Short Collections Poetry Review Group 1 (Closed)

[G.J.]

Short Collections Poetry Review Group 1 (Closed)

In joining this review group you will have agreed to review the books assigned to you on a two month schedule. Once the sign-up phase is over then review stage begins.

This is the Short Collections Poetry Review Group 1, which will include all collections of between 15 and 30 poems. As with other review groups you will be expected to read and give an honest review of the book assigned to you. Assignments will be made by the moderator after the group sign-up has filled.

Participants are expected to post reviews to Goodreads and to Amazon US and UK at the same star level, if the book is available there. This makes having accounts with both Goodreads and Amazon.com a requirement.

If a reviewer and the author agree that the review should not be posted to Goodreads due to quality issues, the reviewer is relieved of the requirement of posting the review. If this occurs in the first round, the second reviewer is relieved of the requirement to read and review the book. This is entirely at the discretion of the reviewer and is not intended in any way to manipulate the rating of any book.

When assignments are arranged you will contact the authors you are scheduled to review in order to receive a review copy of their work.

THE AUTHORS AND BOOKS ARE:

1. G.J Griffiths G J Griffiths and Dizzyrambic Imaginings
2. Melody Klink Melody Klink and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
3. Kuo aka Vanessa Ngam https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... and Limericks Haiku and other short poems
4. Robby Charters https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
5. Ronnie B Daniels https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... and What's This Thing Called Safety?
6. Stjepan Cobets https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... and The Child of Happiness

[Robby]

I'll join this one with Pappa Gander, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1.... A lot of Mother Goose parodies, other nonsensical rhymes, limericks, some non-rhyming stories (ignore them if you want), and even one or two serious poems.

[G.J.]

Robby wrote: "I'll join this one with Pappa Gander, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1.... A lot of Mother Goose parodies, other nonsensical rhymes, limericks, some non-rhyming stories (ignor..."

Hi Robby, I would prefer you to have completed the Children's Books Group June 2017 first of all. The final deadline was September 4th and I think you need to post a review for Marina. Has Gabriel reviewed your own book there as I was just about to remind both of you? Thanks.
Graham

[G.J.]

Kuo wrote: "Vanessa Ngam limericks j
Haiku and other short poems."

Kuo I have messaged you about registering your Goodreads Author Page before going further with this group. Link below for more information:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/program

PS Does this mean that you are Vanessa Ngam?

Thanks, G.J.

[Mel]

Hi there, my poetry collection is WAYWARD: Poetry for Monsters, Muses, & Other Deviants. It will be releasing in either mid-October or early November, so Amazon reviews will have to be posted at a later time. I hope this isn't a major inconvenience.

[Ronnie]

Hello,

Can't wait to get started on this. ;) Although my rhyming verses are a children's book -for Autistic children, I can't wait to see what people think.

I'm a lover of poetry, Robert Frost especially. Look forward to reading everyone's.

Let me know if there is anything else I need to do
Regards,
RBD
https://www.goodreads.com/RBDaniels

[G.J.]

Ronnie wrote: "Hello,

Can't wait to get started on this. ;) Although my rhyming verses are a children's book -for Autistic children, I can't wait to see what people think.

I'm a lover of poetry, Robert Frost ..."

Hi Ronnie, I needed the GR link to the book you wish to be reviewed but have had a look and assume it is the one in the list above, What She Says & What I See. Let me know if I got it wrong. Thanks.

We still need another author/reviewer so I will advertise it again. Watch this space for the schedule of assignments soon.
G.J.

[Ronnie]

G.J.

No, I wanted the book, "What's This Thing Called Safety?" to be reviewed. For one -it's longer and two, not my first one. lol

How to I get the link to my book? I just know my author page link. I'm sorry.

[G.J.]

Hi Ronnie,

There are two usual ways to get links to GR books or authors.
Above this comment box it says "add book/author" which allows you to choose each item, including the book title link and/or cover. I have done it here already and will change the details above in my author and books list for this review group.

