What do you think?
Coming Home
The fourth installment in one poet’s journey of healing, Coming Home grapples with questions of identity and roots, the seeds of who we are, and how much control we have over who we’re becoming. It questions whether home is only a place where we sleep and eat, someplace we come back to every night, or is something we take with us each day when we walk out that door. If we find peace within ourselves, what’s to stop us from cultivating it everywhere else?
124 pages, Hardcover
Published January 17, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 15, 2025
Rating: 4.5
Buckle up for a poetic road trip with Craig Randall as he takes us on a deeply personal journey of finding home—not just as a physical place but as a sense of belonging within. Home is where the heart is, after all. If you've read Randall's previous collections, you'll know to expect a transformative experience from start to finish. In fact, all his poetry books together weave a long, extended exploration of self-discovery, though each collection stands solidly on its own.
This latest collection masterfully balances short-form and long-form poetry, interspersed with thoughtfully placed interludes that guide readers seamlessly from one phase of the journey to the next. Randall's poetic road trip moves through sadness, acceptance, and ultimately, the profound realization of what "home" truly means.
Like his earlier works, this collection resonated deeply with me, and I believe it will connect with many readers on a personal level. Among the standout poems, "Retracing Your Steps" stood out as particularly clever and moving. If you're searching for poetry that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reflecting on your own journey, this collection is a must-read.
Buckle up for a poetic road trip with Craig Randall as he takes us on a deeply personal journey of finding home—not just as a physical place but as a sense of belonging within. Home is where the heart is, after all. If you've read Randall's previous collections, you'll know to expect a transformative experience from start to finish. In fact, all his poetry books together weave a long, extended exploration of self-discovery, though each collection stands solidly on its own.
This latest collection masterfully balances short-form and long-form poetry, interspersed with thoughtfully placed interludes that guide readers seamlessly from one phase of the journey to the next. Randall's poetic road trip moves through sadness, acceptance, and ultimately, the profound realization of what "home" truly means.
Like his earlier works, this collection resonated deeply with me, and I believe it will connect with many readers on a personal level. Among the standout poems, "Retracing Your Steps" stood out as particularly clever and moving. If you're searching for poetry that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reflecting on your own journey, this collection is a must-read.
January 17, 2025
Genre: poetry
Randall's 4th book of poetry releases today! Go check it out.
As with his previous work, these are short, medatative poems (often haiku) focused on a particular theme of metal health and wellness. This time, the theme is "home". He explores the question, "How can a person feel at home if they aren’t being true to themselves?" And how "sometimes being removed from a situation can give you an incredible amount of perspective on it."
While this was not my favorite of the series (I think that was Rain Songs), I still enjoyed every page. For me, this is a perfect type of poetry to open a page in the morning, read, and let that idea, that musing sit with me through the day. Why did I connect with this one less? Well, these were not the musings I needed right now -- whereas Rain Songs hit me very much where I was at that moment.
What does "home" mean to you?
Randall's 4th book of poetry releases today! Go check it out.
As with his previous work, these are short, medatative poems (often haiku) focused on a particular theme of metal health and wellness. This time, the theme is "home". He explores the question, "How can a person feel at home if they aren’t being true to themselves?" And how "sometimes being removed from a situation can give you an incredible amount of perspective on it."
While this was not my favorite of the series (I think that was Rain Songs), I still enjoyed every page. For me, this is a perfect type of poetry to open a page in the morning, read, and let that idea, that musing sit with me through the day. Why did I connect with this one less? Well, these were not the musings I needed right now -- whereas Rain Songs hit me very much where I was at that moment.
What does "home" mean to you?
January 16, 2025
Coming Home is one of those books you have to finish in one sitting without putting it down. The themes of identity and belonging really struck a chord with me. Do we control our narratives? Are we truly the captains of our destiny? What does it mean to come home - to ourselves, to our community, to our purpose? Randall grapples with many reflective and tough topics in a beautiful poetic narrative. There is something for everyone in this book and I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to read it.
