Poetry Books

Poetry of superlative quality is exactly what "You Beckon," by Author Peggy Eldridge-Love represents. Ms. Eldridge-Love is definitely a talented writer. Each of Ms. Eldridge-Love's poems allowed me to feel the words, which were inspiring, soothing and thought-provoking. This author without a doubt is gifted with evoking emotion. "You Beckon" is a breathtaking collection of poetry that I highly recommend.

I feel fortunate to have been recently introduced to the poetry of Peggy Eldridge-Love. Her work does not provide easy, comfortable reading, but rather familar places, people and memories that figuratively beckon the reader to take a closer look at the tender ache that may wait beneath the surface of the ordinary. Through Eldridge's artistry, common contemporary scenes and themes of our shared recent history take on a new dimension. Her collection is filled with timeless peices that you'll want to read and read again.

M. LaVora Perry,
Author of "Taneesha's Treasures of the Heart"

Ms. Peggy Eldridge-Love's lyrical masterpiece "You Beckon" is a witty, passionate creation that can hold its own among the Angelou's and Giovanni's. Taking everyday emotions and situations Peggy breathes life into the art of poetry with wisdom and beauty, speaking on subjects everyone from all walks of life can relate to. With a unique spin on the ordinary she shares her life's lessons in a "bare all" fashion, allowing readers a look at the woman within the writer.

" You Beckon" By Peggy Eldridge Love, is a collection of voices: A young girl, an old man, a worried wife, a soldier, a cosmopolitan and a lover as well as many others. All within the pages of this fine collection of poetry Eldridge Love handles many characters and gives them clarity and dignity that is rare in voices.
The poems work because the reader can connect with them and relate, living vicariously through their losses and victories.
The majority of Eldrdge Love poems succeed because they evoke a satisfying emotional response. It is one thing to write a well crafted poem that follows the rules of poetry, another to make a poem that touches the soul.
from " Repertoire"
I gave up wanting long ago
Believing that i bargained away
all hope of arms that might hold
eyes that could see
ears that wanted to hear
the repertoire of my soul.
Eldridge Love's poems are direct enough to draw the reader in. Complicated enough to hold the their interest. Love sports a fiskle intellect. But she doesn't put herself on a pedestal. She wants you to come into her world of words, which are often deep, always provocative and razor sharp in their brevity. Her family poem's " My Father" are snap shots of a Black girls life in Kansas who describes herself as a "hick", but don't be fooled by Eldridge Love's modesty. These poems are the documentation of a creative force at work.

Erren.G.Kelly

Being a poet at heart I must highly recommend You Beckon by Peggy Eldridge-Love. They say poetry is subjective but I beg to differ, "First Fruits: A Wedding Lullaby," "Cold Fever," "Wall Flower" and "Go" (a simple yet urgent plea) just to name a few herald the love and appreciation of this collection. Peggy has a sweet way with words that carress you as you read like waves on an ocean vacation. I love the memories as if they were my own. I look forward to reading additional volumes of poetry from this wordsmith. You've gotta get a copy. This is a must for every collection.

Roy J. Cook compiled his popular anthology in 1916, long before the Great Depression, WWII, the Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam, and the collapse of the Soviet Union. Eighty Years of Bestsellers (1895-1975) by Hackett and Burke ranks Roy J. Cook's anthology among the fifty most popular books sold in the U.S. in the past century. One Hundred and One Famous Poems (or alternatively, 101 Famous Poems) has remained continuously in print.

Why is 101 Famous Poems still popular today? Cook's compilation is simply fun to read. Cook did include selections from great poets like Byron, Dickinson, Keats, Milton, Shakespeare, Shelley, Tennyson, Whitman, and Wordsworth. There are also popular poems by Frost, Kipling, Longfellow, Poe, Riley, and Whittier. However, what makes Cook's anthology special is that we find those lesser poems that we often memorized as a child and still find enjoyable years later.

