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HAPPYAGONY – A Collection of Poems by MEM FERDA
Happy Agony is a heartfelt collection of poetry that explores the many facets of life, from love and grief to the societal pressures we face. Through its five themed sections, the book captures the emotional highs and lows of human experience. Each poem offers a glimpse into deeply personal moments, and Ferda’s vivid, sometimes raw language brings those moments to life. The poems are poignant, often reflecting on nostalgia, identity, and the complexity of human emotions.
One of the strengths of this collection is how it blends personal history with broader reflections. Take, for example, “Bygone Rebel,” where Ferda reminisces about the reckless thrill of youth, filled with motorbikes, nightclubs, and a rebellious spirit. The line “I worshipped endlessly through the nights” beautifully captures the intoxicating allure of those wild years, but there’s also an underlying sadness that comes with looking back at what’s been lost. This mix of joy and regret makes the poem, and many others in the collection, feel incredibly relatable.
The section The Fallacy of Luxury digs into the superficiality of wealth and fame, which Ferda seems to have intimate experience with. In “Surviving Hollywood,” he paints a grim picture of the celebrity lifestyle, writing, “Injecting to numb the pain of this life, the constant pressure to keep up the façade.” Ferda makes you feel the disillusionment, and it left me reflecting on how easily people lose themselves chasing unattainable ideals.
On the flip side, Ferda’s reflections on grief are some of the most moving in the book. “A Mother’s Passing” speaks of the loss of his mother, and the emotions he shares are so raw they almost pull you in. You can feel the weight of sorrow in lines like “Tear-filled eyes and heavy hearts gathered around the well that night,” where he mourns both the literal and metaphorical wells of his life running dry. His poems on grief aren’t just about mourning the dead but about the smaller losses in life that shape who we are.
Happy Agony is an emotional rollercoaster, best suited for readers who enjoy poetry that isn’t afraid to explore vulnerability and complex feelings. The collection is perfect for anyone who enjoys introspective poetry with a mix of raw honesty and a dash of nostalgia.
Pages: 208 | ISBN : 1836280394
The Songs of a Sinner
The Songs of a Sinner, by Norman Cairns, is a reflective collection of poetry that combines biblical stories, religious musings, and personal confessions. The poems vary in form, from free verse to heroic sonnets, offering the reader a blend of narrative and lyrical explorations. Cairns grapples with themes of faith, sin, redemption, and the human struggle for spiritual meaning, all while infusing his work with references to Christian scripture and personal reflection.
One of the strengths of The Songs of a Sinner is its honest grappling with faith and doubt. Cairns doesn’t shy away from admitting his own spiritual shortcomings. This straightforward admission of human imperfection resonated with me. It’s refreshing to see an author embrace their flaws in such a candid way, and it made me feel like I was on the same journey of introspection with him. The poems often feel like conversations—between the poet and himself, the poet and God, or the poet and the reader. The result is both intimate and relatable.
I was also intrigued by the way Cairns uses scripture as both a foundation and a lens through which he examines modern life. In poems like “The Carpenter from Galilee” and “Pontius Pilate,” Cairns reimagines biblical narratives, not just retelling familiar stories but infusing them with his own interpretations and questions. I appreciated how Cairns connects these ancient moments to broader themes of justice and morality. However, there were times when I felt the biblical retellings were more like summaries than deep dives into the emotional or spiritual weight of the events. I found myself wanting more layers of introspection in some of these moments. That said, one of the highlights of the collection for me was the sense of personal vulnerability that runs throughout. The theme of seeking forgiveness, whether through prayer or poetry, adds a reflective weight to the entire book.
The Songs of a Sinner is an engaging collection for those who appreciate poetry grounded in faith and personal reflection. Cairns doesn’t claim to have all the answers, and that’s part of what makes this book feel authentic. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring themes of spirituality, sin, and redemption, or if you’re simply curious about how poetry can engage with faith, you will find this book rewarding. It is a thoughtful, heartfelt collection that invites readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, all while offering a glimpse into the mind of a poet wrestling with his beliefs.
Pages: 58 | ISBN : 978-1304094834
Moving to the Edge of the World
Moving to the Edge of the World is an evocative and mystical poetry collection divided into three parts: Medicine Bear, Burning Bush, and Eaten by Angels. It weaves together themes of nature, spiritual awakening, loss, and the human condition. From personal reflections to mythic imagery, the poems transcend simple narrative and dive into deeply symbolic territory. Whether she’s describing the cosmic kiss where life begins or the journey of salmon struggling home, Alla Bozarth’s writing is full of metaphorical depth and emotional resonance.