January 17, 2025
Nice book of poems, I agree when we are living abroad, we appreciate more our country and we have more time to know ourselves, since we are alone. It is a wonderful and useful experience, I tried it when I lived in England.
My top 5 poems of Coming Home are: Live and Laugh and Love, The Open Road, Sound Waves, Loss and Gain, To see the World.
Overall all poems are good, I recommend to read them all, well done Craig.
My top 5 poems of Coming Home are: Live and Laugh and Love, The Open Road, Sound Waves, Loss and Gain, To see the World.
Overall all poems are good, I recommend to read them all, well done Craig.
January 18, 2025
Having read his three previous collections, I’ve been looking forward to Craig Randall’s latest in this series of four. To Chase the Sun, Among the Wildflowers, and Rain Songs are personal and moving explorations of an inner struggle to find light, to heal, and to hang onto hope in a broken world. Coming Home is equally personal and moving. Craig acknowledges the struggles, hangs on tight to hope, and takes us along on a journey to find home and, thus, himself. I was happy to, once again, journey with Craig.
This book is organized around the places which have been pivotal to him as he has journeyed towards a better understanding of the home he finds within himself. And he explores the truth that he, like “each of us [is] a story of loss and gain.” Sometimes our search requires us to move on, perhaps across oceans (“Atlantic”). Sometimes the search requires us to return “and seek those parts of self we left behind.”
Through the early poems, I could relate to the fear of leaving behind all he once knew and the uncertainty of moving forward (“fog hangs stale o’er/ still water, unsure whether/to cling or fade”).
I smiled as I read, “I Walk With You Beneath the Stars,” and “Walking Home With You.” Yes, the journey is ours alone, but having someone to walk with enriches the experience: “my foot slips/but you catch/my arm/laughter breaks the quiet.” And I delighted in moments that evoke fond memories for this young father as in “Verna” who has “cookies waiting for the boys/ childhood rekindled.”
The final poem in this collection expresses the essential lesson of the journey.
“searching the world o’er,/it has always been in you/ the key and the door.”
Bolstered by this clear understanding, this young poet will continue to reflect on his past as he moves more confidently forward. I’ll be waiting to see what comes next.
This book is organized around the places which have been pivotal to him as he has journeyed towards a better understanding of the home he finds within himself. And he explores the truth that he, like “each of us [is] a story of loss and gain.” Sometimes our search requires us to move on, perhaps across oceans (“Atlantic”). Sometimes the search requires us to return “and seek those parts of self we left behind.”
Through the early poems, I could relate to the fear of leaving behind all he once knew and the uncertainty of moving forward (“fog hangs stale o’er/ still water, unsure whether/to cling or fade”).
I smiled as I read, “I Walk With You Beneath the Stars,” and “Walking Home With You.” Yes, the journey is ours alone, but having someone to walk with enriches the experience: “my foot slips/but you catch/my arm/laughter breaks the quiet.” And I delighted in moments that evoke fond memories for this young father as in “Verna” who has “cookies waiting for the boys/ childhood rekindled.”
The final poem in this collection expresses the essential lesson of the journey.
“searching the world o’er,/it has always been in you/ the key and the door.”
Bolstered by this clear understanding, this young poet will continue to reflect on his past as he moves more confidently forward. I’ll be waiting to see what comes next.
January 18, 2025
Coming Home
My friend, Craig Randell does it again!
"Coming Home" is for anyone ready to stop for a minute, and reflect.
Reflection brings on wisdom when you're ready to open up, look back, and come to terms with your past. When that's done you're ready to move forward stronger, and that's exactly what Craig has poured out onto these pages--the reckoning of his heart as he questions what HOME really means to him.
This book is filled with beautiful, raw, real and honest expressions of a life seeking truths, and I'm so thankful that I was able to read it. I know that I'll go over them several more times because they made me smile, cry, broke my heart and in the end gave me hope.
Sonnets are love poems, and my favorite parts of this collection because they are written for each place he's lived.