I did not immediately recognize Lieut. Col. John McCrae, Henry Holcomb Bennett, Edmund Vance Cook, George Washington Doane, Eugene Field, Sam Walter Foss, William Ernest Henley, Mary Howitt, Sergeant Joyce Kilmer, Winifred M. Letts, Clement Clarke Moore, Thomas Buchanan Read, and Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

And yet, many of their poems proved not to be strangers: But let me live by the side of the road and be a friend of man - We shall not sleep though poppies grow in Flanders Field - A poem as lovely as a tree - Laugh and the world laughs with you - I am the captain of my soul - Will you walk into my parlor?, said the spider to the fly - and, of course, The Night Before Christmas. I was happy to find one of my old favorites, The Duel, a fascinating paradox by Eugene Field.

I don't really keep my old edition with its yellowing pages and old fashioned oval portraits next to my bed for nightly reading. Our family does not actually read the poems aloud before the fireplace after the evening meal. But through the years I do occasionally find myself reading once again all 101 poems, rediscovering poets and poetry that I have nearly forgotten. You won't be disappointed with Roy J. Cook's compilation.

One Hundred and One Famous Poems is a really good poetry book. I don't usually like poems that much, let alone reading, but I found at least 27 poems I liked. Some of the poems I really enjoyed were Whitman's "O" Captain my Captain, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Builders, Eugene Field's The Duel and Edmund Vance Cooke's How did you die?

This book is an easy read and you may discover that you really enjoy poetry if you haven't read much poetry before. I read the book in five days, and that's not easy when you have ADD as bad as I do. The book is only one hundred and ninety-two pages and has large print making it easier to read. I thought the book was similar in some ways to Stephen King's book Night Shift; it's like a bunch of short stories except these are poems although I can't say I have ever read a poem that was six pages long until now.

The poems, the famous words spoken, the documents we once knew from school, from stories, from one another reciting on stage in plays are presented here in this little treasure. I forgot, and wanted to remember and here they are.......all together. But, not only the poets. There is the perfectly written letter to a mother who lost 5 sons in the Civil War from Abraham Lincoln, our American President then. And many other writings in history's place. A must have in everyone's library.

One of my favorite poem books. One of my favorite poems:

Laugh and the world laughs with you Weep, and you weep alone, For the sad old earth must borrow it's mirth But has enough trobles of its own Sing and the hills will answer Sigh, it is lost in the air Echos bound to a joyful sound But shrink from voicing care

you should read it...

hey reynold!

Years ago I read weekly from an elderly woman's poetry book to her and other residents at a nursing home. She and the other residents greatly enjoyed my poetry reading. I particularly relished THIS particular collection of poems because they were ones that I'd long ago heard/read/known. I absolutely "loved" the book.... but ALAS! I never took to memory the book's title, the book's owner died, and the book was packed off with her other things to a distant daughter. Searching through other poetry anthologies would reward me with SOME of those poems, seldom enough of them, and NEVER all of them. I looked through Amazon's poetry listing, hoping against hope. I ordered this book because its table of contents urged me to think MAYBE it would suffice. What a wonderful surprise to receive it and find out that it IS THE SAME WONDERFUL BOOK! (My only disappointment was that the original borrowed and shared copy was hardcover.) Anyway, I've enjoyed re-acquainting myself to what seems an "old and dear friend" in reading and re-reading this book.

I fell in love with this book when I first perused it many years ago at the house of a friend. Whenever I would go over there I would grab it from off the shelf. It was very old, so I never suspected it was still in print. Needless to say, I was thrilled to obtain my own copy, which remains on my bedstand.

I love this book. The poems are great and I can find the poems that Anne says in the movie, "Anne of green Gables" and "Anne of Avonlee" I love the poems. I like These are the Times That try Mens Soals.

My father had an old copy of this book that he read as a child. He loved to read his favorites from this book, or simply recite them from memory. They are classic rhyming poems. Another favorite book of mine is "Poetry for a Lifetime", a beautiful volume which includes a number of these poems, including "Plant a Tree" and "Home". It has a much larger number of poems and is illustrated and has comments from the editor. I highly recommend both books.

I read this book as a child 40 years ago. The poems in this book are timeless classics. I look forward to sharing them with my own children.

