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Recommend this book:
Crimson Leaves
Poetry Celebrating Romance
John Lambert
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Crimson Leaves by John Donovan Lambert blends timeless classics with contemporary verses to celebrate love in all its forms. The book offers readers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on romance, from the passionate odes of Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Burns, and Rabindranath Tagore to the poignant musings of modern poets like Michael R. Burch and the author. The thematic structure, highlighted by “Intermissions,” offers a thoughtful break, letting readers contemplate the previous works. The book’s structure is impressive. The interweaving of short, vivid Poetic Hugs™ and Kisses™ with more extended pieces makes this book unique and engaging. This structure allows readers to linger in fleeting moments of intimacy and relish longer narratives of devotion. Including historical love letters and prayers enriches the collection, offering glimpses into the hearts of lovers across time and cultures.
John Donovan Lambert’s talent shines in Crimson Leaves, showcasing his poetic and cultural arts knowledge. The book would be an excellent addition to a high school or college creative writing class, and it’s without a doubt a work of discussion for serious book clubs. Lambert’s collection incorporates various elements, including motif, symbolism, and vivid imagery, which are central to its artistic expression. Crimson Leaves is a poetic journey that will appeal to romantic poetry lovers and literary enthusiasts. Whether seeking a nostalgic walk through classic love poetry or fresh inspiration for modern romance, this book offers pages of beautiful prose. Lambert’s careful curation and thoughtful additions will appeal to readers of all ages. It’s the perfect addition to home and school libraries.
Crimson Leaves by John Donovan Lambert blends timeless classics with contemporary verses to celebrate love in all its forms. The book offers readers a kaleidoscope of perspectives on romance, from the passionate odes of Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Burns, and Rabindranath Tagore to the poignant musings of modern poets like Michael R. Burch and the author. The thematic structure, highlighted by “Intermissions,” offers a thoughtful break, letting readers contemplate the previous works. The book’s structure is impressive. The interweaving of short, vivid Poetic Hugs™ and Kisses™ with more extended pieces makes this book unique and engaging. This structure allows readers to linger in fleeting moments of intimacy and relish longer narratives of devotion. Including historical love letters and prayers enriches the collection, offering glimpses into the hearts of lovers across time and cultures.
John Donovan Lambert’s talent shines in Crimson Leaves, showcasing his poetic and cultural arts knowledge. The book would be an excellent addition to a high school or college creative writing class, and it’s without a doubt a work of discussion for serious book clubs. Lambert’s collection incorporates various elements, including motif, symbolism, and vivid imagery, which are central to its artistic expression. Crimson Leaves is a poetic journey that will appeal to romantic poetry lovers and literary enthusiasts. Whether seeking a nostalgic walk through classic love poetry or fresh inspiration for modern romance, this book offers pages of beautiful prose. Lambert’s careful curation and thoughtful additions will appeal to readers of all ages. It’s the perfect addition to home and school libraries.
Recommend this book:
Between These Bones
A Collection of Poetry
Freya Sharp
2025 Honorable Mention
96 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Poetry is one of the most effective mediums to convey personal experiences in a way others can relate to. In Between These Bones, Freya Sharp shares her personal experiences through mesmerizing verses that strike at the deep reaches of your soul. This intimate poetry collection paints a vivid portrait of Sharp's own life and offers readers a view into some of the darker aspects of human relationships. These poems touch upon some heavy topics, including sexual assault, abuse, and mental illness. Sharp's powerful verses showcase how toxic relationships can affect a person's entire trajectory and outlook toward life. The collection also delves into newfound love, yearning, healing, and hope. 'I Am' beautifully demonstrates how a person plays various roles in the grandest of plays we call life, and all those roles combine to form someone deeply human.
