Tag: poet

Vampire Verses by LindaAnn LoSchiavo Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo shares the power and seductive nature of the supernatural in the book “Vampire Verses.”

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The Synopsis

“Vampire Verses” explores the seductive mystique of the shadow sphere and savors the forbidden allure of encounters with the supernatural — illustrated by spooky full-page artwork.

For lovers of Gothic poetry and vampire lore, this collection captures what makes these immortals irresistible: their paradoxical existence where death becomes a gateway to living more intensely.

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The Review

The gothic horror atmosphere in these poems, and the blend of humor, heart, and dread, were so perfect for this collection. The haunting imagery found in these poems perfectly captures the bloody and visceral nature of vampirism and the supernatural draw that so many people have towards the genre and this particular supernatural creature.

The heart of these poems is so much more than the vampire angle, however. It is a beautiful fusion of history, mythology, and pop culture, delivered with a poetic touch. The poem “When We Rented ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’” gave readers a first-person perspective on how vampires would respond to a slasher flick of that caliber, and the section highlighting the impact Bram Stoker had on the genre was also thrilling. The shifting points of view in each poem and the way the poems delve into power dynamics in relationships, people’s fascination with death and danger, and what happens when a person’s needs overpower them, become powerful themes that bring these poems to life eloquently.

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and enthralling, author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Vampire Verses” is a must-read gothic horror collection of poems. The humorous illustrations, tidbits of knowledge, and quotes on history and mythology throughout the collection helped elevate the pop culture references and balance the tones in this very atmospheric collection. Readers will return to it time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native New Yorker, LoSchiavo has received nominations for the Pushcart Prize, Rhysling Award, Best of the Net, the IPPY Award, CLMP’s Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of Science Fiction Poetry Assoc., The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild.

Her poetry chapbooks include “Conflicted Excitement” [Red Wolf Editions, 2018], “Concupiscent Consumption” [Red Ferret Press, 2020], “Women Who Were Warned” [Cerasus Poetry, May 2022], and “Messengers of the Macabre” co-authored with David Davies [Audience Askew, October 2022].

Her full-length collections include Elgin Award winner “A Route Obscure and Lonely” [Wapshott Press, Dec. 2019] and “Apprenticed to the Night” [UniVerse Press, 2023].

Three of her short stories appear in “A Feast of Narrative,” Vol. 1 [Idea Press, 2020], edited by Tiziano Dossena.

Book Trailer:  https://youtu.be/V0vyi_v8hfU

https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindaannloschiavo

Editorial Review: “Cancer Courts My Mother” by LindaAnn LoSchiavo

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18972725.LindaAnn_LoSchiavo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/LindaAnn-LoSchiavo/author/B084WSGD5K

* * “Apprenticed to the Night” [U.K.: UniVerse Press, 2023]

* * Publisher’s site: https://universepress.net/product/apprenticed-to-the-night/

* * Interview: https://spkofmarvels.wordpress.com/2023/02/09/lindaann-loschiavo/

* * Interview: https://medium.com/interstellar-flight-press/caught-between-two-worlds-family-far-away-places-and-formal-poetry-270426062797

* * Book Trailer: “Women Who Were Warned”

* * Book Review: “Women Who Were Warned”

Critic Yasmine Dashti

https://www.fahmidan.net/book-reviews

* * Interview & excerpts:

Women Who Were Warned – Book Excerpt

* * “Messengers of the Macabre” ― website: https://messengersofthemacabre.com/

* * Book Review: “Messengers of the Macabre”

Critic Joshua Gage

Review: Messengers of the Macabre by LindaAnn LoSchiavo and David Davies

Critic Jodie Crump

Messengers of the Macabre: Halloween Poems by LindaAnn LoSchiavo and David Davies

* * Book Trailer: “Messengers of the Macabre”

* * LindaAnn Literary: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHm1NZIlTZybLTFA44wwdfg

* * Twitter: @Mae_Westside

https://amzn.to/48UetHn

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Cancer Courts My Mother by LindaAnn LoSchiavo Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo shares a thought-provoking collection of poetry dealing with sorrow and relationships in the book “Cancer Courts My Mother.”

The Synopsis

“Cancer Courts My Mother” gives voice to the creativity borne out of the experience of late-stage cancer from the perspective of a caregiver and a daughter.

