Poetry Books

This book is a good buy even if you don't really plan to read a poem a day. This book is an excellent anthology that shouldn't be missed. As a student, I know that some poetry books can have some bad choices, but this book is not like that. Every poem is good and makes you think. You won't be sorry if you pick this book up.

I simply LOVE this book and pick it up every day to read a poem---that's how good it is. It's turned me on to many new poets and renewed my acquaintances with the old favorites. I was happy to see this gem on page 278 by Raymond Carver:

"And did you get what--- you wanted from this life, even so?--- I did.--- And what did you want?--- To call myself beloved, to feel myself--- beloved on the earth."

The power of the words shine through: the power of words to heal, strengthen, uplift, comfort, hurt, wound, enrage, succor and rejuvenate! This book is a celebration and a joy to read.

I enjoyed reading the words to Leonard Cohen's, "Suzanne Takes You Down", a favorite song from my past.

The poem, "from Jubilate Agno" written by Christopher Smart in the 1700's while in an insane asylum (about his cat!) was awesome and a must read for EVERY cat lover.

"The Falcon to the Falconer" by Jonathan Steffen blew me away. Here's a few lines:

"Unleash me from your hand--- And I will lance the light for you--- I'll cut a swordblade on the wind--- And pennant it with flight for you--- To signal I am yours--- If you will free me to be true to you. . ."

I could go on and on! I'm so happy that I found this book and recommend it highly!

If you like to read, you will delight in the book. If you enjoy words, you will revel in this book. "A Poem A Day" should be the next book in your library!

It does not matter if you have enjoyed poetry before today, because this is a splendid collection of poems especially selected to touch and tickle you. Poems of love and nature and joy and mundane; you will find yourself in these words.

The editors, Karen McCosker & Nicholas Albery, have done a wonderful job of selecting interesting and intriguing poems. The footnotes alone make the book worth the price because they only serve to draw you into the poets life, or experiences, or work.

I do not own or write poetry. I like words and reading. I love this book.

Read 'A Poem A Day.' You will regret not having this book yesterday.

This book, "Poem A Day", edited by Karen McCosker and Nicholas Albery has become a permanent fixture on my nightstand. It is filled with long forgotten favorites and new(to me) poetry that always stir me in some way.There are odes, sonnets, play excerpts and wonderful poetry to find a little escape and add something special to your day or night. Several from giants like Shakespeare, Shelley,Kipling,Bronte,Browning(Elizabeth and Robert),Emerson,Dickinson,Wordsworth,Tennyson,Plath are sprinkled throughout, and have a note pad and pencil ready, because you are sure to find new favorites, you will want to check out more closely as well.
Whatever your mood, you'll find just the right verse here. Romance, humor, deep thoughts, dirges,song lyrics, great play quotes and much more.

The poems, which range from olden days to contemporary, follow the calendar. Each day has it's own special entry, and has notes on the Author or the poem itself and usually has some special meaning for that particular day. For example, from Hamlet - Act III, Scene I, the great and celebrated soliloquy("To Be or Not To Be....") is given the March 16th page - "On this day in 1976, a performance with Albert Finney in the lead role opened the National Theatre in London, some 25 years after work on the building first started....."
Or on February 11th..Sylvia Plath's poem "Words", you not only get to drink in the beautiful poem but also learn that -"On this day is 1960, exactly three years before taking her own life Sylvia Plath had written to her mother and brother with news of her first book of poems, 'The Colossus', being accepted by Heinemann. 'Amaze of Amaze', she wrote.

So the book, not only serves to give the reader the beauty of the words of the Author's themselves, but on every page, you'll learn something new about your favorite. It will also open new doors to others you may be just discovering. The editors encourage you to study your favorites and make them your own. You can take just one a day,linger with your favorites, enjoy the pleasures to be found in the words, and maybe even take the time to memorize it. Or read several a day, whenever the mood strikes. There are treasures inside you can savour and then return to anytime.

A year's worth of wonderful poems, a lifetime to cherish. And yes, you even get one for February 29th - "Time Is..." by Alan Beam, born Feb 29th 1948
Enjoy....Laurie

I have been very pleased with this anthology, which is absolutely for people who love good poetry in a variety of forms and styles. Great selections by Yeats, Hopkins and Blake, and many poems that you may - like me - have loved once and lost, plus some that are less familiar but great finds. Happily no Rod McKuen or Susan Polis Schulz and also, happily, no T.S. Eliot. In other words, nothing mediocre, but also nothing effete and academic. McCosker is obviously very widely read, very open-minded, and has a love for the musical, the meaningful and the memorable. The notes on the poets are very good reading. Let's hope it will inspire some good poetry writing in the next generation!

THIS GUY IS MY ENGLISH TEACHER!
Mr. Simmons is fricken' cool.
He's really funny, and I'm not lying. =]

<3 Corinne

Shawns poetry is some of the best slam Ive seen! He is an amazing poet, and ahs shown me what it takes to be a good poet! His book is great and really hits at some great topics! He speaks the truth, and doesnt care what people think of it...its just great stuff!!!

Shawn is awesome. His performances rock. He was my camp counseler this summer! His stuff is really deep, and it touches me. Some of my favorites are "Welfare Cheese" and "Angels". He is amazing.

I saw this dude at a show in philly. I can't believe the book was as good as the performance. Anyone know if simmons has a new book coming out, i am first in line!

