I am a fan of poetry and find it pleasurable to read about different eras and learn what was relevant to society then. After careful consideration, I I am a fan of poetry and find it pleasurable to read about different eras and learn what was relevant to society then. After careful consideration, I selected Alice and Phoebe Cary's poems - Household Edition - Houghton Mifflin.
These literary sisters were 19th-century American poets who began writing while in their teens and were largely self-educated.
Alice (1820-1871) was the more popular poet. Her first poem published was The Child of Sorrow. It was praised by Edgar Allan Poe.
This time of year conjures up thoughts of winter and I rather enjoyed Phoebe's(1824-1871) moral lesson about greed titled A Legend of the Northland...more
This is an extraordinary collection for both long-time and new readers of poetry.
The vulnerability expressed in this intimate collection reminds us tThis is an extraordinary collection for both long-time and new readers of poetry.
The vulnerability expressed in this intimate collection reminds us that we must take time to appreciate ourselves and reveals the need we all have to build meaningful relationships with others and make others feel valued.
One of my favorite poems in the collection is Unhinged. It made me think about the importance of listening during deep conversations. When we recognize others' perspectives it can help with problem-solving difficult issues.
I received a copy of this collection from the author....more
I will tell you I was searching for tales of mystery when Anthony David Vernon sent me his collection. Vernon is a poet and writer of meditations on cI will tell you I was searching for tales of mystery when Anthony David Vernon sent me his collection. Vernon is a poet and writer of meditations on classic works of death. Vernon's work centers around the idea that living guarantees death is merely an assumption and not an absolute fact.
Greek philosopher Eubulides made this statement centuries ago. "Because a statement is an assertion, this is a somewhat mind-boggling verbal paradox. If you are stating that something is not true, or not as stated, then you are seemingly contradicting yourself."
I like words and am aware that Words are often written with different meanings. Words can be written as a means to make you think. Hence, when I read I often find rhetoric and verbal paradoxes that emphasize a point There are words written to the contrary of their conventional meaning for humorous effect - placed on a page to amuse readers. There are also words that are written that will deconstruct themselves. I am sure you get the WORD gist.
Veron writes words are immortal and this collection of entries is composed of a few lines to a few pages long and some of his concepts are explained with metaphors. Vernon does quote other poets and explains that this is a hybrid book that includes poetry, short stories, philosophical meditations, and works and words that have been published elsewhere.
My favorite of this collection may be The Foot Of The Mountain and Nonessential Quality Of Living.
I received a copy of this ecollection from the author. ...more
I seem to be picking up a lot of short stories, poetry, and children's books lately.
When I'm not reading, I like to people watch. Many things I find I seem to be picking up a lot of short stories, poetry, and children's books lately.
When I'm not reading, I like to people watch. Many things I find amusing and some a little frightening. One thing I continue to notice is that it appears that people are always rushing. Things have only slightly slowed down, for some, with the pandemic looming over us. And in many cases, for essential workers, the pace has significantly picked up.
I often go to the natural world to relax. This weekend, I went to the garden to look at my plants that are just beginning to poke up through the soil and view the songbirds as they looked for items to build a nest. Watching incidents such as these helps relax the mind.
With that said, I wanted to point out Antonia Löschner, Pearls of Daily Life - Short Stories and Poems on Self-discovery. The stories are relevant and uplifting. Whether riding on a train or strolling through the garden it's a reminder you can frequently discover yourself....more
Yesterday, Isabelle Kenyon, contacted me to tell me about Elisabeth Horan's book inspired by Sylvia Plath, which explores links between writers, motheYesterday, Isabelle Kenyon, contacted me to tell me about Elisabeth Horan's book inspired by Sylvia Plath, which explores links between writers, mothers, and mental health.
I was induced to sadness when the title, Just to the Right of the Stove, popped out at me. The title was definitely well thought out - noting the deeper meaning of this literary work released by Twist in Time Press of Philadelphia.
Isolation seemed prone to repeat itself throughout Plath's life's work as did ineffable self-appraisal. Overcome by profound hopelessness, it is plausible things became raw and exposed, deterring a catalyst for Plath's own healing. It's reported in the early morning hours of 1963, she frenzied to write as if the variables had an impact on survival time.
Fast forward fifty eight-years and Horan's versus flow and conjure images that are both abstract and real. In reading her words, defective & so alive, I witness an unsatisfied longing that's transitioning into belonging.
A vision of a lady entering a kitchen to utilize an untaught skill mixes with lines that have more than one interpretation. And, I sense that there is much left undone for Horan, as I turn the pages of Just to the Right of the Stove....more
A while back Lee Hudspeth contacted me. Many of you may recognize his name as he is an expert computer consultant and award-winning author. Many of usA while back Lee Hudspeth contacted me. Many of you may recognize his name as he is an expert computer consultant and award-winning author. Many of us have used his knowledge to help us learn how to assemble, configure, customize, and update our PCs.
Well, Hudspeth surprised me, somewhat, when he informed me he'd released a book of poetry. Not that I didn't think he had it in him. I just didn't think he had the time.