This was my Dad's poetry text at college in the thirties. Every Christmas during his life he would read the 'holiday' poems to our family. I have carried on the tradition for my children and grandchildren and each year they await the reading of 'Bairnies Coodle Doon' and 'Jes for Christmas', two wonderful stories that bring forward the lives of children of a hundred years ago. If tradition is important to you and if you want to introduce your family to poetry as America knew it for the first 200 years, this collection if highly recommended.

I bought six of my favorite childhood books for my great-grandson..."Little Black Sambo", "The Three Billy Goats Gruff", "Henny Penny", "Chicken Little", "The Three Little Kittens", and "Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit". My great-grandie is 2-1/2 and I can't wait to read these wonderful stories to him.

Three Little Kittens was my favorite book as a child and now that i have a son of my own I am able to pass on a favorite to him. He loves the vivid images that this book offers, there are so many different pictures in their that at 16 months old he likes to point and hear me say the name of an object.

My three year old daughter loves this book. It has cute illustrations and an easy to follow story line, just like I remember. This is great book for both boys and girls.

The book was in perfect shape and arrived very quickly. A pleasure to do business with.

This is one of the best books for young children. I read it to my daughter as a child and she loved it.

I first read this book 4 years ago and keep it on my bedside table, having marked important pages over and over again. I have read the greats: from Augustine and Aquinas to T.Merton, C.S. Lewis and Chesterton and never before have I seen so many truths written so simply and yet elegantly. It is Biblicly based and is apropos for giving Christians of any age comfort and help in living in today's world.

I was amazed when my twin sister gave me this book which belonged to my mom over 45 years ago. In the book was her own higlighted parts that she found worth marking. Well I sort of gave up on religion and organized religion due to various personal reasons. I began reading the book about 2 months ago. It is only 127 pages long. It has literally changed my life and brought me back to a realtionship with our heavenly Father. It is simple to read and I promise you will not be dissapointed if you purchase this book. I have now bought 4 used versions for friends of mine and they absolutely have agreed with me on its simplicity to read and apply the teachings within the book. Please read it and may you get blessed as I have from the words within the book.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard D. Golden

Believe it or not, I bought this book back in the early 1970's and have just now gotten around to reading it. It contains an amazing insight on how to pray to God. It has already changed the way I pray and I feel it will produce fruit in my spiritual life. The book is only 128 pages long, divided into 24 chapters. It is a very smooth read and is easy to put down & pick right back up again. A person could easily read it like a daily devotional if they chose to. Charles Allen truly had an insight and Christian faith that we can all benefit from. (next I plan on reading his autobiography) I highly recommend this book...though written years ago, it is very relevant for any one today.

I first bought this book about 6 years ago when I was really emotional down because.... I am still working on the pratice of praying but it has truly enlightened my outlook of my life and everyday situations that we just make problematic that may not be. I have given away over ten copies or more and will be buying more for gifts to my friends

This is really a must read for those who want to know more about prayers. It is up to the point and clear. I have learned a lot from it. It is also very uplifting.

This is one of the greatest books I have ever read. Only wish I had read it 35 years ago. I now give it to every young couple in my family or who is a friend, who is getting married. It is a perfect guideline for their lives to work together. I even corresponded with the author on how wonderful I thought it was. A must read for all newlyweds. Very touching and moving for the soul.

While on vacation in Florida I picked up an autographed copy and could not put this book down. I cried and I cried, it is just a wonderful yet realistic love story. Real life experiences with a real marriage commitment. I am recommending it to all my friends. I think it is a perfect book to share with anyone who is married and wants to stay married!!!!!!

I picked this book up at the store without really looking closely at it. And let me tell you, I couldn't put it down. Really showed me that what seems like the strongest, most perfect relationship, has it's ups and downs, and that you can survive...if you're willing to try! I am recommending this book to all my friends!

I started reading and could not put it down. Having gone through some recent trials in my own marriage, it showed me that marriages are more alike than they are different. It is NORMAL to feel overwhelmed with motherhood. In the end, will love truly win out? Commitment of both partners is the key. This is such a tender presentation of the ups and downs of married life. I found tears streaming down my face many times. Hit very close to home! Enjoy ... good couple reading. I'm going to read it again with my husband.

