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A Leaf upon a Book
Many a time verse letters from this casement
bear scribblings of obsessions,
of society’s hitches and surprises for self,
of cloudy climes and sun-kissed orchards,
of wildernesses and tempestuous deeps,
of candid summers and invisible strings,
of praise to the Prophet (PBUH),
of gallantry of his progeny,
of a deft metamorphosis,
of the play of the counterfeit self,
of a response to Dickinson's verse and a cynic’s shells.
A medley of 25 poems, holding something for everyone.
--
“Anam Tariq’s debut poetry collection is very special in its themes, semantics, and visual appeal. It emotes powerful, thoughtful, and keen observations on myriad issues of global concern. The language is full of imagery and exquisitely woven, somewhat reminiscent of Wordsworth, Frost and Shakespeare.”
- ANITA NAHAL, Indian American poet, children’s writer, and professor, author of Hey, Spilt Milk Is Spilt, Nothing Else
bear scribblings of obsessions,
of society’s hitches and surprises for self,
of cloudy climes and sun-kissed orchards,
of wildernesses and tempestuous deeps,
of candid summers and invisible strings,
of praise to the Prophet (PBUH),
of gallantry of his progeny,
of a deft metamorphosis,
of the play of the counterfeit self,
of a response to Dickinson's verse and a cynic’s shells.
A medley of 25 poems, holding something for everyone.
--
“Anam Tariq’s debut poetry collection is very special in its themes, semantics, and visual appeal. It emotes powerful, thoughtful, and keen observations on myriad issues of global concern. The language is full of imagery and exquisitely woven, somewhat reminiscent of Wordsworth, Frost and Shakespeare.”
- ANITA NAHAL, Indian American poet, children’s writer, and professor, author of Hey, Spilt Milk Is Spilt, Nothing Else
76 pages, Paperback
Published February 25, 2022
About the author
Anam Tariq
2 booksAnam Tariq writes from India. She is the author of the poetry collection A Leaf upon a Book (Leadstart, 2022). Her poems exist in The Punch Magazine, nether Quarterly, Verse of Silence, The Chakkar, FemAsia, SeaGlass Literary, Free Verse Revolution, The Purposeful Mayonnaise, Lucky Jefferson, Last Leaves Mag, Full House Literary, and elsewhere. Anam won the Verse of Silence Poetry Contest 2023, was a finalist in Lucky Jefferson's Poetry and Prose Contest 2023, and was longlisted for the Glass House Poetry Award 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 15, 2022
A Leaf Upon a Book by Anam Tariq is yet another lovely collection of 25 poems strung together charmingly. The book speaks of acute observations on life and the world. Each one goes on to appreciate nature, the intricacies of life, and our growth as we advance further in life.
The diversity in poems is commendable and Anam's articulation won me over. The good mix of what has been and what is yet to be is beautiful. Be it the description of yearnings and losses, or the deliberate expression of highlands and orchids, this collection is unique as the poems grow on the reader.
As a young poet, Anam has crafted a fairly good collection of 25 poems that showcase her progression as a writer. Some of the poems left me in awe of her perception and expression. The language is rich and would best suit those who are well versed with poetry and at least are a tad bit acquainted with classic poetry.
Illustrations at some places worked like the cherry on top for me. In all, I would recommend this book to lovers of poetry who would want to remember great names such as Shakespeare and Keats!
The diversity in poems is commendable and Anam's articulation won me over. The good mix of what has been and what is yet to be is beautiful. Be it the description of yearnings and losses, or the deliberate expression of highlands and orchids, this collection is unique as the poems grow on the reader.
As a young poet, Anam has crafted a fairly good collection of 25 poems that showcase her progression as a writer. Some of the poems left me in awe of her perception and expression. The language is rich and would best suit those who are well versed with poetry and at least are a tad bit acquainted with classic poetry.
Illustrations at some places worked like the cherry on top for me. In all, I would recommend this book to lovers of poetry who would want to remember great names such as Shakespeare and Keats!
May 12, 2022
Life has its ways unanticipated
Unfolds as it reveals
What we were destined to be
That can be amended
By neither you nor me..
'A leaf upon a book' is a debut book by Anam Tariq which is a collection of 25 poems written on keen observations of nature, surrounding, childhood days, hypocrisy, corruption etc. Each poem has its own importance and emotion worried deep and expressed through words.
Poems here appreciable as they described peace in solitude, calmness, nature's beauty, hope, dreams, memories and many more.
As author states- ' that poems not only consists of obsessions, yearnings, losses, contemplations, trepidations, skepticism and many more but they also features vivid delineations- of places she have and not have been to..'