What's This Thing Called Safety?

The other way is to click on your book in your author profile page and then copy/paste its link in the address space of your ISP at the top of the page. BTW if you want to practice this send me a GR message or an email with the links to any book etc and I'll message you back to say if it worked or not. No pressure - your choice if you'd like.

Note to everyone in this group:
I may need to include Alistair's book as a pdf since there are no more "published" takers for these reviews. I hope that is OK.
G.J.

[G.J.]

Since I cannot arrange a schedule of review assignments until we have at least six author submissions, then if anyone who is already on the list above knows of another poetry writer with a book of collections try to get them to sign up here. Thanks.

NB: Update: It looks as though we have a sixth member who writes poetry :-)
So, as soon as all of the links are entered I'll work out a schedule of assignments and post it here. When exchanging books then I recommend you swop email addresses via GR direct/private messages and NOT in this message stream. It helps you avoid the scammers.

[G.J.]

Update: Here is the Schedule of Review Assignments.

Review Assignments:
Start on Thursday 5 October 2017 and End Thursday 7 December 2017

Round One: runs from 5 Oct to 2 Nov 2017

1. G.J. Griffiths reviews Melody Klink
2. Melody Klink reviews Vanessa Ngam
3. Vanessa Ngam reviews Robby Charters
4. Robby Charters reviews Ronnie B. Daniels
5. Ronnie B. Daniels reviews Stjepan Cobets
6. Stjepan Cobets reviews G.J. Griffiths

Round Two: runs from 2 Nov to 7 Dec 2017

1. G.J. reviews Vanessa
2. Melody reviews Robby
3. Vanessa reviews Ronnie
4. Robby reviews Stjepan
5. Ronnie reviews G.J.
6. Stjepan reviews Melody

If there are no conflicts let the reviewing commence. Contact your author to arrange sending/receiving books and post here (with links ideally) when you have completed each assignment please. Thanks.

I will be unavailable for a few days so apologies if you need help etc. R. Leib may be able to assist. He is at -

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

[Mel]

I'm still waiting to get my copy of Vanessa's title, so I went ahead and reviewed Robby's Pappa Gander:

Amazon.com
Goodreads
Amazon.co.uk

What a fun read! Thanks, Robby!

[Ronnie]

Here is my review of Stjepan's work. Although, I feel words cannot describe it, I still tried.

A moon is just a moon, until you know all its intricate parts. Only then, can you appreciate the beauty within the vastness-even the negative in which that entails. A moon - alone, cannot move the world, yet it can control the tides that be. In, “THE CHILD OF HAPPINESS: A COLLECTION OF POETRY”, creates a stunning yet dismal display of human emotions; lovely, simple, deep, bittersweet, and transcendent poetry escapes from Stjepan Varesevac-Cobets pen to paper.

This book is not for the, ‘faint of heart’, and it will grow on one like, “The Raven”, did for me. Edgar Allen Poe once said, “Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” Stjepan Varesevac – Cobets, might not have used those exact words, but he spoke about: money vs. nature, longing for love, the wanting to give up, beauty vs death, a lost love, and dreams within the internal/subconscious - yet those who dare to dream of wants/needs/desires. He tells a tale of life within a soldier in a most graceful demeanor.

Don’t get me wrong, upon first reading, I was evasive. Stjepan had a way to talk openly about his feelings, but unknowingly included me within the tales, to the point where I was: laughing, smiling, tearing, or having a remembrance of “what could have been”. The line I felt most relatable to, and know of others that would- is, “Why am I sometimes cruel to my soul-while for all that my soul suffocates easily.”

I wondered why I felt captivated; where a man – who wrote a book, could take me through time spatial, eras, and felt like many cultures accumulated within one doctrine. I found my answer after speaking with him, through an e-mail. It seems that his language is Croatian-formulated from Austria/Italy/Serbia/Bosnia/Iterzegovina. A British fellow has translated his beautiful thoughts from 1979-2015, some during a time of war.

