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Recommend this book:
Love, Light & Other Beautiful Lies
A Poetic Memoir of Spiritual Materialism
Sean P. Russell
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Love, Light & Other Beautiful Lies: A Poetic Memoir of Spiritual Materialism by Sean P. Russell is a collection of poems with a deeply powerful exploration of the human experience. Through verses, personal memories, and honest reflections, it takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and spiritual awakening. The poems in this collection don’t shy away from truth but instead offer a glimpse into the messy yet beautiful process of change. This is an engaging and thought-provoking collection with its ability to express deep truths without forcing them on the reader. I felt that the author's words weren’t preachy; instead, they encourage you to discover your truths, often in the moments of silence and pause between the lines of each poem.
This book has a way of making you confront your doubts, desires, and vulnerabilities while also guiding you toward a deeper understanding of who you really are. If you’ve ever felt lost or disconnected or struggled with your sense of identity, this collection helps to remind you that you’re exactly where you need to be in life. Love, Light & Other Beautiful Lies encourages you to embrace change and find beauty in just being. Sean P. Russell has truly done a wonderful job in creating this literary masterpiece and I find myself in awe of the impact of this collection. There are poems I have bookmarked simply for the fact that they have inspired me to look at my own life and shift my perspective and way of thinking. This collection is one I will be recommending to as many people as I can.
Love, Light & Other Beautiful Lies: A Poetic Memoir of Spiritual Materialism by Sean P. Russell is a collection of poems with a deeply powerful exploration of the human experience. Through verses, personal memories, and honest reflections, it takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, transformation, and spiritual awakening. The poems in this collection don’t shy away from truth but instead offer a glimpse into the messy yet beautiful process of change. This is an engaging and thought-provoking collection with its ability to express deep truths without forcing them on the reader. I felt that the author's words weren’t preachy; instead, they encourage you to discover your truths, often in the moments of silence and pause between the lines of each poem.
This book has a way of making you confront your doubts, desires, and vulnerabilities while also guiding you toward a deeper understanding of who you really are. If you’ve ever felt lost or disconnected or struggled with your sense of identity, this collection helps to remind you that you’re exactly where you need to be in life. Love, Light & Other Beautiful Lies encourages you to embrace change and find beauty in just being. Sean P. Russell has truly done a wonderful job in creating this literary masterpiece and I find myself in awe of the impact of this collection. There are poems I have bookmarked simply for the fact that they have inspired me to look at my own life and shift my perspective and way of thinking. This collection is one I will be recommending to as many people as I can.
Recommend this book:
Was It a Dream?
Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry
Larada Horner-Miller
2025 Honorable Mention
132 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Was It a Dream? by Larada Horner-Miller is a deeply personal collection of poems that chronicles the author’s journey and love of poetry. It covers her struggles and reflections over fifteen years. She talks about humanity and her connection to the Maya, sharing her time in Mexico and Canada, and observations of nature. The author has included a love poem from her wedding and pays tribute to her father and great-grandmother while recounting her upbringing. She discusses the pain of not having a child by the age of forty, the loneliness she felt, and her struggle with the perception of failing to pass on her heritage, which made her feel less of a woman. The book details her introduction to poetry, illustrating how it transformed her view of the world and highlighting the importance of sharing her experiences with others. It also covers aging, storytelling, teaching poetry, and actively creating a meaningful life.
Was It a Dream? is a beautiful collection that delves into themes of love, loss, identity, healing, and spiritual connection, all inspired by Larada Horner-Miller's personal experiences. Influenced by poets such as Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, and Joy Harjo, her work combines free verse, magical realism, and haiku to convey her evolving understanding of herself and the world around her. The collection is both a catharsis for the author and an invitation for readers to find beauty and meaning in life's ordinary and extraordinary moments. The author skillfully balances profound, emotionally charged subjects like alcoholism, motherhood, love, heartbreak, and miscarriage with reflections on simple, everyday experiences. This juxtaposition creates a relatable and heartfelt narrative that will resonate deeply with readers, emphasizing that even amidst life's most intense struggles, there are small, meaningful moments worth cherishing. The book has photos of people mentioned in the poems and colorful images that are eye-catching. Overall, this book conveys inspiring messages and is a compelling read for anyone seeking connection and insight through poetry.
