Reader Views

Burnt Coffee

Larry Rochelle’s “Burnt Coffee” tells the story of how a woman escapes from an abusive marriage, into a loving relationship, and the consequences of her actions.  Jen, a mother of two, is married to an abusive man who plays a prominent role in society.  She falls for Jack who is an electrician.  Jack provides her with the escape that she needs from the torment of her marriage.  As Jen struggles with trying to do what’s right instead of following her heart, her husband’s abuse worsens.  When she finally releases herself to the happiness of Jack’s arms, even her children feel at peace, but only for a short time.  Jen’s husband will stop at nothing to get his revenge.  

I found “Burnt Coffee” to be very interesting. It is written more in a poetic style than a typical fictional book style.  To separate the major events that are occurring in Jen’s life, the book is broken into four parts.  Each part is broken down into poetic like works that have titles to tell the tale.  This is a very interesting way to write a story.  Written in this manner makes each section more dramatic and leaves no words wasted. 

I found that the unique style of presenting the story made “Burnt Coffee” stand out as something different.  The story itself is very interesting and compelled me to keep reading.  I think that this would be an excellent choice for a reader’s group because it would give them something different to sink their teeth into.  It would also lead to some interesting discussions on human nature.  What is right?  Is it right for a woman to have an affair if her husband is abusive?  Is it right for a husband to seek revenge in the manner that he did?   “Burnt Coffee” is definitely a must-read!

Burnt Coffee
Larry Rochelle
BookSurge Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9781419681325
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (6/08)

Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man

I thoroughly enjoyed “Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man” from start to end.  I was a little surprised at my reaction to this book, because while I enjoy poems, I am usually not as enthusiastic about books of poetry as I was about this compilation.   The third collection by this author is definitely one not to miss reading.  Harry Gilleland is a very talented writer and I hope that he does not stop entertaining us with his musings for a very long time. 

The collection of poems includes stories about every aspect of life.  Some of the poems left me with tears in my eyes, while others had me laughing about life’s lighter side.  One of the poems titled “Unworthy” is a love letter to the author’s wife, Linda.  Most people live their whole lives waiting for someone to feel that way about them.  There are heartfelt stories about beloved pets, as well as other stories about animals, including an amazing one about a wolf pup.   Gilleland spends some time on our political situation as well as the past and present conflicts.  He describes the “Spirit of America” and pays tribute to past and present war heroes. 

Gilleland touches on the subject of death from the perspective of the person who is dying and the bereaved in several of the poems.  “A Soldier’s Death” really brings home what is happening on the battlefield and what the last thoughts of the soldier might be.  In “My Angel on Earth” he writes about a man who is with his wife of sixty years as she is passing away.  In both of these poems and many others, the author captures the moment beautifully. 

I applaud Gilleland on creating such a well written, thought provoking book.  It is one that I will definitely read again.  I highly recommend “Poetic Musing of an Old, Fat Man” to anyone who is looking for an enjoyable book to read this summer or for someone who is looking for a gift to buy for that person who has everything. 

Poetic Musing of an Old, Fat Man
Harry E. Gilleland, Jr.
Lulu Press (2008)
ISBN 9781435712423
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (05/08)

Birds and Other Beasts

R. H. Peake began his writing career later in his life as an undergraduate at The University of Virginia. Having received an award from the English department faculty, he went on to become the poetry editor for the university’s magazine. His poems have been published in journals and magazines and he has a book and chapbook completed. As an amateur ornithologist and avid bird watcher his poetry centers on his love of these flying creatures.

“Birds and Other Beasts” is a collection of Mr. Peake’s finest work. It contains some of his older work, his award winners such as “Greek Gifts” and a multitude of his varied style. Mr. Peake’s love of birds and nature are very deeply rooted and it is obvious in his work. His poetry portrays the frailty of our little feathered friends, their plight for survival in a cruel world. So descriptive was his verbiage when he wrote such works as “Snowy Owl” in Virginia or “Flower Garden.”

With so many variations of poetry being offered, Mr. Peake shows the reader that he is not limited in his style. Loose blank verse, free verse, rhymed traditional form and syllabics were all well represented in “Birds and Other Beasts.” Unconventional in his style and a bit unorthodox, Richard shows his romantic side with such poems as “Morning Song.” Although the ending is not a happy one, it begins as any love affair.

Now we get down to the grand total of all the above compliments and comments. If I had to sum up “Birds and Other Beasts” in one word, “complicated” would be the best I could say. I don t know if I want to read a complicated book when I go out to find a book of poetry. When I read a poetry book, I want to be in a place where I have a vivid description of something. A place where the words flow smoothly and with a rhythm, not rhyming necessarily; but it must have a nice flow. I didn’t find that to be the case here and gave it a B- on my alphabetical scale.

