Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "dreams-of-a-calico-mouse"
National Poetry Month
April is National Poetry Month in America.
I thought I'd take the opportunity to let you know about a few great poetry books I've read.
Even if you don't usually read poetry you should try these. You won't be disappointed.
Northern Whispers by Helle Gade
This is a collection of all 3 of Helle's poetry books and photo art. All 3 books are wonderful, full of stunning photos and passionate, heartfelt verse.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Northern-Whispe...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Whis...
***********************
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
This is a thought-provoking collection of poetry that will stir your emotions as you read.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
***********************
Inhale the Night by Ben Ditmars
This is a refreshingly honest collection of poetry, written from the heart and inspired by different forms of art as well as the poet's own life.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Inhale-Night-Be...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inhale-Night-...
********************
Four Paws: A Poetry Anthology by The Quillective Project
This is a collection of poetry for charity. It contains poems by four talented poets: Ben Ditmars, Scott Morgan, Amber Jerome-Norrgard, and Robert Zimmermann.
I enjoyed all the poetry in the book and it's for a great cause.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Four-Quillectiv...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Quillect...
*******************
My Way to Anywhere by Jean Lisette Brodey
I haven't read this one yet, but it's in my list of books to read and I thought it would be nice to mention it here because of the story behind how it was published. It's a collection written by author Lisette Brodey's mother. Her late mother wrote the poetry when she was young, in her twenties and thirties. It was published as a collection fifty years later by Lisette as a gift to her mother. I'm looking forward to finding time to read it.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Way-Anywhere-Je...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Anywhere-...
******************
I hope you'll try some of the books in this list.
Happy Reading!
I thought I'd take the opportunity to let you know about a few great poetry books I've read.
Even if you don't usually read poetry you should try these. You won't be disappointed.
Northern Whispers by Helle Gade
This is a collection of all 3 of Helle's poetry books and photo art. All 3 books are wonderful, full of stunning photos and passionate, heartfelt verse.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Northern-Whispe...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Northern-Whis...
***********************
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
This is a thought-provoking collection of poetry that will stir your emotions as you read.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
***********************
Inhale the Night by Ben Ditmars
This is a refreshingly honest collection of poetry, written from the heart and inspired by different forms of art as well as the poet's own life.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Inhale-Night-Be...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inhale-Night-...
********************
Four Paws: A Poetry Anthology by The Quillective Project
This is a collection of poetry for charity. It contains poems by four talented poets: Ben Ditmars, Scott Morgan, Amber Jerome-Norrgard, and Robert Zimmermann.
I enjoyed all the poetry in the book and it's for a great cause.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Four-Quillectiv...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Four-Quillect...
*******************
My Way to Anywhere by Jean Lisette Brodey
I haven't read this one yet, but it's in my list of books to read and I thought it would be nice to mention it here because of the story behind how it was published. It's a collection written by author Lisette Brodey's mother. Her late mother wrote the poetry when she was young, in her twenties and thirties. It was published as a collection fifty years later by Lisette as a gift to her mother. I'm looking forward to finding time to read it.
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Way-Anywhere-Je...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Way-Anywhere-...
******************
I hope you'll try some of the books in this list.
Happy Reading!
Favourite reads of 2015, so far...
It's already June. Oh well, they say time flies when you're having fun, so I must have been having a lot of fun :)
I thought I would take the opportunity for a mid-year look back at some of my favourite reads of 2015.
In no particular order, here are a few I'd recommend if you're currently searching for your next read.
Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle
Excerpt from my review: "...a supernatural thriller with elements of fantasy and suspense. [...] When we meet Eli he is at a kind of crossroads in his life because he has found love but there is a dark secret that he is keeping and something that could threaten his new love and also his own life. The secret is slowly and steadily revealed as the story unfolds and his past comes back to find him.
I really enjoyed Eli's Coming. The dark fantasy element is fascinating. I'm pleased that this is the first in the series and am looking forward to the next book!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Living the Dream by Tim Baker
Excerpt from my review: "This book had me hooked from the start and kept me interested throughout. It's a fun and fast-paced read with lots of surprising twists and turns. [...] The book revolves around a series of strange recurring dreams that many of the characters have been having. [...] It's a complex tale involving many different characters and the author did a fantastic job with it. This would make a great movie!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Easy Target by Jenny Hilborne
Excerpt from my review: "This is book two in a series, but I had not read book one and still enjoyed it immensely. I like the fast-paced style of the author's writing. [...] In this novel, Lucinda Fitchett or "Fitch" as she is known, has no recollection of events one evening after waking up in her own flat not sure how she got there after a night out. She has a very troubled past and is wary when contacted by someone who says he knows what happened to her. Fitch is determined to find out the truth [...] an action packed crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-I...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Ins...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One
Excerpt from my review: "First in a series, in this 'weird' story, we're introduced to Henry Darling and follow him on his first adventure. [...] It kept me hooked from the start and it's wonderfully imaginative. Henry has been through an experience that changed him and now he collects oddities. His wife and his unlikely friend Brett are his companions and helpers. This is a truly unique story from a talented writer. [...] If you haven't read any of this author's work, 'Weird' would be a great place to start."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
The Cestus Concern by Mat Nastos
Excerpt from my review: "This is a fantastic book. It kept me hooked from the start. I loved the humourous interaction between Mal and his best friend Zuz.
