Reader Views

Love’s Thrilling Dimensions

What a wonderful book of poetry to touch the heart, deepen the spirit, and stir up the emotions! Joyce Akesson, gifted poet and extraordinaire, puts into words not many have the talent to achieve. Her writing is clear, profound, and creative, while at the same time poignant.

Out of the many pieces Akesson portrays in her book, it’s hard to find a favorite because I could say many are my favorite. However, there is one that stands out in my mind, and I’ve re-read it several times; each time getting a deeper meaning. It is:

"A Place

We should find a place
in which your freedom
and my freedom
can enjoy being together
without risking
that your light
becomes my light’s prisoner
or that my visions
become your visions’ predators.

…Each one of us
will become a soul
filled with energy;
flexible,
playful
and adventurous
with unlimited possibilities
and fantasies.

And we will love
each other’s eyes,
laughter, words,
silences, forces,
and weaknesses,
unconditionally."

If you are a lover of poetry, I highly suggest you check out "Love’s Thrilling Dimensions" by Joyce Akesson. I can guarantee you will be totally immersed into a world of its’ own.

Love’s Thrilling Dimensions
Joyce Akesson
Pallas Athena Distribution (2008)
ISBN 9789197764100
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (1/09)

Poems of Life: Inspirational Knowledge for Life: Philosophy Teachings: Work, Happiness, Love, Morality and Existentialism

"Discovering life through poetry," is what Ronnie Lee would like the reader to do in this 667-page epic book of poetry. From the "Meaning of Life and Logic" to the last poem, "Hope," the author speaks of the things that explain the understanding of life. What is the process of our whole existence, the foundation and the fundamental wisdom for that knowledge of life?

Some very deep thought was put into this book of complex verse. The chapters on "Existentialism" were thought-provoking and almost philosophical when compared to the chapter on "God." With such interesting chapters as "Good and Evil, Happiness, Love and Humanity," I was given a glimpse into the mind of Mr. Lee and his outlook on such subjects. "Philosophy" and the "Spiritual World" were two chapters that are a bit obtuse for my understanding, but will make sense to some people. I may have considered it a bit too deep for my logical brain. With its many topics and every aspect of life covered in this large poetic volume, I am sure there will be something that will appeal to everyone.

With so many diverse subjects, the depth of thought that is injected and the immense size of the book, it is not something to be read on a subway. I would recommend that the reader have a lot of time and a peaceful place, in which to digest the many intricacies of this book, "Poems of Life" by Ronnie Lee. The sections on "Philosophy" alone will take a bit of thought and contemplation.

Poems of Life: Inspirational Knowledge for Life
Ronnie Lee
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9781432725426
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (1/09)

Do You Know Me? Do I Know You?

Herbert Spohn has taken various themes that individuals encounter through their life and set these themes to poetry. . His ability to capture what we often think, but cannot express, is well done. The chapters in the book are not titled but revolve around different themes such as love, loss, and aging. In the beginning of each theme he describes what the poems are about.

In the section of narrative poems, the author relates that they are conversations and internal monologues. The author has a varied history of being a veteran and psychotherapist, which gives him the ability to reflect on personal aspects of his life. In "Do You Know Me? Do I Know You?," author Herbert Spohn puts into words what each of us often feel and think.

Do You Know Me? Do I Know You?
Herbert Spohn
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595468409
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (12/08)

Whispers: Poems

"Whispers" is a book of poetry by an award-winning writer. As Jonathan Russell contemplates life, nature and the human interaction with all things, his writing encompasses the core of life itself. Beginning with "The Love That Passed Us By to Child of Heaven," his poetry is a flowing reminder of nature’s wonders. In "Whispers, Jonathan Russell offers up a plethora of verse from every aspect of life. He reminisces about love as a young man, reflects upon the calming effects of natures’ wonders, tells the tale of a brave captain and takes the reader down a path of mental adventure like no other.

Some parts were puzzling as I tried to find the meaning behind the verbiage. Others were quite descriptive and very crisp in their presentation. The vivid descriptions in "Through a Glass Staircase" kept me reading and were typical of the passages on every page. With a colorful flair and a bit eccentric, "Whispers" entwined earth, wind and fire with the human element to create a volume that was not typical of the average poetry book.