Was It a Dream? by Larada Horner-Miller is a deeply personal collection of poems that chronicles the author’s journey and love of poetry. It covers her struggles and reflections over fifteen years. She talks about humanity and her connection to the Maya, sharing her time in Mexico and Canada, and observations of nature. The author has included a love poem from her wedding and pays tribute to her father and great-grandmother while recounting her upbringing. She discusses the pain of not having a child by the age of forty, the loneliness she felt, and her struggle with the perception of failing to pass on her heritage, which made her feel less of a woman. The book details her introduction to poetry, illustrating how it transformed her view of the world and highlighting the importance of sharing her experiences with others. It also covers aging, storytelling, teaching poetry, and actively creating a meaningful life.
Was It a Dream? is a beautiful collection that delves into themes of love, loss, identity, healing, and spiritual connection, all inspired by Larada Horner-Miller's personal experiences. Influenced by poets such as Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson, and Joy Harjo, her work combines free verse, magical realism, and haiku to convey her evolving understanding of herself and the world around her. The collection is both a catharsis for the author and an invitation for readers to find beauty and meaning in life's ordinary and extraordinary moments. The author skillfully balances profound, emotionally charged subjects like alcoholism, motherhood, love, heartbreak, and miscarriage with reflections on simple, everyday experiences. This juxtaposition creates a relatable and heartfelt narrative that will resonate deeply with readers, emphasizing that even amidst life's most intense struggles, there are small, meaningful moments worth cherishing. The book has photos of people mentioned in the poems and colorful images that are eye-catching. Overall, this book conveys inspiring messages and is a compelling read for anyone seeking connection and insight through poetry.
Recommend this book:
Under Your Nails
Poems of Love, Loss, and Healing
Lauren Marelli
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Under Your Nails: Poems of Love, Loss, and Healing by Lauren Marelli is a collection of original poetry, each piece ranging in length, tone, and tenor. The titular poem, Under Your Nails, describes an act of forced exposure, where one’s body and identity are unwillingly pried open, leaving lasting remnants. Picnic presents a scene in a cemetery engaging with the dead, describing the shifting sky, changing weather, and the gradual sinking into the softened earth. Alone focuses on self-dialogue, portraying imagined conversations and dramatic monologues while questioning the presence of an unseen observer. Ethereal explores the concept of devotion by comparing a figure’s appearance and influence to deities and the celestial, leaning into the power such presence holds. Through these poems, Marelli harnesses the impact of both the physical and emotional.
Under Your Nails by Lauren Marelli is a thoughtful collection of writing that is beautifully fluid and rich, conveying candid and thoughtful moments from the heart of the poet to the page. I have two favorites that I found especially touching. In the piece Reborn, Marelli gives the forest the feel of both a refuge and a haunting embrace, wherein she symbolizes the painful but necessary shedding of one’s past. Knock, on the other hand, is a powerful testament to the realization that not every demand for connection is worth answering, in a bold statement on reclaiming one's own power. Marelli’s ability to capture some of humanity's most complex emotions and make them feel extremely personal to a reader is a true demonstration of her talent, especially in an age where the art is slowly being chipped away. Marelli gives me hope that there are still incredible poets out there. Very highly recommended.
Under Your Nails: Poems of Love, Loss, and Healing by Lauren Marelli is a collection of original poetry, each piece ranging in length, tone, and tenor. The titular poem, Under Your Nails, describes an act of forced exposure, where one’s body and identity are unwillingly pried open, leaving lasting remnants. Picnic presents a scene in a cemetery engaging with the dead, describing the shifting sky, changing weather, and the gradual sinking into the softened earth. Alone focuses on self-dialogue, portraying imagined conversations and dramatic monologues while questioning the presence of an unseen observer. Ethereal explores the concept of devotion by comparing a figure’s appearance and influence to deities and the celestial, leaning into the power such presence holds. Through these poems, Marelli harnesses the impact of both the physical and emotional.
