Blog Archives
Choose To Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos
Choose to Choose Me: A Collection of Organized Chaos, the inaugural poetry anthology by Elizabeth Knightly, is an exquisite exploration of love, desire, and self-evolution. Knightly eloquently describes it as a dynamic and cyclical journey of mutual selection rather than a linear narrative with a predetermined conclusion. With a bold refusal to conform to the male gaze, she masterfully deconstructs the female experience, asserting autonomy over her story.
The collection is an intimate voyage through the author’s inner landscape, with each poem offering a fragment of her essence. Readers are invited to engage deeply, perhaps recognizing echoes of their own lives within her verse. One of Knightly’s primary aims is to resonate with and validate the experiences of women who see themselves reflected in her words. The latter part of the anthology bravely addresses serious issues such as body dysmorphia, depression, eating disorders, self-worth, and addiction, offering solidarity and understanding to those grappling with similar challenges.
Structured around four muses and five chapters, the book encompasses 45 poems that narrate a saga of affection, heartache, complexity, and a tenacious hope. As an ardent Taylor Swift fan, I found the collection uniquely resonant. Each poem is paired with a meticulously chosen song, enhancing the reader’s immersion and emotional connection. This musical element paints a vivid portrait of each muse and amplifies the emotional depth of Knightly’s words.
I recommend this compelling collection to all, particularly to young women seeking validation and understanding. It offers an insightful glimpse into the female psyche for others, fostering a deeper comprehension of diverse experiences. The infusion of contemporary pop culture references throughout the poems lends a relatable and modern touch, inviting readers to step into Knightly’s world. Choose to Choose Me is not merely a book but a resonant journey, a heartfelt invitation to empathy, understanding, and self-discovery.
Pages: 144 | ASIN : B0CJR74XNV
Sharing Myself Through Poetry
In The Willow Weepings, you explore a vast array of human emotions and connections to the natural world through your poetry. Why was it important for you to share this collection with readers?
It was important for me to share this collection of poetry with my readers because of the vast importance of the connection of humans. I wanted to share my love and thoughts with others about how I not only see but feel the world. Nature and emotion are found in everything to me and I love sharing myself and ideas with individuals. I hope to spark new thoughts in their daily lives and how beautifully complex, yet simple moments of life can be.
Are there certain selections in The Willow Weepings that resonate especially deeply with you?
The entirety of The Willow Weepings resonates deeply with me. However, the second half of the book (The Weepings) resonates with one of the most heartbreaking eras of my life. Everything in the state of heartbreak and deep emotion was either new or so deep-rooted in me that in the reflection of it, I have learned so much. I love to share the range of emotions I can go through because it is only natural and all feelings are of importance and inevitable.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
Some of my inspirations as a writer were the earth around me, my friends, the idea of love, and my physical vs mental being. Those inspirations highly influence my daily life and my art. I find myself always looking to grow and I feel those things support that idea in my life greatly.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I will be working on will be a third collection of poetry, as well as a children’s poetry book. The third collection will be available sometime in 2024 and the children’s poetry book will most likely not be too far behind. I am very excited to be sharing more of myself through my poetry in what I know, as well as new territory!
Author Links: Instagram
The Willow Weepings
The Willow Weepings, by Kendall Hope, takes readers on an evocative journey through the landscape of human emotion, skillfully blending the art of narrative and lyrical expression. This collection serves as a conduit for reflection, heartache, healing, and the blossoming of the self.
Within its pages, several pieces resonated deeply with me. “The Melted House” is succinct yet brimming with a spectrum of sentiments that evoke a sense of humility and wonder. In contrast, “Dung Beetle” employs a modest creature to delve into life’s complexities, demonstrating the compelling use of metaphor in crafting engaging poetry. “Today, I Am Happy” sparkles with its celebration of life’s simple pleasures, capturing the essence of joy in the mundane.
The centerpiece of the collection is “Soulmate Collector,” a unique and captivating exploration of loss that showcases Kendall Hope’s narrative skill. This piece engages readers with such emotional intensity that it may leave one pausing to reflect on the experience.
In The Willow Weepings, Kendall Hope shines as a distinguished poet, her words painting vivid images that stir the soul. Readers are invited to embark on a poignant voyage through her poetic landscape, a transformative experience that leaves a lasting impression. This book comes with a high recommendation; Kendall’s expressive power creates a noteworthy addition to contemporary poetry collections.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0C95J8Y4B
Joy, Inspiration, and Connection
Poetry for Pups is a collection of poetry centered around the bond between humans and their loving canine companions. What inspired you to write this collection of poetry?
First of all, I adore my dog, Koa (and Mariah, my first pup whom I had the absolute joy of being her human for 14 years), and have always been charmed and fascinated by their antics, unique personalities, and expressions of love and loyalty. They bring me so much joy, just by being who are they in their own way. Koa, for example, is the boss of our household – she has me well-trained to her whims, and I fully admit that I am a sucker for all her demands when she looks at me with her big brown hound eyes that melt any resolve I may have to resist her demands. Mariah, on the other hand, was the sweetest dog I have ever met – she instinctively knew when I needed comfort and extra love, and she would always make sure I was okay, almost like she was mothering me. My dogs are certainly the inspiration for this collection of poetry.
I love the illustrations in your book; they capture the personality of dogs dramatically well. What was the collaborative process like with Morgan to put together the poetry and illustrations into this beautiful collection?
Morgan is my husband who shares the joys and experiences of being a dog parent to both Mariah and Koa, so he deeply appreciates and understands the poems I wrote about our two pups. He has always been so talented with the visual arts, and I knew he would be the one who could produce the most meaningful and charming illustrations for the book. We had a lot of laughs over this project – a truly fun endeavor as a family, with our pups as our muse.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
In the reviews I’ve gotten so far on this book, the readers have mentioned that reading the poetry made them immediately hug their dogs and tell their dogs how much they love and appreciate them, or if their dogs weren’t around, made them long to be with their dogs. That is one of the major goals I had in writing this book. I wanted the readers to remember the joy of having their four-legged friends and to appreciate how lucky they are to have those pups in their lives. Another goal in writing this book is to provide a resource for people to build a deeper bond with their pups. We encourage people to read Poetry for Pups to their dogs, a shared activity that can enhance the emotional connection between people and their pups. Other benefits of reading to their dogs are giving a sense of comfort for the pups as part of their routine with their owners and even helping to calm anxious or stressed dogs by listening to a soothing voice, ultimately contributing to their pups’ overall well-being. Another goal is to entertain the readers with the funny and heartwarming stories conveyed through poetry, and to portray a sense of innocence, loyalty, and simplicity transporting readers to moments in their lives that are just shared between them and their canine companions.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Poetry for Pups?
The one thing I hope readers gain from reading Poetry for Pups is a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary and profound bond between humans and their beloved dogs. I hope my readers can find joy, inspiration, and connection in the shared emotions and experiences conveyed within the poetry.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In one poem titled “35”, Susan grapples with the heartbreaking reality of the lifespan of dogs and shares her hope for her pup to live to a ripe old age of 35. In another poem titled “I Wish You Could Talk”, Susan depicts the longing many dog owners hold to build a deeper connection with their pups through playful conversations. At the heart of her poems lies the intertwining experiences, unbreakable bond, and the mutual love shared between people and their canine companions.
Poetry for Pups is a must-read for all dog lovers and certainly for all dogs with the help of their humans.
Poetry for Pups
Susan Seah’s Poetry for Pups is an endearing collection of poems that beautifully captures the essence of our beloved canine companions and the profound connections we share with them. Through relatable scenarios and down-to-earth descriptions, Seah weaves a heartfelt narrative that is sure to evoke laughter, nods of agreement, and even tears from dog owners and enthusiasts alike. The poems are thoughtfully complemented by charming illustrations that enhance the overall reading experience.
This book exhibits a wide emotional spectrum, ranging from playful poems celebrating joyful moments with our furry friends to more poignant pieces addressing the loss of our cherished companions. Seah’s remarkable talent lies in her ability to take seemingly simple language and structure and infuse it with genuine emotion, creating poems that resonate with authenticity. As a fellow dog owner, I found myself deeply connecting with the sentiments expressed in these verses. The writing style is accessible and approachable for a broad readership, maintaining engagement without sacrificing the heartfelt emotion that tugs at our heartstrings.
Poetry for Pups is a must-read for dog lovers, as it captures the essence of the human-canine relationship and celebrates the joy, laughter, and emotional depth that dogs bring to our lives. Whether you’re a devoted dog owner or simply appreciate the beauty of this special bond, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its heartfelt storytelling and genuine emotion, Susan Seah’s debut is a delightful and heartening tribute to our furry best friends.
Pages: 74 | ASIN : B0CDHJV781
Turbulence & Fluids
Turbulence & Fluids by Karla K Morton is a wonderfully unique collection of poetry. The author’s almost spiritual connection to the surrounding world is evident in every poem. The opening poems give voice to the water, a captivating turn that starts a journey full of introspection and connection. Morton’s lived experiences, especially her Texas upbringing, are a pervasive influence in the collection, tying together hazy childhood memories with a passion for the Earth and the relationship between it and humans. Morton’s gratitude and reverence for the environment are palpable, and many lines showcase her ability to infuse even the simplest moments with a profound sense of wonder.
