Reviewed by Michelle Robertson for Readers' Favorite

"On Edge", written by Bob MacKenzie, is an intriguing book of emotions, thoughts, and circumstances in a poetic form. MacKenzie reveals topics within his poetry that are often hard to speak of in a natural everyday conversation. Within the 16 poems laid out in his book, MacKenzie reveals raw emotion that will make you gasp, cry, feel mad, sad, and broken inside, but at the same time let the reader know there is light through the horrible darkness of pain and suffering, but not often reached easily.

Reading Bob MacKenzie's incredible book of very raw, real poetry brought all emotions out in me. I recognize how difficult a few of the poems' subject matter must have been to write about, though essential. That fact alone makes reading this work of written art worthwhile. Readers of this book are going to most often relate to the dark demeanor of MacKenzie's words within this book. Horrible circumstances are often the most remembered; it is human nature. MacKenzie portrays this over and over. Bob MacKenzie reminds his readers that in dark times, light can appear through the smallest of cracks. The road to this light is most often a hard one but it is a road at the very least. Bob MacKenzie's "On Edge" will move many people in many different ways, as poetry can be interpreted variously. The poetry within this book is so very long because it draws your thoughts away from the actual poem and to a related situation, happenstance, or circumstance that a person has experienced, heard of, or fears.

Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

"Jacaranda: Tails Before Bed" is a 127-page book of poetry by E. W. Bosworth. It is divided into six chapters of random poems that deal with love and life. Bosworth is a new poet and, according to him, his writing is a reaction to the uniformity of post-post-modernism. He calls this unique voice postmodern formalism, which embodies, demonstrates and enacts the contradictions that he believes are inherent in a "systematic denial of history." Each chapter in the book starts with black and white images that seem to hold meanings too. Reading his poems is like listening to a new voice in poetry that is waiting to be heard.

It is simply difficult to ignore Bosworth's poems as they draw us into his varied experiences. In 'Craft', he says: "A poet wrote that walls don't have to be confining, nothing to make a body “fret”. "He came up with that while wandering around the mountain with a sonnet in his head." I guess this sums up pretty well the author's creative process, and the simplicity in his choice of words makes his poems quite charming. Much of Bosworth's poetry is inspired by the people and the events that surround him but there are also flowers, birds, snow, philosophy, history, and the human struggle that soars above us all. His poems are full of images and, as a reader, I try to find out his meaning to determine where he is bringing us. Through his experiences in life, just what is this poet trying to say? In the first lines of his poem 'Parole', he writes: "Looking into the Jacaranda is looking into your life no wonder there's so much simile on top of simile." Indeed, his poems leave me to determine, for myself, which features of his reference point he is trying to predicate. This is an enjoyable and insightful book of poetry.

Reviewed by Susanna Bencen for Readers' Favorite

Each "The Sycamore Seed" poem is beautifully composed by J.D. Mallinson. These are not mere trite rhyming couplets to please the ear, but are filled with the details and depth of nature herself. In fact, I would go further and say that "Sycamore Seed" is the song of nature and land as well as the beating hearts that live within. The book is divided into five sections: Nature, People and Place, The Arts, Miscellany and History. The subject matter of each poem is meticulously researched either through direct observation or via other methods. To muse upon these poems is not only a delight to the senses but also instructs you through Mallinson’s learned reflections. J.D. Mallinson uses numerous composition methods. He plays with rhythm as in the ‘Garden Spider’ to describe the tentative weaving of the spider that sits lurking in a corner or creating art in the great outdoors. He plays with voice as in the ‘Slug’ which sings its low song, long and rambling, like wading through the sludge of its trail. In ‘Bird-Watching in Wales’ you can hear the lilt of the Welsh dialect coming through in each verse. You will certainly be ensnared by the spikey consonants of ‘Pruning the Hedge’ or hear the beating wind of the undulating ‘Autumn Gale.’ The poems often end thoughtfully as in ‘Gnats among Pine-Trees.’ He also uses alliteration to great effect. Imagery is crystal clear in such phrases as ‘a Pelican pecking the life-blood from her breast’ in the ‘Rain on the Sea’ or the ‘dream-like nebulae’ of ‘Hollingworth Lake.’ His poems are usually based on reality, but sometimes fantastical stories interweave the phrases such as in the meandering mermaid notes of ‘Copper Beech,’ or the enigmatic interludes of ‘Silverdale.’

Reading these poems is like going on holiday to explore rustic towns and antiquated mysteries. To hear pithy stories of characters and dreams we can go to 'Batsman on Tour’: ‘Success won him the laurel crown / failure saw it wither on his brow.’ Musing on the voices of nature, I find myself naturally attracted to particular poems of birds, flowers, horses and snow. It also happens that those are the creatures and elements which take my interest in real life too. Reading "The Sycamore Seed" is like looking at a mirror that enables one to find their own natural song and rhythm. I find J.D. Mallinson’s work fascinating. "The Sycamore Seed" is a must for anyone wishing to learn descriptive writing as J.D. Mallinson is a master at honing the skills essential for exquisite and reflective composition.