Mal wakes up to find he's a cyborg and has no memory of the past 11 months of his life. In his quest to find out the truth he has to battle many government agents and man-made adversaries. It's a rollercoaster ride from page 1 with scene after scene of action packed adventure."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cestus-Co...
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cestus-Conc...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
Excerpt from my review: "Dorien Grey's "Dreams of a Calico Mouse" is the perfect example of the type of modern poetry that I enjoy. It's almost storytelling but in verse, and it contains heartfelt messages. The themes in this collection include: love, old age, regret, and dreams. A couple of the poems made me chuckle, and then there were a couple of them that nearly made me cry. All of them kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. This is an accomplished collection of all types of poetry including some haiku."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...
Odin's Eye
Excerpt from my review: "Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted. [...] All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns. [...] The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
I thought I would take the opportunity for a mid-year look back at some of my favourite reads of 2015.
In no particular order, here are a few I'd recommend if you're currently searching for your next read.
Eli's Coming by Darcia Helle
Excerpt from my review: "...a supernatural thriller with elements of fantasy and suspense. [...] When we meet Eli he is at a kind of crossroads in his life because he has found love but there is a dark secret that he is keeping and something that could threaten his new love and also his own life. The secret is slowly and steadily revealed as the story unfolds and his past comes back to find him.
I really enjoyed Eli's Coming. The dark fantasy element is fascinating. I'm pleased that this is the first in the series and am looking forward to the next book!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Living the Dream by Tim Baker
Excerpt from my review: "This book had me hooked from the start and kept me interested throughout. It's a fun and fast-paced read with lots of surprising twists and turns. [...] The book revolves around a series of strange recurring dreams that many of the characters have been having. [...] It's a complex tale involving many different characters and the author did a fantastic job with it. This would make a great movie!"
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Easy Target by Jenny Hilborne
Excerpt from my review: "This is book two in a series, but I had not read book one and still enjoyed it immensely. I like the fast-paced style of the author's writing. [...] In this novel, Lucinda Fitchett or "Fitch" as she is known, has no recollection of events one evening after waking up in her own flat not sure how she got there after a night out. She has a very troubled past and is wary when contacted by someone who says he knows what happened to her. Fitch is determined to find out the truth [...] an action packed crime thriller that will keep you guessing until the end."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-I...
US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Ins...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One
Excerpt from my review: "First in a series, in this 'weird' story, we're introduced to Henry Darling and follow him on his first adventure. [...] It kept me hooked from the start and it's wonderfully imaginative. Henry has been through an experience that changed him and now he collects oddities. His wife and his unlikely friend Brett are his companions and helpers. This is a truly unique story from a talented writer. [...] If you haven't read any of this author's work, 'Weird' would be a great place to start."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
The Cestus Concern by Mat Nastos
Excerpt from my review: "This is a fantastic book. It kept me hooked from the start. I loved the humourous interaction between Mal and his best friend Zuz.
Mal wakes up to find he's a cyborg and has no memory of the past 11 months of his life. In his quest to find out the truth he has to battle many government agents and man-made adversaries. It's a rollercoaster ride from page 1 with scene after scene of action packed adventure."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cestus-Co...
US: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cestus-Conc...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
Excerpt from my review: "Dorien Grey's "Dreams of a Calico Mouse" is the perfect example of the type of modern poetry that I enjoy. It's almost storytelling but in verse, and it contains heartfelt messages. The themes in this collection include: love, old age, regret, and dreams. A couple of the poems made me chuckle, and then there were a couple of them that nearly made me cry. All of them kept me interested and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. This is an accomplished collection of all types of poetry including some haiku."
Amazon links:
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0...
US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...
Odin's Eye
Excerpt from my review: "Maria Haskins' writing definitely fits into the literary fiction genre. These are stories that are to be savoured. There is a depth to the tales that can only be fully appreciated by taking time to really read and digest every sentence, every nuance. Each sentence is skillfully crafted. [...] All the stories are science fiction and are set in the near or distant future. They are set on different planets, different worlds. The characters are so well depicted and seem like real people telling their tale. We see things through their eyes, we feel their fear and sense their concerns. [...] The stand out story for me was 'Lost and Found', a tale about an astronaut, who is the only survivor after a crash, waiting to be rescued. That one is just perfect, in my opinion. It would make a great movie or short film."
Amazon links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Some of my favourite reads from 2015
I've discovered some talented authors this year and also read some new books by some of my favourite authors.