The strength of Morton’s voice resonates throughout, layered with a spectrum of emotions that invite readers to embrace life’s complexities. The poem’s core encourages embracing life fully, even amid challenges, and Morton calls readers to find beauty and resilience in difficult circumstances. The poems reflect a deep sense of community, echoing familial ties and the companionship of pets. These themes are underpinned by an unobtrusive spiritual thread, providing a broader perspective without imposing.
This collection is not broken into sections, so if you’re a fan of more organized books, this might not be your favorite. However, the absence of those section breaks contributes to a seamless flow, mirroring the continuous passage of time and the interconnectedness of life’s experiences. Through poems like “Shine Shine Shine” and “Washita River,” Morton draws parallels between ancestral waters and the river of human existence. This approach effectively highlights the shared journey of history and the individual.
Turbulence & Fluids is a poetic expedition guiding readers through the depths of emotion, history, and connection. Morton’s evocative language and relatable themes create a tapestry of human experience, offering moments of both solace and inspiration. This collection is a reminder that, despite life’s challenges and losses, our stories continue to flow, and we find meaning by embracing them.
Pages: 117 | ASIN : B0BVMVPYMD
Tin Heartless Girl
Tin Heartless Girl by Lebi P. Nieves Moran is a poignant poetry book that delves into the complexities of a broken family relationship. The collection consists of short poems in various styles, from free-form to acrostic, each conveying the emotional distance and hurt that permeates the relationship. The book’s introduction encourages readers to embrace self-love, a message that resonates throughout the poems.
Although the poems are brief and seemingly simple, they are packed with meaning and depth. Many of them, such as the titular Tin Heartless Girl, employ a nursery rhyme or fairytale-like rhyme scheme, adding an intriguing contrast between innocence and adulthood. The protagonist reflects on their past relationship with their loved ones, revealing the inner turmoil that it has caused. The author reimagines classic tales, emphasizing the message of healing instead of chasing an unattainable happy ending. The book’s imagery is equally stunning, bursting with vibrant mosaic colors. The poems are complemented by a series of powerful images featuring bodies distorted by trees, interlocked with technology, and abstract faces in stained glass. Several poems stand out, including Can I say you don’t Care, which explores the hurt caused by absence, a complex and difficult trauma to write about. That I’m a lost key centered around overwhelming emotions and anxieties that can feel suffocating. And Tin Heartless Girl reveals the heartless girl in the poems is only behaving in ways learned from abusive parental figures, creating a void that can follow a child into adulthood.
Tin Heartless Girl concludes with a beautiful passage on healing, offering comfort to readers on their own personal journeys. Despite the poems’ brevity, they convey a deep sense of emotion and raw honesty that will resonate with anyone who has experienced a broken family relationship. I highly recommend this short book of poems that will take you on an emotional journey.
Pages: 93 | ASIN : B0BZ572WXV
No Unpaid Passengers
No Unpaid Passengers is an emotionally riveting collection of poems written by author Pam R. Johnson Davis. The collection is organized into six sections: I: Unpaid Pain, II: The Next Stop, III: Alone on the Night Train, IV: Love on the Ride, V: End of the Line, and VI: Afterword: Anybody Can Write a Poem (Or How Rejection Turned into a TED Talk). Serious themes such as racism, assault, divorce, and religion intermingle with themes of love, friendship, joy, home, and beauty to take readers on an incredibly raw and relatable journey.
Author Pam Johnson Davis does an incredible job of telling a story that touches everyone in some way. Davis plays into expectations with her use of slang and familiar language, using those devices to bring to life personal experiences and paint clear pictures of real-life situations that readers can relate to. Through those grounding narratives, Davis can so effectively tackle less tangible themes of love, loss, betrayal, grief, hope, and joy. Through her own experiences with marriage and divorce, Davis leads readers to question their ideas of relationships, commitment, and love. Through her experiences as a black person, a woman, and a member of the church, Davis brings up ideas about religion, trauma, sexism, racism, determination, optimism, and acceptance, both of self and others. Following this pattern, No Unpaid Passengers is able to operate as a book of revelation, showing readers the pervasive connectivity of the human experience: what you go through, someone else has gone through, and what you feel, someone else has felt.
I highly recommend this collection of raw beauty and vulnerability, in which Davis depicts her experiences. She writes not as an individual but as a representative of the human experience, providing an opportunity to connect both with the unfamiliar outside of ourselves and that which hides within.
No Unpaid Passengers is an emotional collection of poetry that takes readers on a journey through human experiences in a way that will stay with them long after they put the book down. These poems will leave readers feeling everything from one end of the spectrum to the other, a true representation of life, the joys, and the sorrows.
Pages: 90 | ASIN : B0BC5NXXXS
LITERARY TITAN 