She really proved her point with the poems with wilderness, hopes, orchards, riverside, highlands etc that the poems have a sense of tranquility which can take you to places with each line and make you want to drown in the beauty of nature. She also wrote poems showing her respect to her Alma mater.
What I loved the most is how she described the purity of soul and the fears of it becoming dark.
"It resides inside a being
As pure as glacial water,
Saved from breach
Until it falls
Within the devilish human's reach"
I also loved how the author written her childhood memories, her anger on this changing generation where there is corruption, bribery, children leaving their old parents on their own etc.. this showed how much she hated the changing times and how she expected this world to be. The poems were thought provoking and unique in their own way.
With each poem I could resonate the nature's beauty feeling like I have been to these places and there was calmness with each turning page.
The language was rich with figurative literature which is rare in this era's poetries. Few poems were inspired by literary poets during old times which is respectable as it is difficult to write such lines for the first time in a debut book.
There were also images with each poem to make the reader visualize the scene. I also loved the title and cover of the book choosen by author. They are attractive and unique. Purple colour and flowers indicates the themes, tranquility and visual appeal of poems.
I would highly recommend this short book to all poetry lovers who are admirers of shakespeare, william wordsworth, robert browning, T.S. Eliot etc.
Unfolds as it reveals
What we were destined to be
That can be amended
By neither you nor me..
'A leaf upon a book' is a debut book by Anam Tariq which is a collection of 25 poems written on keen observations of nature, surrounding, childhood days, hypocrisy, corruption etc. Each poem has its own importance and emotion worried deep and expressed through words.
Poems here appreciable as they described peace in solitude, calmness, nature's beauty, hope, dreams, memories and many more.
As author states- ' that poems not only consists of obsessions, yearnings, losses, contemplations, trepidations, skepticism and many more but they also features vivid delineations- of places she have and not have been to..'
She really proved her point with the poems with wilderness, hopes, orchards, riverside, highlands etc that the poems have a sense of tranquility which can take you to places with each line and make you want to drown in the beauty of nature. She also wrote poems showing her respect to her Alma mater.
What I loved the most is how she described the purity of soul and the fears of it becoming dark.
"It resides inside a being
As pure as glacial water,
Saved from breach
Until it falls
Within the devilish human's reach"
I also loved how the author written her childhood memories, her anger on this changing generation where there is corruption, bribery, children leaving their old parents on their own etc.. this showed how much she hated the changing times and how she expected this world to be. The poems were thought provoking and unique in their own way.
With each poem I could resonate the nature's beauty feeling like I have been to these places and there was calmness with each turning page.
The language was rich with figurative literature which is rare in this era's poetries. Few poems were inspired by literary poets during old times which is respectable as it is difficult to write such lines for the first time in a debut book.
There were also images with each poem to make the reader visualize the scene. I also loved the title and cover of the book choosen by author. They are attractive and unique. Purple colour and flowers indicates the themes, tranquility and visual appeal of poems.
I would highly recommend this short book to all poetry lovers who are admirers of shakespeare, william wordsworth, robert browning, T.S. Eliot etc.
May 2, 2022
A Leaf Upon A Book is a compilation of timeless poems crafted to reach the soul of a reader. The book is not just theme-based, but a reflection of the journey of a poet and how she has evolved, over years, as a person and a poet. This book is a great means for someone to understand poetry and on a wider scale, literature. The poet has taken the style and means to emote from various legends across centuries. The book is a reflection of the writer’s journey as a reader.
The poems have vast references to literature and an exceptional vocabulary. An evident intricacy is observable in the poet’s ideas. From the very start of the book, the clarity of ideas and portrayal of emotions is spellbinding. One of the finest qualities of the poems is the simplicity and detailing of the most naked and the most embellished ideas. The poems have fine imagery to make a person deep dive into the image the poet has painted with her words. She has the right approach and the critical eye to ornate the life that speeds by us.
The book feels that beyond a theme, it is like a person that one slowly gets to know, understands, and deeply connects with as pages pass. Anam Tariq has carefully re-envisioned the styles of majestic poets and given it her style and persuasion. The book is a delight for readers of poetry, of Eliot and Keats.
To read the entire review: visit
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...
The poems have vast references to literature and an exceptional vocabulary. An evident intricacy is observable in the poet’s ideas. From the very start of the book, the clarity of ideas and portrayal of emotions is spellbinding. One of the finest qualities of the poems is the simplicity and detailing of the most naked and the most embellished ideas. The poems have fine imagery to make a person deep dive into the image the poet has painted with her words. She has the right approach and the critical eye to ornate the life that speeds by us.