Using free verse, Freya Sharp delivers a riveting collection of poems that readers of confessional poetry are bound to savor. Sharp's verses are unflinchingly raw and emotionally evocative. Each poem adds something new to the narrative while expanding upon the story of the author's life, exploring the human condition through the lens of different relationships. While many of the poems are confessional, others seem more observational. Stylistically, Sharp has a unique poetic flair that is authentic and very refreshing to read. The author experiments a lot with the structural organization of the poems, and each poem feels distinct yet remains thematically consistent with the larger narrative. Overall, I found Between These Bones illuminative and inspirational. Poetry lovers have a gem of a book in their hands. Definitely grab a copy!
Poetry is one of the most effective mediums to convey personal experiences in a way others can relate to. In Between These Bones, Freya Sharp shares her personal experiences through mesmerizing verses that strike at the deep reaches of your soul. This intimate poetry collection paints a vivid portrait of Sharp's own life and offers readers a view into some of the darker aspects of human relationships. These poems touch upon some heavy topics, including sexual assault, abuse, and mental illness. Sharp's powerful verses showcase how toxic relationships can affect a person's entire trajectory and outlook toward life. The collection also delves into newfound love, yearning, healing, and hope. 'I Am' beautifully demonstrates how a person plays various roles in the grandest of plays we call life, and all those roles combine to form someone deeply human.
Using free verse, Freya Sharp delivers a riveting collection of poems that readers of confessional poetry are bound to savor. Sharp's verses are unflinchingly raw and emotionally evocative. Each poem adds something new to the narrative while expanding upon the story of the author's life, exploring the human condition through the lens of different relationships. While many of the poems are confessional, others seem more observational. Stylistically, Sharp has a unique poetic flair that is authentic and very refreshing to read. The author experiments a lot with the structural organization of the poems, and each poem feels distinct yet remains thematically consistent with the larger narrative. Overall, I found Between These Bones illuminative and inspirational. Poetry lovers have a gem of a book in their hands. Definitely grab a copy!
Recommend this book:
Verses of the Broken
Echoes From A Fractured Mind
Nyx Thorn
2025 Bronze Medal
151 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Verses of the Broken: Echoes From A Fractured Mind by Nyx Thorn is an intense and deeply honest collection of poetry that doesn’t shy away from tough emotions. It dives straight into trauma, fear, and resilience, laying everything bare in a way that feels both deeply personal and strangely universal. Thorn’s words hit like a punch to the gut at times, bringing to light feelings most people try to bury. But even in the darkest moments, there’s a small but steady thread of hope, a reminder that healing, however slow or messy, is still possible. Each poem is like a reflection of a fractured mind, forcing you to sit with your own emotions and struggles and think about the balance of light and dark in your own life. The collection takes you through waves of despair and hope, making it impossible not to connect with at least some part of it. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just speak to you but one that makes you feel seen.
Nyx Thorn writes with such raw emotion that I found myself completely absorbed, even when the subject matter was heavy. The imagery is so vivid that certain lines stuck with me long after I’d finished reading. I had to go back to some poems again and again, each time noticing something new or feeling a different kind of impact. Thorn tackles mental health and self-discovery in a way that is real with no easy fixes, no sugarcoating, just an honest look at what it means to struggle and survive. There’s a balance between pain and hope that makes the whole collection genuine, never over-the-top but always deeply felt. What stood out to me was how Thorn turns personal pain into something artistic and meaningful, creating a space where readers can recognize themselves in the words. Even the darkest poems don’t feel like they’re about giving up; rather, they feel like proof of strength and pushing through. If you’ve ever felt lost, hurt, or just needed to know you weren’t alone, this collection is worth reading. Overall, Verses of the Broken is raw, emotional, and at times, a little heartbreaking, but above all, it’s a powerful reminder of our inner strength and I highly recommend it.
Verses of the Broken: Echoes From A Fractured Mind by Nyx Thorn is an intense and deeply honest collection of poetry that doesn’t shy away from tough emotions. It dives straight into trauma, fear, and resilience, laying everything bare in a way that feels both deeply personal and strangely universal. Thorn’s words hit like a punch to the gut at times, bringing to light feelings most people try to bury. But even in the darkest moments, there’s a small but steady thread of hope, a reminder that healing, however slow or messy, is still possible. Each poem is like a reflection of a fractured mind, forcing you to sit with your own emotions and struggles and think about the balance of light and dark in your own life. The collection takes you through waves of despair and hope, making it impossible not to connect with at least some part of it. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just speak to you but one that makes you feel seen.
