Encounters with Inscriptions

When Kristin Czarnecki lost both her parents within nine months, she sought solace in books, but not just any books.

In Encounters with Inscriptions, Czarnecki writes about the books inscribed and given to her by her parents over the years-an array of novels, short stories, poetry, nature writing, cultural criticism, and a cookbook. As she explores each book, Czarnecki focuses not only on loss but also on the complexities of childhood, on family and friendship, and on the rewards of a life s...