Blog Archives
Bare It All
Bare It All is a raw, no-holds-barred poetry collection by Faith Knight that cracks wide open the journey to self-love, survival, and transformation. Acting as a prequel to her memoir Lay It Bare, the book reads like a series of intimate diary entries, each poem serving as a snapshot of the author’s emotional evolution. From stories of abuse, self-doubt, and motherhood to declarations of resilience, faith, and power, Knight strips back every layer of her identity with fearless honesty. The collection is deeply personal, guided by themes of trauma, identity, spiritual healing, and empowerment, written with a poetic style that’s conversational yet lyrical.
Reading this book felt like sitting across from a friend who’s finally ready to tell you everything. Faith Knight doesn’t wrap trauma in pretty metaphors or hide behind academic polish. Her words come in hard, fast, and sharp. You feel them. And that’s what makes this book so powerful—she owns every emotion and invites you to do the same. You can sense her cracking open but also finding wholeness again in the process. Her honesty is tough but necessary, especially in poems like “Misplaced Girl” and “The Man They Called Krypto”—they’re haunting, and they stay with you.
Stylistically, I loved the unfiltered, almost conversational rhythm of the writing. Knight doesn’t follow a traditional poetic form, and that’s the charm of it. She writes like she speaks, and it feels real. It’s messy, fierce, sometimes even funny in the middle of sadness. She flips between vulnerability and sass in the blink of an eye, which gives the collection a kind of emotional whiplash that works. One second she’s pulling you into a deep pool of despair, and the next, she’s telling the world she’s “an entire dessert table.” That mix of pain and power? That’s real life.
I’d recommend Bare It All to anyone who’s ever had to pick themselves up after being knocked flat, especially women who’ve been told they’re too loud, too broken, or too complicated. It’s also for survivors who are still figuring out how to heal. This isn’t a feel-good book in the traditional sense, but it’s deeply comforting. It tells you the truth, even when it hurts, and somehow makes you feel a little braver after reading it.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B0F4MJ2B5T
The Mole Vol XX: Incident in Central Park
Ron Raye’s The Mole Vol XX: Incident in Central Park is a poetic epic wrapped in a visceral, lyrical indictment of violence, racial injustice, and urban decay. The book tells the haunting story of a brutal crime—a female jogger attacked in Central Park—and the social and legal chaos that follows. Through a blend of poetry, reflection, and fragmented narrative, the book shifts between voices: the victim, the accused, the city, and even the moral shadows that linger long after the violence. Raye explores the broken systems that prosecute, punish, and fail, evoking the real-life tragedy of the Central Park Five while drawing attention to the cycles of trauma and systemic neglect that fuel it.
The poetry slams you with a kind of lyrical aggression, like it wants to make sure you don’t look away. The repetition of certain phrases—especially the ominous refrain, “I am the beginning and the hour of your birth”—creates a haunting rhythm that stalks you page to page. At times, the writing feels like a fever dream, jumping from metaphor to memory to rage. Some of the poems could’ve used a tighter edit; they wander. But maybe that’s the point. Trauma doesn’t tell stories in straight lines. And this book doesn’t try to make you comfortable—it asks you to feel the weight of what’s been done.
The ideas behind the poetry stuck with me. Raye writes with fire about systemic racism, the criminalization of Black youth, and the cheapening of Black life. He paints a terrifying New York where crime runs rampant, and justice is often just a show. There’s anger here, and grief, and moments of forgiveness so unexpected they feel like tiny miracles. The victim’s voice, when it comes through, is particularly powerful—never just helpless, but complex, broken, healing. The sections that directly critique police methods and forced confessions are some of the strongest in the book, punching right through the haze of poetic abstraction to confront injustice head-on.
The Mole Vol XX is for people who are ready to stare into hard truths, who want literature that doesn’t flinch. If you’re a fan of experimental poetry, social justice writing, or gritty urban storytelling with a conscience, The Mole Vol XX will stay with you. It’s a heavy, unruly, necessary book. For those who can handle the chaos, this is a powerful howl from the margins.
