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Recommend this book:
Whole, Not Perfect
Empowering Stories as Tools for Anyone Ready to Reinvent and Reclaim Themselves
Laura G. Patac
2026 Finalist
174 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Whole, Not Perfect by Laura G. Patac is a transformative guide that encourages readers to explore their personal stories and embrace their authentic selves. Through a blend of poetry, reflections, and practical frameworks, the book offers a structured yet gentle approach to self-discovery and growth. Divided into four sections, it motivates readers to reflect on their past, envision their future, and align their daily actions with their core values. The book begins with an exploration of the stories that emphasize the importance of understanding and reframing past experiences. It encourages readers to find meaning in their struggles and victories, using them as stepping stones toward a more intentional life. The author’s poetic reflections serve as a mirror, helping readers uncover hidden truths and patterns that influence their present.
Whole, Not Perfect stands out from other self-help books through its unique combination of poetic storytelling and an actionable framework. While many books in the genre focus solely on providing advice or strategies, Laura G. Patac weaves her personal reflections and experiences into the narrative, creating an engaging read. The book is structured to mirror the natural progression of self-growth, starting with understanding past stories, moving into the process of becoming, exploring values, and finally uncovering inner strengths. Another distinctive feature is a poetic approach. Patac’s use of poetry and reflective writing offers intimacy and connection. The book also emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness, which is often overlooked in other self-help literature. It is a book that invites readers to think and act, making it a practical and transformative resource for those ready to embrace change and live authentically.
Whole, Not Perfect by Laura G. Patac is a transformative guide that encourages readers to explore their personal stories and embrace their authentic selves. Through a blend of poetry, reflections, and practical frameworks, the book offers a structured yet gentle approach to self-discovery and growth. Divided into four sections, it motivates readers to reflect on their past, envision their future, and align their daily actions with their core values. The book begins with an exploration of the stories that emphasize the importance of understanding and reframing past experiences. It encourages readers to find meaning in their struggles and victories, using them as stepping stones toward a more intentional life. The author’s poetic reflections serve as a mirror, helping readers uncover hidden truths and patterns that influence their present.
Whole, Not Perfect stands out from other self-help books through its unique combination of poetic storytelling and an actionable framework. While many books in the genre focus solely on providing advice or strategies, Laura G. Patac weaves her personal reflections and experiences into the narrative, creating an engaging read. The book is structured to mirror the natural progression of self-growth, starting with understanding past stories, moving into the process of becoming, exploring values, and finally uncovering inner strengths. Another distinctive feature is a poetic approach. Patac’s use of poetry and reflective writing offers intimacy and connection. The book also emphasizes the importance of silence and stillness, which is often overlooked in other self-help literature. It is a book that invites readers to think and act, making it a practical and transformative resource for those ready to embrace change and live authentically.
Recommend this book:
Aurochs Maladaptive
New Enamels, New Cameos
Shawn Callaway Hays
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Aurochs Maladaptive: New Enamels, New Cameos by Shawn Callaway Hays is a collection of 35 poems that blends mythic imagery with contemporary existential reflection. The collection is inspired by the ancient aurochs, the wild oxen of Europe that were driven to extinction, brought to life by Hays as he reimagines them as poetic avatars. These primal beasts navigate a chaotic modern world, grappling with themes of love, annihilation, and self-realization. Through this collection, Hays examines the beauty of resistance against the erosion of time.
Unique and enlightening, the collection is perfect for readers who enjoy history, ancient relics, and prehistoric art. The poems are not merely observational but deeply immersive. The aurochs serve as a powerful metaphor for resilience against cultural and existential extinction. The concept of these ancient, wild beasts as incarnations of modern existential struggles is brilliant and unique. The aurochs are more than animals in these poems; they are a mirror for human struggles, representing strength, endurance, and the will to survive. The language used is both elegant and distinctive. My favorite poems were “His name was Ishmael and he lost” and “Annihilation Eclipsed.” Both of these were filled with symbolism and almost alive, although “Brain-eater sunflowers,” “Rift,” and “Blood sweat soil and more urban walls” came very close to being my top favorite poems in the collection. I loved how some poems have a slow, rhythmic style that feels almost ceremonial, while others are direct and personal. Aurochs Maladaptive leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the connection between our past and present, and the fight to keep our spirit alive even in a rapidly changing world.