Nyx Thorn writes with such raw emotion that I found myself completely absorbed, even when the subject matter was heavy. The imagery is so vivid that certain lines stuck with me long after I’d finished reading. I had to go back to some poems again and again, each time noticing something new or feeling a different kind of impact. Thorn tackles mental health and self-discovery in a way that is real with no easy fixes, no sugarcoating, just an honest look at what it means to struggle and survive. There’s a balance between pain and hope that makes the whole collection genuine, never over-the-top but always deeply felt. What stood out to me was how Thorn turns personal pain into something artistic and meaningful, creating a space where readers can recognize themselves in the words. Even the darkest poems don’t feel like they’re about giving up; rather, they feel like proof of strength and pushing through. If you’ve ever felt lost, hurt, or just needed to know you weren’t alone, this collection is worth reading. Overall, Verses of the Broken is raw, emotional, and at times, a little heartbreaking, but above all, it’s a powerful reminder of our inner strength and I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Salvation
Poems on Finding Love Again
Pablo Camacho
2025 Silver Medal
90 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Salvation: Poems on Finding Love Again by Pablo Camacho delivers a touching collection of poetry focused on healing and rediscovering love. This in-depth collection serves as a beacon of hope for those recovering from heartbreak or seeking to embrace new love. Through a blend of emotional poetry, haikus, and poignant short writings, Camacho explores themes of intimacy, transformation, and faith. His work provides solace and inspiration, reminding readers that love's light endures even in dark times. Camacho’s ability to blend the simplicity of gentle language with deep emotive connotations and imagery creates a powerful and evocative read that poetry fans everywhere will no doubt fall in love with.
The book's honest exploration of love and healing offers a genuine, comforting touch to readers navigating their own emotional journeys, and Pablo Camacho’s vivid imagery and heartfelt language effectively capture the essence of love’s transformative power. Camacho's poetic style combines grace and emotional resonance. Some of my favorite verses included the beautiful sentiment of ‘To a life together’, which I could easily imagine being part of someone’s marriage vows if they’re searching for the right words to say, and the deeply poignant and heartbreaking ‘Ghosts’, which made me think of those I’ve lost over the years. There is something on every emotion that relates to how people make such a deep impact on our lives in these beautiful verses. The imagery of the natural world as well as spiritual and supernatural concepts blends well with the thoughtful, ethereal quality of the writing. Overall, Salvation is a beautifully impactful collection for those seeking both solace and inspiration.
Salvation: Poems on Finding Love Again by Pablo Camacho delivers a touching collection of poetry focused on healing and rediscovering love. This in-depth collection serves as a beacon of hope for those recovering from heartbreak or seeking to embrace new love. Through a blend of emotional poetry, haikus, and poignant short writings, Camacho explores themes of intimacy, transformation, and faith. His work provides solace and inspiration, reminding readers that love's light endures even in dark times. Camacho’s ability to blend the simplicity of gentle language with deep emotive connotations and imagery creates a powerful and evocative read that poetry fans everywhere will no doubt fall in love with.
The book's honest exploration of love and healing offers a genuine, comforting touch to readers navigating their own emotional journeys, and Pablo Camacho’s vivid imagery and heartfelt language effectively capture the essence of love’s transformative power. Camacho's poetic style combines grace and emotional resonance. Some of my favorite verses included the beautiful sentiment of ‘To a life together’, which I could easily imagine being part of someone’s marriage vows if they’re searching for the right words to say, and the deeply poignant and heartbreaking ‘Ghosts’, which made me think of those I’ve lost over the years. There is something on every emotion that relates to how people make such a deep impact on our lives in these beautiful verses. The imagery of the natural world as well as spiritual and supernatural concepts blends well with the thoughtful, ethereal quality of the writing. Overall, Salvation is a beautifully impactful collection for those seeking both solace and inspiration.