In no particular order, here are some of my favourite books from this year:
(they may not all have been published in 2015 but are books that I read this year)
Eli's Coming, by Darcia Helle
From one of my favourite authors, the first in a series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
The Smell Of Paprika, by James Everington
I enjoyed the first four books in this series. It's a weird fantasy tale. There are strange characters and even stranger goings-on. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and would definitely recommend the stories.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quarantined-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Quarantined-Cit...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Another series I have enjoyed this year. I'm looking forward to more "weird" stories about Henry Ian Darling :)
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
The Cestus Concern, by Mat Nastos
Again, this is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to finding time to reading more by this author.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cestus-Concer...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Cestus-Concern-...
Living the Dream, by Tim Baker
I read the first two books from this series this year and enjoyed them. I have some other books by this author on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
If you like poetry, I'd highly recommend this collection.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Those Pesky Rabbits, by Ciara Flood
If you're looking for a good book to read to children, this one's great. My nieces and nephew (age range 4 years - 8 years) absolutely love the book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Pesky-R...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Those-Pesky-Rab...
Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
This is one of the new authors I discovered this year. She also writes poetry and has a new collection which I'm reading at the moment. She's joining us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
Daddy's Glove, by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff
I've read quite a few of Thomma Lyn Grindstaff short stories this year and enjoyed them all. This is another author that I've invited to join us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daddys-Glove-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Glove-Th...
Easy Target, by Jenny Hilborne
An engaging, suspenseful thriller. Although the second book in the series, I enjoyed reading it even though I haven't yet read the first one.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-J...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Jen...
------------------------------------
Those are my top picks of 2015.
I must also mention the two Mind's Eye series books that were released this year.
Triptychs and Tales From The Cacao Tree.
I contributed short stories to those anthologies. There are stories from many talented writers, including Darcia Helle , Julie Elizabeth Powell,Lisette Brodey, Eden Baylee, Jason McIntyre, and J. Michael Radcliffe. There are also poems from Ben Ditmars and Helle Gade. Well worth reading.
Triptychs:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triptychs-Min...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Triptychs-Minds...
Tales From The Cacao Tree
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-From-Ca...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-From-Caca...
In no particular order, here are some of my favourite books from this year:
(they may not all have been published in 2015 but are books that I read this year)
Eli's Coming, by Darcia Helle
From one of my favourite authors, the first in a series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Elis-Coming-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Elis-Coming-Cha...
The Smell Of Paprika, by James Everington
I enjoyed the first four books in this series. It's a weird fantasy tale. There are strange characters and even stranger goings-on. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series, and would definitely recommend the stories.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quarantined-C...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Quarantined-Cit...
Weird: A Henry Ian Darling Oddity Missive One, by Julie Elizabeth Powell
Another series I have enjoyed this year. I'm looking forward to more "weird" stories about Henry Ian Darling :)
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Weird-Henry-D...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Weird-Henry-Dar...
The Cestus Concern, by Mat Nastos
Again, this is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to finding time to reading more by this author.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cestus-Concer...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Cestus-Concern-...
Living the Dream, by Tim Baker
I read the first two books from this series this year and enjoyed them. I have some other books by this author on my Kindle and am looking forward to reading more of his work.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Dream-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Living-Dream-Ti...
Dreams of a Calico Mouse: The Poems of Dorien Grey
If you like poetry, I'd highly recommend this collection.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Calico...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dreams-Calico-M...
Those Pesky Rabbits, by Ciara Flood
If you're looking for a good book to read to children, this one's great. My nieces and nephew (age range 4 years - 8 years) absolutely love the book.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Those-Pesky-R...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Those-Pesky-Rab...
Odin's Eye, by Maria Haskins
This is one of the new authors I discovered this year. She also writes poetry and has a new collection which I'm reading at the moment. She's joining us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Odins-Eye-Mar...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Odins-Eye-Maria...
Daddy's Glove, by Thomma Lyn Grindstaff
I've read quite a few of Thomma Lyn Grindstaff short stories this year and enjoyed them all. This is another author that I've invited to join us for book 5 of the Mind's Eye series.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Daddys-Glove-...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Daddys-Glove-Th...
Easy Target, by Jenny Hilborne
An engaging, suspenseful thriller. Although the second book in the series, I enjoyed reading it even though I haven't yet read the first one.
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Easy-Target-J...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Target-Jen...
------------------------------------
Those are my top picks of 2015.
I must also mention the two Mind's Eye series books that were released this year.
Triptychs and Tales From The Cacao Tree.
I contributed short stories to those anthologies. There are stories from many talented writers, including Darcia Helle , Julie Elizabeth Powell,Lisette Brodey, Eden Baylee, Jason McIntyre, and J. Michael Radcliffe. There are also poems from Ben Ditmars and Helle Gade. Well worth reading.
Triptychs:
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triptychs-Min...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Triptychs-Minds...
Tales From The Cacao Tree
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-From-Ca...
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-From-Caca...
