Blog Archives
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems
The Lilacs I Once Knew: Friddie’s Poems is a captivating poetry collection with a compelling backstory. Roni Rosenthal meticulously restored and translated these works to share Friddie’s tale with the world—an account of a talented Romanian poet unjustly imprisoned during the war and communist era.
Each poem in the collection breathes life into Friddie’s emotions, evoking a spectrum of feelings such as hope, love, betrayal, and misery. One of the most poignant sections depicts Friddie’s journey of healing and self-forgiveness. Her profound words create a sense of shared healing with the reader. Through her reflections and vivid contrasts of nature and war, readers gain a renewed appreciation for life. The collection’s variety of rhyming patterns and unique structural elements keep readers engaged and curious throughout. Roni Rosenthal’s translation skillfully preserves the original message and rhythm of the poems, ensuring their impact remains intact. The book’s design complements Friddie’s touching words beautifully. Impactful images, quotes, and photos of Friddie and her family are thoughtfully placed throughout the book, enhancing the emotional resonance of each section and bringing Friddie’s story to life.
The Lilacs I Once Knew is heartbreaking, promising, and beautiful. It honors the memory of one of the many victims of inhumanity and serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry and resilience.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0D9RK929F
Journeys of Reflection
45 is a captivating collection of poetry that shares with readers your exploration of balance, spirituality, and journey of personal growth. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to explore balance, spirituality, and personal growth because I believe that it is crucial for my self-awareness and fulfillment. Writing about these topics helped me clarify my thoughts and my understanding. I also wanted to inspire others on their own journeys of reflection, growth, and connection with oneself and the world around us.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this collection of poetry?
My ideas were self-discovery, purpose, and connection to the universe. I blended personal experiences with universal truths to help encourage readers to reflect and grow spiritually through poetic words. I also used religious concepts like karma, forgiveness and faith, moral dilemmas, spiritual journeys, and divine interventions.
What is one piece of advice someone gave you that changed your life?
Have faith and believe.
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when is that book due out?
I working on a poetry book about positive and negative energy. I believe that positive energy fosters joy, empathy, and harmonious connections. Negative energy leads to conflicts, stress, and misunderstandings. I believe that understanding these energies influences moods, personality, and thoughts. This book will be available by the end of this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
45
45, by Jason O’Neal Williams, is a captivating journey through the poet’s exploration of balance, spirituality, and personal growth. The collection is rich with introspective verses that delve into the significance of the number 45 in the author’s life, symbolizing a harmonious blend of practicality and creativity. Each poem is a reflection of Williams’ quest for spiritual enlightenment, resilience, and self-discovery, making the reader ponder their own life’s balance and purpose.
One of the most striking aspects of Williams’ writing is his ability to weave personal experiences with universal themes. In the poem “I’m Fully Aware,” he talks about a spiritual awakening that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable. His vivid descriptions of shedding past insecurities and embracing a higher reality resonated strongly with me, as I felt it invited me to reflect on my own paths to self-awareness and growth. The clarity and honesty in his verses create a sense of intimacy, making it easy to connect with his journey.
The structure and rhythm of Williams’ poetry are another highlight. His use of repetition in poems like “45” emphasizes the significance of his themes and the process of internalizing new wisdom. Lines such as “Practical and Passionate” and “Tactical and Dominant” create a powerful cadence that underscores the duality he strives to balance in his life. This stylistic choice reinforces the themes and makes the poems more engaging and memorable. While the overarching themes of spirituality and personal growth are compelling, I think the recurrence of similar phrases and ideas can sometimes dilute the impact of individual poems.
45 is a heartfelt and inspiring collection that would appeal to anyone on a journey of self-improvement and spiritual exploration. Williams’ candid reflections and rhythmic verses make for an engaging read that encourages introspection and resilience. Whether you’re at a crossroads in life or simply seeking inspiration, this book offers valuable insights and poetic beauty that are sure to resonate.
Pages: 73 | ASIN : B0CD95JXS5
Believing in My Dreams
In The Many Colors of My Heart, you share with readers a collection of poems focused on life’s ups and downs and the power of love. Why was this an important collection for you to share?
Basically, The Many Colors of My Heart, is the story of my life. And, as with any life, there have been struggles, and when emotions are at their peak, I don’t just write because I want to, I write because I need to. Some of the poems are about my wife, Nancy, and how she has the unique ability to pull me from the depths of despair. But I’m not always looking within, In “A Grandfather’s Lullaby,” I put myself in my father’s shoes, who at 83, has the struggles of old age. “Never Time Enough” is how he must’ve felt when my mother was at death’s door, and “Time Stands Still” is her looking down from Heaven.
A couple of the poems stem from the romance novel Nancy and I wrote. A few are pure fantasy: “He Loved Only Once.” I wrote “The King Comes Crashing Down” after we lost everything. And finally, towards the end of the book, I wrote to myself that no matter how hopeless it sometimes seems, somehow it’s all going to work out as long as I keep believing in my dreams.
Do you have a favorite selection that you find resonates with you?
“A Million Miles Away” is me telling myself and my wife that although it seems we’ll never get there, as long as we don’t give up, we will. I also like “He Loved Only Once,” because it’s pure fantasy.
What is the one thing you hope readers will take away from your book?
Whether it is love you’re looking for, or a dream of a better life you’re chasing, it can be yours, as long as you keep believing.
Can fans expect more from you soon? What are you currently working on?