Under Your Nails by Lauren Marelli is a thoughtful collection of writing that is beautifully fluid and rich, conveying candid and thoughtful moments from the heart of the poet to the page. I have two favorites that I found especially touching. In the piece Reborn, Marelli gives the forest the feel of both a refuge and a haunting embrace, wherein she symbolizes the painful but necessary shedding of one’s past. Knock, on the other hand, is a powerful testament to the realization that not every demand for connection is worth answering, in a bold statement on reclaiming one's own power. Marelli’s ability to capture some of humanity's most complex emotions and make them feel extremely personal to a reader is a true demonstration of her talent, especially in an age where the art is slowly being chipped away. Marelli gives me hope that there are still incredible poets out there. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Death Kindly Stopped For Me
A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson
Corey Elizabeth Jackson
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Death Kindly Stopped For Me: A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson by Corey Elizabeth Jackson is a collection of original work that contemplates death, existence, and transformation through various poetic forms. In Rather an Odd Quirk of Death, death is personified as a constant yet uninvited companion, creating a dialogue about fear and curiosity about mortality. How Good to Be Safe in Graveyards explores the tranquility of death, imagining it as a peaceful release from life's problems. Barbie Could Not Stop for Death reinterprets Dickinson's classic poem, contrasting Barbie's perfect world with the harsh realities of adulthood and self-awareness. I Go to the Place Where Stillness Waits speaks about the solace found in nature and spiritual tranquility, with vibrant imagery and a lyrical tone, offering peace even in the face of life's chaos.
Corey Elizabeth Jackson's Death Kindly Stopped For Me is a wonderfully thoughtful collection of poems and a truly skillful mix. Jackson is clearly prolific but I genuinely felt that each piece spoke to me differently. I have two favorites: Owl Ensconced on Oaken Branch and Awaiting the Solar Flare, both of which stood out to me. In the former, Jackson captures the silent wisdom of an owl, embodying stillness and spiritual insight against a cinematic backdrop of celestial beauty. The latter ventures into the cosmic, imagining a collective transcendence as humanity faces an impending disaster, seeking unity and peace in a transformed world. Throughout the book, Jackson’s language is powerful, effectively balancing the philosophical with imagery, making the exploration of mortality accessible. Very highly recommended.
Death Kindly Stopped For Me: A Book of Poetry Inspired by Emily Dickinson by Corey Elizabeth Jackson is a collection of original work that contemplates death, existence, and transformation through various poetic forms. In Rather an Odd Quirk of Death, death is personified as a constant yet uninvited companion, creating a dialogue about fear and curiosity about mortality. How Good to Be Safe in Graveyards explores the tranquility of death, imagining it as a peaceful release from life's problems. Barbie Could Not Stop for Death reinterprets Dickinson's classic poem, contrasting Barbie's perfect world with the harsh realities of adulthood and self-awareness. I Go to the Place Where Stillness Waits speaks about the solace found in nature and spiritual tranquility, with vibrant imagery and a lyrical tone, offering peace even in the face of life's chaos.
Corey Elizabeth Jackson's Death Kindly Stopped For Me is a wonderfully thoughtful collection of poems and a truly skillful mix. Jackson is clearly prolific but I genuinely felt that each piece spoke to me differently. I have two favorites: Owl Ensconced on Oaken Branch and Awaiting the Solar Flare, both of which stood out to me. In the former, Jackson captures the silent wisdom of an owl, embodying stillness and spiritual insight against a cinematic backdrop of celestial beauty. The latter ventures into the cosmic, imagining a collective transcendence as humanity faces an impending disaster, seeking unity and peace in a transformed world. Throughout the book, Jackson’s language is powerful, effectively balancing the philosophical with imagery, making the exploration of mortality accessible. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Objective Scholar
Poetic Wordplay
Troy R Legette
2025 Gold Medal
190 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
Troy R. Legette's The Objective Scholar: Poetic Wordplay is a vibrant collection of poetry that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, love, societal challenges, and more. The poet's beautiful words are reflected and showcased in our everyday struggles. The inclusion of thematic sections like Moralistic Scope and Communal Sentiment blends personal reflections with broader social commentary. This isn't a typical poetry collection; it's a mix of everything. Moreover, it feels like an unfiltered journey through life's highs and lows, which is served in a poetic form. These poems run the entire alphabet of human experience; from A to Z, they capture all those everyday struggles regular people face.
