Reader Views

A Poet’s Kingdom

Article first published as Book Review: A Poet’s Kingdom by Joseph P. Policape on Blogcritics.

In his very interesting poetry book, “A Poet’s Kingdom,” Joseph P. Policape covers a broad spectrum, from “Life & Death” to “Family & Friends; the diverse poetry is thought-provoking and deep. With a combination of short poems, Haiku’s, and some very extensive thoughts, the author expresses himself in a variety of different styles and meters.
 
 In the “Religious & Seasonal” chapter, he addresses the death penalty and compares it to the crucifixion of Jesus. His comparison left a bit to be desired as I could not associate the correlation. The explanation of both seemed to have connection to each other; try as I may, I could not see the similarity.
 
In another chapter, “America & Heroes,” the author wrote a poem titled, “Bill Clinton.” This poem is a tribute to the former President of the United States and within the first few lines, again compares him to biblical figures.

Later, there is a chapter called, “Love & Lust.” The author expresses his views on the subjects of love, happiness and seduction. He begins this chapter with a poem that he titles, “Love and Happiness.” It has a problem with meter and there is a semblance of rhyme, but it is very evident that the rhyme is forced. I was pleasantly impressed with the one called, “Love.” The author compared a woman’s love with a growing flower. His choice of verbiage here was better and flowed well.
 
All the religious connotations and references within the book will cause some (that may not be as religious as the author) to become quickly bored with the book. I was not impressed with it and gave it a C on my scale.
 I didn’t think “A Poet’s Kingdom,” by Joseph P. Policape, was for a general audience in the fact that it was very religiously biased. I am not saying that is a bad thing, just that not everyone is as religious as the author. His thoughts are righteous and his verse is colorful. His descriptions were vivid and in most cases well written. But the fact remains that it could use a bit more editing.


A Poet’s Kingdom
Joseph P. Policape
Xlibris (2012)
ISBN 9781469185187
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (10/12)

Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot: Poem Jokes You Will Like a Lot

“Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot” by L.W. Lewis is a collection of 89 short, funny and rhyming poems.  The poems are about things like being mean, sisters and brothers, silly names and leopard spots.  One of my favorite poems was “Rover.” It is about Rover who won’t do anything that a normal dog does, but it turns out that Rover is really a cat.  Another favorite was “Why Johnny Missed Church.”  It is about Johnny and all the animals that followed him to church.

Almost every poem has a drawing.  The drawings aren’t very detailed, but they are colorful and cute.

I wish that the author had picked a different title for this book.  Most of the poems aren’t crude or vulgar like the title might make you think.  There are a few poems about boogers and calling people brats, but most of them were silly in a nice kind of a way.  I don’t think that very many parents will buy the book because of the title, and that is too bad.

I would recommend this book to people who like silly poetry or who like to read rhyming things out loud.  “Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot” might inspire some kids to make up silly poems of their own.


Poop, Butt, Booger & Snot: Poem Jokes You Will Like a Lot
L.W. Lewis
Red Pumpkin Press (2011)
ISBN 9780971157224
Reviewed by Evan Weldon (age 9) for Reader Views (3/12)

The Lament: Selected Poems and Prose

Article first published as Book Review:The Lament: Selected Poems and Prose by Ercell H. Hoffman on Blogcritics.

A poetry book of poems and prose is always a joy to read because it gives the author more leverage to express themselves in more than just a few stanzas. Such is the case of “The Lament” a book that gives the reader a mixed bag of feelings. From one page of this 111-page book to the next, the reader is exposed to the author’s feelings of sadness, gladness, misery and joy. The images she painted and the colorful verbiage brings the reader into her world. “On Life” was just one example of the strong sentiment that Ms. Hoffman wrote.

“I would look into the eyes of one who love has come to rescue from the shackles of disappointment from the threshold of despair and from the closed walls of loneliness.”