Astoria, Home Pt. 2
"I jumped too far, I knew too late."
My heart broke reading that line. Haven't we all come to this conclusion--too late?
Is "home" the country I live in?
Is it the state?
Is it the county, city, or road?
Is it the house, or is it more involved than that?
Is it the people you surround yourself with? What happens when they let you down?
Can "home" be just me--at peace?
Where’s your HOME?
That's the question, and these 124 pages will help you sort it out.
Happy Reading
My friend, Craig Randell does it again!
"Coming Home" is for anyone ready to stop for a minute, and reflect.
Reflection brings on wisdom when you're ready to open up, look back, and come to terms with your past. When that's done you're ready to move forward stronger, and that's exactly what Craig has poured out onto these pages--the reckoning of his heart as he questions what HOME really means to him.
This book is filled with beautiful, raw, real and honest expressions of a life seeking truths, and I'm so thankful that I was able to read it. I know that I'll go over them several more times because they made me smile, cry, broke my heart and in the end gave me hope.
Sonnets are love poems, and my favorite parts of this collection because they are written for each place he's lived.
Astoria, Home Pt. 2
"I jumped too far, I knew too late."
My heart broke reading that line. Haven't we all come to this conclusion--too late?
Is "home" the country I live in?
Is it the state?
Is it the county, city, or road?
Is it the house, or is it more involved than that?
Is it the people you surround yourself with? What happens when they let you down?
Can "home" be just me--at peace?
Where’s your HOME?
That's the question, and these 124 pages will help you sort it out.
Happy Reading
January 16, 2025
I am a fan of Randall's previous poetry (Rain Songs has my heart), so I had a feeling I would love Coming Home. A poetry book about the dislocation of soul and family and a flux that spins you, not allowing you to see for some time, where it is you belong.
"to find out who I really am
and, at last, to learn what’s real.” (Randall) speaks to me so intensely as a reader since much of what captures my undying love in literature is the sense of "Where do I belong?" In this collection, the poet moves us on his journey back home, both physically/literally and metaphorically, asking, "Do the initial homes we live imprint?” (Randall). Many poems evoke emotion in their reading. The poems in this book drive you down dusty highways, pointing out moonrise and star fall. The reader breathes in the road trip, The arrival. The snowflakes sea. Coming Home is, in my opinion, a masterpiece of genuiness. The reader becomes the poet, absorbing words like humidity, breathing just a little better as the words come to a close. I've pulled a good deal of favorite quotes from this collection. Randall, in Coming Home has answered my most asked question of where do I belong, assuring us that in his homecoming, we might yet find our own.
I received an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
"to find out who I really am
and, at last, to learn what’s real.” (Randall) speaks to me so intensely as a reader since much of what captures my undying love in literature is the sense of "Where do I belong?" In this collection, the poet moves us on his journey back home, both physically/literally and metaphorically, asking, "Do the initial homes we live imprint?” (Randall). Many poems evoke emotion in their reading. The poems in this book drive you down dusty highways, pointing out moonrise and star fall. The reader breathes in the road trip, The arrival. The snowflakes sea. Coming Home is, in my opinion, a masterpiece of genuiness. The reader becomes the poet, absorbing words like humidity, breathing just a little better as the words come to a close. I've pulled a good deal of favorite quotes from this collection. Randall, in Coming Home has answered my most asked question of where do I belong, assuring us that in his homecoming, we might yet find our own.
I received an ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.
January 17, 2025
Coming Home is the fourth opus of Craig Randall’s poetry, following his healing journey. This time the idea of home is at stake. From his expatriate life in Amsterdam to his return to Oregon, he explores the distance created when we can step out of the birthplace imprint, as we are free to be ourselves when we are far away. Navigating outside of our initial context allows to acknowledge more clearly the pains, traumas ans patterns running our life.
