Of Flowers that Bloomed in Fire

by Jerico Silvers

Poetry

Genres: Poetry, Self Help, Nonfiction

165 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2020

Reviews

[Maxine Angeli Quijano · Rating 2 out of 5]

How can a published book (which has been revised several times) contain some grammatical errors? There has to be some sort of an editor before publishing this book, right? Anyway, this is a convenient book to read if anyone is looking for a collection of poetry about life struggles and mental health. It's something I'd recommend to friends, too. This is actually the first time I read a poetry book from a Filipino author. So it's a breath of fresh air.

I'm giving this book two stars because, although it spreads message about hope and love, it sounds really identical to most books written by the likes of Lang Leav and Rupi Kaur. I'm looking for a fresh poetic voice---which should include different styles of writing poetry. Maybe if some of the poems in this book weren't free verse, I would've appreciated it more.

Don't get me wrong, though. This book was wonderfully written. I just hope to find some poetry books that will get me right in the feels.

P.S. I do like Nostalgia (page 70) and Loving Yourself in this Unforgiving World (page 153). Kudos, Jerico Silvers.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It was more of a collection of mantras and inspirational sayings. This is something everyone needs to hear. Reading it just made me feel grateful for all my experiences and hopeful for the future and what it may bring. Life is a journey and I'm glad to have picked up this book along the way. It's a hug of comfort when you need it.

[Divina Gracia · Rating 2 out of 5]

"There are broken sentences in my actions
that I cannot say directly. And sometimes I
want to ask people, "Can you please read
me?"

A collection with rare gems.

I feel bad because this collection has potential. The intention is nice, but the execution is not well. The poems were not categorized in the theme of their contents and thus, the overall message of the collection is messed up. It would have been more impactful if it was divided into sections (e.g. there's a part for Self-Love, etc.) rather than just lumping the pieces all together, regardless of the message they are trying to convey. Some pieces also felt repetitive.

There may be shortcomings but I loved the few that resonated with me.

Will still watch out for future releases of this author. Hopefully, under a better publishing team.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you ever find a book that speaks to you and comforts you at the same time, this must be it. It is an honest and genuine collection of poems that any person who is in a middle of a crisis or is in need of a friend should have. It deals with sadness and loss and positivity in a language of a common mind. The collection of words are simple and yet deep, no flowery words or anything crucial to understand. It only has something that speaks the truth in the most simplest form and I think that is beautiful.

[Innah · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sometimes,
We don't get what we want
Because we don't really know what we want –
What we say
Is different from what our hearts
Feel."

I've learned and felt so much by reading this book and i'm just happy that this is locally published.
If you're feeling lost, confused or just going through a rough patch, this book is a friend.

[Diane RB (booksandthensome) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We read to know we are not alone.” (Often attributed to C.S. Lewis)

Of Flowers that Bloomed in Fire is proof that this quote rings so so true.

I finally have this book in my hands. This was part of the list of most recommended Akdang Pinoy titles in one newspaper feature.

Storytime first. In the mid-90s, I remember the era when my mom indulged me to buy the expensive kind of composition notebooks. They came in various Sanrio designs - the time of Hello Kitty, My Melody, KeroKeroppi and Bad Badtz Maru. The papers were sikly and very white. Notwithstanding my poor handwriting, I kept a notebook full of my favorite song lyrics - copied from what we call then as songhits.

In high school, we were beginning to watch foreign films, read glossy magazines that were also full of such - quotable quotes. By college, I have compiled them into a volume, computer printed, hard bound at the university shopping center. One of my favorites is from a line in When Harry Met Sally - where the two leads took decades of chance meetings, dancing around each other until finally one of them realized - “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Promise, that was one romantic scene.

Point is, I have always been drawn to poetry and poetic writing.

Jerico Silvers delivers a volume that will make you feel you are not alone. It is a friend, an ally, a source of comfort, a prompt to reflect, an invitation to hold on to the belief that while in life we go through very difficult days, the sun will shine and you will be okay. Your pain becomes an instrument to building a stronger you. You believe and love yourself a little more each day. And life goes on, and you soldier on.

I posted a video review and will include the transcript here soon.

[July · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a "head-to-heart" rule that I always seem to follow when it comes to reading, especially poetry and inspirational pieces, and I have long accepted that I can never truly appreciate every page of a book like this, but I can still appreciate the book just the same. And I do.