Pages: 482 | ASIN: B0F9B25YY3
Blessing Book
The Blessing Book by Francis J. Shaw is a heartfelt collection of reflections that blend poetic insight, spiritual musings, and practical wisdom. Drawing from a wide array of cultural traditions, religious references, personal anecdotes, and emotional vignettes, Shaw crafts a meditative journey through life’s everyday joys and sorrows. The book explores themes like forgiveness, presence, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness, offering each as a kind of blessing for the reader to uncover. Through short reflections and gentle narratives, Shaw invites readers to look inward, encouraging introspection and spiritual awakening in the most relatable terms.
Reading this book felt like sitting down with a wise friend who doesn’t lecture but simply shares what they’ve learned while walking their own winding path. Shaw’s voice is kind, warm, and quietly powerful. I was moved by the way he acknowledges pain without romanticizing it, and still insists on the goodness that can be found in life, even when it’s hard to see. He has this tender way of writing that doesn’t feel polished for perfection but polished for truth. That rawness made it feel real. I especially loved his metaphor about “almost”—those times we’re nearly brave, nearly kind, nearly who we wish we were. He makes you feel seen, like your messiness belongs.
The rhythm of the writing—gentle crescendo, emotional insight, a soft landing—follows a comforting pattern that gives the book a meditative, almost musical quality. The poetic phrasing leans into sentiment, which may not always strike a chord with everyone, but it adds to the book’s heartfelt sincerity. There’s a vulnerability in the way Shaw writes that feels less about crafting perfect prose and more about offering a genuine connection.
The Blessing Book is not for someone looking for fast answers or structured how-tos. But if you’re going through a transition, grieving, healing, or simply craving words that soothe and encourage without pressure, this book is a quiet treasure. It’s perfect for reflective readers who enjoy snippets of wisdom and emotional storytelling in equal measure.
Pages: 318 | ASIN: B0992L5B68
The Mole Vol XI: Poetry and Jazz in Dancing Shoes (A Triptych)
Ron Raye’s latest offering, The Mole Vol XI: Poetry and Jazz in Dancing Shoes (A Triptych), is a captivating blend of poetry and jazz, reflecting on life’s simple joys and the profound impact of love. In his work, Raye elegantly traverses everyday challenges, highlighting the beauty in mundane moments and the deep connections fostered through love and companionship.
Particularly noteworthy is Raye’s exploration of jazz. As a jazz enthusiast myself, I found his poems in this vein both engaging and evocative. Raye skillfully captures the essence of jazz, echoing its rhythmic beauty and the emotional depth it can convey. His ability to intertwine the nuances of poetry with the complexities of jazz music is commendable. Raye’s references to renowned jazz artists add a layer of authenticity and nostalgia, appealing to those familiar with the genre.
Beyond the thematic allure, Raye’s writing style is both accessible and thought-provoking. He invites readers to delve into various topics, challenging them to reconsider their perspectives. His poems are meticulously crafted, each word and phrase chosen to convey a specific message or emotion. This careful construction underscores the intricate nature of poetry and its capacity to convey profound ideas in a few, well-chosen words.
Raye’s talent lies in his ability to make the reader feel directly addressed, as if the poems are a personal conversation. This intimate approach to storytelling resonates deeply, creating a connection that transcends the pages of his book.
For those who appreciate the interplay of words and music, and for readers seeking a reflective and emotionally resonant experience, The Mole Vol XI: Poetry and Jazz in Dancing Shoes (A Triptych) is a compelling read. Ron Raye’s unique voice and perspective make this collection a noteworthy addition to the world of contemporary poetry.
Pages: 218 | ASIN: B0CKXYZ7G7
Experiences of Life
The Road and Other Liars is a collection of poems and vignettes, some like whispers, others like bruises, all orbiting the themes of wandering, memory, aging, and the aching hope for meaning. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
I did not begin with the idea of compiling a poetry collection. All the poems began as single line or an undeveloped thought that seemed to promise a vein of ore worth mining. These notions were all hastily scratched into notepads and developed later into poems.
How did you decide on the themes that run throughout your poetry book?
I did not intend to focus on a narrow theme. A poetry book devoted to one specific topic or theme would, for me, become tiresome and I assumed it would be so for many other readers. As I gathered and reviewed my poems, I realized the title for my poem “The Road and Other Liars” served well as the title for this collection as it hints at the varied and often unexpected events, destinations, and experiences of life.
Do you think there is a particular mindset or environment that a reader should be in to fully appreciate your work?