The book feels that beyond a theme, it is like a person that one slowly gets to know, understands, and deeply connects with as pages pass. Anam Tariq has carefully re-envisioned the styles of majestic poets and given it her style and persuasion. The book is a delight for readers of poetry, of Eliot and Keats.
To read the entire review: visit
https://theindianbookclub.com/readers...
May 12, 2022
▶ Emotive and rich collection of verses.
• Insight: Very few books have the power to attract readers through its first impression i.e the cover and the name. A leaf upon a book is a perfect example that not only has an attractive appeal but also has a dreamy name. The author showcases the beauty that lies within the most mundane and ordinary of things through her keen observation and at times imagination.
• Review: A leaf upon a book is a collection of 25 poems that are versatile and thoughtful. The poet says that the verses are penned over a period of five years eight months. Probably that is why the transition has been so rich. The poet has talked about childhood and old age, about corruption and soul, about nature and her experiences of life. The author has wonderfully crafted the poignant memories and her imagination expressing dismay and delight of places she had and had not been to. Some of the poems look inspired by eminent poets like Eliot and Wordsworth.
The language is rich and eloquent.
I reckon, the best way to read the poems is to read them slowly, letting each line seep in.
• Strength:
1) Rich language.
2) Beautiful cover appeal.
3) The beautiful illustrations used in the book for every single poem, are a delight to the eyes.
• Target audience: Poetry lovers
• Age group: 14 and above
• Genre: Poetry
• Rating: 4.8/5
• Insight: Very few books have the power to attract readers through its first impression i.e the cover and the name. A leaf upon a book is a perfect example that not only has an attractive appeal but also has a dreamy name. The author showcases the beauty that lies within the most mundane and ordinary of things through her keen observation and at times imagination.
• Review: A leaf upon a book is a collection of 25 poems that are versatile and thoughtful. The poet says that the verses are penned over a period of five years eight months. Probably that is why the transition has been so rich. The poet has talked about childhood and old age, about corruption and soul, about nature and her experiences of life. The author has wonderfully crafted the poignant memories and her imagination expressing dismay and delight of places she had and had not been to. Some of the poems look inspired by eminent poets like Eliot and Wordsworth.
The language is rich and eloquent.
I reckon, the best way to read the poems is to read them slowly, letting each line seep in.
• Strength:
1) Rich language.
2) Beautiful cover appeal.
3) The beautiful illustrations used in the book for every single poem, are a delight to the eyes.
• Target audience: Poetry lovers
• Age group: 14 and above
• Genre: Poetry
• Rating: 4.8/5
April 29, 2022
Book review 📚
Name : A leaf upon a book
Author : Anam Tariq
Format : paperback
Genre : poetry
"A beautiful soul has no other merit than its own existence." ..
" A leaf upon a book " is a collection of 25 beautiful poems which has a very deep meaning of every aspect of life very well explained by the author through the format of poetry.
Poetry is something that always makes me feel peaceful and happy while reading and this thought-provoking collection of poetry makes me think again and again deeply because writing and reading poetry is not easy it takes a lot of time to think deeply and understand each poem in depth .
Poet Anam Tariq has written all poems in such a way that doesn't disturb the flow and keeps the reader hooked till the end it's definitely page turner collection of poetry because of its amazing writing style and beautiful sketch illustration .
I'll definitely recommend this book to poetry readers do check it out it's written very well. I also appreciate the author for choosing an eye-catching title and cover.
Name : A leaf upon a book
Author : Anam Tariq
Format : paperback
Genre : poetry
"A beautiful soul has no other merit than its own existence." ..
" A leaf upon a book " is a collection of 25 beautiful poems which has a very deep meaning of every aspect of life very well explained by the author through the format of poetry.
Poetry is something that always makes me feel peaceful and happy while reading and this thought-provoking collection of poetry makes me think again and again deeply because writing and reading poetry is not easy it takes a lot of time to think deeply and understand each poem in depth .
Poet Anam Tariq has written all poems in such a way that doesn't disturb the flow and keeps the reader hooked till the end it's definitely page turner collection of poetry because of its amazing writing style and beautiful sketch illustration .
I'll definitely recommend this book to poetry readers do check it out it's written very well. I also appreciate the author for choosing an eye-catching title and cover.
August 13, 2022
A Leaf upon a book by Anam Tariq
This one is a collection of 25 poems written chronologically in an eloquent manner with each piece dealing with a different set of ideas. From childhood to adulthood, the emotions are portrayed in such a manner, which will make you nostalgic. Touching upon various themes such as environment, global issues and even love, there is definitely something for everyone.