Recently I was a guest on a Christian talk show with Michael Adamse. The show was entitled, "Emotional Blackmail". I was quite taken with Dr. Adamse's views on the subject matter we were there to talk about. His sensitivity really stunned me. At the end of the show we traded our books and said our good-bye's. I dashed to the airport looking forward to getting some very much needed rest on the plane trip home. That never happened. I made the mistake of opening his book. I devoured it, finishing it just minutes before the plane landed. It's a beautifully written story that makes one really think. I found myself wondering if I had read this book 20 years ago... would I still be married to the same man? I was in awe of Dr. Adamse as a person and now, after reading this wonderful story, I am in awe of his writing talent as well. I still find it remarkable how effortlessly he translates his sensitivity to paper. It's a touching story. It should be mandatory reading for everyone entering a marriage.

This book plays with reality, is beautiful, is provocative (in certain ways), and encourages revisits.

So different, so wonderful, so thought-provoking. This book of photographs is amazing. Each photo tells a story, or many stories, or creates an emotion that's hard to pin down. This is a large bound book, of high quality. I'm astounded at the price. This is truly a book to keep for life. I took it to work, and people lined up to look at it, one co-worker offered to buy it from me for $10 more than I paid for it :) (no way!)

Recently on PBS, I saw a small clip of the collaboration work of the photographer (who is also the subject in the photographs) and his painter wife. The artistic creation of staging and dark room manipulations were something no one produces but these two. Results are reminiscent of a strange dream or turn of the century photography of catastrophic Earth events. I had to find a book of their work. The first books I found were $300. but fortunately found a much better priced one. I not only wanted it for myself and friends, but also to hand it down to one of my grandkids. Thank you Mr/Mrs. ParkHarrison for your unusual vision and I hope to see your future productions.

This is one of the weirdest photography books I have ever read...and enjoyed looking!

The author drives the reader through an interesting dream-like world created meticulously just for the shots in this book.

All these stupendous images generate lots of meditations and new ideas not only related to the topic of photography but to the way we experience life.

Wow. That's how I'm going to start this off. My first inkling was to give the book four stars, you know, seem objective to the reader, maybe have a bigger influence. The truth is objectivity has nothing to do with this book. It is full of magic, suprise, wonder: nothing but true subjectivity. That is where its beauty lies, like a receiving a small bit of mail from an unknown sender, each page is a tale for you to tell, as well as ParkeHarrison. By far my favorite photography book, second only to Rocky Schenk, Photographs. Highly Recommended, also beautifully bound and LARGE. Take it from this poor college student, well worth the money.

The first time I read this book was about 10 years ago and then sort of lost track of it.Upon coming across it recently,I marvelled at it anew--this is the stuff of childhood memories and warm fuzzy reading sessions to be shared with your kids.The amazingly witty rhymes are indeed a treasure.

Yes, Yes, Yes! Please get the publishers to publish the book. I want to gift this book to a dozen people I know. Delightful verses, charming illustrations too.

In short, this is a feast for the mind and for the ears. Try reading the poems out loud and u'll know what i mean. Ten beautiful fairy tales taken and woven into pages of beautiful humourous poetry, what else would you want? I could not resist reading them 4 times... do buy them u'll REEEELY enjoy them.

Traditional stories from all over the world told in rhyming couplets. I am amazed at the rhymes that Vikram Seth came up with to tell these tales....and that he says he wrote the first poem becuase it was too hot to concentrate on his (real?) work!
I have this is hardcover. It's a keeper!

Everything is great about these poems. The rhymes are clever, beautiful and very often funny. In the tales the good wins from the bad, but after trial and tribulations, and always in unexpected ways. One of my favourite lines is about a goat and a ram: "They ate with pride as if to balance, their total lack of other talents". But quoting excellent lines would take about as long as the book itself.

These are not children's rhymes, but I read them to my sons of 10 and 13 years old and we all three have a great time.

Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace by Connie Arnold is exactly what the title says. A collection of fifty-two lyrical poems illustrating the small wonders we can enjoy everyday, if we just stop long enough to appreciate them. Whether her subject matter is the beauty of the seasons, or the wonder of a small child, or God's love for us, Connie Arnold creates poems that speak truths to the heart and soul. This would be a wonderful book to have on your shelf for those moments when you need a little emotional boost, or when you just need some help finding a speck of calm in the chaos.