I started his book Incandescent Visions and found I couldn't put it down. It is a truly creative exploration! The book is divided into chapters by themes: 1. Dear Reader, Hello, 2. Reflections, 3. It's Getting Dark In Here, 4. Motion, 5. A Celebration Of All Things.
I've read the book more than once and the Preface says it all when it mentions the arc of our lives. I have selected three of my favorite poems and provide a snippet about each of them.
In Framework, the words Peter Pan stuck out. The poem begins as meditation and throughout you witness the authors' love of cosmology. It speaks to our framework in general with 'People, dreams, and possibilities'. I was tickled to learn this was one of the two poems Hudspeth chose to break down. He explains his process in detail in the back of this book.
The poem Stronger is inspiring! We are reminded, 'Strength floods in long after it’s over'. I think that is true for many of us. When we are caught up in difficult things, we wonder if we are ever going to get through them, and then when we do, we recognize it - for what it was.
Reading memorials are difficult as they are commemorating the life of a loved one and included things that made that person special. I wept when reading, Mom, written in memory of his mother. His line 'Recall the exquisite simplicity of her encouragement and love' gives you a hint of her essence.
You will find recollections of the past and personal associations. He writes of doubt, fear, and transitions in life and nature. The collection is brilliantly and beautifully written.
I received a copy of this book through the generosity of the author....more
I've re-read D.H. Lawrence's poems and find I still appreciate his direct and free-flowing writing and his use of symbolism.
In this collection, selecI've re-read D.H. Lawrence's poems and find I still appreciate his direct and free-flowing writing and his use of symbolism.
In this collection, selected for young people, among my favorites, are The Mosquito and Bare Fig-Trees. The black and white drawings by Raskin are enjoyable too....more
Yes, I proudly admit I read and purchase a lot of books on poetry and was pleasantly surprised to see a request to review Give I read a lot of poetry!
Yes, I proudly admit I read and purchase a lot of books on poetry and was pleasantly surprised to see a request to review Give the Bard a Tetanus Shot by Appalachian poet V.C. McCabe.
This book covers environmental destruction.
We find chemical spills, floods, tornadoes and the like. And while there are many poems that point to rural life in this book. 'The Stone Age' which was written after the Mid-Atlantic Derecho, June 2012, truly spoke to me as it was one of the most destructive and deadly fast-moving severe thunderstorm complexes around here.
I recall watching trees be uprooted, buildings being destroyed, and intently listened to reports from first responders who were entering locations many others were fleeing.
Today, I'm sitting next to our fireplace, while looking out the window, at the snow softly falling. I'm thankful I have somewhere warm to relax and kick up my feet.
Here, I cuddle up in my chair with this book.
It feels like winter and the winter solstice is still 5 days away. I find I'm already anxiously awaiting the 'dawn of spring' which is mentioned in the poem 'Hibernation'.
I received a copy of this memorable book from the author for an honest review....more
I believe that much of what we read is about perception. As such, my capacity to view things of relative importance is somewhat hindered by my prioritI believe that much of what we read is about perception. As such, my capacity to view things of relative importance is somewhat hindered by my priorities at that time.
It's easy to connect to something when I'm devoted to the opportunity. So, lately, I've been skimming my bookshelves and the internet and switching between fiction and nonfiction to poetry and sonnets.
With the stated, this month of August I celebrated the birth of someone I hold very dear - my mother. In August, I also mourned the passing of an author whose work I never tire of - Seamus Heaney. So, with this month being the anniversary of his death, I urge you to scout out Seamus Heaney's work if you haven't already.
Heaney is probably best known for When All the Others Were Away at Mass which was named Ireland's best-loved poem from the past century.
I would not be lying to tell you I could sit all day and listen to videos of him reciting his work. His inflection draws me in and his words strike me like a melody. Most of all, I love that Heaney's work seems uncomplicated and that simple tasks are explored and the practical is held in high regard. And by practical, I mean he's realistic. He shows readers, through different rhythms, the successes, and the suffering.
Take two of my favorites by Heaney, Death of a Naturalist where we see the fascination and fear of life cycles and Mid-Term Break which depicts the ultimate tragedy where the agonizing pain of parental bereavement is closely observed as a sibling fixedly gazes on in shock and disbelief.
Yes! Seamus Heaney reveals to readers the inevitable ups and downs of life. ...more
I was so excited to receive a copy of Mihai Brinas book Crossroads. As you know I am a great lover of poetry and a huge Mihai Brinas fan having read aI was so excited to receive a copy of Mihai Brinas book Crossroads. As you know I am a great lover of poetry and a huge Mihai Brinas fan having read and thoroughly enjoyed his other two books Invitation to Poetry, published on the 12th of October 2017, Alignment of Thoughts published on the 2nd of February 2018.
The emotional sounds of his writings amaze me. He is truly gifted! This is another superb collection and if we are choosing favorites I am leaning towards, 'the winters of my life', and 'whispers of loneliness'.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review....more
These poems and prose are of varying aesthetic and rhythmic qualities. The book starts off with “words mean everything to me”, and ends with quotes frThese poems and prose are of varying aesthetic and rhythmic qualities. The book starts off with “words mean everything to me”, and ends with quotes from Shakespeare.
