Tag: poetry collection

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.

AudiobooksNow

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

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.”

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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

First Light, Last Light by Glen Sorestad 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 Glen Sorestad shares the reflections on life and the wildlife around us all that readers have come to expect from him in the book “First Light, Last Light.”

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The Synopsis

A new book of poetry from Glen Sorestad, one of Canada’s elder literary icons, is cause for celebration.

First Light, Last Light is the first book in six years by Sorestad, who was Saskatchewan’s first poet laureate, serving two terms. As might be expected from a poet now in his 80s, the work in this volume is a mix of reflections on family, memories of youth and friends, and the not-always-pleasant aging process, all viewed with compassion, wisdom and, often, humour.

Sorestad is also a keen observer of the wildlife around him, from the birds who come to the feeder outside his window – damn those bully crows! – to the foxes and other wildlife he and his wife sometimes encounter on their morning walks.

First Light, Last Light is a book to read again and again, and treasure.

The Review 

A stunning and compelling collection of poems, this book does a remarkable job of balancing the author’s memories and personal experiences with musings on life and the world around him, including the nature and animal life that make the Canadian region so revered. The straightforward, almost storytelling aspect of the author’s writing style stood out immediately, as if the reader were stepping into the author’s life with them and living through these moments together.

The imagery and themes of this collection are what stood out the most. The emotional themes of grief, memory, and connection are palpable in poems like “My Father’s Voice” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” In contrast, poems like “Mid-Winter” captured the cold, chilly, and stark beauty of winter in Canada, and each word felt almost tactile when delivered in the author’s unique voice. The author’s ability to convey these powerful themes through the portrayal of ordinary events, such as missing out on his father’s unique talent or going to the grocery store, highlights how emotion and heart can exist in the smallest of moments —a message that permeates this collection.

Grafton Mini Pen

The Verdict

Emotional, heartfelt, and memorable, author and poet Glen Sorestad’s “First Light, Last Light” is a must-read poetry collection. The fast-paced collection and the way readers can pick up, put down, and pick back up again showcase the power and depth of these poems, as well as the emotional weight they carry when readers delve into a collection that feels personal and introspective in its own right. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Glen Sorestad is a Canadian poet, born in Vancouver, but living most of his life in Saskatchewan. He has been a teacher of literature and writing, a literary publisher and a writer, best known for his many books of poetry. He has been a recipient of the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals and is a Life Member of both The League of Canadian Poets and the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2010. Sorestad loves travel, fishing and is an ardent fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-light-last-light-glen-sorestad/1147028154?ean=9781998273461

https://amzn.to/4nD0IBY

Forked Accents by Osadolor Osayande 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 Osadolor Osayande shares a collection of poems that speak to the cost immigrants face with their accents in the book “Forked Accents.”

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The Synopsis

Forked Accents is a piercing collection of poems that examines the subtle, relentless effect of accents—the way they tell the stories of what we have been through, and how, in distant lands, immigrants slowly absorb the often-self-inflicted belief that their accents must be cast off to belong. These poems trace the shame, the shedding, the slow and latent erasure of self—yet they also carry the crucial promise of self-preservation. Forked Accents does not invalidate the cost of accent authenticity; it acknowledges its weight. But it leans close, and whispers: your accent is a scarred inheritance—wounded, resilient, and entirely whole. This is the redemptive anthem you’ve been waiting for—a tender echo calling you back to yourself

The Review

This was such a powerful and moving collection of poetry. The raw emotion and the visceral imagery the author pours into each page were felt strongly as the reader delved deeper into the book. The poems themselves felt very narrative in nature, with the author speaking directly to the reader through their poems and conveying the experiences and emotions behind those experiences that immigrants often feel when acclimating to another country and their customs.

In a time when immigration has become such a volatile topic of discussion, there is a need to shine a light on the hardships and struggles immigrants face, and the need to showcase why supporting and accepting immigrants into society has never been more critical. The poems in this book reflect the need so many immigrants have to survive in a world that is often too narrow-minded or unaccepting of anyone deemed “different”, and that survival usually comes at the cost of their own identity and culture. The world would be a far more beautiful place if we celebrated our differences and the cultures that define and strengthen them, including their accents, and how those accents tell a story unique to the speaker.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotionally-driven, and thoughtful, author Osadolor Osayande’s “Forked Accents” is a must-read collection of poetry. The twists and turns each poem takes the reader on this engaging story of immigration and survival will stay with readers. The poems inspire readers to have meaningful conversations, and the beautiful imagery of each poem will leave a lasting impression. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Osadolor Osayande is a Nigerian poet and storyteller with two poetry collections to his name. He won the Brigette Poirson Poetry Contest (2020), was shortlisted for the Albert Junger’s Poetry Contest, and the much esteemed Babishai Niwe Poetry Prize. His works have been published by top-tier journals such as the AFRICAN WRITER and KALAHARI REVIEW.