Reviewed by Alexander Rigby for Readers' Favorite

The way that K.D. Rose puts words together in Inside Sorrow creates an absence not only within the heart of the reader, but also upon the page where the letters and phrases are contained. This book of collected poems is organized in a chronological way, spanning over the course of time as grief spreads and runs deeper. Beginning on the day of the occurrence and transcending through the days, months and years that follow, we are taken as a witness to the sorrow that seeps into and overflows above the day to day tasks and interactions that take place. As time goes on, the act of mourning evolves in certain ways, but the tone still stays true to how it has always been.

Poetry can be complex and over calculating, or it can be simple and strong. The latter is the way I would describe K.D. Rose’s poetry in this collection. Although her poetry is not lengthy, her words impacted me in such a direct manner. Through reading her work, I felt the pain of the speaker, who felt lost in a world where love had left her. I thought there were certain parts that on their own were brilliant, so adding them together with the other poems she had so thoughtfully constructed made her work speak all the more loudly. The kind of grief that she describes in Inside Sorrow was not only heartbreaking, it was profound and beautiful.

Reviewed by Jean Brickell for Readers' Favorite

I was just not into poetry, that was until I read "In the Company of Women". The further I got into the book, the more poems I identified with. The book touches our relationship with mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. Some pay tribute while some rant about the behavior. But all can touch a nerve.

When I read the poem, 'In the Kitchen with Dovey', I remembered watching my mom cook, then helping her with small tasks and later graduating to cooking. Good memories! 'My Unsung Heroine' was a very moving tribute to a mother in terrible circumstances. I cried as I read it. 'Vermillion' was a piece of art like a shiny jewel. 'A gift for Tabitha' was a beautiful poem that touched my heart in a special way. It spoke of love for a child. 'Warmth on a Cold Day' speaks of love a grandmother has for the grandchildren. It makes me remember my grandma baking loaves of bread and letting us tear the first loaf apart and eat it steaming hot with butter. These were the good days before her mind became cloudy. 'Birthday Lunch Autopsy' is a humorous poem of a friendship gone bad because the friend is showing antisocial personality problems. I laughed that it was not me experiencing this lunch; sounds as if an antacid would be in order. I loved reading these poems as they reinforced the kinship with friends, mothers, grandmothers, sisters and cousins and made me appreciate them all.

Reviewed by Rita Vetsch for Readers' Favorite

Take This Journey With Me; Poems from the Laboratory of John Turner is an uplifting collection of inspirational poems all bound together into one astounding book. The book begins with a bottle floating in from the sea where the reader gets a lovely message from that bottle; “Take This Journey With Me.” The title is very appropriate as each poem is really a journey into the human soul and beyond. Turner creates a unique spin on his poem called “The Narrow Road,” which is comparable to Robert Frost’s poem called “The Road Not Taken,” however, Turner weaves in a new perspective on where the narrower path leads. He is able to elaborate on an existing and popular poem, but make it his own with his delicate and intriguing words. The poem called “Upon My Garden” truly brings a scenic garden to life entwining nurture and nature throughout it. There are numerous poems to name, but the ones that I adored most were related to the delicate transformation of a beautiful butterfly, poems about our conflictions and flaws, about being a human being, holding another person’s hand, and how the wind can bring us so much joy and laughter.

I knew immediately from viewing the cover and title of this book that it was going to be a special collection of short poems that I wouldn’t want to put down. The cover is gorgeously illustrated with a sunset rising over the most astonishing scenery. And the title truly says it all because it really is a journey and an exploration of feelings, emotions and images that reminds me of a series of Thomas Kinkade paintings. Each chapter is short and flows to the next chapter easily with simple wording that anyone can comprehend. The poems each have their own unique rhyme and rhythm to them that flow like a sweet lullaby. The short poems truly touched my soul and through John Turner’s wording, I was captivated and eager to keep reading to the next chapter. I am blown away that such a great writer can touch someone’s soul and bring so much passion to a person’s life through writing words onto a page. Turner’s poems are each a masterpiece to be treasured and savored! He states in one of his writings that “One of these days, I am going to make a difference”, well John Turner, you truly have made a difference with this wonderful and rare glimpse into such unique and exquisitely written poetry! Turner touches the human soul, give us hope and inspiration, and just turns a gloomy day into a bright day for us readers. I thoroughly enjoyed each poem and I am going to purchase this special collection of poems for my mother, who has a birthday coming up soon. Well done Mr. Turner!

Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite

How many times have you wanted to find the right words to say to someone special but they just wouldn’t come to you? Well, I might have just what you are looking for. In his book, “Wonders,” Kevin Hollingsworth pens a collection of literary prose from the expressions of his own heart. Since it is much easier to show you instead of tell you, I am giving you a few lines from Kevin’s poetry story called 'Eyes': “Your photo is worth more than a thousand words. I try to look away and run, but it is your beauty that catches up with me. I cannot deny the reality of this historic situation as I turn back to look at your most exquisite picture. Looking at you there are just too many things to remind me of the consummate definition of lovely; your lovely eyes…”

As you can see, Kevin Hollingsworth has that special way with words that not many people have. He covers many different subjects such as sadness, loneliness, happiness, true love, romance, being a dreamer, appreciation for life and many more. And with each poem, you will want to read it over and over again.

“Wonders” is a short book, very easy to read, but its value is priceless. Some poems are long, some are short, and you can use all or any part of them. This would make a really nice gift book, or a book to use when you want to write something nice in a card and just don’t have the words. Your friends and family will be in awe of your kind words. I encourage you to grab a copy for you, or for that special person in your life.

Reviewed by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

If you like your poetry halfway between reality and the twilight zone of lethargic sleep, this is the book for you. In "A Song Beneath Silence", auth Apryl Skies takes the reader through lyrical moments in which love is always complicated and beauty is held in glass. She takes the reader through the obscure parts of life in which paradoxes must be endured and people must release themselves to what is rather than what they wish life to be. There is a section on the mythical where birds are taught to sing and the subtle hues of colors are related to moods and human environmental experiences. Lastly, the author explores the Gothica where we all move through, whether we like it or not. In Gothica, there is hunger and thirst, lust and sin, and invitations to death itself.

Some of the simplest poems tend to break through the resistant heart. When loving someone, you must love them "halo to horn." Souls can "shatter like glass" when faced with truth and reality. Perhaps one of the most poignant of all the poems is the one called "Chaos" in which dragons land on petals as bombs simultaneously explode. It is the juxtaposition of human emotion with human behavior that captivates the reader and forces an exploration between the worlds of fantasy and reality. Ms. Skies' ability to breech this "no man's land" is a credit to her lyrical and poetic expressions. She unmasks us in all our promises and our failures and leaves us to make of the world what we will.

Reviewed by Molly Edwards for Readers' Favorite

When I think of poetry, I think of 'roses are red, violets are blue'. That's really the only kind of poetry I've ever read or known. But, when I received the chance to review this book, Pesky Poems by T.L. Needham, I was quite pleased with what I read and how T.L. Needham put the book together.

The result of this authors compilations of poems is a wonderful little book that will sometimes have you smiling, other times have you thinking, and over all, leave you happy that you read this book. It's not a big book, quite small actually. But, the power this book will have over you as your read each poem--from 'Pesky Poem' about having trouble writing the words, to poems about Cupcakes (which makes me hungry just thinking about them all over again!)--will leave you with a wonderful new appreciation for writers and for poetry.

Overall, this is a wonderful book that I highly recommend. Thanks to T.L. Needham, I have a new found love for poetry and wish that other poetry books were compiled like this! Easy to read, wonderful to enjoy, and perfect for everyon looking for a quick read. This is certainly a book that I will be keeping on my book shelf, and when I venture into my writing journey, or even my reviewing, I will be pulling it out and re-reading it and using it for inspiration in finding the words I want to use. I certainly hope that this is not the last poetry book by T.L. Needham!

Reviewed by Bernadette Acocella for Readers' Favorite

Poet Leslie-Anne Brill divides her collection "New York Dreaming: Poems of the City, the Suburbs, and Daily Life" into five sections: the city, the suburbs, from the editorial desk, love, and life. This division could represent stages of human development that one would expect a poet to pass through, starting with celebrations of youthful independence in New York and ending with several meditations on death. The progression of this book is very natural and though each section has its own shining moments, by far my favorite section was the one on New York. A former New Yorker myself, there was a lot I could relate to in this section. "Bronx Bummers," about the recently built Yankee stadium, was insightful and clever, and certainly echoed the way I felt when I first saw the construction from the subway platform. When the poet says, "You can't walk ghosts/ across a street, not even for a better seat" I both laughed to myself and nodded in agreement for the way that Brill indicts corporate greed for discounting the Yankees' history. "Ten Years Later" is the obligatory September 11 poem, and is divided into two long, vertical stanzas meant to visually represent the Twin Towers.

All in all, Brill writes beautiful poems that are easy to appreciate and relate to. The internal rhymes in the poems create a musical effect, and Brill uses many diverse forms throughout the book. In the poem "Clock in Grand Central" the stream-of-consciousness snapshots that Brill provides ("shoe shine newsstand violet candy/ bit o' honey good & plenty") work well in a poem about one of New York City's busiest locations, but this same technique does not translate when she writes about the suburbs, perhaps because the suburbs are notoriously quiet and peaceful compared to the city. Among the editorial poetry, "Thin Envelope," a modern take on a standard rejection letter, stands out as the best. "Snow Day," from the book's life section, is another gem, and urges adults to "bow to the weather" and enjoy snow again. However, some of the poems in the love and life section have been done before by countless other poets, so they should have a freshness which they lack. On the whole these sections seem much more limited than the poems in the city section.