If we don’t face fears and conflicts, they settle in shame. The poet made the brave choice to stop escaping, hanging on in front of obstacles, and coping with life’s ebbs and flows. He took the intentional leap to bet on inner power over fear without forgetting we are always part of the solution.
How to feel emotional safe? Where to find a kind haven? In our inner peace, as we all have the tools inside us to recreate ourselves.
I love the honesty and the sensibility with which Craig Randall takes us on his personal path.
Haïkus as well as longer poems reminded me what poetry brings to literature: a cocoon for universal feelings and an open door on ourselves at once, in a softened atmosphere that makes anything possible.
January 22, 2025
Craig Randall's "Coming Home" is a remarkable journey of a poetry collection that really hits home (pun intended!). What makes it special is how it tackles the idea of "home" from every angle imaginable - physical places, relationships, and ultimately the journey to finding yourself.
Starting with a candid introduction about his time in Amsterdam and moving through beautifully structured sections, Randall takes us along as he discovers that "home" is more than just a place on a map. His mix of poetry styles keeps things fresh and engaging - from bite-sized haikus to more elaborate traditional forms, each poem adds another piece to the puzzle.
What I love most is how genuine it feels. Randall doesn't shy away from the tough stuff - the uncertainty, the false starts, the pain of leaving - but weaves it all into a story that's ultimately hopeful and uplifting. He's got this great way of using nature imagery (trees, stars, water) that feels fresh rather than cliché.
This is the kind of collection that feels like a friend sharing their story over coffee - honest, touching, and genuinely inspiring. Above all, Randall is fearlessly earnest.
Starting with a candid introduction about his time in Amsterdam and moving through beautifully structured sections, Randall takes us along as he discovers that "home" is more than just a place on a map. His mix of poetry styles keeps things fresh and engaging - from bite-sized haikus to more elaborate traditional forms, each poem adds another piece to the puzzle.
What I love most is how genuine it feels. Randall doesn't shy away from the tough stuff - the uncertainty, the false starts, the pain of leaving - but weaves it all into a story that's ultimately hopeful and uplifting. He's got this great way of using nature imagery (trees, stars, water) that feels fresh rather than cliché.
This is the kind of collection that feels like a friend sharing their story over coffee - honest, touching, and genuinely inspiring. Above all, Randall is fearlessly earnest.
January 15, 2025
Ever since leaving my hometown for college, I have been thinking about what home means to me. My ideas have evolved many times since then. And it is compelling to hear someone elses thoughts on what it is, how to find it, the different faces it may take on, and the often tumultuous path that leads you there.
Randall takes you on a journey, his own journey, but it feels like it may as well have been mine. The path he takes treads from light to darkness to light again, illuminating the mental health challenges we face along the way as growing and ever-changing humans. His verses bring me nostalgia for all the places and people I've ever loved, a wish to see them again through the eyes of a healing adult.
I am left thinking of the people, places, and events that have brought me to who I am now and, funny enough, how my collection of books charts the path of my life, from home to home. I found a coziness within these pages that i wish I experienced more frequently in my daily life and many verses i will return to for comfort or reflection again and again.
Randall takes you on a journey, his own journey, but it feels like it may as well have been mine. The path he takes treads from light to darkness to light again, illuminating the mental health challenges we face along the way as growing and ever-changing humans. His verses bring me nostalgia for all the places and people I've ever loved, a wish to see them again through the eyes of a healing adult.
I am left thinking of the people, places, and events that have brought me to who I am now and, funny enough, how my collection of books charts the path of my life, from home to home. I found a coziness within these pages that i wish I experienced more frequently in my daily life and many verses i will return to for comfort or reflection again and again.
January 17, 2025
An inspiring personal journey to self-actualization.
Coming Home is a beautiful collection of poems inspired by the poet’s experiences living abroad and how it led him down a path to self-actualization. We follow along in this introspective journey, the poems painting for us deeply personal pictures of emotions, highlighting the different places Randall lived and how each progression led him to discover the true meaning of home. There is a strong underlying message of empowerment, putting oneself first to encourage healing and growth.