Through his works he strives to shed light on how to remain preserved in a world steeped in the drawbacks of transactional relationships, champion love as the highest truth, and how to ultimately arrive at the full stature of authentic self-esteem. He believes that the world needs more of the curative touch of artistic language and is here to contribute his quota to this much needed healing.

https://www.instagram.com/osadolorosayande21?igsh=eGtmc2NjaWs5bjM0

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

The Door at the End of Everything by Lynda Monahan 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 Lynda Monahan shares a powerful collection of poetry in honor of the people who contend with mental health on a daily basis in the collection “The Door at the End of Everything”.

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The Synopsis

Written while Lynda Monahan was hospital writer-in-residence at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, working often on the adult and youth mental health wards, the tight, pared poems in The Door at the End of Everything give voice to and honour those living with mental illness, speaking to not only the suffering but also the courage and hope that is so clearly there as well.

Several of the poems and poetry sequences have seen publication in various literary journals, including Grain, The Society, The New Quarterly, Transition, Bareback, and Dalhousie Review, and in the poetry anthologies Writing Menopause (Inanna Publications), Lummox Anthology of Canadian Poetry, Worth More Standing (Caitlin Press), the Apart pandemic anthology (Saskatchewan Writers Guild), and Line Dance (Burton House Books), and in various tanka publications such as Atlas Poetica, A Hundred Gourds, and Gusts. A series of online readings from this collection, created with the help of a Canada Council grant, are available on YouTube.

The Review

What a profound and heartbreaking read! The author captures the voice and trauma of these individuals who suffer through and endure the pain of mental health trauma. The visceral nature of the poems’ themes and the thought-provoking imagery in the author’s writing style paint a picture of the turmoil so many feel inside, to the point that these feelings feel almost personified in the writing itself.

The emotional core of these poems and the powerful themes made this book what it is today: moving. The writing was indeed illuminating, as it allowed readers not only to feel and understand the internal struggles of so many people and the tragic reasoning for so many who make the hard decisions that impact their lives and the lives they leave behind, but it also allowed readers to see the promise of hope for those who fight through those struggles and search for the means of internal peace, in this case through the beauty and serenity of nature itself.

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The Verdict

Overall, this was a moving and heartfelt read. The author did a brilliant job of capturing the heart and the passion that so many feel for developing this need to further the cause of mental health awareness. The imagery and atmosphere that the author creates through these poems and the emotional themes that the author explores make this a pivotal book that readers should return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

A Journey of Perspective (GROWTH) by Dune Stewart 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 Dune Stewart shares a personal journey of tackling depression, anxiety and identity through powerful personal narrative and poetry in the collection “A Journey of Perspective (GROWTH)”.

The Synopsis

Screenshot

**A Journey of Perspective** by Dune Stewart is an evocative exploration of the human spirit, captured through a powerful blend of poetry and personal narrative. Written during a time of deep introspection, this collection delves into the raw emotions of depression, anxiety, and the search for identity. Stewart’s words paint a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that define our lives, offering readers a chance to see the world through the lens of someone who has faced darkness and found the strength to rise above it.

From poignant reflections on love and loss to candid discussions about mental health, Stewart’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery. This book is not just a collection of poems—it’s a testament to the enduring human spirit and the belief that even in our most challenging moments, there is always hope.

*A Journey of Perspective* is a must-read for anyone seeking solace in their struggles, inspiration in their journey, and a reminder that we are never truly alone.

The Review

This was such a personal and heartfelt collection of poetry. The imagery and raw nature of the collection allowed the reader to view the journey that the author took to heal and find himself amidst the issues he was facing. The relatability and honesty that the author and poet conveyed in these poems will strike a harmonious chord with readers who are facing similar situations as the author.

What stood out was how the author’s writing style came across as a balance of stream-of-consciousness with artistic flair. The author was able to bring powerful themes of mental health struggles, body image struggles, and depression to these poems without being too on the nose with them. This allowed the reader to feel the raw emotions of the poems and the notes of hope that are peppered throughout the book, bringing a sense of inspiration.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and memorable poetry, author Dune Stewart’s “A Journey of Perspective (Growth)” is a must-read poetry collection. The hopeful tone and the relatability of the author’s struggles and achievements when dealing with mental health made this a personal and promising read. If haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I wrote my first book thinking I was becoming a recluse as a result of feeling lonely, but it quickly changed once I harnessed my energy into the act of writing poetry. I found myself beginning to regain who I had lost, and I will always be grateful for the craft.

In addition, I am a professional photographer, podcast host, and twitch streamer. You can find my photography at Dune Stewart Photography, my podcast at Do You Like Ice Cream? : An Artist Podcast, and my twitch profile at R2DUNE2.

https://www.dunestewart.com