Aurochs Maladaptive: New Enamels, New Cameos by Shawn Callaway Hays is a collection of 35 poems that blends mythic imagery with contemporary existential reflection. The collection is inspired by the ancient aurochs, the wild oxen of Europe that were driven to extinction, brought to life by Hays as he reimagines them as poetic avatars. These primal beasts navigate a chaotic modern world, grappling with themes of love, annihilation, and self-realization. Through this collection, Hays examines the beauty of resistance against the erosion of time.
Unique and enlightening, the collection is perfect for readers who enjoy history, ancient relics, and prehistoric art. The poems are not merely observational but deeply immersive. The aurochs serve as a powerful metaphor for resilience against cultural and existential extinction. The concept of these ancient, wild beasts as incarnations of modern existential struggles is brilliant and unique. The aurochs are more than animals in these poems; they are a mirror for human struggles, representing strength, endurance, and the will to survive. The language used is both elegant and distinctive. My favorite poems were “His name was Ishmael and he lost” and “Annihilation Eclipsed.” Both of these were filled with symbolism and almost alive, although “Brain-eater sunflowers,” “Rift,” and “Blood sweat soil and more urban walls” came very close to being my top favorite poems in the collection. I loved how some poems have a slow, rhythmic style that feels almost ceremonial, while others are direct and personal. Aurochs Maladaptive leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the connection between our past and present, and the fight to keep our spirit alive even in a rapidly changing world.
Recommend this book:
Time Measured Out!
Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry
Larada Horner-Miller
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Time Measured Out! Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry is a beautiful poetry collection in which author Larada Horner-Miller tells her own life story in verse. These poems reflect the highs and lows of her life and everything in between. In one of the poems, the narrator reminisces about a special moment in their past. An inspiring poem emphasizes the importance of embracing each moment of life with hope and joy. Some of them recall how a house became a home or describe the majestic terrain of Denali. In others, the narrator searches for ways to ease the pain of heartache or recounts their experiences of using different vices to recover from sorrow and emotional anguish. In the last poem, the narrator cherishes their mother, who has always been with them through thick and thin.
Time Measured Out! is an intimate collection of poems that tap into universal feelings of love, life, grief, sorrow, hope, and much more. To me, Larada Horner-Miller's poetry, at its heart, feels soulful, personal, yet relatable. The author somehow evokes a lot of different emotions in the reader through her verses. While you may not have the same experiences as the author, I'm certain you will resonate with most of the topics touched upon in this book. The author examines human nature at its very core through the lens of her own life experiences. This is why I believe the book will appeal to a wide range of readers. I think poetry lovers, in general, are going to enjoy this collection a lot. I know I did, and I heartily recommend this book to readers!
Time Measured Out! Navigating Life's Journey Through Poetry is a beautiful poetry collection in which author Larada Horner-Miller tells her own life story in verse. These poems reflect the highs and lows of her life and everything in between. In one of the poems, the narrator reminisces about a special moment in their past. An inspiring poem emphasizes the importance of embracing each moment of life with hope and joy. Some of them recall how a house became a home or describe the majestic terrain of Denali. In others, the narrator searches for ways to ease the pain of heartache or recounts their experiences of using different vices to recover from sorrow and emotional anguish. In the last poem, the narrator cherishes their mother, who has always been with them through thick and thin.
Time Measured Out! is an intimate collection of poems that tap into universal feelings of love, life, grief, sorrow, hope, and much more. To me, Larada Horner-Miller's poetry, at its heart, feels soulful, personal, yet relatable. The author somehow evokes a lot of different emotions in the reader through her verses. While you may not have the same experiences as the author, I'm certain you will resonate with most of the topics touched upon in this book. The author examines human nature at its very core through the lens of her own life experiences. This is why I believe the book will appeal to a wide range of readers. I think poetry lovers, in general, are going to enjoy this collection a lot. I know I did, and I heartily recommend this book to readers!