This cross-cultural phenomenon, truly, is a treasure to behold.

I've posted this review on Amazon & Goodreads. Please inform me if I'm to do it anywhere else. Thank you for this enlightening, refreshing, and yet home-based read, Stjepan. ;)

[Stjepan]

Ronnie wrote: "Here is my review of Stjepan's work. Although, I feel words cannot describe it, I still tried.

A moon is just a moon, until you know all its intricate parts. Only then, can you appreciate the bea..."

Thank you, Ronnie, for this beautiful review of my collection of poetry :)

[Mel]

I've reviewed Vanessa's title now, concluding my portion of the reading for this review group. I'm waiting on Amazon to approve my reviews, and I'll update with those links.

I did want to note that the e-book of Vanessa's title is not available on .co.uk, so I left the review on the paperback edition.

Goodreads
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk

[Stjepan]

My review of "WAYWARD: Poetry for Monsters, Muses & Other Deviants by Melody Klink"

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

I have not been able to find this poetry book on Amazon and Amazon UK if I can set up a review of the book somewhere else, tell me, Melody.

[G.J.]

Ronnie wrote: "Here is my review of Stjepan's work. Although, I feel words cannot describe it, I still tried.

A moon is just a moon, until you know all its intricate parts. Only then, can you appreciate the bea..."

Hi folks, I'm back after my short break away from stuff. (Including internet and mobile phones!)

Ronnie, it's very nice of you to post details of your review in this message stream, but not necessary. All you need post here is the links to your review on GR and both Amazons UK and USA.

Melody, that's fine. I believe the reviews will display for both kindle and paperback on Amazon once they are there.

G.J.

[Mel]

Thank you for your lovely review, Stjepan! Wayward will be listed on Amazon soon- I'll share links to you at that time if you'd like.

[Stjepan]

Melody wrote: "Thank you for your lovely review, Stjepan! Wayward will be listed on Amazon soon- I'll share links to you at that time if you'd like."

When it's on the Amazon, tell me so I can set up this review :)

[G.J.]

Here is my review of Melody's collection:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

It is not yet available from Amazon.

[G.J.]

Here is my review of Vanessa Ngam's collection:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R17XS...

https://www.amazon.com/review/RD9N9XZ...

[Robby]

I still haven't received a book from Ronnie. I didn't notice until recently that I'm actually supposed to review her in the first round, so the fault is partly mine (for not reminding her sooner). Meanwhile, I've been working through Stjepan's book, which I'll review shortly.

[Robby]

Oh, and thank you Vanessa and Bonnie for your reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[G.J.]

Robby wrote: "Oh, and thank you Vanessa and Bonnie for your reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Robby wrote: "I still haven't received a book from Ronnie. I didn't notice until recently that I'm actually supposed to review her in the first round, so the fault is partly mine (for not reminding her sooner). ..."

Thanks for the info' Robby, but I hope you meant Melody and not Bonnie as she is not in this review group. :-/

G.J.

[Mel]

I have read and reviewed both assigned titles, and have received both reviews for my title, so it's not me!

[G.J.]

Melody wrote: "I have read and reviewed both assigned titles, and have received both reviews for my title, so it's not me!"

It was referring to your review of Robby's book, Melody. :-)

i.e.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

[Mel]

Oh, apologies, I misread that! I thought they both said Ronnie.

[Robby]

I'm sure its Ronnie I'm supposed to review in the first round. But I've been making similar mistakes, mistaking Melody for Ronnie in a comment to her as I sent her my book. Sorry Melody.

[Robby]

I had told Melody, whom I thought had the book themed on autism, "I'm a bit disappointed that I wasn't assigned to review your poetry, as I'm rather intrigued by your theme of autism." I turns out I was supposed to review it.

[Stjepan]

My review of "Dizzyrambic Imaginings" by G.J. Griffiths

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RH0GK...
https://www.amazon.com/review/R21YN3S...