Birds and Other Beasts
R. H. Peake
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595465996
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (01/08)

Honey for the Soul: This is the Season

Believers know that God appreciates all types of praise. This author has chosen poetry to lift up her thoughts. This is not the rhyming poetry that you may be familiar with, but to me it is more like a form of prose which must be read aloud to be appreciated.

Anita Williams’ love for God is evident as is her confidence in His power. Sometimes the poems are written from God’s perspective speaking to his Son, as in “Freedom.” Other times I hear Anita’s voice telling what I assume is her own story as in “No Longer in the Box.” This is a great anthem for women everywhere who have allowed their selves to be corralled into the limits of what others’ expectations are for them. This author has busted out from confinement!

Some of the poems really speak to where I am in my own life. “Know Who You Are” reminds me that:
This is your season
Do not be afraid…
If you were not ready
You would not be here
At this moment in time

I sense from her words that this woman has lived a lot and learned a lot in her lifetime. I also hear her trust and faith in God coming across loud and clear in “Just Love,” like in all of her work:
Just Love
And know in your heart that
God loves you so much
He gave you a gift
Someone to love and
Someone to love you back
Just Love

Bible verses on each page support the message of the poetry, keeping it grounded in the word of God. Because of these companion Scriptures, some may wish to use the book as a daily devotional. It is conveniently divided into five sections to help readers choose a topic that speaks to them at the exact moment they pick the volume up. On her website, honeyforthesoul.com, the author says “I find it is truly a gift from God to write poetry in the manner in which He has given it to me.”

I know that there are different styles in poetry, but I did find it distracting that there was very little punctuation to break up the words and help the reader know when to pause or to completely stop for the full impact of the words. But maybe that was intentional. Just like the Bible is not always the easiest read, maybe this book, “Honey for the Soul,” is something that needs to be contemplated and reread to appreciate the powerful message throughout the pages.

Honey for the Soul: This is the Season
Anita B. Williams
FarMor Publishing Company (2007)
ISBN 9780976786214
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (1/08)

Common Sense

C.G. Ferrel
Acheulean Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780972968423
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (6/07)

“Common Sense” by C. G. Ferrel contains 80 of his short poems. This collection offers a variety of emotions; he bounds from the dark side of human nature to hope, weaving a tapestry of life. The words are to the point and provoke contemplation. The poems seem to come from his heart, in a straightforward manner. He does not seek to exalt himself.

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Home Schooled

Reviewed by Patti Yackulic for Reader Views (6/07)

From birth, we are bombarded with poetry, pleasant experiences initially in the guise of nursery rhymes and later as song lyrics. Nevertheless, as we mature, we develop a reluctance to read and to permit ourselves to enjoy poetry. We can’t seem to recognize that musical lyrics do not differ from stanzas printed on the pages of compilations of verse. What a shame! Those individuals who fail to crack open the cover of a poetry book miss the incredible experiences of viewing vivid pictures emblazoning pages with various styles of verse.

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Simplicity Regurgitated

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (6/07)

Tony Rodriguez, author of “Simplicity Regurgitated,” offers opinions on youth, love, and a variety of other topics. His style is effortless and unique. “Learning endeavors,” is a distinctive expression of meeting a new day. The alarm goes off and the ritual begins. During those first moments of sleepiness one wonders “Why do I try?” “Lack of strength to be different”, speaks much truth about each of us.

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Arrow

Larry Rochelle
BookSurge Publishing (2007)
ISBN 1419666959
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (6/07)

“Arrow” by Larry Rochelle is his latest collection of poetry that takes the reader from the countryside of Kansas to the compelling life in a city. Rochelle uses the arrow to represent people escaping their situations or surroundings like an arrow shot through the sky, escaping the bow and flying to a new destination.

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Relationship Related and Other Poetry

Anthony B. Ashe
Reconstruction Books Publishing (2006)
ISBN 0978975200
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (6/07)

Anthony Ashe offers a unique poetic look at relationships. One part of the book speaks to physical relationships. It is obvious he has experienced a deep love for someone. His words speak of missing a loved one’s touch, and of lips meeting for a tender kiss. He speaks of being comfortable in one’s presence “like flannel bathrobes.” He tells how the touch of a lover is a gift to be cherished.

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The Poems of Hafez

Hafez, translated by Reza Ordoubadian
Ibex Publishers (2006)
ISBN 1588140199
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (5/07)

I normally start all my reviews with a bit about the author. Usually a little background to what he or she did up to the point of writing this particular book. In this case, I’m afraid I can’t write a lot about the author because he has been dead for five centuries. But without going into a Persian history lesson (since I am least qualified on Persian history), I will say that Hafez has had his share of notoriety in Persia.

Read complete review at ReaderViews.com