Recommend this book:
When Daisies and Thunderstorms Collide
Isabel Scheck
2024 Finalist
78 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
When Daisies and Thunderstorms Collide by Isabel Scheck is a book of poetic fiction that tells the story of a daisy being swept up into a thunderstorm. Told in a chronological compilation of free-form versed poetry, the plot offers an analogy of a fragile young woman who loves a man. The young woman is a fragile flower, a daisy, and the man is a ferocious thunderstorm. With emotion, perseverance, and the strength (and initially, the lack thereof) of both identities brought forward as focal points in the narrative, love takes center stage as the daisy is able to find herself while under the turbulent and often violent crush of the storm.
When Daisies and Thunderstorms Collide is a fresh approach to storytelling that Isabel Scheck has applied to a recurrent theme. I loved the verses that are presented on each page. While they are simple and straightforward, the power of her words resonates into the culmination of a beautifully told story. “Most beings avoid being the centre of chaos; But I’m drawn to your blizzards like the clouds that help you create turmoil. --STILL STUCK ON YOU.”
At the heart of the story is a frail flora speaking both to and about her love of the thunderstorm, in which the gentle raindrops and sleet that the storm unleashes can sometimes feel eerily codependent. It is when the daisy begins to shed her weakness and stand resolute in the storm that I saw her in full bloom, despite a series of crushing defeats. This book was shared with my 15-year-old daughter who disappeared into her room with it and has yet to return. It's brilliant.
When Daisies and Thunderstorms Collide by Isabel Scheck is a book of poetic fiction that tells the story of a daisy being swept up into a thunderstorm. Told in a chronological compilation of free-form versed poetry, the plot offers an analogy of a fragile young woman who loves a man. The young woman is a fragile flower, a daisy, and the man is a ferocious thunderstorm. With emotion, perseverance, and the strength (and initially, the lack thereof) of both identities brought forward as focal points in the narrative, love takes center stage as the daisy is able to find herself while under the turbulent and often violent crush of the storm.
When Daisies and Thunderstorms Collide is a fresh approach to storytelling that Isabel Scheck has applied to a recurrent theme. I loved the verses that are presented on each page. While they are simple and straightforward, the power of her words resonates into the culmination of a beautifully told story. “Most beings avoid being the centre of chaos; But I’m drawn to your blizzards like the clouds that help you create turmoil. --STILL STUCK ON YOU.”
At the heart of the story is a frail flora speaking both to and about her love of the thunderstorm, in which the gentle raindrops and sleet that the storm unleashes can sometimes feel eerily codependent. It is when the daisy begins to shed her weakness and stand resolute in the storm that I saw her in full bloom, despite a series of crushing defeats. This book was shared with my 15-year-old daughter who disappeared into her room with it and has yet to return. It's brilliant.
Recommend this book:
Heartbeats In Ink
Denise Alicea
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
Heartbeats in Ink by Denise Alicea is a collection of 32 poems, most of them about love. The themes are generally positive and uplifting; they include topics such as romantic love, self-love, and even appreciating cats. The poems have a melodic rhythm to them. Most are written in rhyme, while a few are in free verse. They are also straightforward, which makes them easy to understand. They beautifully capture the different stages of life and loss, evoking a range of emotions with poems like Falling in Love, Crush, Hope, Enduring Love, and Love is Never Lost. Heartbeats in Ink by Denise Alicea is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a delightful read to curl up with.
I liked the happy, positive, and optimistic themes of the poems in Heartbeats in Ink by Denise Alicea. I also liked that the poems were easy to understand and not at all obscure. The poem called “Crush” truly depicts that heart-pounding, sweaty-palm feeling that comes when you are attracted to someone; this poem made me nostalgic. I also enjoyed “Sympathy,” which pointed out the importance of caring for others. My favorites were "I Will Believe" and "A Place at the Table." The latter calls for unity regardless of our differences in race, beliefs, etc. I truly think "I Will Believe" would make a great song; it is beautifully written. I immensely enjoyed reading Heartbeats in Ink; the poems offer a warm, fuzzy feeling that remains with you long after you’re finished reading.