My wife and I have just published a wonderful romance novel titled, Timeless Pages. Timeless Pages is available on Amazon and wherever else books are sold. We will also be converting it to a screenplay, and with any luck, you’ll be able to see it in theaters in a couple of years. I also wrote the cover song that goes with it. Coincidentally, it is also called Timeless Pages. It is the perfect companion book for The Many Colors of My Heart. Parts of some of the poems appear in the novel, and some of the poems were derived directly from the novel. Timeless Pages is set in the 1950’s; the story centers around a young woman named Diana as she struggles with saying goodbye to her childhood sweetheart, Michael, as he goes off to fight in the Korean War.
Michael asks, ”Will you wait for me, my love?”
“I will wait for you, I promise,” Diana says.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Look Within to See the Real You
Life Inside a Brown Paper Bag is a collection of poetry written to encourage readers to challenge their own thinking about everyday life. What was the inspiration for this collection?
I don’t consider myself a poet or a writer. However, over time, and with a good deal of experiences under one’s belt, you should be able to arrange the 170,000 + words of the English language into some form of readable compendium that sets itself apart from other works. The collection of poems and/or sentiments that comprise Life Inside a Brown Paper Bag are largely autobiographical, that is, they occurred in some shape or form during my 73 years on Earth. They are neither unique nor extraordinary in and of themselves, but take on their own peculiar perspective under the backdrop of the medium in which they are presented.
Do you have a selection within this book that particularly resonates with you?
I think the poem The Park demonstrates what I am trying to disburse. In any given day and at any given moment there is both peace and chaos in the world. Depending on your current placement in life, whatever you are experiencing is likewise being experienced by thousands of others, while millions of others are experiencing vastly different matters. There is no universal equality in life or events. Take your peace and your turmoil with balanced sensitivity.
How did you decide on the unique title for your collection?
The title of the book is taken from a poem within, which tries to remind one that the simplicity of life is usually far more satisfying than the convoluted and arduous path that most people take. We seem to have turned life into more of a struggle by amassing an assortment of unnecessary examinations on our thoughts and deeds. Joy becomes only a biproduct instead of a first fruit.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I enjoyed writing this book. I have read and reread it hundreds of times, with innumerable changes over approximately 9 years. It sat for months like a dormant volcano, and erupted at others times like a rabid dog. Whether another volume is on the horizon is hard to say. I constantly look around me and think…that’s interesting, I could write about that…but if I don’t put it down on paper right away it fades like a cloud in the sky. I really just wanted to put together something that makes people look within themselves. That’s where you’ll find the real you.
The Many Colors of My Heart
Eddie Sullivan’s The Many Colors of My Heart emerges as a captivating anthology of poetry, eloquently exploring the vast spectrum of human emotions, with a particular emphasis on the nuances of love. This collection skillfully navigates the intricacies of heartache and the beauty of love, painting vivid imagery that resonates deeply with the reader.
Each poem within this collection is a testament to Sullivan’s adept craftsmanship in the realm of poetic expression. The language used is not only beautiful but also evocative, effortlessly conjuring stunning images and stirring emotions in the reader. A notable example is the poem A Flower in the Forest, which delves into the complexities of seeking authentic love amidst a world of illusions. Sullivan’s poignant analogy between love and nature speaks volumes about the search for genuineness in a world often clouded by superficial desires.
The collection stands out for its profound insights and the depth of each line, striking a chord with its reflections on love and life. Sullivan’s poetic voice offers a unique perspective, weaving a narrative that captures the shared experiences of humanity. This universality fosters a sense of connection among readers, encouraging empathy and understanding through the shared joys and sorrows of the human condition.
The Many Colors of My Heart is more than just a compilation of poetry; it is a journey through the emotional landscapes of life. It serves as a powerful reminder of the healing and transformative power of words. This anthology is not just relatable; it is a compelling ode to the resilience and beauty inherent in our collective experiences. It is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the myriad of emotions that color our lives.
Pages: 64 | ASIN : B0CHN9LWRS
Life Inside a Brown Paper Bag
Life Inside a Brown Paper Bag, by Richard Burridge, presents a unique exploration of the human psyche through the lens of poetry. In this collection, Burridge extends an invitation to readers for a journey into the depths of human emotions and experiences. The metaphorical title hints at the themes of concealment and revelation that play a central role in the narrative.
Burridge’s expertise in blending language with emotion shines throughout the collection. His poems serve as gateways, offering glimpses into various aspects of the human soul. The language used is striking and elegant, capturing the ebb and flow of feelings like joy, grief, love, and despair with remarkable finesse.
One of the standout qualities of this compilation is its universal appeal, intertwined with a deeply personal essence. Burridge navigates a wide array of emotions, creating a sense of connection and understanding with his audience. The collection covers diverse themes, from the fleeting nature of time to the enduring strength of the human spirit. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors throughout the book enriches the reader’s experience, with each poem standing on its own as a distinct piece. The rhythm and flow of the verses contribute to a melodious reading experience, adding depth to the emotional resonance of the poetry. Life Inside a Brown Paper Bag showcases Burridge’s ability to balance profound themes with approachable language. This makes the collection appealing to a wide audience, including both avid poetry readers and those new to the genre.
Richard Burridge’s Life Inside a Brown Paper Bag is a compelling exploration of life’s complexities and beauties. It encourages introspection and a deeper understanding of our own experiences, making it a significant addition to contemporary poetry.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0CL4V1CSH
LITERARY TITAN 