The content is rich and varied, each exploring different facets of human experience. It is also a mixed bag of introspection and social critique. The structure is well-organized and feels intentional, with sections like Impartial Portrait tackling divorce and fatherhood with biting clarity. The funny elements are appreciable and sometimes not entirely satirical. The corporate world gets a special roasting in Qualified, where Legette's sarcasm is sharper than a boss's passive-aggressive email. The personal touch is where Troy R. Legette shines. These poems don't just talk about life; they are life. From love and loss to systemic injustice, he tackles the thoughts that ping-pong in our heads daily. What makes this collection stand out is its brutal relatability. Legette doesn't just cover everyday topics but digs into the mental clutter we all carry. Some poems sound inspirational, and some balance humor and harsh truth, which keeps you wondering about the nuances of life. The book's grounding with the rhythms of Black American life (e.g., Accountability, Inner City Kids) is also brilliantly showcased by blending personal grit with sharp social observation. Overall, The Objective Scholar: Poetic Wordplay is thought-provoking and inspirational and is a must-read for poetry lovers.
Troy R. Legette's The Objective Scholar: Poetic Wordplay is a vibrant collection of poetry that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, love, societal challenges, and more. The poet's beautiful words are reflected and showcased in our everyday struggles. The inclusion of thematic sections like Moralistic Scope and Communal Sentiment blends personal reflections with broader social commentary. This isn't a typical poetry collection; it's a mix of everything. Moreover, it feels like an unfiltered journey through life's highs and lows, which is served in a poetic form. These poems run the entire alphabet of human experience; from A to Z, they capture all those everyday struggles regular people face.
The content is rich and varied, each exploring different facets of human experience. It is also a mixed bag of introspection and social critique. The structure is well-organized and feels intentional, with sections like Impartial Portrait tackling divorce and fatherhood with biting clarity. The funny elements are appreciable and sometimes not entirely satirical. The corporate world gets a special roasting in Qualified, where Legette's sarcasm is sharper than a boss's passive-aggressive email. The personal touch is where Troy R. Legette shines. These poems don't just talk about life; they are life. From love and loss to systemic injustice, he tackles the thoughts that ping-pong in our heads daily. What makes this collection stand out is its brutal relatability. Legette doesn't just cover everyday topics but digs into the mental clutter we all carry. Some poems sound inspirational, and some balance humor and harsh truth, which keeps you wondering about the nuances of life. The book's grounding with the rhythms of Black American life (e.g., Accountability, Inner City Kids) is also brilliantly showcased by blending personal grit with sharp social observation. Overall, The Objective Scholar: Poetic Wordplay is thought-provoking and inspirational and is a must-read for poetry lovers.
Recommend this book:
Red, White & Verse
Our Myths, Legends & Stories
Greg McNeilly
2024 Finalist
279 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a work of collected poetry by author Greg McNeilly in the identity and culture genres. This collection celebrates America's rich legacy through evocative verse, highlighting significant figures, landmarks, and events in American history. From early encounters with Pocahontas to the activism of Frederick Douglass and monumental occurrences like Pearl Harbor and September 11, McNeilly's work spans the breadth of the nation's story. The poems also touch on America's natural wonders, cultural milestones, and iconic moments, aiming to rejuvenate readers' connections to their history and each other. Illustrated with hand-drawn ink art and paired with historical facts, the collection serves as both a tribute and a call to honor the American spirit.
Author Greg McNeilly has created a stirring and deeply patriotic work that brings American history to life through the power of poetry. McNeilly's ability to capture the essence of American heroism and history through lyrical verse is remarkable, offering readers a fresh and profound perspective on familiar stories. The author's use of vivid imagery and heartfelt language breathes new life into well-known events and figures, making them feel both intimate and grand. McNeilly's poetic style is accessible yet evocative, striking a balance between emotional resonance and historical accuracy. The inclusion of hand-drawn ink art and historical facts alongside the poems adds depth and context to the verses, enhancing the reader's appreciation of the nation's myths and legends. Some particular favorites of mine included the memorable rhyming couplets of 'Spaces We Hold Dear' and the unique homage to Thomas Edison in 'By Our Own Hands'. Overall, Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a powerful and beautifully crafted work that not only celebrates America's past but also encourages readers to reflect on their place in the ongoing narrative of the nation.
Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a work of collected poetry by author Greg McNeilly in the identity and culture genres. This collection celebrates America's rich legacy through evocative verse, highlighting significant figures, landmarks, and events in American history. From early encounters with Pocahontas to the activism of Frederick Douglass and monumental occurrences like Pearl Harbor and September 11, McNeilly's work spans the breadth of the nation's story. The poems also touch on America's natural wonders, cultural milestones, and iconic moments, aiming to rejuvenate readers' connections to their history and each other. Illustrated with hand-drawn ink art and paired with historical facts, the collection serves as both a tribute and a call to honor the American spirit.
Author Greg McNeilly has created a stirring and deeply patriotic work that brings American history to life through the power of poetry. McNeilly's ability to capture the essence of American heroism and history through lyrical verse is remarkable, offering readers a fresh and profound perspective on familiar stories. The author's use of vivid imagery and heartfelt language breathes new life into well-known events and figures, making them feel both intimate and grand. McNeilly's poetic style is accessible yet evocative, striking a balance between emotional resonance and historical accuracy. The inclusion of hand-drawn ink art and historical facts alongside the poems adds depth and context to the verses, enhancing the reader's appreciation of the nation's myths and legends. Some particular favorites of mine included the memorable rhyming couplets of 'Spaces We Hold Dear' and the unique homage to Thomas Edison in 'By Our Own Hands'. Overall, Red, White & Verse: Our Myths, Legends & Stories is a powerful and beautifully crafted work that not only celebrates America's past but also encourages readers to reflect on their place in the ongoing narrative of the nation.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/porcelain-bird&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31ybIeZoX5L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Poetry allows us to express our innermost feelings and emotions in a way that connects us to others. Matt Misikov's Porcelain Bird is an intimate collection of poems and poetic stories in which the author shares his own life experiences, exploring the human condition through personal anecdotes. The titular poem "Porcelain Bird" touches upon the fra...){kind=link}
Porcelain Bird
Matt Misikov
2024 Honorable Mention
99 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Poetry allows us to express our innermost feelings and emotions in a way that connects us to others. Matt Misikov's Porcelain Bird is an intimate collection of poems and poetic stories in which the author shares his own life experiences, exploring the human condition through personal anecdotes. The titular poem "Porcelain Bird" touches upon the fragile nature of existence and how it makes everything we experience even more precious. These poems cover a wide range of emotions and feelings about a person's life, which include fleeting moments of joy, trying to visualize oneself through a loved one's eyes, regrets about past mistakes, hiding pain and trauma, time spent in the city of neon lights, wishing for a different childhood, cherishing the US state of California, and more.
This is the type of confessional poetry that makes you introspect and look back on your own life. Surreal and melancholic, Porcelain Bird is a gem of a collection that leaves you with a sense of catharsis as only great poetry can. Matt Misikov draws upon his own life experiences to pen an inspired collection that takes you through an emotional odyssey unlike any other. Individually, each poem feels distinct, yet every single one has a powerful impact on the reader's psyche. Some of these poems feel almost abstract and, as such, are open to the reader's interpretation of the author's work. As a whole, the larger narrative focuses on existential themes, bringing to light the different facets of the human experience through appealing verses. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and heartily recommend it to poetry readers.
Poetry allows us to express our innermost feelings and emotions in a way that connects us to others. Matt Misikov's Porcelain Bird is an intimate collection of poems and poetic stories in which the author shares his own life experiences, exploring the human condition through personal anecdotes. The titular poem "Porcelain Bird" touches upon the fragile nature of existence and how it makes everything we experience even more precious. These poems cover a wide range of emotions and feelings about a person's life, which include fleeting moments of joy, trying to visualize oneself through a loved one's eyes, regrets about past mistakes, hiding pain and trauma, time spent in the city of neon lights, wishing for a different childhood, cherishing the US state of California, and more.
This is the type of confessional poetry that makes you introspect and look back on your own life. Surreal and melancholic, Porcelain Bird is a gem of a collection that leaves you with a sense of catharsis as only great poetry can. Matt Misikov draws upon his own life experiences to pen an inspired collection that takes you through an emotional odyssey unlike any other. Individually, each poem feels distinct, yet every single one has a powerful impact on the reader's psyche. Some of these poems feel almost abstract and, as such, are open to the reader's interpretation of the author's work. As a whole, the larger narrative focuses on existential themes, bringing to light the different facets of the human experience through appealing verses. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection and heartily recommend it to poetry readers.