Heartbeats in Ink by Denise Alicea is a collection of 32 poems, most of them about love. The themes are generally positive and uplifting; they include topics such as romantic love, self-love, and even appreciating cats. The poems have a melodic rhythm to them. Most are written in rhyme, while a few are in free verse. They are also straightforward, which makes them easy to understand. They beautifully capture the different stages of life and loss, evoking a range of emotions with poems like Falling in Love, Crush, Hope, Enduring Love, and Love is Never Lost. Heartbeats in Ink by Denise Alicea is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a delightful read to curl up with.
I liked the happy, positive, and optimistic themes of the poems in Heartbeats in Ink by Denise Alicea. I also liked that the poems were easy to understand and not at all obscure. The poem called “Crush” truly depicts that heart-pounding, sweaty-palm feeling that comes when you are attracted to someone; this poem made me nostalgic. I also enjoyed “Sympathy,” which pointed out the importance of caring for others. My favorites were "I Will Believe" and "A Place at the Table." The latter calls for unity regardless of our differences in race, beliefs, etc. I truly think "I Will Believe" would make a great song; it is beautifully written. I immensely enjoyed reading Heartbeats in Ink; the poems offer a warm, fuzzy feeling that remains with you long after you’re finished reading.
Recommend this book:
Phoenix Saga: A Modern Epic in Pro Sé
History: Chronicles of Secrets, Deception, and an Unknowable Future-Past
Amall Era JesuƨɘႱ Ho // Joshua James Eller
2024 Silver Medal
102 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Adanna Ora for Readers' Favorite
Phoenix Saga is an epic book written by Amall Era JesuƨɘႱ Ho and Joshua James Eller based on Greek mythology and the adventures of Anyalnon and Enēôlnən. It contains poems, short stories with myths about the lives and times of popular people, and quotes from world leaders. There are important life principles embedded in some chapters. The poems dwell on different themes ranging from the wholeness of the body, soul, and mind to nuggets for good living and values with which to move through life peacefully and purposefully. The authors use literary devices like enjambment, simile, imagery, rhetorical questions, and metaphors. Worthy of note is the interview with the poet-oracle, which gives a supernatural angle to the story and the reasons for the majority of his beliefs. Join the authors on this amazing journey in a combination of science, literature, philosophy, and mythology.
One of the things that struck me in Phoenix Saga was the dialogue. It is captivating, endearing, and always has something to teach. I love the fluidity of the themes in the book. It is a guide to living a fulfilled life. Amall Era JesuƨɘႱ Ho and Joshua James Eller use elements like nature to shed more light on the message they want to convey. The authors also make use of images and acronyms to illustrate their message. This shows the intent to enable learning and understanding. The third-person narrative style also makes the stories a delight to look forward to. There is a reference section for those who might want to study further. I recommend Phoenix Saga to lovers of history and new knowledge.
Phoenix Saga is an epic book written by Amall Era JesuƨɘႱ Ho and Joshua James Eller based on Greek mythology and the adventures of Anyalnon and Enēôlnən. It contains poems, short stories with myths about the lives and times of popular people, and quotes from world leaders. There are important life principles embedded in some chapters. The poems dwell on different themes ranging from the wholeness of the body, soul, and mind to nuggets for good living and values with which to move through life peacefully and purposefully. The authors use literary devices like enjambment, simile, imagery, rhetorical questions, and metaphors. Worthy of note is the interview with the poet-oracle, which gives a supernatural angle to the story and the reasons for the majority of his beliefs. Join the authors on this amazing journey in a combination of science, literature, philosophy, and mythology.
