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Community Among Women
Reflections: A Mythology in Poetry & Prose is a collection of poetry and prose related to your own coming-of-age period through classic literature and mythology female figures. What inspired this collection of poetry?
I began Reflections as a means of examining life experiences that shaped me, a sort of writing exercise that I never expected to come together as it did. The use of myth and character helped me to reflect on my own experiences with a degree of removal that I hope make them relatable to my readers.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The theme of community among women was one that kept jumping out at me while I wrote. As I was working towards healing myself, it was the company of the women in my life – my chorus, if you will – that helped me to lick my wounds and find my inner strength. I hope that these poems and stories help us all to stop competing and work towards building strong relationships.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
The universal nature of love, heartbreak, and healing. I have received so many messages from readers, men and women alike, who have shared their own experiences with me and the way my words helped to give them voice. This exercise in self discovery has built so many beautiful connections that I never could have expected.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m bouncing around between a couple of ideas currently! I have a novel in the works, an examination of the guilt that comes from writing about the people in your life, and I’m very excited for that. It’s still in the early stages, but I’m hoping to start querying it by the end of the year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook
Reflections offers readers snapshots of the author’s own coming-of-age contextualized within the works of Homer, Shakespeare, Sappho, and even King James. Superimposing their stories on her own, Hall invites the reader to join the likes of Aphrodite, Lilith, Eve, and more as they wade through the beautiful, and often treacherous, waters of womanhood. Find yourself within the threads of a universal story, surrounded by a chorus of characters who have walked the same road.
With lyrical language and heartbreaking vulnerability, Reflections blurs the line between allegory and reimagining to create something wholly its own.
Reflections: A Mythology in Poetry & Prose
Reflections: A Mythology in Poetry & Prose by Azure Hall is an enthralling anthology of stories and poems that delve into the lives of mythological feminine figures reimagined through a contemporary lens. Hall masterfully weaves historical narratives with her unique perspective, offering a fresh take on influential mythological tales. The piece “Homemaking in Wartime” illustrates the disruption of daily life by “Trojan Horse houseguests,” while “Odysseus” captures Penelope’s longing for her absent lover. “Salt” poignantly depicts the internal conflict of a woman haunted by a past love. This collection stands out as a profound exploration of femininity, love, and the enduring power of mythology.
Hall’s innovative approach breathes new life into these ancient stories. Her depiction of Aphrodite as a modern seventh-grader grappling with societal expectations regarding femininity illuminates the timelessness of these narratives. This modern-day Aphrodite becomes a symbol of resistance against prescribed norms, mirroring the struggles of young women today. The book’s lyrical prose and evocative metaphors, such as “With each strike, the pointed chisel went deeper, unleashing you like a lily leaning towards spring,” showcase Hall’s skillful blend of artistic expression and natural imagery. The concise, engaging titles further enhance the collection, inviting readers into each new story with curiosity and anticipation. The first-person narratives, brimming with palpable emotions, establish a deep connection between the reader and the characters.
Reflections is a testament to the complexity of human emotions and societal roles, offering insightful commentary on heartbreak, desire, growth, and the constraints imposed by society. It’s a must-read for those who appreciate the intricate interplay between mythology, poetry, and the exploration of authentic feminine voices. Each piece not only enthralls but also leaves a resonating impact, making Reflections a memorable journey into the depths of myth and emotion.
Pages: 108 | ASIN : B0CM9QW8WC
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
When reading Sign of the Times: Through Reimagined Nursery Rhymes you bring out your inner child, enjoy the text in the book and be grateful for literature in a different structure. Colin McNairn wrote an interesting book. This is the kind of book you read when in a dull mood as the verses will cheer you up. Signs of the Times: Through Reimagined Nursery Rhymes is an easy book to follow and readers will enjoy every page.
I really enjoyed the unique contemporary twist given to these classic nursery rhymes. While I believe the content of the book is geared more towards adults, I think that it will really appeal to anyone that is mature. The colorful literature covers a variety of social issues in poignant yet humorous ways. Some of my favorite topics in the book touched on politics, running homes, climate and sexual revolution.
Reading this book makes you appreciate classic literature once again, but we reexamine these stories with a modern lens that shows just how far we’ve come, or at least changed, since they were written and last fully appreciated. Author Colin McNairn covers serious issues in an amusing way that provides context to issues many see as abstract. Which is funny to me considering these nursery rhymes were abstract to me as a child, I never really sat and thought about the words and the story behind it. Author Colin McNairn has obviously put much more thought into these stories than I ever have and in so doing has given me a different kind of appreciation for the kinds of stories we tell children and what the underlying messages are in the stories we tell.