The transition in the word usage and complexity can be seen through the pages as the book unfolds. It can be a little difficult for beginners in poetry to comprehend. But I adore poised, flowery sentences, giving the old English and Shakespearean vibes and this one will give you just that. You will feel the perspective of the poet and see through her eyes, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Some of my favourites were A stroll, a perception, Soul, Trod the Unwonted Way and Now you can't though you long to. The illustrations interspersed within the book, gave more depth and context to the words. You will definitely take away an enriched vocabulary and a sensory experience.
This one is a collection of 25 poems written chronologically in an eloquent manner with each piece dealing with a different set of ideas. From childhood to adulthood, the emotions are portrayed in such a manner, which will make you nostalgic. Touching upon various themes such as environment, global issues and even love, there is definitely something for everyone.
The transition in the word usage and complexity can be seen through the pages as the book unfolds. It can be a little difficult for beginners in poetry to comprehend. But I adore poised, flowery sentences, giving the old English and Shakespearean vibes and this one will give you just that. You will feel the perspective of the poet and see through her eyes, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Some of my favourites were A stroll, a perception, Soul, Trod the Unwonted Way and Now you can't though you long to. The illustrations interspersed within the book, gave more depth and context to the words. You will definitely take away an enriched vocabulary and a sensory experience.
December 12, 2022
A LEAF UPON A BOOK by Anam Tariq is a poetry book. It is a collection of 25 poems that are very special in its themes, semantics, and visual appeal. The words in the book emotes powerful, thoughtful, and keen observations on myriad social issues of global concern.
I read somewhere, poetry is the way to heart. The statement is proven true by the author. The words arranged in a poem format, has beautifully touched my heart. It felt like a warm touch in a cold weather.
Some of the verses from the book are :
● Guided by principles of anarchy
some people aspire lawlessness
but the country faces turmoil
persistence of peace, crime and tyranny ultimately foil.
● Accompanied me there
the tranquility of the place,
queer but made me feel secure
in that solitude.
● Shells are all a cynic discerns,
superficial performances, descries all not yearns.
The language used is professional with favourable vocabulary. Emotions are well sorted in every verse.
MEDLEY OF 25 POEMS
I read somewhere, poetry is the way to heart. The statement is proven true by the author. The words arranged in a poem format, has beautifully touched my heart. It felt like a warm touch in a cold weather.
Some of the verses from the book are :
● Guided by principles of anarchy
some people aspire lawlessness
but the country faces turmoil
persistence of peace, crime and tyranny ultimately foil.
● Accompanied me there
the tranquility of the place,
queer but made me feel secure
in that solitude.
● Shells are all a cynic discerns,
superficial performances, descries all not yearns.
The language used is professional with favourable vocabulary. Emotions are well sorted in every verse.
MEDLEY OF 25 POEMS
September 12, 2022
' A LEAF UPON A BOOK' by @anam_tariq is a collection of 25 timeless poems which succeedingly strikes the readers' heart in a lovely manner.
The poems are written in free verse with deep meanings. I like the idea of how with each turning page, the book, felt like a person experiencing this world.
Beautifully composed and wonderfully stated critical point of view of life is what makes this book stand out from the others.
This book is a perfect example of "don't judge a book by it's cover"; it might look pleasingly soft from the outside but inside, it is filled with harsh truths about life.
If you're into poetry and looking for something explicit and wonderful, I recommend ' A leaf upon a book' to you.
Thank you so much @anam_tariq. and @leadstartcorp for sending me an ARC copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
The poems are written in free verse with deep meanings. I like the idea of how with each turning page, the book, felt like a person experiencing this world.
Beautifully composed and wonderfully stated critical point of view of life is what makes this book stand out from the others.
This book is a perfect example of "don't judge a book by it's cover"; it might look pleasingly soft from the outside but inside, it is filled with harsh truths about life.
If you're into poetry and looking for something explicit and wonderful, I recommend ' A leaf upon a book' to you.
Thank you so much @anam_tariq. and @leadstartcorp for sending me an ARC copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
September 25, 2022
Poetry gives meaning to our lives. For many of us, it's a way of understanding the world around us.
Firstly speaking of the cover, it could not have been more beautiful. It is perhaps, one of the prettiest books on my shelf.
As we dig in deeper into the book we can clearly see the poet's progression as a writer. The way she has weaved countless emotions into words is astounding. It left me breathless and speechless at some places.
The poet's influence by John Keats, William Wordsworth and Robert Browning were definitely seen in some poems. They are well eclectic, beautifully written poems spread over some 70 pages.
My personal favourite was 'A Tale of Two Un-herds'. Reading the book was like being on a journey with the poet. Inspirational work. Definitely one of the best reads of the month!