Written with candor, warmth, and grace, these poems explore universal themes of sorrow, resiliency, relationships, anger, hope, and love.

This collection is for anyone who’s ever wondered how to go forward in the face of suffering, but doesn’t expect an easy answer.

Cancer, a Casanova, is bent on seducing a mother away from her family– even as a dutiful daughter tries to defeat him.

* Haiku summary:

cancer’s intrusions

can’t stop a relationship

from healing

Cancer Courts My Mother has received two literary distinctions: the BREW Seal of Excellence from The Chrysalis BREW Project and the Voyages of Verses Award from OneTribune Media.

The Review

Emotionally driven and compelling, this book of poetry and prose does an incredible job of conveying the experience of both patient and caregiver facing the horrendous journey through cancer so many have had to suffer through. The powerful imagery of each chapter and the writing style gave the poems an almost fictional, cohesive quality and allowed the reader to connect with the poet’s experiences.

What really stood out to me about the collection was how controlled and honest the author’s writing felt with every poem. The author never shies away from the realities of facing cancer head-on, delivering a narrative that shows the dignified yet painful truths she and her mother faced throughout this process, and the often artistic and emotionally rhythmic lyricism of each poem felt both natural and creative in the face of such overwhelming emotion.

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The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging, author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Cancer Courts My Mother” is a must-read book of poetry and prose. The fast pacing of the story the author tells, and the powerful themes of love, loss, and saying goodbye on your own terms, really made a heartfelt statement. The author’s ability to write honestly and still spark passion and creativity in the reader’s imagination made this a memorable and enthralling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A native New Yorker, LoSchiavo has received nominations for the Pushcart Prize, Rhysling Award, Best of the Net, the IPPY Award, CLMP’s Firecracker Award, Balcones Poetry Prize, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of Science Fiction Poetry Assoc., The British Fantasy Society, and The Dramatists Guild.

Her poetry chapbooks include “Conflicted Excitement” [Red Wolf Editions, 2018], “Concupiscent Consumption” [Red Ferret Press, 2020], “Women Who Were Warned” [Cerasus Poetry, May 2022], and “Messengers of the Macabre” co-authored with David Davies [Audience Askew, October 2022].

Her full-length collections include Elgin Award winner “A Route Obscure and Lonely” [Wapshott Press, Dec. 2019] and “Apprenticed to the Night” [UniVerse Press, 2023].

Three of her short stories appear in “A Feast of Narrative,” Vol. 1 [Idea Press, 2020], edited by Tiziano Dossena.

Book Trailer:  https://youtu.be/V0vyi_v8hfU

https://www.prolificpulse.com/lindaannloschiavo

Editorial Review: “Cancer Courts My Mother” by LindaAnn LoSchiavo

————————-

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18972725.LindaAnn_LoSchiavo

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/LindaAnn-LoSchiavo/author/B084WSGD5K

* * “Apprenticed to the Night” [U.K.: UniVerse Press, 2023]

* * Publisher’s site: https://universepress.net/product/apprenticed-to-the-night/

* * Interview: https://spkofmarvels.wordpress.com/2023/02/09/lindaann-loschiavo/

* * Interview: https://medium.com/interstellar-flight-press/caught-between-two-worlds-family-far-away-places-and-formal-poetry-270426062797

* * Book Trailer: “Women Who Were Warned”

* * Book Review: “Women Who Were Warned”

Critic Yasmine Dashti

https://www.fahmidan.net/book-reviews

* * Interview & excerpts:

Women Who Were Warned – Book Excerpt

* * “Messengers of the Macabre” ― website: https://messengersofthemacabre.com/

* * Book Review: “Messengers of the Macabre”

Critic Joshua Gage

Review: Messengers of the Macabre by LindaAnn LoSchiavo and David Davies

Critic Jodie Crump

Messengers of the Macabre: Halloween Poems by LindaAnn LoSchiavo and David Davies

* * Book Trailer: “Messengers of the Macabre”

* * LindaAnn Literary: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHm1NZIlTZybLTFA44wwdfg

* * Twitter: @Mae_Westside

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cancer-courts-my-mother-lindaann-loschiavo/1148585915?ean=9781962374644

https://amzn.to/4otZ5Gf

Singing the Forge by G.H. Mosson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet G.H. Mosson shares poems and vignettes that explore the things that have shaped us in the book “Singing the Forge.”