Recommend this book:
Diaries of a Borderline
Blue Evergarden
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Diaries of a Borderline by Blue Evergarden is a collection of original poetry, ranging in length, tone, and tenor, each connecting a facet of Evergarden's voice. In Diaries of a Borderline XXIII, she drifts through darkness as monsters steal her joy, but she still glimpses hope and the possibility of light. In What Does “I Love You” Mean, she speaks on a mother’s abuse and the lingering impact on her sense of self. In Voodoo, she traces scars and sacrifices her grace while processing internalized pain. In A Wish She’s Making, she imagines rivers and ponds of dreams, realizing her choices hold power. In Royalty, she tends to abandoned parts and finds ways to care for herself. In Dear Younger Blue IV, she addresses her younger self, acknowledging past pain and asserting presence and protection.
I went into Diaries of a Borderline by Blue Evergarden thinking there were only four parts, but I was delighted to find there are actually nine! The collection is absolutely beautiful, even when the emotions reflect a haunting sadness. As a parent, I found the poems with childhood trauma to be the most heartbreaking, but they are still gorgeous in their rendering. Among dozens of unforgettable works, my favorite is Leaving the Grave Behind and its journey from darkness to light, showing renewal and courage in breathtaking imagery. A close second is Dear Older Blue V and its celebration of self-compassion and the joy of reconnecting with one’s own heart. Evergarden’s work demonstrates the true power of poetry to think, move, inspire, and comfort, leaving us with a sense of the quiet victories and gentle revelations hidden in everyday experience. Very, very highly recommended.
Diaries of a Borderline by Blue Evergarden is a collection of original poetry, ranging in length, tone, and tenor, each connecting a facet of Evergarden's voice. In Diaries of a Borderline XXIII, she drifts through darkness as monsters steal her joy, but she still glimpses hope and the possibility of light. In What Does “I Love You” Mean, she speaks on a mother’s abuse and the lingering impact on her sense of self. In Voodoo, she traces scars and sacrifices her grace while processing internalized pain. In A Wish She’s Making, she imagines rivers and ponds of dreams, realizing her choices hold power. In Royalty, she tends to abandoned parts and finds ways to care for herself. In Dear Younger Blue IV, she addresses her younger self, acknowledging past pain and asserting presence and protection.
I went into Diaries of a Borderline by Blue Evergarden thinking there were only four parts, but I was delighted to find there are actually nine! The collection is absolutely beautiful, even when the emotions reflect a haunting sadness. As a parent, I found the poems with childhood trauma to be the most heartbreaking, but they are still gorgeous in their rendering. Among dozens of unforgettable works, my favorite is Leaving the Grave Behind and its journey from darkness to light, showing renewal and courage in breathtaking imagery. A close second is Dear Older Blue V and its celebration of self-compassion and the joy of reconnecting with one’s own heart. Evergarden’s work demonstrates the true power of poetry to think, move, inspire, and comfort, leaving us with a sense of the quiet victories and gentle revelations hidden in everyday experience. Very, very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/when-the-light-is-mine&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61NEOu9+XrL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Author Chaz Holesworth presents an eclectic collection of poems in When the Light is Mine. Exploring diverse themes and ideas, these poems paint a colorful portrait of life in contemporary society. "Condescending Toward the Midas Touch" highlights the socio-political turmoil of a world lacking in empathy. "Introvert/Extrovert" is a poignant explora...){kind=link}
When the Light is Mine
Poetry for the people
Chaz Holesworth
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Author Chaz Holesworth presents an eclectic collection of poems in When the Light is Mine. Exploring diverse themes and ideas, these poems paint a colorful portrait of life in contemporary society. "Condescending Toward the Midas Touch" highlights the socio-political turmoil of a world lacking in empathy. "Introvert/Extrovert" is a poignant exploration of the social divide caused by those in power seeking to maintain the status quo. In "Come and Watch Them Multiply," the narrator becomes increasingly disillusioned with their life. "Out of Time" is an introspective poem about living life in a society devoid of genuine role models. "I've Got a Bad Feeling About This One" calls out the hypocritical nature of fundamentalist religion. "All the Love in My Heart" is a poetic tale of two scorned lovers.
When the Light is Mine is a captivating poetry collection that weaves together poignant social commentary with vivid emotional depth. Through his illuminating poems, author Chaz Holesworth sheds light on some key, increasingly relevant issues that plague society as a whole today. Holesworth's lyrical writing style brings a mesmerizing flavor to his poetry, to the point that you can read these poems as if you're singing the lyrics of a song. The author explores a wide array of themes in his poetry, blending intimate reflections with pressing socio-political issues such as class divide, religious fundamentalism, and oligarchy, among others. It's the kind of poetry book that people will want to read over and over again. All in all, I found this collection really beautiful and relevant. Highly recommended.
Author Chaz Holesworth presents an eclectic collection of poems in When the Light is Mine. Exploring diverse themes and ideas, these poems paint a colorful portrait of life in contemporary society. "Condescending Toward the Midas Touch" highlights the socio-political turmoil of a world lacking in empathy. "Introvert/Extrovert" is a poignant exploration of the social divide caused by those in power seeking to maintain the status quo. In "Come and Watch Them Multiply," the narrator becomes increasingly disillusioned with their life. "Out of Time" is an introspective poem about living life in a society devoid of genuine role models. "I've Got a Bad Feeling About This One" calls out the hypocritical nature of fundamentalist religion. "All the Love in My Heart" is a poetic tale of two scorned lovers.
When the Light is Mine is a captivating poetry collection that weaves together poignant social commentary with vivid emotional depth. Through his illuminating poems, author Chaz Holesworth sheds light on some key, increasingly relevant issues that plague society as a whole today. Holesworth's lyrical writing style brings a mesmerizing flavor to his poetry, to the point that you can read these poems as if you're singing the lyrics of a song. The author explores a wide array of themes in his poetry, blending intimate reflections with pressing socio-political issues such as class divide, religious fundamentalism, and oligarchy, among others. It's the kind of poetry book that people will want to read over and over again. All in all, I found this collection really beautiful and relevant. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Night of the Hawk
Poems
Lauren Martin
2025 Finalist
88 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Night of the Hawk by Lauren Martin is a collection of the author's original poetry, consisting primarily of free verse poems but also incorporating occasional sprinklings formatted in epistolary, list, and even one in the classical ode style. Each poem exhibits its own distinctive length, tone, and tenor and conveys a message unique to itself. ÒSun Wè Mímó invokes the Yoruba goddess for purification and forgiveness, leaning toward themes of renewal and abundance. Tuesdays looks into the aftermath of a significant loss, symbolized by a red leaf, conveying a mix of sorrow and difficulty in acceptance. Chattanooga expresses admiration for another artist, celebrating the shared love for creativity and the resonance found in mutual experiences. Throughout the collection, Martin offers diverse emotional landscapes and experiences, gifting readers with a variety of poetic forms and insights.
Lauren Martin gives us a masterclass on what it means to convey thematic richness and emotional depth in contemporary poetry in Night of the Hawk, displaying the versatility of both form and function. We get intimate glimpses into Martin's personal experiences and emotions, organically fostering authenticity and relatability. For example, Mother serves as a heartfelt tribute, celebrating a mother's resilience and imparting wisdom with sincerity. For me, I most appreciated the works that address social issues, such as feminism, environmentalism, and societal expectations. Yemoja Speaks to Scott Pruitt, which confronts environmental concerns using the voice of a deity to advocate for the protection of the oceans and marine life, was my favorite and the standout for me. Overall, Martin delivers a beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking body of work that will delight those who take the time to absorb it. Very highly recommended.
Night of the Hawk by Lauren Martin is a collection of the author's original poetry, consisting primarily of free verse poems but also incorporating occasional sprinklings formatted in epistolary, list, and even one in the classical ode style. Each poem exhibits its own distinctive length, tone, and tenor and conveys a message unique to itself. ÒSun Wè Mímó invokes the Yoruba goddess for purification and forgiveness, leaning toward themes of renewal and abundance. Tuesdays looks into the aftermath of a significant loss, symbolized by a red leaf, conveying a mix of sorrow and difficulty in acceptance. Chattanooga expresses admiration for another artist, celebrating the shared love for creativity and the resonance found in mutual experiences. Throughout the collection, Martin offers diverse emotional landscapes and experiences, gifting readers with a variety of poetic forms and insights.