[G.J.]

Stjepan wrote: "My review of "Dizzyrambic Imaginings" by G.J. Griffiths

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RH0GK......"

Thank you for your review, Stjepan.

[Robby]

Here's my review of Stjepan's collection:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

It's posted on Amazon.co.uk as well, but it's taking a long time to show.

BTW, that should have been my second round review. I'm still waiting for my copy of Ronnie Daniel' s book

[Stjepan]

Robby wrote: "Here's my review of Stjepan's collection:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

It's posted on Amazon.co.uk as well, but it's ..."

Thank you for your review, Robby. I'm glad you liked my poetry :)

[G.J.]

Robby wrote: "Here's my review of Stjepan's collection:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

It's posted on Amazon.co.uk as well, but it's ..."

Understood - thanks, Robby.

Overall I think this group has gone quite well. Only 3 reviews still to come I think.
G.J.

[Ronnie]

G.J. wrote: "Robby wrote: "Oh, and thank you Vanessa and Bonnie for your reviews. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Robby wrote: "I still haven't received a book from Ronnie. I didn't notice until recently that I'm ac..."

I emailed you on Goodreads and gmail. Sorry, I don't check my goodreads very often. I also "loaned" the e-book via Amazon to your gmail. Please let me know if there are any issues. Thanks ;)

[Ronnie]

G.J : I am currently reading your poetry from Kindle Unlimited, therefore; no need to send me a copy. ;) Sorry for the late response.

Would you like to send me the review before I post it? That way you may let me know if there is something you would like me to add.

[Mel]

Stjepan and GJ, here are the Amazon links for Wayward:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076ZT7PN6/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076ZT7PN6/

(The title is currently updating to their site, so it may take a bit on the co.uk one.)

Thank you both in advance for sharing your reviews there!

[Ronnie]

Robby wrote: "Here's my review of Stjepan's collection:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

It's posted on Amazon.co.uk as well, but it's ..."

I emailed you a "loaned" copy of it. You said it could come in any type of file. You should've gotten it through Amazon. I sent it to the email you gave me.

[Ronnie]

Here's my review of GJ's collection:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ronnie]

I have not been reviewed yet. I've sent out the "loaned copy" to Robby, but no response. Vanessa has yet to ask for it.

1. Vanessa
2. Robby

[Ronnie]

Since I didn't know about the link part: Stjepan- Here are your links

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...

If there is anywhere else you would like it, don't hesitate to ask. ;)

[G.J.]

Ronnie wrote: "I have not been reviewed yet. I've sent out the "loaned copy" to Robby, but no response. Vanessa has yet to ask for it.

1. Vanessa
2. Robby"

Robby, will you be able to post Ronnie's review today or tomorrow? Much appreciated. Thanks.

Vanessa, are you reviewing through Kindle Unlimited because you have not requested a copy from Ronnie?
Thanks, G.J.

[G.J.]

Melody wrote: "Stjepan and GJ, here are the Amazon links for Wayward:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076ZT7PN6/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076ZT7PN6/

(The title is currently updating to their site, so it may take..."

Here are my links to Wayward's reviews:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2S3MHG...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2KV4...

[G.J.]

Ronnie wrote: "Here's my review of GJ's collection:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re......"

Thanks for the great review, Ronnie. :-)
G.J.

[Ronnie]

G.J. wrote: "Ronnie wrote: "Here's my review of GJ's collection:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-r..."

No problemo. ;) Thanks for the conversation.

[Stjepan]

Here are my links to Wayward's reviews

https://www.amazon.com/review/RKDDE2G...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2FUY...

I was glad I participated in this group :)

[Robby]

I've completed my review of Ronnie Daniels' What's This Thing Called Safety?

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R21O9...

[G.J.]

Robby wrote: "I've completed my review of Ronnie Daniels' What's This Thing Called Safety?

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
https://www...."

Thanks, Robbie.

[G.J.]