Recommend this book:
Gratitude
Two Hundred Short Poems
A.H. Morris
2024 Bronze Medal
212 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Immerse yourself in an enthralling collection of short poems with A.H. Morris' Gratitude. Presented as quatrains, cinquains, or sestets, these poems explore various facets of life and human behavior. Morris provides some valuable insight into the human condition with succinctly worded verses that linger long in your mind even after you've closed the book. While some of these poems are a nostalgic reminder of young love, others delve into the choices that define right and wrong. You will find a vast array of topics touched upon within the confines of these verses, such as feeling regret through the accumulation of bad choices, finding acceptance, reminiscing about the first spark of one's love, defying the laws of physics to draw order out of chaos, searching for perfection in this imperfect world, unrequited love, and many more.
Gratitude is a poetry collection that also functions as an excellent coffee table book or something to relax with and contemplate in peace. A.H. Morris offers readers two hundred short poems whose verses cover some universal aspects of life that every human being can relate to. There is a unique flair to Morris' poetry that instantly grabs hold of your attention and helps you become an observer of life with musings in your head. The abstract nature of some of these poems leaves much room for interpretation, and I think every reader will find their own meaning in Morris' verses. Some of them even feel like affirmations. In conclusion, Gratitude is an inspirational collection of short poems that even readers unfamiliar with poetry can enjoy—highly recommended.
Immerse yourself in an enthralling collection of short poems with A.H. Morris' Gratitude. Presented as quatrains, cinquains, or sestets, these poems explore various facets of life and human behavior. Morris provides some valuable insight into the human condition with succinctly worded verses that linger long in your mind even after you've closed the book. While some of these poems are a nostalgic reminder of young love, others delve into the choices that define right and wrong. You will find a vast array of topics touched upon within the confines of these verses, such as feeling regret through the accumulation of bad choices, finding acceptance, reminiscing about the first spark of one's love, defying the laws of physics to draw order out of chaos, searching for perfection in this imperfect world, unrequited love, and many more.
Gratitude is a poetry collection that also functions as an excellent coffee table book or something to relax with and contemplate in peace. A.H. Morris offers readers two hundred short poems whose verses cover some universal aspects of life that every human being can relate to. There is a unique flair to Morris' poetry that instantly grabs hold of your attention and helps you become an observer of life with musings in your head. The abstract nature of some of these poems leaves much room for interpretation, and I think every reader will find their own meaning in Morris' verses. Some of them even feel like affirmations. In conclusion, Gratitude is an inspirational collection of short poems that even readers unfamiliar with poetry can enjoy—highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Poetry Night
The Director
2024 Silver Medal
181 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Poetry Night by The Director is a compilation of the poet's original work that explores existence through various poetic styles. The collection has multiple mystical and existential themes, encouraging contemplation on the transience of life, the cosmic dance, and the enduring echoes of time. These include pieces like The Dance of Existential Whisper, which blends symbolism and existentialism to investigate the nature of truth; The Loom of Fate mixes epic and allegorical poetry, raising philosophical questions about free will and destiny and suggesting that each individual thread contributes to the grand design of existence; and the social reflective style of The Balance of Fortune and its contrast between opulence and scarcity provokes thought on value, perception, and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Poetry Night by The Director is a really beautiful collection. Each piece is wonderfully well thought out, with the feel of micro-storytelling but so much deeper than work of this length would usually be. For me personally, The Labyrinth of Being stands out for its portrayal of life's intricate pathways, navigating the complexities of existence, and using the metaphor of a labyrinth to invite readers into a journey filled with choices, lessons, and reflections around every bend. This poem in particular demonstrates The Director's skill at articulating the fundamental essence of the human story. For those looking for deep understanding, the entire collection offers an engrossing mosaic of artful verse about life, time, and the mysteries of the universe. This is a compilation I see myself returning to often. Very highly recommended.