The writing style is intense and deliberate and full of layered meanings that require slow reading to unpack. I found Bozarth’s way of blending the natural world with the metaphysical particularly striking. In Where Life Begins, for instance, she doesn’t just speak of life in literal terms but invokes volcanic forces as a metaphor for creation, intimacy, and transformation. This rich blending of imagery gives the collection a timeless and almost primordial quality.
The collection can be challenging at times, with metaphors that feel opaque. In Piscean Moon, for instance, the imagery of salmon and celestial themes required me to reread, making the emotional payoff rewarding but sometimes hard to reach. Still, I found the personal poems, like Jewels, to be more relatable. The way Bozarth speaks of a bracelet from her mother lost and then rediscovered struck a personal chord. The sense of time, memory, and grief resonated beautifully, reminding me of how objects can carry our emotional history. This poem, unlike some of the more abstract ones, felt more grounded and emotionally immediate, making it one of my favorites in the collection.
Moving to the Edge of the World is ideal for readers who enjoy poetry that doesn’t shy away from the mystical or symbolic. It’s a collection that speaks to those who appreciate deep reflection, a connection with nature, and spiritual seeking. If you’re someone who enjoys poetry that stretches your imagination and invites contemplation of life’s mysteries, this is definitely worth the journey.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0791M5SFC
A Quest For Love and Acceptance
Inspirational Love is a collection of raw emotional poetry that offers readers a heartfelt, unvarnished glimpse into the complexities of love, loss, and longing. What inspired you to write this collection of poetry?
I started writing in a creative writing course in high school where I tied for the highest mark in the class. It was there I wrote my first love poems about Heather. Poetry proved to be a way to express my emotions. Writing poetry proved to be cathartic. That was why I continued to write poems. My first published work was the poem “Cindy” which appeared in the Calgary Sun Newspaper article “Readers Sweet-Talk Cindy” which garnered me a poster. That poem exhibited my creative imagination.
What was the most challenging part of writing this collection and what was the most rewarding?
Writing these poems came easily to me. I was putting my life experiences down on paper. The words just seemed to flow naturally whenever I was feeling emotional.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
I finally decided to publish these poems to let others know they are not alone. The quest for love and acceptance is in all of us. Regardless of how we feel, we should never lose hope. We all have people who love us. I learned we are all capable of giving and receiving love. We don’t all love each other equally or as passionately. The expectations we have are not always met but that doesn’t mean we aren’t loved. We should never give up hope. I want others to realize that.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I don’t have another book in the works.
Author Links: GoodReads | TikTok | Facebook | IndiReader | Online Book Club | Website | Book Review
Bachelor Holiday
Bachelor Holiday is a collection of poetry by William Huhn that pulls you into a world of fragmented beauty, intimate reflections, and quiet explorations of life’s often overlooked moments. The poems are divided into four parts, each delving into themes of love, loss, time, and nature, with subtle shifts in tone and focus. Huhn’s writing feels personal yet universal, as he captures fleeting emotions and images with a sense of gentle nostalgia and raw realism.
The writing is unpretentious yet rich in emotion. Huhn’s imagery is vivid but often minimal, as seen in “Bye Love You” from Part One, where he depicts a simple yet powerful moment: “You will have all/ the leaves from her hair/ falling—to catch.” The balance between the tangible and the abstract is striking throughout the collection. I found myself swept up in the small, delicate observations, yet always aware of a deeper, more elusive meaning lurking just beneath the surface.
Huhn’s style is refreshingly conversational at times, even playful. “Dry Spell” captures the absurdity of trying to enjoy a beach day amidst a raw sewage spill: “No Swimming/ said the sign/ the fish and gulls/ couldn’t read.” His humor feels natural, a way of grounding the reader in everyday life while still playing with larger ideas. Yet, when he wants to, he turns effortlessly towards the profound, as in “Expedition,” where he reflects on friendship and perseverance in an almost haunting way.
Bachelor Holiday is an impressive debut that will speak to readers who appreciate poetry that intertwines the beauty of small moments with broader reflections on life and human experience. I think it’s for anyone who enjoys a bit of mystery in their poetry, a mix of playfulness and introspection. Fans of poets like Mary Oliver or Billy Collins, who balance light and dark, personal and universal, will find Huhn’s work a satisfying read.