Vanessa wrote: "Here is my review of Ronnie https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3..."


Thank you for posting your review, Vanessa. Please don't forget to also post to Amazon and message the links when you can. This will then complete your commitment.
G.J.

[Ronnie]

G.J. wrote: "Robby wrote: "I've completed my review of Ronnie Daniels' What's This Thing Called Safety?

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re......"

I wanted to clarify a couple things - a for you to know thing. I read your review. I don't know what word(s) you think is/are too advanced -other than demise, but these children are more visual than verbal. This means they will pick up the words based on the pictures. Most that are verbal ask what a word means.

My son, is actually advanced in his spelling and vocabulary because of this. Our special children are very capable of wonderful things, one is understanding the English language probably better than most. They may not speak it, but can understand it. Many that I worked with improved with speaking by learning the definition -comparing it to something they would understand. Demise (hurt /death) - They can grasp this through the picture. Poetry is actually something they can understand as well. I don't know if it's the rhyme -rhythm(sing song) that keeps them entertained, but in all my clients- poetry helped them to understand feelings. The Giving Tree is what I use to promote such.

As per the "making friends" - or what we say in the clinical field "development of peer to peer interactions" - is not high on the priority list - hence why I decided my first three books in the series are to hit on topics crucial to our special children. I didn't set the series based on age, but rather issues. By the time a child can understand the concept of safety- they should know most of the words. The child is approx 8-9 years old in the story--7 if you go based on shortness.

You are correct, this is a series and more books:

The first one was "What She Says & What I See" which is how these children can take things literally. As one knows this can cause conflict -meltdowns- and communication barriers between parents/caregiver/social worker/bus driver etc. Anyone that comes in contact with the child. It also helps them to develop the skills to differentiate between when someone is joking -being mean- or being truthful.

Think about it, if you tell a child with Autism who doesn't understand these figures of speech, anything could happen. Some kid being mean tells your child, "Why don't you just run in front of a car" or "go jump off a bridge"----if that child looked up to them, they would probably do it.

The book also helped to awaken others to this fact. You may think it's general knowledge that everyone should know, but I've met plenty of families who don't.

Which leads to the second book, "What's This Thing Called Safety?". This is number one leading issue with children with Autism/Disability. Whether it be not understanding the rules, not understanding boundaries, or forgetting them-taking a walk about on their own etc. This list goes on and on. Being in the field, I've seen these scores at the lowest range possible. Simple questions -what would you do if there's a fire. You really have to hit it home with something fun-funny- or graphic to get them to understand.

The third book coming out is "Learning About My Disability Through Others"- this is to teach diversity (similarities within the differences) IT also hits on self management, functionally equivalent replacement and Precursor behaviors. Which are the key things to helping them understand who they are-how others can be like them regardless of the disability or having none-how they handle meltdowns etc. These things help in school, at home, or in public settings. It also teaches them a game -if they don't already know it- (rock paper -scissors) which in psychology medical journals said it to promote analytical thinking, memory, and focus. Which are key ingredients to helping those with Autism.

Although your child has Asperger's -( I'm sure you had your own battles) this is on the higher end of the spectrum. I'm not trying to demote your responsibility or what hurdles your family overcame, but you should know there are other's whom their top priority is not about their child making friends. It's about helping them to understand themselves - to keep them safe and happy as possible. As a mother whose child was severely Autistic and has climbed up the charts (thankfully)- I've gotten to see both worlds. Many sides of the spectrum. I've also worked with many families. So, although I do appreciate your review; I wanted you to understand since part of your review dealt with
1. Your son's issues compared to the one in the book
2. Vocabulary being "a little too advanced"
3. What issues should be in others books.

I, also, wanted you to understand these books aren't just for the child, either. They are for parents to learn conventional and unconventional methods- to know they are not alone in battles and give a different perception to those whom may have a preconceived ideal about Autism. I'm very sorry that you didn't see that within the book, but as someone once said, "...it's in the eye of the beholder."