Lauren Martin gives us a masterclass on what it means to convey thematic richness and emotional depth in contemporary poetry in Night of the Hawk, displaying the versatility of both form and function. We get intimate glimpses into Martin's personal experiences and emotions, organically fostering authenticity and relatability. For example, Mother serves as a heartfelt tribute, celebrating a mother's resilience and imparting wisdom with sincerity. For me, I most appreciated the works that address social issues, such as feminism, environmentalism, and societal expectations. Yemoja Speaks to Scott Pruitt, which confronts environmental concerns using the voice of a deity to advocate for the protection of the oceans and marine life, was my favorite and the standout for me. Overall, Martin delivers a beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking body of work that will delight those who take the time to absorb it. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Before the World Moves On
Nathaniel Terrell
2025 Honorable Mention
163 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Nathaniel Terrell’s Before the World Moves On is a poetry collection that embraces ideas of legacy, love, self-discovery, faith, and transformation. Using varied poetic structures and styles, the collection contemplates personal and collective experiences. In Slow Burn, the poet looks at the impact of one’s actions and the uncertainties of remembrance through metaphor use. She Is serves as a celebration of a Black woman’s beauty and strength, using vivid imagery and rhythm. Discovery questions societal values and speaks on the isolation necessary for true self-awareness. Paradox juxtaposes failures with faith, employing biblical references to parallel internal conflict. Becoming chronicles a journey of redemption, leaning into growth through repetition and changing diction. Together, these poems and Terrell's others illustrate a real perspective on resilience, devotion, and personal evolution.
Before the World Moves On by Nathaniel Terrell is a wonderful collection that dives deep into a multitude of topics, all of which are just brilliant. Terrell's poetry style is sharp and feels personal, and each piece provides its own unique perspective and message. Among the many in this compilation, the standout for me is Jaded and its dark expedition of private guilt, societal corruption, and the battles within. The poem’s imagery of supervillains and hellhounds is a masterclass in a haunting, fatalistic atmosphere. Eulogy, another favorite, is a bold confrontation with death and the afterlife, rejecting conventional views and embracing a raw acceptance of whatever fate may come. The free-verse structure mirrors the unpredictable nature of existence, making this piece somber yet defiantly powerful. Overall, Terrell’s ability to tap straight into our emotions with stark, persuasive imagery makes this collection a must-read for poetry lovers. Very highly recommended.
Nathaniel Terrell’s Before the World Moves On is a poetry collection that embraces ideas of legacy, love, self-discovery, faith, and transformation. Using varied poetic structures and styles, the collection contemplates personal and collective experiences. In Slow Burn, the poet looks at the impact of one’s actions and the uncertainties of remembrance through metaphor use. She Is serves as a celebration of a Black woman’s beauty and strength, using vivid imagery and rhythm. Discovery questions societal values and speaks on the isolation necessary for true self-awareness. Paradox juxtaposes failures with faith, employing biblical references to parallel internal conflict. Becoming chronicles a journey of redemption, leaning into growth through repetition and changing diction. Together, these poems and Terrell's others illustrate a real perspective on resilience, devotion, and personal evolution.
Before the World Moves On by Nathaniel Terrell is a wonderful collection that dives deep into a multitude of topics, all of which are just brilliant. Terrell's poetry style is sharp and feels personal, and each piece provides its own unique perspective and message. Among the many in this compilation, the standout for me is Jaded and its dark expedition of private guilt, societal corruption, and the battles within. The poem’s imagery of supervillains and hellhounds is a masterclass in a haunting, fatalistic atmosphere. Eulogy, another favorite, is a bold confrontation with death and the afterlife, rejecting conventional views and embracing a raw acceptance of whatever fate may come. The free-verse structure mirrors the unpredictable nature of existence, making this piece somber yet defiantly powerful. Overall, Terrell’s ability to tap straight into our emotions with stark, persuasive imagery makes this collection a must-read for poetry lovers. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Unleashing the Power Within
A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Poetry
Lisa McCarthy
2025 Bronze Medal
102 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Unleashing the Power Within by Lisa McCarthy is a collection of original poems that cover multiple themes, with each reading as a standalone, and all ranging greatly in length, tone, and tenor. The poem New Year, New Chapter uses a rhythmic, chant-like structure and an optimistic tone to encourage looking inward and goal setting, symbolizing transformation at the start of the new year. Embracing Life with Gratitude and Joy uses a smooth, flowing rhythm to harness the importance of living with gratitude and a positive attitude, even in hardship. A Helping Hand is structured with rhymed quatrains (ABAB) and a steady rhythm, leaning into the impact of kindness and compassion. My Promise of Heavenly Father uses a reflective style to convey reassurance, divine guidance, and strength during difficult times.