Review: By Author Nancy Lee Shrader
IS IT NOW? The End of Days!
IS HE MESSIAH? Messianic Prophecies!
The Curse of Mayweather House

Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace
By Connie Arnold
Rated: 5-STARS

Connie Arnold has written a beautiful book of poetry. While reading Connie's book for this review, I found her poems just like the title of her book, a beautiful moment of joy and peace. Leaving my review desk, I was soon curled up on my sofa with a feeling of healing calm. In each poem, I felt God's love for all of man and womankind and personally for me. I must admit that I have read Connie's book several times. I keep it close for times that sadness darkens my heart. Only a couple of months ago, my seven year old grandson was near death and I found comfort in Connie's poetic words. The Lord Is My Shepherd on page 40 and How Great the Love on page 34 and Gifts from God on page 32, became very special for me at that time. I could list many others, but that would make this review longer than Connie's book. Anyone who feels the love of God in their lives will love this book of poetry. Thank you Connie, when I read your poetry, my heart sang.

"Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace," by Connie Arnold has to be some of the most inspiring, encouraging and uplifting poetry that I have ever read. There is a God given message in each of Connie Arnold's poems, and there is music in poetry as well as beauty and Connie Arnold has so elegantly shared that music and beauty with her readers. Life is hard and has lots of pain, sadness and frustrations, but "Beautiful Moments of Joy and Peace," will bring you back to the true source of joy and peace, which is our Heavenly Father. Christian based, Godly poetry is hard to find and that is what sets this book above the rest. You will want a copy of "Beautiful Moment of Joy and Peace," for your personal library as you will find yourself reading this book time and time again, be refreshed and finding you way to the beauty that God has created.

Tom Ward, author
The Enemy Within
Outposts of Hell or Portals to Heaven
Now, What's Next?
Was Satan Ever an Angel in Heaven?
If My Peopl

WOW! Great job, if anyone feels low, sad or depressed this book would be the perfect medicine to make it all better! Her poetry is truely refreshing and inspirational! I recommend it to everyone for a fresh outlook towards life and everything it involves, I think she covers it all! May God Bless you Connie!

So much of my current work day is hectic with deadlines filled with stress. These poems are a very pleasant read and help me to slow down and remember the important aspects of our life. I especially like that the poems have positive outcomes that leave me with a happy felling that all will be well. Everyone can use some inner peace in their lives.

Kay Gerlach

I was so anxious to get my copy in mail, and it surely didn't disappoint!I read it right away! I think everyone can relate to at least one (if not more) of these poems. Everything seems to be very well thought out but so effortlessly put to paper! Some of the poems made me laugh and others made me smile on the inside! All of us who have ever experienced relationships can definitely say that it sometimes seems that we are in a Boy vs. Girl battle, this book brings some of those "challenges" to the forefront.

Upon reading this book of poems I was pleasantly surprised by the way I was able to read through the body of poems in one sitting. Even more amazing was the way I was able to relate to each and every poem as if it were about me or someone I would know. The poems highlighted everyday situations that any male or female may go through and I was able to envision their emotions through perfect wording and flow. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not this book is one to definitely read, not only for its content but also for the way the words allow you to visualize the relationship in question without making the pivotal mistake of alienating you in the process.

I can never think of thoughtful inexpensive gifts for my loved ones, but this book is it! Not a cover to cover digestion....more of a sit on the coffee table to entice/entertain guests. This book has caused me to laugh outloud at myself.

Boy Versus Girl is not your average book of poetry. It is the rare piece of literature that everyone young and old can relate to. The author uses real life situations to bring you through his ups and downs in love. Often he will make you feel as if you have experienced these situations through his use of colorful words and wonderful metaphors. It is a great coffee table book because almost any poem in this book is guaranteed to be a conversation starter. Do yourself a favor and dive into this book as soon as possible. You won't regret it.

This book was a joy to read. It is a window into the day-to-day relationships we all experience with our families and friends and co-workers. A wonderful book to read while relaxing at the end of the day.