Written words that you could feel the need she had for her lover; such love, expressed with heart-felt feelings so vividly. Another example of this feeling is the desperation felt in “Waiting." Ms. Hoffman tells of waiting for a call from a lover.

“If I were not waiting for you my time would be spent as usual in isolation without the luring hope that love brings and without future dreams of happiness.”

Her description is of the desperation of waiting and longing for that call, then the realization that it may never come so she slips back into her miserable world of desolate isolation.

“The idea that you may call or may be there postpones for a while the inevitable visit of my desolate companion, loneliness.”

Ms. Hoffman’s book, "The Lament," is short and sweet which makes it a perfect book to read while traveling or waiting for the doctor. I rated it a high B and considered it a general audience book for all ages. The quality was above average, the print readable and there were very few grammatical errors. At the low on-line price, it is well worth taking the time to peruse this fascinating little book.


The Lament: Selected Poems and Prose
Ercell H. Hoffman
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432743468
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (12/11)

Soul Clothes

“Soul Clothes” is a compilation of musings by Regina D. Jemison that tugs at the heart and soul.  Her expression is timeless and her thoughts are reflective, insightful, and deep.

In “Because a door in my soul opens” she writes:

I write

because it relieves
my sub-conscious feelings and
conscious thoughts,
my emotional baggage,
distorted delusions,
and my anger

In “So Beautiful Just to Die,” Jemison expresses:

A flower was born, and so was I
            into a world already turning
            into a universe already on course
            life predestined
... and, then

we are born again.

“Soul Clothes” is only 44 pages and holds 12 poems.   It’s a small book but has large impact.  As I sat and contemplated each piece I got in touch with my own inner being; a place that took me on a journey along with Jemison.  If you like poetry as a form of stimulating inner reflection, I highly suggest you use “Soul Clothes” to do so.


Soul Clothes
Regina D. Jemison
Modern History Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615990955
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (5/11)

Iconic Poetry: Poems on Life’s Favorite Icons

Poetry is perhaps the most personal genre of creative writing, which makes it a wonderful womb for indulging in self-expression. Self-proclaimed “modern day poet,” Sara Lauritzen has penned a small volume of “hippoetry” (word taken from her website) comprised of quirky, rhyming poems that pay tribute to some of the world’s most loved commercial icons and destinations. Both her Introduction and her poetry make it clear that this work is a pleasurable self-indulgence.

Her Dedication page demonstrates her style: “Rhyming poetry feels good on your tongue, Harmonious and musical, Said aloud or sung, Go on, try it You’ll love it It’s fun.” Starbucks, Coke, Disney World and mac and cheese are among the pop icons that receive a poetic make over from Lauritzen. And every poem remains true to her love of the rhyme.

But alas, while the title of the collection piqued my interest, the poetry did not. I found the writing, in general, to be too simple and sing song for my taste, although the overall childlike quality the poems imparted was pleasing. In this regard, “Iconic Poetry” might prove to be a valuable resource in the hands of a teacher trying to spark a passion for poetry reading and writing in children.

As is my habit, after reading a book and completing my initial review, I sought out other reviewer’s assessments of “Iconic Poetry.” I was pleased for Ms. Lauritzen to find out that there were other readers with whom her poems made a more positive connection. That diversity of response is why we celebrate creative writing.

Iconic Poetry: Poems on Life’s Favorite Icons
Sara Lauritzen
Crownheart Books (2011)
ISBN 9780983328605
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (4/11)

Real Life Poem Collections

“Real Life Poem Collections” is a compilation of poetry that talks about real life situations and thoughts of author Todd Pagano.  He touches on daily basics, comical situations, wisdom and spirituality.  All commentary comes from Pagano’s heart.

“Stranger in the Park” touched me.  Pagano talks about walking in a park and seeing an old woman with a tin can filled with herbs.  She asks Pagano to write down his dreams and toss them into the can. After throwing sand on top she closed the can and told him not to tell anyone about what he just did.  One year later his dream came true.