I think my poetry would most appeal to readers who possess a broad interest in life and are naturally curious about the significance of what may at first seem insignificant. Pop culture has blunted this ability in so many of us. Some people never seem to have possessed this ability, many others have allowed it to fall dormant within them, but it can be resurrected by tuning out the devolving modern culture and nourishing your mind with the same devotion as you nourish your body to keep it strong and whole.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
I don’t think it changed me as writer except perhaps by forcing me to exercise and strengthen my underdeveloped self-discipline muscles. One thing of value I learned was that even on days when the words don’t come easily and much time is spent with little to show for it, progress is cumulative. Do what you can do during each session and you’ll get there.
Author Link: Amazon | GoodReads
What some readers have said:
“Very lovely poems (personal favorite was Hello). Quite a few of them felt sentimental for days gone by, and for days not yet seen.”
Gavin Janes (Goodreads)
“Very relatable and well written poems. You can tell there was many hours, and much thought put into this…“
Evie (Goodreads)
“Throughly enjoyed this book”
Mary (Goodreads)
“As the title may cause you to assume, many of the pieces are reminiscent of a road trip through words, expressing feelings of travel or bringing up images of unique places and experiences. But just as often, they are more like snippets of a life, where the setting doesn’t matter quite as must as the voice and its feelings…”
Pause For a Moment
Navigation is a poetry collection that serves as a compass through personal memory, cultural history, and collective grief. What inspired you to write this particular collection of poems?
Navigation is truly a collection, a gathering of poems that I have written over a number of years about a variety of topics. When I realized that there were certain themes connecting various poems, I decided I could organize them into a cohesive collection. The topics range from exploring childhood/teenage memories to bridging nature and the human experience. The power of home and the importance of place also play a large part in this book, as does connecting to my Indigenous roots.
Were there any poems that were particularly difficult to write? If so, why?
The most difficult poems for me to write were the ones about my late father. He was such a talented, intelligent man who never had the opportunity to achieve his dreams, so I find myself returning again and again to the idea of an unfulfilled life. It is always painful to lose a parent, but I think the grief is magnified when that parent’s life was never completely realized.
How has this poetry book changed you as a writer, or what did you learn about yourself through writing it?
My first full-length book, unlike the two that followed, was also a collection of personal poems. When it was published, I felt some trepidation about exposing myself, laying bare some very private aspects of my life. Navigation also contains some extremely personal poems, but I think over the last few years, I have learned to feel less self-conscious about my poems. It is my hope that readers will be able to connect with the honesty and perhaps see themselves and their own lives in my experiences.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your poetry?
I hope my readers can find a thought, a phrase, or even a word that will make them pause for just a moment and reflect. I wish for my readers to find in my work something that they can relate to in their own lives, even if we come from totally different regions or backgrounds. I truly believe that one of the main purposes of poetry is to help us connect as human beings.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
—Annie Woodford, author of Where You Come From Is Gone
I have read much poetry. I know many poets. I believe the job of good poetry and good poets is to move their readers, and oh Lord, has Linda Neal Reising’s new book, Navigation, moved me. What can I possibly say to prepare a reader for what lies ahead as they navigate through the four parts that make up this book? The opening poem of Part I, “After Learning That a Woman and Her Baby Were Killed in the Bombing of a Ukrainian Maternity Hospital” seizes you in its grasp and propels you page after page. The Americana, the well-chosen epigraphs, the Native understanding of the land and the trials of poor families during hard times are masterful. This is a book not to be missed.
—Ron Wallace, author of Life Is a Disappearing Act
If one were sailing the sea of life “in a little paper boat,” the waypoints leading to some proverbial safe harbor would be easily recognized along the course so capably charted in Reising’s Navigation. With her distinctive imagination…the cardinal“slipped off her wings, and chose to walk all the way back to heaven,” and her exceptional percipience of real life experiences, Reising reveals the mastery of her poetic skills. And in spite of life’s obstacles, Reising suggests a safe harbor is within sight…a place where “sparrows sky-write lovelorn letters, where cedars keep sentry…” where “the apricot tree grows tiny moons.”