Several poems resonated with me: “My Own Steps,” “At Night, I Walk,” and “Those Who Remind.” And the opening message from the author is raw and honest and vulnerable, just like in the previous three books in this poetry series. I love hearing the background from which poetry originates. It gives the words more impact and meaning. I recommend this book to people looking for inspiration for personal growth and self love. This would also make a thoughtful gift for poetry lovers.
Coming Home is a beautiful collection of poems inspired by the poet’s experiences living abroad and how it led him down a path to self-actualization. We follow along in this introspective journey, the poems painting for us deeply personal pictures of emotions, highlighting the different places Randall lived and how each progression led him to discover the true meaning of home. There is a strong underlying message of empowerment, putting oneself first to encourage healing and growth.
Several poems resonated with me: “My Own Steps,” “At Night, I Walk,” and “Those Who Remind.” And the opening message from the author is raw and honest and vulnerable, just like in the previous three books in this poetry series. I love hearing the background from which poetry originates. It gives the words more impact and meaning. I recommend this book to people looking for inspiration for personal growth and self love. This would also make a thoughtful gift for poetry lovers.
January 17, 2025
The Discovery of Oneself During the Search for Home
The author, Craig Randall, introduces his works by stating he has spent his life searching for what he thought home was. However, what he discovered was that home is not a place, but the identify of our true self. By facing our past struggles, accepting them, and moving forward we can find peace within. That peace is what home truly is.
His works encapsulate this from the very first poem, Leaving, to his last, The Key and the Door. In Leaving, he describes what we all do and go through doors of our lives closing them, believing we will find happiness on the other side, but in reality, it’s not the door, but our thoughts that should be changed, just as a faulty hinge, to find happiness. In The Key and Door, we realize that home and happiness is within us, all we needed to do was look.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the works and many of them resonated with me and my own journey through life. I encourage anyone to read these poems with an open heart and feel the power of self-discovery in them.
The author, Craig Randall, introduces his works by stating he has spent his life searching for what he thought home was. However, what he discovered was that home is not a place, but the identify of our true self. By facing our past struggles, accepting them, and moving forward we can find peace within. That peace is what home truly is.
His works encapsulate this from the very first poem, Leaving, to his last, The Key and the Door. In Leaving, he describes what we all do and go through doors of our lives closing them, believing we will find happiness on the other side, but in reality, it’s not the door, but our thoughts that should be changed, just as a faulty hinge, to find happiness. In The Key and Door, we realize that home and happiness is within us, all we needed to do was look.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the works and many of them resonated with me and my own journey through life. I encourage anyone to read these poems with an open heart and feel the power of self-discovery in them.
January 15, 2025
*I’VE RECEIVED AN ARC OF COMING HOME FROM SWITCHBOARD PUBLISHING FOR A HONEST REVIEW*
a heartfelt journey back to self.
craig randall has always written from such an emotionally visceral place, which should only be a testament to his love and talent for the written word.
this is my third journey through craig’s work and once again he has left me emotionally open, thoughtful and in awe. right from the start, i could tell that this collection would be something special and impactful. craig writes from a place of journey and discovery and nudges the reader to come along with him, either on his journey or their own. a few of my favorite pieces within this collection would have to be HOPE REMAINS, A HOUSE FOR GRIEF, and CORVALLIS, HOME PT. 3.
coming home is such a poignant and beautiful collection. thank you to switchboard publishing for allowing me to read and leave an early and honest review.
a heartfelt journey back to self.
craig randall has always written from such an emotionally visceral place, which should only be a testament to his love and talent for the written word.
this is my third journey through craig’s work and once again he has left me emotionally open, thoughtful and in awe. right from the start, i could tell that this collection would be something special and impactful. craig writes from a place of journey and discovery and nudges the reader to come along with him, either on his journey or their own. a few of my favorite pieces within this collection would have to be HOPE REMAINS, A HOUSE FOR GRIEF, and CORVALLIS, HOME PT. 3.
coming home is such a poignant and beautiful collection. thank you to switchboard publishing for allowing me to read and leave an early and honest review.
