries mark every day of the calendar year along with striking block-print portraits (Elvis is shown with a burning sacred heart) in this elegantly packaged book. While the order of the quotations seems arbitrary—quotations from Allen Ginsberg, Socrates and Bill Moyers rub shoulders, while Julia Child is slotted next to Madonna—the result is an inspiring collage-like tribute to human potential. Brief biographies are listed in the back. Ages 8–up. (Sept.)