I enjoyed the pieces in this book, but I noticed that a lot of times I get caught off guard - maybe because of the tone of some pieces, or the structure, or the words used. As of writing though, I still have not decided if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

Also, there were a lot of times that I get a nagging feeling of uncertainty when reading some of the pieces. They feel like secrets I should not have stumbled in the first place so I question if I should be reading them at all. Some pieces felt unpolished and raw and personal, I had to mentally stop my hands from covering my eyes.

But I continue to consume because the words are good and I'm looking forward to the next ones.

[aaliyah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so goooood! I didn't know I needed those words and every written sentence, especially the last part of the pages. You will be reminded that your progress counts and is recognized. To grow, we must learn to take steps, go out of our comfort zone, let go, fail, and have unlimited stand-up times. It reminds me that I am capable of everything, and my achievements are valued and seen. Of pain, it made me feel valid. This chapter taught me to recognize my feelings, go from within and how's life is a mess most of the time: the pain, struggles, and silent battles. Of self-love made me realize that loving yourself means forgiveness, appreciation, losing, rebuilding, and the beauty of patience, rest, reconnecting, and disconnect. Of hope, the last chapter, became my favorite among all because it gave me a sign to take risks, grab chances, believe in myself, look at different perspectives, and live life while chasing our dreams, as well as ourselves.

[Lhiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever had a book calm your mind, your heart, and your soul? This is that book. I took so many notes with the intention of going back to these poems whenever I need to be reminded - about waiting, on positivity, on appreciating and just being grateful, about reaching for our dreams, and on self-love. I’m equally inspired and amazed that Jerico Silvers is a young Filipino poet who started working on this book in 2013 - and through his words “I am learning that many things in life happen in slow motion.”

Carpe Diem
Carpe diem. Live fully. Live immediately.
Do the things you can. And the things you worry you can’t.
Stay inspired. Make the best out of your time.
So at the end of the day, you can't say
"Life is too short."
Because it has always been long enough —
because you lived it.
Because you didn't let it slip away.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

i got this from jerico himself. i politely made him sign and write a short message for my ex-gf. i read this book when i was on my way to return her things. i annotated the book, i highlighted almost every page because this book is well-written.

how i wish i read this with her. this is a masterpiece for me. especially when i am very picky with my 4star ratings of poetry books. this book has touched my heart and i surely know will reach her, too.

thank you for this masterpiece, jerico.

[TRICIA · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a book that will connect with you, this will help especially if you are struggling to take care of and love yourself. I have related to this book! It felt like the author knows me well because every page from the book affected me. It's great!

[OrdinaryLlama · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best poetry book I’ve read so far. It’s concepts are nothing new but Jerico has a way of making the most cliche concepts into profound metaphors that change the way you think. Unexpected favorite.

[Marimar Son · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not the world that is heavy it's that thing that we use to carry. This book made me cry, maybe just because I am not that okay and cried a bit just reading the poems. I just hope that we may finally achieve the same amount of love we gave to others and pour it on ourselves. Thank you!

[Booksxphotographs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how the book tells us that how to enjoy our journey, to chase more of experiences in life and there’s more a lot than the struggles we have. As we look forward to the exciting life will give us.

[nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book of 2022 and I couldn't have picked a more perfect book to read. So inspirational and validated so many of my emotions

[Angelica Landicho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love every page of this book ❤️❤️ Very inspirational! Thank you!

[Siovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating this book perfect 5 because the Author deserves it.

Ignore the bad reviews.

Your book is perfect to the right readers. Hugs 🤗

[hayimeise · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved it, nice passages

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

Some are words that I wanted to hear. Short and easy to read that made me teary-eyed 🥺

Carpe diem.Live fully ✨

[Shiandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read that had me emotional and somewhat happy as well.

[Emmzxiee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Collection of poetry! Full review will be posted.

[yoake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is so pretty! I really love the illustrations of the flowers and the fonts used, based on the content written on the page. I love the way I can relate to every single one of the poems and can reflect my experience to each one. This book is for those who seeks comfort but can’t find it within other people. This is definitely my comfort book as this reminds me that even though life can get messy and hard, we just have to go through it to see the beauty.

[raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally like the author knew who i was it was such a cute and very self-reflecting poem book

[Jemalyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had some lovely lines and quiet reflections, and I can totally see why others might connect with it deeply. For me, though, it didn’t stir up much emotion. It’s good—well-written and thoughtful—but just didn’t land in the way I hoped. Still, it was a calm and gentle read, and I’m glad I gave it a shot.