January 17, 2025
Craig's poetry here focuses on something much different from his other books, his return home. He goes into detail about this at the start of the collection about how he never found a home until he returned home and had to face his past, if you want to know more buy the book. There is some super poignant poems in here and a few that made me look inside. One thing I love about Craig's poems is the power to make you think, I feel like I can understand these words while at the same time I don't understand them. The poem Flames Climb had an ending that hit me like Tender is the Flesh (minus the cannibalism) and Paperbacks and Unread Book's resonated with me after my shit year reading last year.
Just to chuck some other favourites out we have Rubble, The Mind - Final Part and my personal favourite Latitudes. It got me thinking about home and what that means, and luckily I managed to find the meaning early on, this book just helped reinforce that.
5/5
Just to chuck some other favourites out we have Rubble, The Mind - Final Part and my personal favourite Latitudes. It got me thinking about home and what that means, and luckily I managed to find the meaning early on, this book just helped reinforce that.
5/5
January 16, 2025
Coming Home takes you to the heart of what 'home' means through poetry that takes you on a journey using vivid descriptions and authentic insight. I have read all of the author's prior poetry compilations and Coming Home is a definite favorite. I read these beautiful verses in one sitting and felt a sense of peace and comfort in each poem. The book is sectioned into five interludes. I enjoyed the author's placement of a poem about each home he has personally lived in at the beginning of each Interlude. He gives life to each dwelling and speaks to the fact that every past home will retain a piece of his heart. This was so relatable and gave such warmth to the poems. Homes are places where we live and function, but they also keep a part of us inside of them. There are special memories and moments that belong to each one. That is the magic of home, and the author captures this magic fully throughout the book. Some of my favorite pieces were Rhythms of the Day, Quiet Connection, and I Sink Into the Softness of the Night among others. The author has captured detailed observations about life and how it weaves itself back to the solace of home using rhythm and execution that will lull you into deep thought. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and ease into the beauty of Craig Randall's Coming Home. I highly recommend this collection and easily give it 5 stars. *I received an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review*.
January 17, 2025
Coming Home is the fourth collection of poems Randall has penned throughout his journey of growth. This book in particular focuses on what a home is, what it means to be home, and finding oneself and living freely despite others’ expectations. I personally find these themes to be very relatable, as someone who grew up at a people-pleaser due to high expectations and am still finding myself to this day.
I found myself letting more poems sink in after I read them while reading this collection, just to think about them and work out what they mean to me. There are quite a few about traveling, revisiting places you’ve once called home, and then there are those about change and growing up and just living in the moment. This poetry collection touched me in a way that the previous haven’t, and I really appreciate that.
I believe most if not all the poems in this collection can be found to be relatable by anyone who reads it, and I find that to be beautiful.
I found myself letting more poems sink in after I read them while reading this collection, just to think about them and work out what they mean to me. There are quite a few about traveling, revisiting places you’ve once called home, and then there are those about change and growing up and just living in the moment. This poetry collection touched me in a way that the previous haven’t, and I really appreciate that.
I believe most if not all the poems in this collection can be found to be relatable by anyone who reads it, and I find that to be beautiful.
January 17, 2025
Craig Randall does well what any poet should; he opens a door to his soul and invites us to come in and take a look around. What you'll find, should you take him up on this offer, is a collection of poetic snapshots which are wonderful, thoughtful, and above all, hopeful. Randall's poems are a delight to the mind and senses, especially for readers who have ever found themselves on a journey of self-discovery, only to realize that in order to move forward, we must sometimes return to old haunting grounds. Like the title suggests, Coming Home will bring you back to places you may not have realized you were longing for. Randall's poems are profound, and profoundly simple, suitable for professors and perusers alike. I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to pick up his book... and open the door.