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The Synopsis

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Singing the Forge explores the singing of what’s shaped us and what we’ve shaped for ourselves. Through poems at times personal, plus vignettes from men and women of the past two centuries in the book’s middle section, these poems offer mirrors of becomings. Across free verse, meter, and poems of organic form, you might just see yourself.

The Review

Immediately, I was drawn to the author’s ability to create poems that felt very lyrical in nature, bringing a story-like quality to each poem that conveys a theme and evokes an emotional response in the reader. The powerful imagery these poems delve into is compelling, as seen in the poem “Domination of Tulips in Washington D.C.,” where Rock Creek Park comes alive on the page and petals become doorways to the heart of the flower. 

The draw of this collection lies in the strong, powerful themes of forging and awakening that the poems explore. The concept of forging not only brings to mind the idea of creation, but the idea of reshaping things and reinforcing things through fire, a visual and visceral theme the author uses to connect readers with the raw poetry that calls for those moments o f personal change and growth through trials and tribulations, both on an individual scale and even some on much more cosmic scales, such as the idea of time and memory itself taking on whole new meanings.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Thoughtful, moving, and engaging, author G.H. Mosson’s “Singing the Forge” is a must-read collection of poetry. The deliberate, emotive, and introspective nature that the author brings to each poem, along with the almost lyrical and passionate style of writing, will stay with readers and keep them coming back time and again to delve into this collection. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

G. H. Mosson’s poetry has appeared in The Tampa Review, The Lyric,

Smartish Pace, California Quarterly, and has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize.

This is his sixth book of poetry. For more, see www.ghmosson.com

https://www.davidrobertbooks.com/mosson.html

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/singing-the-forge-g-h-mosson/1147326480?ean=9781625494801

https://amzn.to/3JHET5n

Finality of the Heart by James W.A. Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet James W.A. shares a collection of poems that tells the story of a boy falling in love with a girl and their relationship with each other and their faith in the book “Finality of the Heart.”

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The Synopsis

In another poetry collection, award-winning author James W. A. weaves the tale of a boy in love with a girl named Ella. Told across four sections, the themes in the individual poems progress from the newfound bliss of a budding relationship to the discernment of what it means for them, through the eyes of faith. From there, our story finds itself with two endings. In one, Ella and the speaker find lasting joy with each other and live their Forever. In another, the speaker is judged to be a Failure and must grapple with the sorrow of that future. No matter the true ending, this collection contains poems about love, loss, purpose, relationship with God and others, and what it means to embrace, for good or for ill, the Finality of the Heart.

The Review

This was such a rich and engaging book of poetry. The author writes in a way that feels both emotional and soulful at once, tapping into the rich tapestry of humanity and exploring one of the world’s most time-honored and compelling life goals: the act of falling in love. The vivid imagery found throughout these poems was astounding, and the author wrote in such a way that readers could easily connect with the story being depicted and empathize with the characters these poems brought to life.

That was what stood out so perfectly, the story. The narrative aspect of these poems made their meanings feel more engaging, and the themes these poems brought to life were equally engaging. The theme not only of love, but also of maintaining that love and balancing it with the personal relationship a person has with their own faith, was strongly felt. Yet, it was the love that had me hooked time and again in poems such as “Daylight Savings Time,” “Just One More,” and “Me Without You.”

Grafton Mini Pen

The Verdict

Emotional, compelling, and heartfelt, author James W.A.’s “Finality of the Heart” is a must-read narrative poetry collection. The depth of the story being told, the vivid imagery in the author’s writing, and the dynamic themes explored in the poems will have readers returning to this collection time and again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today! 

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James W. A. was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area in Florida and now happily lives just outside Kansas City, Missouri. After graduating from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg’s Honors College, he published his first book, In the Library, in 2015 and his second, the award-winning poetry collection Desolation and Epiphany, in 2023. 