Poetry Night by The Director is a compilation of the poet's original work that explores existence through various poetic styles. The collection has multiple mystical and existential themes, encouraging contemplation on the transience of life, the cosmic dance, and the enduring echoes of time. These include pieces like The Dance of Existential Whisper, which blends symbolism and existentialism to investigate the nature of truth; The Loom of Fate mixes epic and allegorical poetry, raising philosophical questions about free will and destiny and suggesting that each individual thread contributes to the grand design of existence; and the social reflective style of The Balance of Fortune and its contrast between opulence and scarcity provokes thought on value, perception, and the interconnectedness of humanity.
Poetry Night by The Director is a really beautiful collection. Each piece is wonderfully well thought out, with the feel of micro-storytelling but so much deeper than work of this length would usually be. For me personally, The Labyrinth of Being stands out for its portrayal of life's intricate pathways, navigating the complexities of existence, and using the metaphor of a labyrinth to invite readers into a journey filled with choices, lessons, and reflections around every bend. This poem in particular demonstrates The Director's skill at articulating the fundamental essence of the human story. For those looking for deep understanding, the entire collection offers an engrossing mosaic of artful verse about life, time, and the mysteries of the universe. This is a compilation I see myself returning to often. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
I Look to the Gentle Rain
A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Aching Heart (The Mourning Sky Series)
Liz Newman
2024 Gold Medal
143 Pages
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Poetry - General
Reviewed by Robin Goodfellow for Readers' Favorite
I Look to the Gentle Rain: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Aching Heart, by Liz Newman, is a poetry collection about Newman coping with her father’s death and finding comfort in sorrow. The collection is separated into four sections. Section One: The Tender Ache describes the raw emotions coursing through her when her father died. Section Two: The Ebbs and Flows illustrates her struggle to deal with her loss, with some days more manageable than others. Section Three: The Gentle Rain encourages the poet to mourn, and to hold space for beloved memories, even if she can no longer recreate them. Section Four: The Hope That Grows reveals that even though Newman continues to feel her father’s presence, she also treasures him and connects with others who loved him just as much as she did. Alongside this collection are exercises that may support those who are experiencing grief.
Liz Newman’s grief is palpable. The lyrics she uses accurately show the torrent of emotions that wash over someone when they lose a loved one. Despite that, she also knows to keep space for herself. I love the line: “I’m hurting, but I’m here.” This line alone means a lot to me, mainly because when a disaster occurs, emotional or natural or otherwise, almost everyone will leave. It’s the ones who stay that you know are true friends. This, of course, includes being there for yourself and letting yourself feel, even when it hurts to do so. Some people can’t do that, and that escape turns into an addiction (alcohol, work, eating, sex, etc.). But for those, like the poet, who can hold space for themselves in their hearts, they strengthen themselves and build resiliency. I feel there were times Newman doubted her ability to manage her grief, but she did in I Look to the Gentle Rain.
I Look to the Gentle Rain: A Book of Poems and Writing Prompts for the Aching Heart, by Liz Newman, is a poetry collection about Newman coping with her father’s death and finding comfort in sorrow. The collection is separated into four sections. Section One: The Tender Ache describes the raw emotions coursing through her when her father died. Section Two: The Ebbs and Flows illustrates her struggle to deal with her loss, with some days more manageable than others. Section Three: The Gentle Rain encourages the poet to mourn, and to hold space for beloved memories, even if she can no longer recreate them. Section Four: The Hope That Grows reveals that even though Newman continues to feel her father’s presence, she also treasures him and connects with others who loved him just as much as she did. Alongside this collection are exercises that may support those who are experiencing grief.
Liz Newman’s grief is palpable. The lyrics she uses accurately show the torrent of emotions that wash over someone when they lose a loved one. Despite that, she also knows to keep space for herself. I love the line: “I’m hurting, but I’m here.” This line alone means a lot to me, mainly because when a disaster occurs, emotional or natural or otherwise, almost everyone will leave. It’s the ones who stay that you know are true friends. This, of course, includes being there for yourself and letting yourself feel, even when it hurts to do so. Some people can’t do that, and that escape turns into an addiction (alcohol, work, eating, sex, etc.). But for those, like the poet, who can hold space for themselves in their hearts, they strengthen themselves and build resiliency. I feel there were times Newman doubted her ability to manage her grief, but she did in I Look to the Gentle Rain.
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