One of the things that struck me in Phoenix Saga was the dialogue. It is captivating, endearing, and always has something to teach. I love the fluidity of the themes in the book. It is a guide to living a fulfilled life. Amall Era JesuƨɘႱ Ho and Joshua James Eller use elements like nature to shed more light on the message they want to convey. The authors also make use of images and acronyms to illustrate their message. This shows the intent to enable learning and understanding. The third-person narrative style also makes the stories a delight to look forward to. There is a reference section for those who might want to study further. I recommend Phoenix Saga to lovers of history and new knowledge.
Recommend this book:
I Swear Somewhere This Works
Selected Poems 2013-2023
Trista Mateer
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
I Swear Somewhere This Works: Selected Poems 2013-2023 is a work of non-fiction in the poetry, relationships, and reflection subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to themes of sex and sexual assault and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by author Trista Mateer, the work takes us through the poet’s early life and the messy experiences of her teen and young adult era, especially where love and heartbreak are concerned. The poems are largely sapphic in their theming, and in more than 200 verses, we get a real feel for a whirlwind of emotions, learning, loving, losing, and hoping over a decade of growth.
Author Trista Mateer shows a great deal of strength in the issues she tackles in the pages of this heartfelt, emotive, raw work. I felt immediately engaged by the poetic style, which had accessibility due to its seemingly simplistic use of language to set scenes in one’s mind of folded paper, passing notes, secret places, and close encounters. Then, the emotion and tension of the work begin to travel through the deceptively simple sentences, bringing with them untold volumes of wanting, needing, hurting, and healing. LGBTQIA+ readers will find much to relate to, especially as Mateer homes in on the sense of panic, isolation, and otherness of knowing you’re different and not necessarily knowing how to act on that. Overall, I Swear Somewhere This Works is a highly recommended collection for all poetry fans and one of those magical volumes that tells you exactly who its author is in every line.
I Swear Somewhere This Works: Selected Poems 2013-2023 is a work of non-fiction in the poetry, relationships, and reflection subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to themes of sex and sexual assault and the use of explicit language throughout. Penned by author Trista Mateer, the work takes us through the poet’s early life and the messy experiences of her teen and young adult era, especially where love and heartbreak are concerned. The poems are largely sapphic in their theming, and in more than 200 verses, we get a real feel for a whirlwind of emotions, learning, loving, losing, and hoping over a decade of growth.
Author Trista Mateer shows a great deal of strength in the issues she tackles in the pages of this heartfelt, emotive, raw work. I felt immediately engaged by the poetic style, which had accessibility due to its seemingly simplistic use of language to set scenes in one’s mind of folded paper, passing notes, secret places, and close encounters. Then, the emotion and tension of the work begin to travel through the deceptively simple sentences, bringing with them untold volumes of wanting, needing, hurting, and healing. LGBTQIA+ readers will find much to relate to, especially as Mateer homes in on the sense of panic, isolation, and otherness of knowing you’re different and not necessarily knowing how to act on that. Overall, I Swear Somewhere This Works is a highly recommended collection for all poetry fans and one of those magical volumes that tells you exactly who its author is in every line.
Recommend this book:
No Unpaid Passengers
Pam R. Johnson Davis
2023 Finalist
90 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Award-winning author, poet, educator, and singer/songwriter Pam R. Johnson Davis delves into some heavy themes in this beautiful poetry collection, No Unpaid Passengers. Drawing inspiration from her own life, Pam touches upon issues that impacted her, beginning with her childhood, growing up in the belly of the beast that is southern racism, and Black Pentecostal politics. Her poems explore topics such as parental neglect, dysfunctional relationships, and love, as well as what it means to grow up as a young Black girl in America. Through her freestyle verses, she also sheds light on the institutional racism that the Black community in America has been subjected to through the centuries that is only now getting long overdue attention because of the rising influence of social media in the 21st century.
At the end of the day, you have to choose yourself while traversing the host of struggles and challenges of life. This is the primary message of No Unpaid Passengers. With her experimental structures combined with the personal touch of her verses, Pam R. Johnson Davis pens some mesmerizing poems that will pull at your heartstrings and leave you with a sense of emotional catharsis as only top-tier poetry can. No matter what background you come from, Pam's poems strike a chord because of the authenticity of her words that tell the truth in a way that everyone can connect with. I loved every single one of her poems but something about Hood Nationalism spoke to me. Highly recommended to all poetry lovers out there.