Poetry from James W. A. has also been featured in the literary magazines Neptune, Nectar,and The Secret Society of Poetry and he has showcased and facilitated workshops locally through KC Poetic Underground. With his newest collection, Finality of the Heart, James W. A. capitalizes on his long-time love for romantic poetry and penchant for dramatic melancholy to share a meaningful tale of duality he hopes will last through the ages.

https://thejameswa.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finality-of-the-heart-james-w-a/1147699460?ean=9798218700492

https://amzn.to/46EKVfY

Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState by Karen Chase Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

In author Karen Chase’s ” Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState,” two tales, one from the past and one from the future, showcase a love born of outsiders and the connections we share together.

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The Synopsis

These two stories explore love and beauty in the context of fear and threats. Jamali Kamali is a book-length poem about two men who lived in 16th century India. Little about them is known but they are buried together in a small tomb in Delhi. For hundreds of years, the story that these men were lovers has been passed down through the generations. Jamali Kamali is a fictional account of their love, longing, separation, and death. ZundelState, a novella in verse, takes place a thousand years in the future in a repressive land where history is banned, and dreaming has vanished. Joe, a lover of history, is rebellious and secretive. Marianna is a model worker for the State where she works in the HistoryShit Apparatchik Division. They fall in love against all odds. These two tales of outsiders, one from the distant past and the other from the far-off future, echo and reflect upon each other in surprising ways.

The Review

This was such a wildly creative and emotional read. The author did an incredible job of finding just the right balance between lyrical writing styles and engaging storytelling, with each story giving readers an emotional depth that instantly draws them in. The writing style was perfectly captured in the beautiful imagery capturing each scene between the two characters, from moonlit encounters between one another to the sounds of wildlife beckoning from the surrounding forest and so much more, and each verse touched upon the heartfelt connection not only between the characters, but the reader and the characters themselves.

The second story in this collection draws parallels between itself and the first story, while owning its own unique creative take on the genre. The exploration of what happens when public life is the rule of law and private individuality is oppressed felt very relevant to many of the issues facing our world. The themes of social conformity and oppression were intertwined beautifully with the character’s love story.

The Verdict

Author Karen Chase’s “Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState” is a passionate, heartfelt, and engaging read. It is a unique yet memorable story that is a must-read today. The inclusivity and raw beauty of the author’s poetry and storytelling will stay with readers long after the final tale ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Karen Chase is the author of two collections of poems, Kazimierz Square and BEAR, as well as Jamali-Kamali: A Tale of Passion in Mughal India, a book-length homoerotic poem, published in India in 2011. Her award-winning book, Land of Stone, tells the story of her work with a silent young man in a psychiatric hospital where she was the hospital poet.

In her memoir Polio Boulevard, Chase brings the reader back to the polio outbreak of the 1950s that crippled our country. In her lively sickbed she experiences puppy love, applies to the Barbizon School of Modeling, and dreams of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Larooco Log: FDR on the Houseboat, a project that grew directly out of her memoir, follows Franklin Delano Roosevelt during a Florida winter when he lived on a houseboat, attempting to regain use of his paralyzed legs. History Is Embarrassing, her collection of essays, was published in 2024, and Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState, in 2025.

Karen Chase’s poems, stories and essays have appeared in The New Yorker, The New Republic, The Gettysburg Review and Southwest Review, among others. Her poems have been anthologized in The Norton Introduction to Poetry, Andrei Codrescu’s An Exquisite Corpse Reader, and Billy Collins’ Poetry 180. Chase and her husband, the painter Paul Graubard, live in Western Massachusetts.

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MedEvac by Andrew LaFleche Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and poet Andrew LaFlechce shares a heartfelt and honest poetry collection in the book “MedEvac.” 

The Synopsis

From award-winning author and veteran Andrew Lafleche, MedEvac is a raw and reflective poetry collection. It delves into the harrowing realities of combat in Afghanistan, the anguish of divorce, the loss of a child, and the destructive force of alcoholism. With brutal honesty and unflinching introspection, Lafleche captures the weight of grief and the search for meaning, both in life and in faith. In MedEvac, poetry becomes a vehicle for self-examination and spiritual reflection, making it a powerful read for those familiar with trauma.

“I will not cry here, at least

I cannot let him see me cry in this place, even

though I’ve come to learn that being a man

isn’t the ability to hold back tears, rather,

understanding the things in life which matter

most when lost will make you weep. Still,

brave for him, faking it for me. “I knew you’d

come, daddy. They told me you might not

make it in time, whatever that meant. But

I knew you’d come.”