Another piece that touched me is “Homeless” and it starts off like:

Homeless people are humans too
Give them some spare change
if you don't know what to do
It will pick up their feeling from being blue
...Believe me it’s a long life battle
they rather do without
Think of it this way
your life is sweet
They wake up everyday
with nothing to eat.

Moving, poignant and heartrending is how I describe Todd Pagano’s poetry in “Real Life Poem Collections.”  He allows his deep feelings to come through in serious situations yet he is able to put humor in, or dispel any adverse thoughts, by saying

...Guys don’t try to save what you haven't got
Again, let me repeat myself
So you’re going bald, so what.

Real Life Poem Collections
Todd Pagano
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781452072166
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (5/11)

Crisis In The American Heartland: Disasters & Mental Health in Rural Environments: An Introduction (Volume 1)

“Crisis In The American Heartland” is Volume 1 in a series of books for Crisis Intervention Training for Disaster Workers, for mental health workers and first responders who deal with related stress and trauma situations, specifically as they relate to disasters in rural environments.

These issues are taking on new proportions as they relate to the question of whom and how the challenge of dealing with mental health counseling will be met in the next rural crisis. The uneven distribution of population, the potential of high levels of immediate need in the event of a disaster occurrence, limited availability of rural services, and the trend of populations relocating to urban centers all impact intervention planning.

Unique mental health issues may result from stress, anxiety, and cross-cultural variables brought about by changing roles, unresolved trauma, and a declining farm economy. The impact of these issues may be demonstrated in domestic violence, youth violence, murder or suicide.                                                                                                                                     

In the rural area of Southwest Michigan where I live, severe storm warnings are frequent; heavy rains may result in flooding, lightning damage or death, as well as the possibilities of destruction by high winds and tornados.

As I write this review, news reports are coming in updating the devastation impacted by a massive tornado, covering a 7-mile-wide area in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as the result of winds over 200 mph. State and Federal Agencies are setting up disaster relief for physical needs. Mental health personnel will move in to assist with post-traumatic stress and critical incident stress management and other related areas. Multiply the difficulty in providing these services in a rural situation where the results of trauma, crisis and disaster cover a much wider area and cannot be as readily implemented.
                                                                                             
For these reasons it is critical that mental health professionals and first responders in rural areas become aware of recent research, and training approaches to crisis intervention and traumatology. I am impressed with the depth of material provided in this overview and the articulate communication in transmitting a new awareness of the specific applications to the reader.

A comprehensive bibliography of resources and references is provided to help the reader gain a better understanding of disaster mental health faced in rural areas and various cultural situations including: Physical issues such as land, air, and water resources, chemicals and pesticides, animal rights, food distribution; Quality of life issues such as rural America's declining share of national wealth, problems of hunger, education, and rural poverty among rural populations; Direct and indirect service issues; Professional training and development issues; and personal issues.

“Crisis In The American Heartland: Disasters & Mental health In Rural Environments: An Introduction (Volume 1” is a momentous breakthrough in disaster relief awareness and is destined to become a model for training manuals of the future. This is a monumental accomplishment for George W. Doherty, and Rocky Mountain DMH Institute Press.

Crisis In The American Heartland: Disasters & Mental Health in Rural Environments: An Introduction (Volume 1)
George W. Doherty, MS, LPC
Rocky Mountain DMH Institute Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615990757
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/11)

The Road-Shaped Heart

“The Road-Shaped Heart” by Nick Purdon is a collection of twenty-five poems written from the heart.  Covering topics such as addiction, loss, love, and grief, Mr. Purdon has a strong grasp on the English language and pens words in such a way that they tug at the reader’s heart, and this statement is coming from a reader who does not typically read much poetry.  While not understanding every nuance in every poem, I certainly felt the emotion Mr. Purdon’s words sought to provoke.

