Sundays with Jenny by Jenny Bienemann is a luminous collection of haikus, thoughtfully paired with photographs and distinctive haiku art. Featuring nearly 150 poems, over 100 images, and close to three dozen pieces of haiku-inspired artwork, the book offers a multi-sensory experience. While most haikus follow the traditional three-line form, others unfold across multiple verses, inviting deeper reflection. The themes span a wide emotional and philosophical spectrum, love, resilience, serenity, hope, transformation, compassion, and the subtle nuances of human connection.

Reading this book felt like stepping into a quiet, contemplative space. I was especially drawn to its unique structure, which organizes the content by time of day, from the stillness of dawn to the hush of night. Each section carries a mood, allowing the reader to move through emotional and visual shifts as naturally as the progression of sunlight. The creative use of varying font styles throughout the book added a layer of visual interest, making each page feel curated and intentional.

What stood out most were the moments when text and image merged seamlessly. Instead of simply placing haikus next to photos, Bienemann sometimes integrates the verse directly into the visual composition. One poignant example: a haiku beginning with “Open up your door” appears written on the very surface of a door left slightly ajar, light streaming through the narrow opening, evocative and metaphorically rich.

Bienemann has a keen eye for everyday wonder. A basket of laundry, a pair of reading glasses, even a plate of strawberries, each becomes poetic under her lens. She elevates the ordinary, revealing hidden beauty in small, often overlooked details: a heart-shaped leaf on a sidewalk, a natural heart embedded in a tree stump. The vibrancy of some photographs, particularly those rich in color, is breathtaking. One personal favorite is the city skyline rendered in hues of purple and blue, the first image in the Dawn section. It set the tone with quiet grandeur.

The haiku art adds a unique and creative dimension to the book, with many pieces, particularly the watercolor-inspired ones, resonating deeply and beautifully enhancing the accompanying verses. While some artworks leaned into a more abstract or minimalist style, offering space for personal interpretation, others stood out more subtly, inviting the viewer to pause and reflect. This variety in artistic approach contributes to the book’s eclectic charm, even if a few pieces felt more understated compared to the vividness of the photographs.

Sundays with Jenny is a meditative and visually engaging collection. It invites the reader to slow down, notice more, and find poetry in the everyday.

Pages: 212 | ISBN 978-0-1234-6578-8