I was not impressed with the editing job and it lost points over that. An example of this is the author’s award winning poem, "When the Milklight Breaks." But yet, on page 28 of the book, the obvious poem on that page is this award winning poem, which is called "When the Moonlight Breaks."

I was not very impressed with the book "Whispers." It did not keep my interest and was a bit hard to comprehend in spots. Though his intentions were well-meant, I think the author could have done a better job in his presentation. The verbiage was a bit extravagant for a general audience and all things considered, I had no choice but to give it a C.

Whispers: Poems
Jonathan Russell
Peter E. Randall Publisher (2008)
ISBN 9781931807708
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (12/08)

The Dailies: A Poem for Each Day of One Year

Designed as a poem a day for one year, "The Dailies" would be wonderful in any reading format, one per day or any way chosen. The writer admits to not knowing how he settled on the format, so read this book of free verse as you see fit.

Choosing March 11, his own birthday, as the date to begin reading David Cornberg gives you part of his soul as a gift which should be cherished. Poems are written in such diverse locations as Taipei, Taiwan, Alaska, Romania and New York. Many are dark, divine, enlightening, and so thought-provoking. I have read over, and over my own personal favorite:

November 23:

If we were not
Imperfect, then
We would not
Have to
Learn
From experience.

As you skip around the globe with David Cornberg in "The Dailies," you will experience all that is divine and natural as he does. Spend as much time as you want reading this birthday gift but a daily dose of poetry would be a wonderful start to any day!

The Dailies: A Poem for Each Day of One Year
David Cornberg
D & C Publishers (2008)
ISBN 9789574152162
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (10/08)

Mugging for the Camera

R.J. Claken rocks! This writer/photographer/graphic artist has a way with words. Divided into 10 equally interesting chapters ~ with "Smile and Say Cheese" to "The Naughty Poses" there is something for everyone.

Much of the works included have been previously published in publications such as Trellis Magazine, Daily Haiku, Asinine Poetry and Mom Writes as well as many others. Words from Worthless Word for the Day (personally one of my favorite things) were used in a very creative manner just to make the brain grow bigger.

With a great sense of humor this fun and funny collection will put a smile on your face, so read "Mugging for the Camera" by R.J. Clarken…..just for the hell of it!

Mugging for the Camera
R.J. Clarken
ISBN 9781602641600
Virtualbookworm.com Publishing Inc. (2008)
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (10/08)

Ghost Tango: for a dangerous man with a beautiful mind

"Ghost Tango" tells the story of a woman who is the only female instructor in a men’s prison that holds violent felons. She teaches as a GED instructor. She chooses not to learn about the crimes that her students have committed. This enables her to treat them with more respect and not identify each person for their crimes. She is given many rules which are in place to protect her; one of which is that she cannot divulge personal information to the inmates. She circumvents this rule a bit in the lessons that she creates for her students. She writes essays about life in Appalachia where she grew up and has now returned. These essays take the prisoners out of their prison and into a different world.

In turn, the prisoners begin to write their own stories that are about where they came from and how they ended up in prison. The teacher encourages them to continue their educations so that they won’t end up back where they started. She also finds herself drawn to an attractive Cuban prisoner who is supposed to be very dangerous. As she struggles with her attraction to him, she continues to encourage him to better himself.

This teacher has a lot to learn for herself. As she is teaching, her eyes are opened to prison politics and the rampant racism that exists among the inmates. The prison is a learning place for all.

"Ghost Tango" by Janeen Ledford tells a very compelling story. Written in a cursive style font, it made me feel more like I was peeking into a woman’s private diary. Even though it is a fictional story, it seemed very real to me. The author’s descriptions are very vivid and brought both the Appalachian setting and the prison setting to life. I found myself reflecting on the story long after I was done reading. I highly recommend this novel.

Ghost Tango
Janeen Ledford
W.L. Ransom Press (2008)
ISBN 9780979783036
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/08)

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)