I wasn’t too far into the book and laughed-out-loud... loud enough that my husband left the comfort of his chair to see what I was laughing about. I was reading the poem, within this book, titled, “If only I knew then what I know now.”
Reading, “The Treasure Hunt”, I thought of the posting I’d just placed this morning. "I participated in the LibraryThing Treasure Hunt which ended yesterday. I loved the clues and send out a big thank you for all who provided help in the thread."
Continuing on, I paused to wipe my eyes as I cried through, “The Jacket”.
I returned to ”The Treasure Hunt” and read it one more time. Indeed, ‘Twas just the fun, just to be, and share’.
This stimulating book was made available to me through the generosity of the author for an honest review....more
Without hesitating, I confirmed I'd read author Mihai Brinas 'Alignment of Thoughts'. I genuinely appreciate that it veers from his book 'Invitation tWithout hesitating, I confirmed I'd read author Mihai Brinas 'Alignment of Thoughts'. I genuinely appreciate that it veers from his book 'Invitation to Poetry'.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book 'Alignment of Thoughts'. It is lyrical but when I read it there is less urgency and more conviction. Yes! The cadence is slower and at times the read more somber and I love it just the same, perhaps a little more, as it seems more sincere.
It is a pleasant thought that a young man can gather inspiration and carve words that portray an observation of humanity. If I were to use one word to describe 'Alignment of Thoughts', I would use heartfelt. And like the first line of this book states, this read is created with the chisel of imagination.
I received this ebook through the generosity of the author....more
The pages of "Invitation to Poetry" are staged like scenes or vignettes each creating their own ambiance with descriptions and yet readers will be ablThe pages of "Invitation to Poetry" are staged like scenes or vignettes each creating their own ambiance with descriptions and yet readers will be able to see that many are linked.
We see art, love, music, and nature. While words like silently, hallucinating and whirlwind immediately draw my attention, it is the desire for adventure and the detailing of the propensity for uninhibited risks that kept me turning page after page.
The words create a playful lyrical cadence that lulls at one moment and builds urgency at the next and we find we become a passionate bystander to the one who provides inspired revelations.
Yes! This spirited writing is indeed an 'invitation to poetry'- and to what is best about poetry. And in closing, this book will leave you wanting more.
I received a copy of this ebook through the generosity of the author....more
Having spent much of my life reading, I often spend time studying books of poetry. When I read, I find value in writing that strives to make a differeHaving spent much of my life reading, I often spend time studying books of poetry. When I read, I find value in writing that strives to make a difference or characters that help to explain sorrows. Of course, I also read those that makes mayhem seem normal and everything else seem like a huge relief.
I guess you could say I like writing that makes my emotions surge.
Currently, I've been reading a creative mix of Frightful Verses. And like the image on the cover, many of these poems, such as; 'Coldest Time Of The Day', 'The Hanging Gardens', and 'Many Jars of Him', are harrowing.
Yes, this collection will likely cause you to hesitate because you believe something unpleasant may, or has, happened.
I received this collection of verses through the generosity of the author for an honest review....more
The book opens with a work titled, 'Adore'. It begins, "There is no caution - in such a leap", and this book closes with the last lines of a prayer, "The book opens with a work titled, 'Adore'. It begins, "There is no caution - in such a leap", and this book closes with the last lines of a prayer, "You did not see me - for all I could be".
In this beautiful read, we soon learn that the author has combined encounters of devotion with expressions of deep sorrow. We see imaginative depictions where restlessness, loss, regret, gratefulness and even a sense of playfulness exists.
As we read throughout this collection, we find a lot of white space between the pages. It's almost as if the white is drawing us in. Therefore, letting us know that the authors pages displaying anguished depictions, have fought off the emptiness, and the beautifully worded text proves to us a transformation has occurred.
This heartfelt collection reminds us that no matter where we are in the world, there is a great comfort in returning home. Yes, our past experiences will still flood our minds, and while the facts of an event cannot be changed, the emotional interpretation we make is left up to our own judgment.
I received this lovely book through the generosity of the author for an honest review....more
Thaw is a truly lovely collection of works. The author eloquently refines our existence by empowering nature's blessings to describe and protect us.Thaw is a truly lovely collection of works. The author eloquently refines our existence by empowering nature's blessings to describe and protect us....more
I was searching for a book to fulfill a portion of my readers challenge and stumbled upon this amazing compilation. There are over 30 poets and 177 beI was searching for a book to fulfill a portion of my readers challenge and stumbled upon this amazing compilation. There are over 30 poets and 177 beautifully detailed works in this collection. "The Haunted Oak" is such a fitting title and keenly distressing. "Calling the Doctor" reminds me of all the things Grandma use to mention when she would talk about curing ills. And "Miss Melerlee"- "Dat’s not yo’ name, but it ought to be!" is just so fun to recite. Throughout this book, the cadence is beautiful on the tongue and the words astute. I give this 5 stars. I was blessed to find this free on Amazon for Kindle....more
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