Firstly speaking of the cover, it could not have been more beautiful. It is perhaps, one of the prettiest books on my shelf.
As we dig in deeper into the book we can clearly see the poet's progression as a writer. The way she has weaved countless emotions into words is astounding. It left me breathless and speechless at some places.
The poet's influence by John Keats, William Wordsworth and Robert Browning were definitely seen in some poems. They are well eclectic, beautifully written poems spread over some 70 pages.
My personal favourite was 'A Tale of Two Un-herds'. Reading the book was like being on a journey with the poet. Inspirational work. Definitely one of the best reads of the month!
May 23, 2022
✍This book is a poetry compilation. And poetry books are at the top of my reading list. Poetry is a brief expression of emotion. And, in my opinion, everybody who writes poetry has a powerful mind and strong emotions.
✍As a result, this book contains twenty-five poems. The poetries in this collection do not rhyme. They are written in a straightforward pattern. All poetry is extremely expressive, but understanding it requires a thorough command of the English language. Down, Hoplessness is a thing like Earth, and An Experience of Life are some of my favourite poems.
✍According to me, she used some harsh English in this book, but everything else is fine. Poetry enthusiasts should read it and inspire the new generation to write.
✍As a result, this book contains twenty-five poems. The poetries in this collection do not rhyme. They are written in a straightforward pattern. All poetry is extremely expressive, but understanding it requires a thorough command of the English language. Down, Hoplessness is a thing like Earth, and An Experience of Life are some of my favourite poems.
✍According to me, she used some harsh English in this book, but everything else is fine. Poetry enthusiasts should read it and inspire the new generation to write.
July 2, 2022
A Leaf Upon a Book is a canvas of spilled words expressing the innermost thoughts of the poet. The musings originate from a motley of experiences and reveals variegated reflections from serene observations to political anguish.
The anthology started with simple and raw ones but gradually they turned more refined and dense. I found the latter half of the musings more gratifying. For instance, "A Stroll, a Perception" is almost Keatsean in nature. The tranquility of nature is sung of, but ends with a more realistic touch, reminding the readers of the brevity of life. "From the Casement" too is such a beautiful delineation of the poetic process.
My love for this anthology grew as I kept reading. Looking forward to read more of the poet's alluring musings.
The anthology started with simple and raw ones but gradually they turned more refined and dense. I found the latter half of the musings more gratifying. For instance, "A Stroll, a Perception" is almost Keatsean in nature. The tranquility of nature is sung of, but ends with a more realistic touch, reminding the readers of the brevity of life. "From the Casement" too is such a beautiful delineation of the poetic process.
My love for this anthology grew as I kept reading. Looking forward to read more of the poet's alluring musings.
December 19, 2022
A leaf upon a book by Anam Tariq is a collection of 25 poems. The author anaged to pen down some really amazing poems. As someone who appreciates reading poems from time to time this one was really special to me!
The poems are about monotony of life and how the author has transitioned through years. Some were about childhood, some about nature, and some about society. At such a young age the author has managed to weave some beautiful poems and the added illustrations were cherry at the top!
The poems are about monotony of life and how the author has transitioned through years. Some were about childhood, some about nature, and some about society. At such a young age the author has managed to weave some beautiful poems and the added illustrations were cherry at the top!
May 4, 2023
A series of poems highlighting the unnoticed power of simplicity in lifestyle.
The timeline refers to the transitions the poet went through throughout the years, towards immense goodness.
It is mesmerizing to find how she picked up each moment and presented them adding her essence of understanding with wordplay.
The diversity presented in the poems ranging from seeking solace in nature to reminiscences of the past times, nostalgia of the "good old times" of one's life to the frivolity of young generation hooks the readers through the pages . The way she revealed the tiny stories concealed in our lives and connected them with a saga of positivity and purity deserves appreciation.
This book is a must read for all the audience seeking the hidden essence within the monotony of everday life, add the missing piece of the puzzle of their existence and is with a genuine love for reading short yet impactful poetry!
(PR)
The timeline refers to the transitions the poet went through throughout the years, towards immense goodness.
It is mesmerizing to find how she picked up each moment and presented them adding her essence of understanding with wordplay.
The diversity presented in the poems ranging from seeking solace in nature to reminiscences of the past times, nostalgia of the "good old times" of one's life to the frivolity of young generation hooks the readers through the pages . The way she revealed the tiny stories concealed in our lives and connected them with a saga of positivity and purity deserves appreciation.
This book is a must read for all the audience seeking the hidden essence within the monotony of everday life, add the missing piece of the puzzle of their existence and is with a genuine love for reading short yet impactful poetry!
(PR)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews