for WAYFARING STRANGER, 2023, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene, Oregon
“In a youth-worshipping culture it’s rare to find anyone turning to the old to offer understanding, acknowledge wisdom, and celebrate what Tom Johnson-Medland calls the ‘Nomad soul’ within. His poetry doesn’t hide from what’s to come-the old, he says, are like crofters waiting for the Clearances. But as the body declines, he also says, the spirit can shine brightly!”
-JOHN N. MACLEAN, author of Home Waters
for RIVER BENDING, 2021, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene, Oregon
“In River Bending, we are beckoned to join a journey of pools, currents, rapids, and switchbacks—an adventure in language worthy of the closest read and the joyous noise Johnson-Medland makes.”
—Thomas Lynch, author of Bone Rosary
“A powerful journey of inspiration, love, care, and connection with the living waters of our communities—encouraging us to reflect on how we care for them and inspiring us to rise up against the harms and challenges they face from human interaction. Thomas’s poems are challenging, uplifting, and heartwarming, and remind us that our streams and rivers are part of our community, to be respected and cared for.”
—Maya van Rossum, author of The Green Amendment
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for Duende, 2013, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene, Oregon
“Good poetry is like that rare experience of good theology. Neither really answer your questions, but only open up better ones. Neither fully satisfy your intellect except to let you know that thinking is good. Both should stir the heart and the soul so that you know you indeed have a heart and that your soul was made to mirror the world. Enjoy and suffer such poetry here!”
–Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation
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for From the Belly of the Whale, 2011, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene, Oregon
“Men are rediscovering poetry if it speaks to their honest experience, people are rediscovering poetry when it is accessible and evocative. Well, here it is-for your discovery and enlightenment!”
-Richard Rohr, OFM, author of From Wild Man to Wise Man and Adam’s Return
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for Bathed In Abrasion, 2014, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene, Oregon
“I am quite happy and proud to recommend to you the wisdom and the beauty you will find in this book! Our world has need of this.”
–Richard Rohr, Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, NM
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for For the Beauty of the Earth, 2013, Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene, Oregon
“We Franciscans considered creation itself ‘The Big Book’ and the later Bible ‘The Little Book.’ We were told if we did not honor the first book, we would undoubtedly dishonor the second one too. I am afraid that is largely what happened, but here are some very fine voices to help something new happen–and hopefully happen very soon!”
–Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, Center for Action and Contemplation, New Mexico
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from attendees at speaking engagements
- “Thank you Tom! Your presentation was amazing and well received as always.” 💕
- “Very engaging.”
- “Great presentation. Great job . Great speaker, very intelligent and he knew his topic well.”
- “I could have listened to him all day.”
- “Thank you and bring him back…maybe as a keynote speaker.”
- “Best program I attended so far. Could easily make it 2 hour session.”
- “Very rich in information and well researched.”
- “The speaker was outstanding, a content expert and very witty.”
- “This session was absolutely fantastic.”
- “Mr. Johnson-Medland broke my heart with this presentation.”
- “It was outstanding. Well presented with an engaging style.”
tjm 