January 18, 2025
Randall does it again; his specific brand of poetic prose has a soulful healing element to it that makes it not only enjoyable but a wonderful gift to the world.
This newest collection of poems are a beautiful introspective journey. Randall’s poetry is incredibly and profoundly self-reflective in a way that is accessible and relatable, and also opens the reader up for their own self-reflection and introspection. Anyone who’s ever felt themselves not quite at home, or felt themselves feeling like a perpetual traveler in their life will connect to these stanzas.
I specifically connected to “Unspoken,” “Yearn for Home,” “Lost the Sun,” and “Testaments.”
Randall is a poet, writer, and dare I say, philosopher, who is truly walking in his purpose through his writing.
This newest collection of poems are a beautiful introspective journey. Randall’s poetry is incredibly and profoundly self-reflective in a way that is accessible and relatable, and also opens the reader up for their own self-reflection and introspection. Anyone who’s ever felt themselves not quite at home, or felt themselves feeling like a perpetual traveler in their life will connect to these stanzas.
I specifically connected to “Unspoken,” “Yearn for Home,” “Lost the Sun,” and “Testaments.”
Randall is a poet, writer, and dare I say, philosopher, who is truly walking in his purpose through his writing.
February 10, 2025
Coming Home is the second poetry collection I've read by Craig Randall, and it was everything I hoped for. Reviewing poetry is hard, because of how personal it is to the author. To make it easier, I decided to take notes as I read, except all my notes ended up saying things like, "I love this poem" and "I also love this poem," until I just started writing down the titles of every poem I loved.
I especially loved the villanelles, as that's my favorite poetic form. Craig is a master at writing them.
If you've been wanting to try poetry but aren't sure where to start, Coming Home (and any of Craig's poetry books, really) is the perfect place to start. Craig has cemented himself as one of my favorite poets.
I especially loved the villanelles, as that's my favorite poetic form. Craig is a master at writing them.
If you've been wanting to try poetry but aren't sure where to start, Coming Home (and any of Craig's poetry books, really) is the perfect place to start. Craig has cemented himself as one of my favorite poets.
January 7, 2025
A Heartfelt Journey Back to Self
Coming Home is a tender exploration of what it means to return home—not just to a place, but to the essence of who we are. Each poem feels like a step closer to understanding, healing, and rediscovering a sense of belonging. The words resonate deeply, offering strength in vulnerability and hope in the face of life’s challenges.
With an honest voice and evocative imagery, Mr. Randall captures the beauty of finding wholeness and the courage it takes to embrace it. This collection is a gift for anyone seeking to reconnect with their inner truth and move forward with quiet determination.
Coming Home is a tender exploration of what it means to return home—not just to a place, but to the essence of who we are. Each poem feels like a step closer to understanding, healing, and rediscovering a sense of belonging. The words resonate deeply, offering strength in vulnerability and hope in the face of life’s challenges.
With an honest voice and evocative imagery, Mr. Randall captures the beauty of finding wholeness and the courage it takes to embrace it. This collection is a gift for anyone seeking to reconnect with their inner truth and move forward with quiet determination.
January 16, 2025
This is my first poetry collection, and I adored it.
Randall waves beautiful and poignant stories in short formats that have rhythm and heart.
My favourite pieces were:
"New Shelter"; "Broken Shards", "Flames Climb", "Walking Home with you", "And Fly".
"Retracing your steps" made me happy.
"Needful Reminder" touched me deeply.
"Different" was inspired --- "each will weather storms"
This was specially emotional for me, as I too am far away from home. The stories from his leaving country and returning, and trying to find a home within himself made this an incredible read.
Highly recommend it.
Randall waves beautiful and poignant stories in short formats that have rhythm and heart.
My favourite pieces were:
"New Shelter"; "Broken Shards", "Flames Climb", "Walking Home with you", "And Fly".
"Retracing your steps" made me happy.
"Needful Reminder" touched me deeply.
"Different" was inspired --- "each will weather storms"
This was specially emotional for me, as I too am far away from home. The stories from his leaving country and returning, and trying to find a home within himself made this an incredible read.