—MedEvac

Written with heartsick honesty, the collection concludes in collision with an acceptance that will break your heart. It offers refuge for those who wish to find peace:

The Review

The wellspring of emotion that this collection inspires is gut-wrenching and heartfelt, speaking with an intensity and honesty that is truly impactful. Each poem’s imagery paints an emotional picture in the reader’s mind, allowing these haunting themes to give beautiful life on the page.

The Themes, of course, are this collection’s driving force, covering everything from grief, war, alcoholism, divorce, and so much more. The personal and honest nature of the poems allows these themes to rise and delve into the heart of what it means to be human, never once shying away from the messy side of these painful memories yet using an artist’s mind to find beauty in the chaos. Through that chaos and beauty, the writer finds a universally beloved voice everyone can relate to, naturally connecting the author’s experiences to the reader.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and emotionally driven, author Andrew LaFleche’s “MedEvac” is a must-read poetry collection. The heartfelt delivery of each poem, the relatability of the poems and their powerful themes, and the way the author has given life to the buried pain and grief so many share in life made this a remarkable collection that is not to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Andrew LaFleche is the award-winning poet and novelist from St. Catharines, Ontario. He served under Operation Enduring Freedom during the Afghanistan War. Following his duty as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, Lafleche received an M.A. in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Gloucestershire. He is inspired by the philosophy that when young men become readers, they become better men.

Faraway Tables by Eric D. Goodman Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In the book Faraway Tables, author and poet Eric D. Goodman shares a collection of poetry that showcases a world both familiar and just out of reach.

The Synopsis

Faraway Tables is a mesmerizing collection of poetry that captures the monumental and the mundane with eloquent precision. Written largely during the Covid pandemic, these poems are imbued with a reflective depth that explores the essence of human experience—ranging from the personal to the geopolitical.

The Review

What a powerful and engaging collection of poems! The author expertly crafts each poem to stand alone and add to the collective nature of life’s journey and what it means to be human. The imagery and tone each poem strikes with the reader will leave a lasting impact, and the poems do a remarkable job of connecting the reader to the poet’s intent and experiences overall. 

The emotional connection with the poems and the overall themes became the heart of this collection. The author perfectly delves into social commentary on everything from the Pandemic to the war between Russia and Ukraine and the more personal, mundane aspects of daily life that speak of the love and connection we form in those everyday moments. The collection is written in a way that readers of all backgrounds can relate to and connect with, speaking to an accessibility that is sometimes missing from other collections that resonate here.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and passionately written author Eric D Goodman’s “Faraway Tables” is a must-read poetry collection. The way the poems evoke a strong emotional response, and the relatability of each poem’s message or theme will draw in many readers seeking to find a profound way of speaking to the experiences so many people have had in recent years. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Eric D. Goodman lives and writes in Maryland. He’s the author of six previously published books of fiction. More than a hundred of his short stories, articles, and travel stories have been published in literary journals, magazines, and periodicals. Eric’s recent poetry has been featured in more than twenty publications, including Gargoyle Magazine and The Main Street Rag.

Available on Amazon, Bookshop.org, and Yorkshire Publishing.

Tour Schedule:

Nov. 5: the bookworm (review)

Nov. 7: The Reading Bud (review)

Nov. 12: Impressions in Ink (review)

Nov. 13: Lavender Orchids (review)

Nov. 19: Review Tales (review)

Nov. 21: Anthony Avina blog (review)

Nov. 25: True Book Addict (review)

Follow the tour with hashtag #FarawayTables

Thoughts of a Warrior By Randi-Lee Bowslaugh Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author and poet Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s book Thoughts of a Warrior contains a collection of poetry meant to inspire and help those struggling with depression overcome that feeling.

The Synopsis

This is the follow-up poetry book to Thoughts of a Wanderer. The poems depict climbing out of a deep depression to take back a life that was felt to be meaningless.

Tears, heartache, trauma and depression.

Is life worth it? That is the question.

Making no more concession,

It is time to take possession.

Enjoy the passionate poems that show we should never give up on ourselves and our life. Each poem is accompanied by a nature photo bringing the beauty of world and words to life.

