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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
The Wonder Wig
In The Wonder Wig, Dr. Shon Shree Lewis weaves a narrative around Brooke, a young girl grappling with self-esteem issues rooted primarily in her discomfort with her short hair. The story is set against a backdrop of familial warmth, with Brooke’s father, Craig, working as a construction worker and her mother, Barb, owning a hair salon, along with the supportive presence of her grandparents.
The plot thickens when Brooke, in an attempt to impress a boy at school, dons one of her mother’s wigs without permission. This impulsive decision, leading to an embarrassing incident at school, marks the beginning of a rift between Brooke and her mother. Barb’s reluctance to let Brooke experiment with her hair only exacerbates the situation, fueling a growing resentment in Brooke. Brooke’s journey turns interesting when she discovers a passion for wigs at her aunt Pam’s salon. This newfound interest culminates in a heartwarming gesture – gifting a wig to a patient suffering from alopecia. This act is pivotal in Brooke’s life, setting the stage for further developments that the reader is invited to discover.
The book delves into the often-underappreciated aspect of being comfortable with one’s hair. In a world where the haircare industry thrives, propelled mainly by the desire of many to alter their appearance, the story highlights the pressure to conform to specific beauty standards. The narrative explores the reasons behind such desires, be it for self-confidence, to impress others, or to emulate public figures. The flexibility and transformational ability of wigs are showcased, paralleled with the message that each individual’s natural hair is a unique aspect of their identity. The author gently encourages acceptance and appreciation of one’s natural beauty, challenging societal beauty norms. Brooke’s story mirrors the emotional landscape of many teenagers, encapsulating their desire to impress and the associated emotional turmoil. Her eventual embrace of wigs as a tool for confidence is a crucial theme of the book.
The Wonder Wig is a call to women of all races to recognize and celebrate their inherent beauty, challenging the societal norms dictating it. Lewis’s novel is both inspiring and thought-provoking, making it a recommended read for women seeking a fresh perspective on beauty and self-confidence. The story will resonate beyond its pages, leaving the reader reflecting on personal identity and societal standards.
Pages: 118 | ASIN : B08TH6VRMT
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