Unleashing the Power Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Poetry by Lisa McCarthy is a beautiful poetry collection, and I went back multiple times to reread several pieces of McCarthy's work. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but I love March On, Brave Soul, which uses rhymed verse to deliver a powerful message of resilience, encouraging readers to embrace change and recognize their own strength. A steady rhythm and rhyme to create a sense of urgency and forward motion is one of the hardest things to capture on a page, but McCarthy does it easily. I also enjoyed The Butterfly's Lesson on Life, which is written in rhymed couplets and uses the symbolism of the butterfly’s metamorphosis to illustrate transformation and fleeting beauty. Here, McCarthy’s adept use of rhyme and meter elevates the impact of her words. Overall, this is a remarkable collation of work and one that lovers of poetry will agree is absolutely worth a read. Very highly recommended.
Unleashing the Power Within by Lisa McCarthy is a collection of original poems that cover multiple themes, with each reading as a standalone, and all ranging greatly in length, tone, and tenor. The poem New Year, New Chapter uses a rhythmic, chant-like structure and an optimistic tone to encourage looking inward and goal setting, symbolizing transformation at the start of the new year. Embracing Life with Gratitude and Joy uses a smooth, flowing rhythm to harness the importance of living with gratitude and a positive attitude, even in hardship. A Helping Hand is structured with rhymed quatrains (ABAB) and a steady rhythm, leaning into the impact of kindness and compassion. My Promise of Heavenly Father uses a reflective style to convey reassurance, divine guidance, and strength during difficult times.
Unleashing the Power Within: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Poetry by Lisa McCarthy is a beautiful poetry collection, and I went back multiple times to reread several pieces of McCarthy's work. It's so hard to pick a favorite, but I love March On, Brave Soul, which uses rhymed verse to deliver a powerful message of resilience, encouraging readers to embrace change and recognize their own strength. A steady rhythm and rhyme to create a sense of urgency and forward motion is one of the hardest things to capture on a page, but McCarthy does it easily. I also enjoyed The Butterfly's Lesson on Life, which is written in rhymed couplets and uses the symbolism of the butterfly’s metamorphosis to illustrate transformation and fleeting beauty. Here, McCarthy’s adept use of rhyme and meter elevates the impact of her words. Overall, this is a remarkable collation of work and one that lovers of poetry will agree is absolutely worth a read. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Unheard
Bhavini Bhargava
2025 Silver Medal
128 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
Unheard is a collection of poems by Bhavini Bhargava. The author started with a focus on badminton, but after an injury, she moved to cricket and her poems reflect the shift. The pieces are meant for every age group, as Bhargava covers a period between her fifteenth and nineteenth years. She discusses love, loss, grief, success, and determination in her work, mirroring the decisions that led her to Australian pitches where she continues her sports-related dreams with a full college scholarship. Drawings accompany her poems and most lines follow an AABB pattern.
Have you ever felt something so deeply that even if you spoke it aloud, you believe it would not be heard? Bhavini Bhargava lays open her heart as she details her deepest emotions and shows her unbreakable spirit. Even in the introduction, Bhargava uses a poem to describe herself during the time she penned her poems, showing readers that poetry is her chosen form of expression. Readers can tell that Bhargava focuses on her dreams and encourages them to pursue their wishes as soon as possible. Her work is inspirational, and some short poems could even be used as affirmations. With a lovely vocabulary and intense emotion, Bhargava maintains positivity, even when she conveys disappointment. "Society's Reality" touched me the most, and I feel it is one of the truest pieces I have ever read. Readers who enjoy poetry by tenacious individuals, which echoes the thoughts of many in their late teens as they journey through lost love and a search for purpose, will love Unheard.
Unheard is a collection of poems by Bhavini Bhargava. The author started with a focus on badminton, but after an injury, she moved to cricket and her poems reflect the shift. The pieces are meant for every age group, as Bhargava covers a period between her fifteenth and nineteenth years. She discusses love, loss, grief, success, and determination in her work, mirroring the decisions that led her to Australian pitches where she continues her sports-related dreams with a full college scholarship. Drawings accompany her poems and most lines follow an AABB pattern.