Signs of the Times: Through Reimagined Nursery Rhymes can be enjoyed in one of two ways; as light and fun reading that will certainly make you chuckle, or as a deeper examination of classic literature. In either case, it will certainly be enjoyable.
Pages: 102 | ISBN: 1954353693
Robert Falconer – Book Trailer
Robert Falconer is one of the greatest novels by George MacDonald, the man whom C.S. Lewis called his “master.” In his preface, translator David Jack writes that Robert Falconer “revolves around a twin-search by the hero: one after the prodigal earthly father whom he barely remembers to have seen, the other in pursuit of a Heavenly Father through the densest of theological fogs engendered by the well-meaning religious instruction of his Calvinist grannie…the odyssey left me spellbound, and here I found the essence of MacDonald’s spiritual vision encapsulated in a soaring work of fiction (soaring like the notes of Robert’s cherished violin): namely that ‘Fatherhood is at the great world’s core.’” MacDonald’s frequent use of Scots in the dialogue of many of his novels has posed a problem for many readers. This breakthrough edition of Robert Falconer presents the complete original text, but places English translations side-by-side with the Scots. It also features an introduction by best-selling author Michael Phillips, the world’s foremost expert on George MacDonald, along with fifteen original illustrations by artist Leighton Isaacs.
Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge *Children’s Edition*
![Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge: The sequel to A Christmas Carol (Children's Edition - Narrated with Audio Christmas Carols) by [Norman Whaler, Voxillustrations, Esther Randell, David Deighton (UK)]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51caYJjd-nL.jpg)
Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge: The sequel to A Christmas Carol (Children’s Edition) by Norman Whaler, with illustrations by Voxillustrations, is a picture book intended for children aged 4 through 10. Set in London, Tiny Tim is now grown up. He loves Becky, but her parents will not allow a marriage between the two of them. After many years pass, Tim has started to forget the lessons he learned from Ebenezer Scrooge. He forgets the hardships of his childhood–and appreciating the simple joys of life. After Mr. Scrooge passes away seven days before Christmas, Tim is visited by Scrooge’s ghost. Will Tim finally remember the true spirit of Christmas?
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a perfect story for parents to share with their children this holiday season. It has a good lesson about generosity and kindness, and a message of faith through trials and struggles. Quotes about kindness at the beginning of the book, including from scripture and literature, reinforce the message of the story. This book can be enjoyed even if a reader is not familiar with the classic Charles Dickens’ story, since there is a quick overview of A Christmas Carol in the first page of verses. The rhyming verses are fun and young children will enjoy looking at the pictures as the story is read to them. I liked the change in font to indicate strong emotion in the dialogue, and I enjoyed the happy ending. I wanted to know more about Becky and her son, Jimmy.
I loved all the vividly colored pictures with bright pinks and greens and beautiful scenery and landscapes. My two favorite pictures were the scenes of the bedroom at night and in the morning. The glow from the candle was very realistic. It actually appeared as though light was shining out of the book in this picture, and also the one where the sun was shining through the bedroom window the next day. The illustrator’s use of perspective was very good and many pictures had an impressive three dimensional look.
There are nine Christmas carols at the end of the story with lyrics and sheet music, which are a wonderful addition to this book.
Pages: 95 | ASIN: B08MKJT2YH
High Tea with Ophelia – Book Trailer
How often have you ever wanted to meet one of your favorite literary characters in person? Dr. Sabriel Shelley, a Literature Professor who relocates, from New Orleans to St. Augustine, Florida when her husband dies unexpectedly not only meets one of her favorite characters, she meets five.Ophelia, who steps out of the Hamlet play, explains to Sabriel one afternoon at tea , that this reunion of literary characters is similar to the Jelekyl Ball in the musical, Cats, by Andrew Lloyd Webber. What happens next is a series of exciting experiences that enlightens Sabriel and the community she lives in.High Tea with Ophelia, is a blend of fantasy and literary appreciation. Eleanor Tremayne, award winning author of four novels, goes beyond the restrictions of clinical analysis, allowing her reader to meet these well known characters in a new light.Mrs. Tremayne also takes advantage of the ancient St. Augustine setting, inviting her readers to explore all this city has to offer, from the famous Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, to The Fountain of Youth, to Otttis Castle. It is an adventure like no other, and one that you will want to share with others.
LITERARY TITAN 