The Review

It is a genuinely emotional and heartfelt read. The reader can instantly feel how personal and brave this work is for the author, and each poem becomes a piece of her heart laid bare. The progression of each poem does a remarkable job of showcasing the authentic struggles with depression and the fight it takes to overcome those struggles daily. It is never a straight line to recovery, but the setbacks and struggles only strengthen a person’s resolve.

The poem that stuck out to me instantly was Dear Future Me, which allowed us to picture our futures while still struggling with the voices of doubt in our minds. The fight to imagine a future is sometimes a struggle for those suffering from depression, and the inner voice that one must work through was perfectly illustrated in that poem. The theme and message behind mental health and the willpower to seek out help and acknowledge it was a great reminder as well, really honing in on the poet’s journey.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and engaging author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh’s “Thoughts of a Warrior” is a must-read poetry collection. The power to stand up for mental health and acknowledge the need to care for and grow that circle of protection everyone needs in their lives, and the acknowledgment that while things are different for everyone and mental health can be overwhelming to overcome, finding the strength to overcome it all can be achieved. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on December 7th, 2024 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

In 2017 Randi published her first book about mental health awareness and from there knew that this was her dream. Since then she has continued writing and expanding the genres that she writes.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she did for over 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.

While she isn’t working, she is spending time with her two teenage children and a grand-baby. Randi tries to speak honestly and openly about her struggles with her own mental health and as a parent – wanting to ensure that no one feels alone.

Follow Randi’s YouTube Channel: RB Media

Follow Randi on TikTok @randileebowslaugh

Felones de se by LindaAnn LoSchiavo Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

TRIGGER WARNING: Content in these poems deals with themes of self-harm, including unaliving oneself. Reader discretion is advised.

Author and poet LindaAnn LoSchiavo shares an honest and heartfelt collection of poems directed at a personal loss from suicide in the book “Felones de se.”

The Synopsis

With a sprinkling of dark humor and a full measure of

compassion, “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” is

surprising, quirky, and a riveting read. Inspired by actual

suicides, one of them a blood relative, these poems are

resonant, impossibly moving, bittersweet, and strange.

The Review

While a touchy, heartbreaking, and taboo subject, the poet in this book skillfully captures the depth of emotion and confusion that often surrounds the taking of one’s life. The honest depiction of both those who take this action and those left behind in the wake of those decisions will resonate with many people affected by this real-life tragedy. The author captures the complexity and heart surrounding this subject in such a short amount of time.

What stays with the reader the most is the beautiful prose for which the author writes and the stories behind these poems. The collection ranges from personal experiences with a lost loved one to national cases that captured the public eye and more. The artful way the author uses imagery in the writing style of this collection and the haunting dive into the mindset and emotional wave that takes over in those moments will stay with the reader.

The Verdict

Haunting, moving, and engaging, author LindaAnn LoSchiavo’s “Felones de se” is a must-read chapbook and poetry collection. The author’s skill in writing this collection and the sensitive yet honest depiction of this subject will stay with the reader, and the emotional weight will be felt long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Native New Yorker LindaAnn LoSchiavo, a four time nominee for The Pushcart Prize, has also been nominated for Best of the Net, the Rhysling Award, and Dwarf Stars. She is a member of British Fantasy Society, HWA, SFPA, and The Dramatists Guild.

Books: “A Route Obscure and Lonely” [Elgin Award winner, Wapshott Press]; “Women Who Were Warned” [Cerasus Poetry, 2022], “Messengers of the Macabre” [Audience Askew, 2022, co-written with David Davies], “Vampire Ventures” [Alien Buddha Press, 2023], “Felones de Se: Poems about Suicide” [Ukiyoto Publishing, 2024], “Apprenticed to the Night” [UniVerse Press, 2024], and “Always Haunted: Hallowe’en Poems” [Wild Ink, 2024], winner of The Chrysalis BREW Award for Excellence.

In 2023, her poetry placed as a finalist in Thirty West Publishing’s “Fresh Start Contest” and in the 8th annual Stephen DiBiase contest.

LoSchiavo is a Prohibition Era historian and her Texas Guinan film won “Best Feature Documentary” at N.Y. Women’s Film Fest (Dec. 2021).

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https://linktr.ee/LindaAnn.LoSchiavo