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Allowing Now
There is nothing like a moving piece of poetry. A poem that takes readers on a journey filled with imagery and tangible feelings is a comforting thing indeed. However, the most beautiful thing about poetry is that virtually every situation life throws our way can be addressed in a way that will impact readers, give them hope, and make them feel validated. Truly well-written poetry takes readers’ breath in the first stanza and keeps them captivated to the last line. Orna Ross’s Allowing Now: A Book of Mindfulness Poetry is a prime example of verse designed to captivate readers and make them feel heard.
This beautifully written collection of poetry provides readers with timely selections and gives readers tips for appreciating each poem. Ross is careful to explain that mindfulness poetry has quite a different purpose than most other examples of this genre. There is a specific way to approach reading and thinking when absorbing this work, and Ross breaks it down in no uncertain terms in the book’s introduction.
Readers who love haiku will be excited to see that Ross has included many in this style. Ross gives readers exquisite three-line gems that will stir not only vivid imagery but will inspire readers to try their hand at their own haiku. In addition, Ross’s work would make an excellent example for teachers to share with students in introducing this writing style.
“Here is Where: Salema Moods II” is my favorite of Ross’s longer works. As a melanoma survivor, I felt her words strike a chord. There is a certain level of sadness intertwined with hope in this particular selection. The rhythm and cadence are truly beautiful and lend themselves well to the poet’s goal of mindfulness.
Allowing Now: A Book of Mindfulness Poetry is heartfelt, moves readers, and spans a variety of topics. This thought-provoking collection will appeal to any poetry fan looking to delve into a complete body of work by a single poet. It is easy to absorb Ross’s entire book in a sitting, and it is perfect for a reread. In addition, Orna Ross gives readers something others sometimes lack–hope.
Pages: 134 | ASIN : B07W7FBLHB
After The Rising and Before The Fall
![After The Rising and Before The Fall: Centenary Edition: Two books in one by [Orna Ross]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518-qbxRPRL.jpg)
The first book of Orna Ross’ Irish trilogy, After the Rising tells the tale of a family, with the vivid backdrop of Ireland’s struggle for establishing its identity as an island nation. As Jo returns to her native land and unravels the past, the readers get a glimpse into the Irish Civil War. The story covers multiple generations, detailing the involvement of her family in the war, a cold-blooded murder, her lost love, and the repercussions of revolution.
Now coming to the second installment Before the Fall, the story dives deeper into the family history of Jo. The grief-ridden past of her foremothers gets uncovered before her, as she goes through the letters left by her grandmother and great aunt. The unpleasant family secrets take up a large chunk of the novel, while the other sections deal with issues like AIDS, immigration, and other social issues. The book raises significant questions about the consequences of freedom and the heartbreaking truths that lurk in the past. With these discoveries, Jo finally realizes that perhaps it’s not possible to detach herself from the haunting past that her family has been carrying across generations.
In both these parts, author Orna Ross’s brilliant storytelling brings this historical romance story to life. This compelling family saga reaches great heights with the author’s careful characterization. Ross explores humanity through a unique lens and unravels the bitter mysteries and secrets of Jo’s family with wonderful literary flair. While the first book brings up the question of love, the second book delves deeper into it. The pain and agony of discovering and carrying along a painful truth have been brilliantly portrayed in this work.
These novels take place in Jo’s homeland of Ireland, and others in the U.S.. The author clever and skillfully handles these multiple settings, with each having its own feel.
The gripping narrative and powerful storytelling makes After The Rising and Before The Fall a fantastic historical fiction novel that was hard for me to put down. This is a thick book, because it comes with both novels, but it ensures that readers will have a much richer and fuller experience by the end. If you’re interested in learning about Irish history through a riveting fictitious account, you would thoroughly enjoy Orna Ross’s enthralling story.
Pages: 544 | ASIN: B08JY91NW5
LITERARY TITAN 