Highly recommend it.
January 18, 2025
Having been fan of Craig's work for some time, I was extremely excited for this book. As a poet myself, I love the journey has taken us on in his previous volumes, and this one is every bit as special. We'll written, introspective, filled with heart, and inspirational, Craig's writing is a much need breath of positive air in a world that is more and more in need of it. This book, and the others in the series will touch your heart, open your mind, and fill both with true hope. This book feels you with so many years good vibes that it truly feels like coming home.
Grab a copy and get a little dose of positivity and inspiration to get you through.
Grab a copy and get a little dose of positivity and inspiration to get you through.
February 9, 2025
This is a beautiful collection of self-reflection and what "home" looks like to each of us. The way Randall broke it into interludes displays a beautiful story of growth and change that is inspiring and completely relatable. Some notable poems I highlighted include: "Houses and Homes," "Broken Shards," "My Own Steps," "Momentum," "A House For Grief," and my favorite, "Self, Home Pt. 5." As someone who has traveled and lived in many different places, this collection of stirring words found me at a time where I finally have a place that makes me feel like I'm "home." I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles to find their place in this world.
January 13, 2025
In times of strife, stories are the ties that bind us together and help us feel less alone. The author understands this sentiment well as he takes the reader on a personal journey, untangling the threads of mental health and relationships in search of peace and, as the title suggests, home. A poignant collection of musings and vignettes, clear and stalwart in their mission; a reassurance that you are not alone and that home is within reach. Thank you to Craig for early access to the book in exchange for my honest opinions!
January 27, 2025
Coming Home is a heartfelt and beautifully crafted poetry collection. Craig’s ability to weave healing and self-discovery into his poetry is inspiring and deeply moving. The raw emotion and personal growth captured in each poem’s verses testify to his talent and dedication to his craft. His evocative language and emotional depth make this collection a standout. Whether you’re a poetry enthusiast or new to the genre, this book is a must-read. This collection will resonate with anyone seeking solace and inspiration. Well done, my friend!
January 20, 2025
“Comjng Home” is a beautifully crafted book that resonates deeply with the heart and soul. Every piece of poetry feels personal and relatable, offering comfort and hope in the most profound ways. The author redefines the concept of home, showing it’s more than just a place—it’s a feeling, a connection, and a journey. This book gave me a fresh perspective and something to look forward to during challenging times. A must-read for anyone seeking solace and inspiration.
January 21, 2025
At the risk of repeating what others have expressed about Coming Home I will simply say that, for someone who has long strived to coalesce my own concept of self, this volume was bittersweet and affirming.
This volume illustrates that "coming home", or coming to a state of harmony and peace with all of your past and present senses of self, is possible but only through acknowledging and accepting your autonomy and creating it. Beautiful, gentle, inspirational work.
This volume illustrates that "coming home", or coming to a state of harmony and peace with all of your past and present senses of self, is possible but only through acknowledging and accepting your autonomy and creating it. Beautiful, gentle, inspirational work.
January 16, 2025
Coming Home is a emotional collection of poetry that beautifully encapsulates his struggles in defining, accepting, and embracing the concept of ‘home’. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt verses, Craig takes us on a lyrical journey that explores the deep emotional ties that define our sense of belonging.
January 17, 2025
I really enjoyed this collection of poetry. I think anyone could find it relatable however I think that it would really speak to those that have been through a transitionary period in their life recently and for anyone who has struggled to feel like they fit in.
It made me reflect on all the homes I have lived in and how there are some places and people that always feel like home.
It made me reflect on all the homes I have lived in and how there are some places and people that always feel like home.
January 17, 2025
The concept of Randall’s newest poetry publication aligned well with the rest of his work. This collection really resonated with me in my own “coming home” journey. Water Rises & My Own Steps in particular stood out to me. How lucky are we to love and lose and despite, or because, of it all, to find a home within ourselves and those we love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews