From early days in Oxford England to the deep woods of Connecticut, "Compass ~New and Selected Poems" by Erik Hansen is an absolute pleasure to read....moreFrom early days in Oxford England to the deep woods of Connecticut, "Compass ~New and Selected Poems" by Erik Hansen is an absolute pleasure to read. Not only is the reader invited to explore these opposite shores through a collection that will stimulate the senses, but the depth of characters presented throughout the work is both full-bodied and impressive, not to mention the internal struggle evident through out the evolution of the writer himself.
"Storm Clouds Over Elsinore" has us regarding the author through his own eyes, through his history, as we hear his father's footsteps in his memory..."From every angle/I do believe/That I am not my father...
"Far From Raglan Road" where poor Francis pulls from his bottle of blood-red wine, the reader is left wanting to know more of Frannie...though "These dead sons-of-bitches grinning whitely/In the street lights glow" speaks to struggle as we view the street scene with the author.
But out of urban struggle, there is solace to be found in the peaceful quiet of the woods of Connecticut. We are invited to witness the young hunter, trained in the art by his father, to catch a glimpse of the deer, to hear the scratch of the wolf at your door. We are enveloped in the scent of the Honeysuckle...as we see her rise and fall at the hands of the author, where the brush "Burned and smoldered for five days"
There is family, there is longing, there is fear and there is love...all to be found in this beautifully penned collection.
A must read for lovers of poetry and a fantastic start for those who are just stepping into her waters.(less)
The best thing about chap books for me, is the ability to curl up with my blanket and enjoy a poetic adventure start to finish. "Night Poems" by Ben D...moreThe best thing about chap books for me, is the ability to curl up with my blanket and enjoy a poetic adventure start to finish. "Night Poems" by Ben Ditmars does not disappoint. The fact that I was also enjoying watching the moon chase the sun across the sky due to my own sleepless night, in no way makes me biased. Ben Ditmars writes in an authentic voice. His words speak powerfully and truthfully. This is not a poet looking to impress with a dictionary vocabulary, but rather, he is one who demands you bring your heart on the journey with him. The presentation, on through the night, is both well thought and well presented. You come face to face with moments of discomfort, joy and if you have half a heart, there are some that will leave you with a sense of despair. The author does not hint and hide, but lays his own heart on the pages. The book is high quality, with a fantastic cover, showcasing Mother Moon in all her glory. It will hold a prominent place on my Poet Shelf for many years to come...and on those sleepless evenings, I will return to Night Poems time and again.(less)
The master of rhyme, Pat Hatt, brings the wonderful and inspiring character of Zagonk to life in this charming children's tale. Beautifully illustrate...moreThe master of rhyme, Pat Hatt, brings the wonderful and inspiring character of Zagonk to life in this charming children's tale. Beautifully illustrated by Ozzy Esha...the tale of the young dragon Zagonk and his desire to breathe the flames presents a wonderful lesson to children, to embrace their uniqueness, to honor their self and their talents. There is a reason you're not like all the other dragons, as evidenced in Zagonk's ultimate defeat of the Frost Giant. Keeping true to his rhyming ways, author Pat Hatt owns his mat. This beautiful children's tale will be enjoyed and cherished by many.(less)
This fantastic read grabbed me from page one and didn't let go until its end. Rich in its imagery, with fresh dialogue and fascinating characters, thi...moreThis fantastic read grabbed me from page one and didn't let go until its end. Rich in its imagery, with fresh dialogue and fascinating characters, this world tour has you globetrotting and mystery solving up to its conclusion. Leading character James Beauregard is colorful and intriguing, with wit to spare and I am hoping this will not be the last we see of him. JM Richardson is a gifted storyteller, that treats his reader with respect. Despite the weighty history, The Apocalypse Mechanism does not sacrifice its smooth reading to wander down textbook styled hallways like many novel of this caliber resort to. I look forward to seeing much more from this author.(less)
There are poets who make you smile. There are poets who make you cry. There are poets who scare you to death and there are poets who make your blood boil...moreThere are poets who make you smile. There are poets who make you cry. There are poets who scare you to death and there are poets who make your blood boil...
In "The Meaning of Me", his third full collection, poet Emmett Wheatfall does all this...and more.
From the zen vibe of the silhouette in solitude decorating its cover, "The Meaning of Me" is a wonderful glimpse at a fascinating author.
"I sat with fools who hung on every word- and they crowned me their king. -emmett wheatfall
I count myself among the fools in this case. A fan of emmett's for sometime, I am pleased to discover there is a much more personal connection to be found within this work.
From the opening poem that shares the collections title, ...I shall call to it/And it shall come...This sets us upon a perfect poetic journey. Through nature and countryside, to the bustling city he calls home, we are invited to experience his world.
Perhaps, most celebrated by this reader, is how delightful it is to see the Poet's sense of humor co-mingle so perfectly among some very heavy writes. His words will take you to the brink, heat up your insides, but always he is quick to provide you relief in the form of a snicker or genuine smile.
Amongst the heavier issues, we are invited to explore the poet's thoughts on race, religion, heaven and, to quote the author, our "Age of Rage" (a personal favorite from the collection) We are treated to wisdom, to glimpses of the metaphysical, and to a pen that bleeds truth and observation in the most brilliant of inks.
Ultimately, the collection has travelled well with me. I have dreamed of eating grapes at midnight in Madrid. I have learned that "On a Sad Day" we can still find the time to sing and that sometimes, you just have to "Draw Something". This is not a collection for my bookshelf, rather, it will grow dogearred and crinkled as it takes it's place at my side. It will be returned to again and again and lays claim to my new favorite.(less)
While this particular novel takes place in a fictional 2050...author Sarah Elle Emm has presented us, in her character Rain, a worthy heroine. I was i...moreWhile this particular novel takes place in a fictional 2050...author Sarah Elle Emm has presented us, in her character Rain, a worthy heroine. I was immediately embraced by this rough and tumble new world, found an immediate and fiery distaste for dictator Elizabeth Nicks, and was impressed not only in the world created by the author, but in her handling of some very mature topics that the story's conflict is shaped around.
The story-line is bold, the characters colorful, the dialogue easy. In its presentation, it is a pleasure to read with a stunning and effective cover. Ms. Emm takes into account her young adult audience, but by no means does she handle them with kid gloves. There is no condescending tone, no speaking down. The work is presented in a voice that will appeal to any age-bracket. (I had to fight my 12 year old daughter...go figure!)
Prismatic, was an absolute joy to read that came to it's conclusion much too soon. This is one reader who can't wait for 2013 when the second novel will be released.(less)
The heart of a song writer is laid bare in this fantastic collection by mother and son team Ken & Caitriona Hume. This well laid out collection ex...moreThe heart of a song writer is laid bare in this fantastic collection by mother and son team Ken & Caitriona Hume. This well laid out collection explores so many of the doubts and turmoils struggling artist's experience as they do their best to make their way in the world.
We are invited into the Coffee Shop, where we are allowed to become that fly on the wall as we watch the scribe battle his pen in an effort to overcome the dogma that has been ingrained into the very fabric of our supposedly civilized society.
A favorite line from "Caught in the Crossfire" reads..."A conflict of interest, a conflict of desires Between my faith and craft, wrapped like wires" from here we dance through to our "Silver Screen of Memory" where "...hope and regret perform for free"
This collection bleeds truth, struggle, and finally acceptance, as you journey through the pieces that are spoken in a voice that is honest and heart felt. There is no doubt left as to the passion the authors feel for their craft.
This is not a collection to be sped through. The presentation, the craftsmanship and above all, the painfully evident talent, begs you to linger, to explore the heart of the artist, to feel the turmoil, to relate and to engage. It is a reflection on all of us that work such as this does not grace our bestsellers list. This reader was moved to tears, lifted in joy, and will return again and again to experience the journey from doubt to grace.(less)
They have been idolized, romanticized, glorified and movie-ized for as long as I can remember. Why then, have vampires, not been truly poetized? Sonat...moreThey have been idolized, romanticized, glorified and movie-ized for as long as I can remember. Why then, have vampires, not been truly poetized? Sonata Vampirica (The Semaphore Collection) brings us the poetic mind of the vampire. With lines such as "Though you have pierced me, cut me, flayed me/ Let my blood flow/ red to earth, you have not destroyed me. No. and "the cadence of my pain. Denied the sweet/ release of death... we suddenly see the vampire humanized. Through a fantastic voice, we journey from birth with the beast who has risen. We are treated to such human emotions as fear, lust, envy, loss, love...we are granted goosebumps, and in the shadows of the night, the poetic voice rises in stanzas such as ...And all I want is to spit out death's bitter/ cancer from my mouth, to taste more than blood... There is no denying the talent of Poet Samuel Peralta...there is no denying his skill, his mastery of the written word, BUT...I have to admit, this engaging collection has got me wondering about his human-ess....I have returned from exploring the mind of a vampire through poetry...and Mr. Peralta has me wondering how he can know it so well. ;) An enthralling read, one that will be revisted time and time again. For those with a passion for the underworld...this is a must add to their collection, for those with a passion for poetry...you can not be without it(less)
"The thing I love most about poetry is its ability to let us into the head and the heart of another. We get to experience vicariously, lives, secrets,...more"The thing I love most about poetry is its ability to let us into the head and the heart of another. We get to experience vicariously, lives, secrets, shadows, pain, hope and success. Poet River Urke provides us a taste of every human emotion in Stumbled and Standing ~ From Diagnosis to Acceptance.
While this collection is tailored specifically to those who are suffering from MS or their family, it is a story of survival that will inspire all. River writes with an honesty that is at times almost uncomfortable, as she shares her story. From coming to terms with the diagnosis, to challenges and hurdles that she has had to overcome, River draws the reader into her experience, bringing forth compassion, tears and perhaps most amazingly, laughter. Her's is a tale of survival, one that has the happiest of moments as well as the darkest.
The poetry is strong, the prose endearing and the personal essays shared throughout the work will have you laughing and crying with the author.
River has an open, in your face approach to her struggle with MS and her positive attitude and will to overcome makes her a shining example for those suffering or coming to terms with their own journey. The tears are real, but so are the belly laughs...you will be completely engaged by this work, and you will be a better, more sympathetic and understanding person after reading, if you are not aware of this disease and how it can effect those who have been diagnosed and the impact on loved ones as well. It is strength, compassion, empathy, sympathy and humor...it is a five star read!(less)
As Poets the world over clamor to get their words heard, Theron Kennedy took up the task face on with his release of Love Always Theory. Straight up.....moreAs Poets the world over clamor to get their words heard, Theron Kennedy took up the task face on with his release of Love Always Theory. Straight up...this is not your grandma's poetry. The read is fierce and fast paced, with brutal honesty, an agonizing longing and a lyrical flow that will have you wanting to step to a mic and spit the words out loud for the world to hear them. There is hunger, physical and spiritual...there is lust, shameful and sweet, their is anger, frustration, but above all, there is love. This goes beyond the she/he and drops names, lending character and even more depth to his pieces and is a very smart, smooth way to fully engage the reader. When he rhymes, it is brilliant, and when he doesn't, you still get lost in his flow. A well packaged, beautifully presented collection that has to grace your poetry shelf, ESPECIALLY if your a fan of contemporary works. Personal favorites include holding hands in hell,Versify and Take Me With You near broke my heart. This is one reader who will not be detaching from the work of Theron Kennedy anytime soon.(less)
When I'm looking for a fast paced, fun read, Dean Koontz is one of my favorite authors to run to. His Odd Thomas collection has got to be one of his a...moreWhen I'm looking for a fast paced, fun read, Dean Koontz is one of my favorite authors to run to. His Odd Thomas collection has got to be one of his absolute best runs. Hooked by the engaging character of Odd Thomas, the first in the series will pull you in and have you clamoring for more. For me, the entire series makes for awesome beach reading, and with the sun shining and summer just around the bend, if you haven't already read this wonderful story, to you I say GO! Go Now! (less)
This is a collection of modern poetry that I had to read twice, and still probably have not unearthed all the treasure to be found. The voice of Emmet...moreThis is a collection of modern poetry that I had to read twice, and still probably have not unearthed all the treasure to be found. The voice of Emmett Wheatfall is a voice of power. He writes of history, injustice, love and loss, with a brutal honesty yet his words carry a beauty that is timeless. I laughed, I cried, and was granted goosebumps and disbelief as Emmett invited me into his world of words. Leaving you now to dive back in to this must read collection for fans of poetry and of truth. "Using the tangible he revels/the intangible with crystal clear concepts..." and it is here, we find the true magic to be found within He Sees Things(less)
Mark Stratton offers one of my favorite voices in contemporary poetry. You can pick him out in a bunch, and...more"She hides her flowers With a knowing smile"
Mark Stratton offers one of my favorite voices in contemporary poetry. You can pick him out in a bunch, and his work stands strongly. Tender Mercies is a fantastic collection that will have your iBrain returning again and again. Lines such as "Careening at the speed of mockery..." and "Enlightenment is a Dirty rubber fetus..." keep the reader engaged and borderline addicted. You just have to read the next one...and then, like all good things, you are presented the last, and are left wondering when collection 2 will be released.(less)
Weekly Inspiration For Writers & Creators is a user friendly, digital release. Broken into the 52 weeks of the year, this handy little companion f...moreWeekly Inspiration For Writers & Creators is a user friendly, digital release. Broken into the 52 weeks of the year, this handy little companion features motivation, prompts, and most importantly the unique perspective of one who lives it. One of my favorite weeks (I skipped ahead...couldn't be helped!) is week 5. Her affirmation...
" My stories are mine and mine alone. I will nurture them by writing daily"
Now, don't feel silly. If you're a writer, stop and say this, out loud, right now. Do you feel the weight of the statement. Do you feel your pen pulsing in your hand, ready to tell your tale? Do you tell your tales with a paint brush? A camera? No matter...as Jessica states, she has provided us this wonderful tool...because we all need to be reminded to keep going.
There's just one more little tidbit from her introduction that I want to share with you. I love Jessica's poetry, her way with words, and I'm hoping this statement from her introduction will resonate with you the same it did with me...
"Above all else, remember that being a successful artist in the opinion of our pop-culture world does not make you successful in life. Going through the process with joy, gratitude and a humble character is what will ultimately pave the road to a true legacy as a person. Our accomplishments in life are far less important than the strength of our character." ~J.Kristie
Can I get an amen! Now go and grab your own! (less)
If you've treated yourself to Where The Butterflies Go and Leap, then you'll know there's no denying the talent of this fantastic Canadian Poet, but i...moreIf you've treated yourself to Where The Butterflies Go and Leap, then you'll know there's no denying the talent of this fantastic Canadian Poet, but it is in her third collection, Carry on Dancing, where her voice REALLY comes into her own. To pick a favorite from this collection would be impossible, but if you're looking for a powerful example of the strength of this writer, might I recommend On Days Like This "Carry On Dancing" is not all rainbows and butterflies. Heather tackles some very big issues, from her life and from the world. It's a must read for fans of contemporary poetry and I can NOT recommend it enough.(less)
I may not have found Jesus when I read "A Decent World" by Martin Lochner, but I did find one amazing voice for contemporary poetry. I have been a fan...moreI may not have found Jesus when I read "A Decent World" by Martin Lochner, but I did find one amazing voice for contemporary poetry. I have been a fan of Martin's individual pieces as he posts them thru the online ether for sometime, but to have such a collection to curl up with was absolute bliss. Martin makes no bones about his poetry. His voice is strong. There is no pussy-footing or avoiding tough issues. He tackles relationships, faith, and the world with no fear. Personal favorites include "Instructing Men on Power" and "Loaded Drummer Girl", but for this faith seeker, perhaps the most hardest hitting was "Finding Jesus". AS mentioned, I'm still looking, but at least I have one of the most engaging modern poetry collections to carry with me while I continue the search.(less)
I stumbled upon this book at the age of 10. It was a yellow, dog-eared copy lying on my father's desk. Jack Nicholson's gleaming stare was enough for...moreI stumbled upon this book at the age of 10. It was a yellow, dog-eared copy lying on my father's desk. Jack Nicholson's gleaming stare was enough for me to sneak away and absolutely fall in love with the writing of Stephen King. Even then, I desired to write, and the thought of a hotel all to myself appealed to me...until I realized it was making the writer lose his mind. Needless to say it's been read, and read, and read again over the years, and each read gives me another reason to love it even more.(less)
April saw me collect a number of poetry books in honor of National Poetry Month. "Magic in the Backyard" was one poetry collection I could not put dow...moreApril saw me collect a number of poetry books in honor of National Poetry Month. "Magic in the Backyard" was one poetry collection I could not put down until I had finished it. (Normally I skip back and forth) Kellie Elmore had me completely caught up with life in Tennessee! The poems are fantastic, and the prose you will fall into, waking on a veranda on a summer afternoon with the smell of the fields and a glass of sweet tea. She pulls you in, and she does not let you go. It's a wonderful collection, that brings to mind all those wonderful memories of a time that was a little bit slower, a little bit simpler. It touches your heart and invigorates your senses. A must read collection for readers of any genre...and for fans of poetry...this one's GOLD!(less)
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