—Karen Kay Knauss, poet, Oklahoma Book Award winner for SAND, At the Mercy of Wind
The Road And Other Liars
The Road and Other Liars is a collection of poems and vignettes, some like whispers, others like bruises, all orbiting the themes of wandering, memory, aging, and the aching hope for meaning. It’s not organized by topic, and that’s part of the magic. It reads like a life itself: fragmented, lyrical, surprising, sometimes funny, sometimes devastating. Miller doesn’t tell you how to feel; he just opens little doors into moments and lets you step inside.
I thought I’d be reading some quiet little poems about trees and dirt roads. Instead, I found myself slowing down, re-reading lines, and sitting in silence after certain pieces. There’s one about the moment a man realizes he’s outlived the kind of dog he could own again. That wrecked me. And the one where he imagines talking to someone, just one person, who could really, truly hear him without judgment? I’ve thought about that every day since. His writing is sparse but packed. No fluff. No pretense. Just raw, thoughtful truths wrapped in poetic stillness. Sometimes the poems feel like they were written in a dusty motel room at 3 a.m. after the kind of day that doesn’t let you sleep.
This isn’t a feel-good collection. It’s heavy in places. It’s a little haunted. But there’s also a weird comfort in how honest it all is. It’s like the book gave me permission to mourn things I didn’t know I’d been carrying around. There’s something deeply kind in the way Miller writes, even when the subject matter is brutal. He doesn’t lecture. He observes. He remembers. He wonders.
One poem that really stuck with me was “Squirrels.” It’s quiet and simple on the surface, a man watching squirrels from his window, but it hit me hard. There’s this quiet loneliness in it, the kind that sneaks up on you. He wants a connection, something to care for, but he’s also come to terms with the fact that what he really wants, a dog, a companion, doesn’t fit into his life anymore. The squirrels aren’t pets, they’re not friends, but they’re there. It says so much with so little.
If you’ve ever felt lost, or old before your time, or nostalgic for things that never quite were, this book might be for you. If you’ve loved someone and lost them, or wished for a quiet place to just be for a moment, you’ll find some of yourself in these pages. Not every poem hits with the same force, some drift by more quietly, but even the quieter ones add to the atmosphere of reflection and bittersweet honesty. It’s the kind of book you don’t just read, you sort of live with it for a while. It can be emotionally heavy, and you have to be in the right headspace for it. But when you are, it’s great.
Pages: 74 | ASIN : B086PFWWMQ
Always Something Heartfelt Life Love and Heartbreak
Always Something Heartfelt is a raw, vulnerable, and deeply personal collection of poetry and reflective prose by Ashton Harper. Spanning multiple emotional phases of the author’s life, the book travels through love, heartbreak, fatherhood, self-doubt, spiritual resilience, depression, and healing. Divided into five parts, it weaves a nonlinear journey of introspection and reckoning, delivered through conversational yet impactful language. Harper reflects on intimate experiences and societal observations with unfiltered honesty, never shying away from emotional depth.
Reading this book felt like being invited into someone’s private journal—except the handwriting was lyrical and honest to the bone. Harper’s writing isn’t polished in the traditional literary sense, and that’s what makes it special. His language is colloquial, immediate, and unpretentious. There’s something deeply brave about the way he lays his pain bare—whether it’s about being alone, yearning for his child, or admitting where he’s gone wrong in love. He manages to ask the kind of questions we all keep buried. And when he’s angry or defeated or full of love, he lets it rip. It’s messy, but it’s real. At times, I found myself underlining lines like I was trying to hold onto pieces of someone else’s heartbreak to better understand my own.
The emotional weight can be heavy, and the lack of traditional structure might not be for everyone. But then again, that may be the point. Love, grief, identity—none of it follows rules. And Harper’s refusal to wrap his pain in bows or follow poetic conventions feels like an act of rebellion. A lot of his strongest pieces come when he shifts from personal reflection to cultural critique, challenging toxic masculinity, absentee parenting, and community disconnection. That balance of personal story and broader relevance gives the book its power.
If you’ve ever loved someone who left you, struggled to find your place in the world, or looked in the mirror unsure of what you saw, then Always Something Heartfelt Life Love and Heartbreak will feel like a conversation you didn’t know you needed. I’d recommend this book to readers who crave vulnerability and aren’t afraid to sit with discomfort. It’s soulful, heavy, and at times, beautifully healing.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0CTFPG56X
LITERARY TITAN 