One particular poem that touched me was “Saying Good-Bye.”  Purdon wrote, “…Are you now walking on the doused coals as I do?...Are you  picking through the charred remains as I do?...Our moon had long been waning, yet…Still, I breathe in…Your every breathing out.”  In “Withdrawal” he wrote, “As the dark clouds roll in, heaving, they bring…decaying ravens plummeting from a sky of cracked bones…”  The imagery is so vivid the reader cannot help but recall his own emotions to the surface.

“The Road-Shaped Heart” is a quick read that can be read over and over.  Though not particularly a “happy” read, the emotions so beautifully depicted highlight the depth of real emotions felt by many.

The Road-Shaped Heart
Nick Purdon
Modern History Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615990573
Reviewed by Marissa Libbit for Reader Views (4/11)

Final Destination

This is a book of thoughts of a twisted and pained mind.  The words that are written bleed through the pages with heart wrenching strength.  In one such poem called, “Funeral,” Ankur Choudhury expresses his suicidal tendencies with the words “I see death as the only escape from reality.”

This 119-page book is filled with the thoughts of Mr. Choudhury’s twisted view of reality. His gripping fear is expressed in a way that will make the reader feel his pain. With what is written, he wants the reader to share in his anguish as he takes you down the grizzly road that he has traveled.

Poems like “Happiness,” express his feeling of being followed by death. Then in “Shadows,” he states, “Won’t someone kill me, tie me up and nail me?” There is a definite fixation that the author has with doom.

Clearly these and many more such examples, prove that this is a very dark volume of stressful and erratic thoughts. Passages in this book are seriously not for the meek. They are frank and scary poems that take the reader into the abyss of a twisted mind.

If one is to take what is written seriously, then it is evident that the author was emotionally distressed. The way the poetry is presented is of a mature and very dark nature, not recommended for young impressionable minds. The book has a parental advisory warning about “Mature Content” and should be avoided by young readers.

There were some typos and the cover did not strike me as being an eye catcher. I did, however, give it one of my high grades of a B. It was gloomy and sad; it would be welcomed by the Goth folks and I have to agree it achieved its goal. I didn’t mind it as a change of pace from my usual reads but would not make a habit of it.  I would definitely recommend “Final Destination” to anyone who enjoys dark poetry.

Final Destination
Ankur Choudhury
Xlibris (2011)
ISBN 9781456864446
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (4/11)

Final Destination

This is a book of thoughts of a twisted and pained mind.  The words that are written bleed through the pages with heart wrenching strength.  In one such poem called, “Funeral,” Ankur Choudhury expresses his suicidal tendencies with the words “I see death as the only escape from reality.”

This 119-page book is filled with the thoughts of Mr. Choudhury’s twisted view of reality. His gripping fear is expressed in a way that will make the reader feel his pain. With what is written, he wants the reader to share in his anguish as he takes you down the grizzly road that he has traveled.

Poems like “Happiness,” express his feeling of being followed by death. Then in “Shadows,” he states, “Won’t someone kill me, tie me up and nail me?” There is a definite fixation that the author has with doom.

Clearly these and many more such examples, prove that this is a very dark volume of stressful and erratic thoughts. Passages in this book are seriously not for the meek. They are frank and scary poems that take the reader into the abyss of a twisted mind.

If one is to take what is written seriously, then it is evident that the author was emotionally distressed. The way the poetry is presented is of a mature and very dark nature, not recommended for young impressionable minds. The book has a parental advisory warning about “Mature Content” and should be avoided by young readers.

There were some typos and the cover did not strike me as being an eye catcher. I did, however, give it one of my high grades of a B. It was gloomy and sad; it would be welcomed by the Goth folks and I have to agree it achieved its goal. I didn’t mind it as a change of pace from my usual reads but would not make a habit of it.  I would definitely recommend “Final Destination” to anyone who enjoys dark poetry.

Final Destination
Ankur Choudhury
Xlibris (2011)
ISBN 9781456864446
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (4/11)