Pages: 86 | ISBN : 1609644689
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Poetry
The Literary Titan Book Award recognizes poets who demonstrate exceptional artistry and proficiency and push the boundaries of language and expression. The recipients are poets who excel in their technical skills and evoke deep emotional responses, challenge thoughts, and illuminate new perspectives through their work. The award honors those who contribute to the literary landscape with their unique voices and powerful words.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Laugh Like A Mother
Laugh Like A Mother by Kathryn Sprandio Ells is a wonderfully engaging blend of humor, chaos, and heartfelt emotion, capturing the rollercoaster ride of parenthood. What sets this book apart is Ells’ knack for portraying the madness of raising small children in a way that feels intensely personal yet universally relatable. Through witty illustrations and short, vibrant stories, she offers a candid glimpse into the joys and frustrations of parenting, all while keeping readers laughing from start to finish.
Ells writes as if she’s sitting across from you, coffee in hand, recounting her latest parenting disaster. Her voice is real and conversational, making the reader feel like they’re swapping stories with an old friend. She doesn’t sugarcoat the struggles, but she also doesn’t dwell on them. Instead, she finds humor in the chaos, whether it’s wrestling with an umbrella stroller in a crowded parking lot or accidentally setting herself on fire while cooking. Her ability to make you laugh out loud while still recognizing the underlying challenges of parenthood is what makes her stories so compelling. What truly sets Laugh Like A Mother apart is its balance between humor and sentiment. While the stories are quick and light, they’re layered with moments that catch you off guard. Ells reflects on her children’s growth, her own insecurities as a mother, and the small victories that come with parenting, adding depth to what initially seems like a breezy read. The mix of light-hearted anecdotes with deeper reflections turns this book into something much more meaningful than just another funny parenting book. The inclusion of poetry adds an unexpected and thought-provoking touch. These poetic interludes offer a reflective pause between the more humorous tales, allowing Ells to explore the quieter, more introspective moments of motherhood. Simple yet evocative, these poems capture the tenderness and emotional complexity of being a parent, lingering in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
Laugh Like A Mother is a book that will strike a chord with anyone who has ever found themselves laughing and crying at the same time. It’s not just a funny take on motherhood; it’s an honest one, and that’s what makes it a must-read for parents everywhere.
Pages: 119 | ASIN : B0D3T5YXS8
A Concerto for an Empty Frame
Elizabeth Kirkpatrick-Vrenios’ A Concerto for an Empty Frame is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that explores loss, grief, and survival through an intricately structured lyrical journey. The haunting title alone beckons readers into a world where language and emotion intertwine, offering both aesthetic pleasure and deep introspection. Comprising 34 poems, the collection is artfully organized in the form of a concerto, divided into three movements and a cadenza. The first movement begins with the blooming of love and the tentative steps of a new relationship. It delicately portrays the adjustments and joys of coming together, only to shift dramatically into the dissonance of loss, most notably with the strikingly evocative ‘Out of Tune,’ where a “field laid bare to scavenging crows” paints a vivid image of grief and devastation. This tragic arc escalates with the heart-wrenching loss of a beloved life in a sudden, tragic accident.
Kirkpatrick-Vrenios deftly manipulates language, structure, and form, creating a symphony of words that both captivates and resonates long after reading. Poems such as ‘Yesterday’s Sand’ and ‘The Rag Lady Casts a Spell (Cadenza)’ stand out for their inventive forms, each one crafted with care to engage both the visual and auditory senses. The inclusion of Italian musical notations throughout the collection enhances its auditory richness, as if the poems themselves were notes on a score, meant to be heard as well as read. One of the most striking elements is the way silence and absence are rendered palpable through subtle details, such as the grey font in pieces like ‘Unbuttoned Blues,’ ‘I Moved Out,’ and ‘Blue Tarp.’ These unspoken moments deepen the emotional impact, allowing the unsaid to linger in the mind. Moreover, the use of dictionary definitions for musical terms like concerto and recapitulation lends a delicate, intellectual layer to the collection, intertwining poetic musings with technical precision. The title itself, A Concerto for an Empty Frame, alongside its subtitle Music for Survival, encapsulates the dual themes of loss and the possibility of renewal. The “empty frame” suggests both a life shattered by tragedy and a space waiting to be filled once more, while the music serves as a vehicle for endurance, echoing the human capacity to heal and continue.
This is a collection to be savored. Its emotional depth and linguistic craftsmanship invite readers to immerse themselves fully in a single sitting, then return to explore its nuanced layers of meaning and form. A Concerto for an Empty Frame is a moving and skillfully composed work that will linger in both the heart and mind.
Pages: 90 | ISBN : 1639804315
LITERARY TITAN 