Award-winning author, poet, educator, and singer/songwriter Pam R. Johnson Davis delves into some heavy themes in this beautiful poetry collection, No Unpaid Passengers. Drawing inspiration from her own life, Pam touches upon issues that impacted her, beginning with her childhood, growing up in the belly of the beast that is southern racism, and Black Pentecostal politics. Her poems explore topics such as parental neglect, dysfunctional relationships, and love, as well as what it means to grow up as a young Black girl in America. Through her freestyle verses, she also sheds light on the institutional racism that the Black community in America has been subjected to through the centuries that is only now getting long overdue attention because of the rising influence of social media in the 21st century.
At the end of the day, you have to choose yourself while traversing the host of struggles and challenges of life. This is the primary message of No Unpaid Passengers. With her experimental structures combined with the personal touch of her verses, Pam R. Johnson Davis pens some mesmerizing poems that will pull at your heartstrings and leave you with a sense of emotional catharsis as only top-tier poetry can. No matter what background you come from, Pam's poems strike a chord because of the authenticity of her words that tell the truth in a way that everyone can connect with. I loved every single one of her poems but something about Hood Nationalism spoke to me. Highly recommended to all poetry lovers out there.
Recommend this book:
An Occasional Damage of Roses
James Victor Anderson
2023 Honorable Mention
146 Pages
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Poetry - Love/Romance
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
An Occasional Damage of Roses is a collection of poems by James Victor Anderson. The work aims to help readers realize the reality that has always been in front of their eyes and break the binding walls formed by the thoughts and suggestions of other people; to be their authentic selves and find the inner child that was lost. The poems discuss precognition, consciousness, serenity, purpose, and many more topics. Some lyrics are written like stories of memories and trauma; others are in-depth thoughts and quotes about life. The poems cover life, death, growth, nature, seasons, witchcraft, and magic themes. Get a copy of this book to enjoy these moving words.
An Occasional Damage of Roses is a transforming poetic work that will make you reflect on things you perceive to be true. The poems will make you view life differently and realize that it is not always black or white. From family to our memories and the way we see nature, there is always another side to the story. Whether it was an old man remembering the war, two lovers running toward each other in an orchard, or friends talking about their fathers, the author perfectly captured their emotions. The poems convey healing, change, dreams, love, and self-awareness. The words can have different interpretations depending on your perspective, but they will make you feel. I enjoyed reading this collection because it has a consistent format and smooth flow. Poems are meant to speak to the soul, and James Victor Anderson's work did just that and made me relate to the subjects of his poems. Great work.
An Occasional Damage of Roses is a collection of poems by James Victor Anderson. The work aims to help readers realize the reality that has always been in front of their eyes and break the binding walls formed by the thoughts and suggestions of other people; to be their authentic selves and find the inner child that was lost. The poems discuss precognition, consciousness, serenity, purpose, and many more topics. Some lyrics are written like stories of memories and trauma; others are in-depth thoughts and quotes about life. The poems cover life, death, growth, nature, seasons, witchcraft, and magic themes. Get a copy of this book to enjoy these moving words.
An Occasional Damage of Roses is a transforming poetic work that will make you reflect on things you perceive to be true. The poems will make you view life differently and realize that it is not always black or white. From family to our memories and the way we see nature, there is always another side to the story. Whether it was an old man remembering the war, two lovers running toward each other in an orchard, or friends talking about their fathers, the author perfectly captured their emotions. The poems convey healing, change, dreams, love, and self-awareness. The words can have different interpretations depending on your perspective, but they will make you feel. I enjoyed reading this collection because it has a consistent format and smooth flow. Poems are meant to speak to the soul, and James Victor Anderson's work did just that and made me relate to the subjects of his poems. Great work.
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