Have you ever felt something so deeply that even if you spoke it aloud, you believe it would not be heard? Bhavini Bhargava lays open her heart as she details her deepest emotions and shows her unbreakable spirit. Even in the introduction, Bhargava uses a poem to describe herself during the time she penned her poems, showing readers that poetry is her chosen form of expression. Readers can tell that Bhargava focuses on her dreams and encourages them to pursue their wishes as soon as possible. Her work is inspirational, and some short poems could even be used as affirmations. With a lovely vocabulary and intense emotion, Bhargava maintains positivity, even when she conveys disappointment. "Society's Reality" touched me the most, and I feel it is one of the truest pieces I have ever read. Readers who enjoy poetry by tenacious individuals, which echoes the thoughts of many in their late teens as they journey through lost love and a search for purpose, will love Unheard.
Recommend this book:
The Lilacs I Once Knew
Friddie’s Poems
Roni Rosenthal, Lior Gazit-Rosenthal
2025 Gold Medal
194 Pages
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Poetry - Inspirational
Reviewed by Inga Buccella for Readers' Favorite
The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal is a collection of poems. In 1937, in Bucharest, Romania, Rosenthal's cousin Freda Stoleru married a scientist her parents disapproved of. Just weeks after they were married, her new husband disappeared. Friddie was accused of the crime. Was she a scapegoat? Was it because she was Jewish? Friddie was then thrown into a Romanian prison for nearly a decade. After that, she languished in a communist labor camp for four years. Separated by life periods, the over 100-poem collection begins with Friddie's journey as a young woman. Halfway through the poetry diary, the concepts become more intense. Friddie, seemingly feeling more depressed and desperate with each passing day, expresses thoughts and feelings about how her captors grew from innocent boys into the violent men she knows.
The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal should be required reading. In my opinion, it is a classic collection and is still relevant today. Never having read anything so real, raw, personal, and powerful, I was overwhelmed. Therefore, I suggest savoring only a few poems at a time to get the pure essence of each one. Like Friddie herself, her poetry is a mix of both delicate grace and icy endurance. Although her circumstances were extreme, I found the nature themes threaded throughout the rhymes relatable. Friddie's poem "Mama's Lessons" is a favorite of mine. It is a memorial to her youth. She recounts memories of her nurturing mother and mentions the scent of lilacs, which the young poet sees as a symbol of hope. I admire Friddie, who was a brave warrior for putting into words her anger, fear, and eventually maybe even acceptance of her impending death. Friddie's life mattered. Such honest words are a testament to her innocence, proving not only that the "pen is mightier than the sword," but misguided vengeance is no match for a stellar human spirit like that of Friddie Stoleru.
The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal is a collection of poems. In 1937, in Bucharest, Romania, Rosenthal's cousin Freda Stoleru married a scientist her parents disapproved of. Just weeks after they were married, her new husband disappeared. Friddie was accused of the crime. Was she a scapegoat? Was it because she was Jewish? Friddie was then thrown into a Romanian prison for nearly a decade. After that, she languished in a communist labor camp for four years. Separated by life periods, the over 100-poem collection begins with Friddie's journey as a young woman. Halfway through the poetry diary, the concepts become more intense. Friddie, seemingly feeling more depressed and desperate with each passing day, expresses thoughts and feelings about how her captors grew from innocent boys into the violent men she knows.
The Lilacs I Once Knew by Roni Rosenthal should be required reading. In my opinion, it is a classic collection and is still relevant today. Never having read anything so real, raw, personal, and powerful, I was overwhelmed. Therefore, I suggest savoring only a few poems at a time to get the pure essence of each one. Like Friddie herself, her poetry is a mix of both delicate grace and icy endurance. Although her circumstances were extreme, I found the nature themes threaded throughout the rhymes relatable. Friddie's poem "Mama's Lessons" is a favorite of mine. It is a memorial to her youth. She recounts memories of her nurturing mother and mentions the scent of lilacs, which the young poet sees as a symbol of hope. I admire Friddie, who was a brave warrior for putting into words her anger, fear, and eventually maybe even acceptance of her impending death. Friddie's life mattered. Such honest words are a testament to her innocence, proving not only that the "pen is mightier than the sword," but misguided vengeance is no match for a stellar human spirit like that of Friddie Stoleru.
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