I saw Simmons perform not too long ago and bought this book instantly. He took my breath on stage and on the page. If your thinking about buying this book- stop thinking- buy it. I was a little disappointed that some of the poetry I saw performed wasn't in the book. Looking forward to a second collection...

My children love this one so much they wore it out and we had to buy a second copy...fun to look at right before bed especially with a flashlight, which makes the colors really jump out at you. Starts all kinds of conversations about the ocean.

Like "Moon Dance" which we also own for our daughter this book is so full of vibrant sparkly color which keeps our 10 month olds attention and she can't wait to turn the page to see what's next. Much like "Moon Dance" this book has more of a story to tell. This is one of those books she likes read to her at least 6 times before she pushes it away. Awesome illustrations and a must have for your child's library!! =)

I have absolutely wonderful memories of reading this book to my daughter when she was little. It lasted longer than you would expect with a two year old because of the excellent quality and construction. An absolute favorite in our house, and now I love to give it as a gift!

I purchased this book for my 19 month old son. I was expecting that the "sparkle" would be something different than it actually is. Areas of the illustrations are cut out and replaced with shiny, colored material. The recessed area is quite a bit lower than the printed illustrations making the sea animals more difficult to identify. I bought this book because my son loves fish. He always points and makes a "fishy kissy" sound whenever he sees one, but when I showed him the book I had to point out the fish to him and even then he didn't seem to recognize them. When we got to the back cover (which you can see when you "search inside" on amazon) he became very excited and pointed to the killer whales. If this book were available without the "sparkle" I would trade my Sparkle Book for it in an instant. The sparkle detracts from the beautiful illustrations.

Special note for Lassen and publisher: please make an edition of this book without the "sparkle." The artwork sparkles on its own, without the need for shiny paper.

Masterfully illustrated and well written. The illustrations keep both the parent and child (7 months) in awe. Only negative is it could have larger type and simpler wording.

I stumbled upon Roses & Thorns through a friend and was quickly prompted to buy my own copy. The combination of sonnets, free verse and excerpts from Pride & Prejudice make this collection highly appealing.
The reader will gain a new insight into the minds and hearts of our beloved P&P characters, and there's just a dash of humour scattered throughout.
Altogether, an exquisite and delightful little book!

But Selene Goodman has a fine touch and an ear for the sonnet form. Interspersed are lines taken directly from the text, which support the idea of each sonnet. The entire book is nicely laid out and pleasing to read. The poetry is lyrical and quite beautiful, capturing the nuances of each Pride and Prejudice character, from Darcy and Elizabeth, to flirtatious Lydia, carping Mrs. Bennet and the over-bearing and pompous Mr. Collins. We even have the thoughts of poor, long-suffering Mr. Bennet.

Selene Goodman has done a beautiful job with this little book and I'd recommend it to all!

This little poetry book is a respite for weary 21st century folk, those who long for Austen's time. You are transported back via beautiful sonnets into the Pride and Prejudice world. What a delight!

This is a delightful collection of thoughts and passions written by the characters in Austen's Pride and Prejudice. The sonnets are interspersed with free verse, some of it humorous. Ms. Goodman can certainly write beautiful sonnets and you come away from reading the poetry with a feeling that you've been transported back in time to Austen's world once again.

Selene Goodman's,Roses and Thorns is not only an artistic and intelligent tribute to the writing of Jane Austen, but also a demonstration of the beauty of the sonnet form. Ms Goodman's language is rich in melody and imagery. To read this book of poems is to be transported back in time to a period of romance that one seldom finds in today's writing. I hope that she continues to create and enhance the genre of poetry. I'm looking forward to more.

This is a darn good book. If you like poetry, and I do, then you will love this book, cause it's filled with it.

When you read it, it makes you feel good, like when you are in your rocking chair sitting out on the front porch. Sometimes it rocks smooth and easy, and other times it rocks hard and really makes you think what life is all about.

"She Rose" is a powerful collection of poetry. The way Venus blends words and emotions into poetic verse is amazing. This is a book every Man will appreciate and every woman NEEDS to read. With pieces like "AMEN" and "I RUN" this book takes you on the journey of a powerful woman's into Godness. Venus is amazing!

Amazing book. I have read it many times and it inspires me each time.

She Rose is a beautiful, inspiring book filled with poetry that touches the soul of the reader. The poems range from magical to commanding. Each poem gives the reader an emotional stroke.

A fragrant rose amongst many thorns, She Rose: On a Journey from Girl to Goddess is entrenched in the tradition. Often, many ask why poets and spoken word artists, who come to us from the margin, must make waves in the societal ocean. Venus Jones clearly answers, "I want...women and the underrepresented everywhere to rise to their fullest potential so they may promise every nation a brighter and more beautiful future." She comes carrying the voices and visions of poets and writers such as Langston Hughes and Audre Lorde. Her words are not the distant and static monologues produced by so many other poets who lack a connection to what is humane. For Venus, poetry is not a luxury. It is a consciousness raising act, a call to be present and heard in a world that seeks to envelop us in the silencing clouds of materialism, sexual violence, racism, homophobia, poverty, war, environmental destruction and blind patriotism. There are indeed depths of wisdom in her metaphor and rhyme. For a new generation of poetic soldiers, Venus Jones and She Rose comes to us right on time.

This book can be best described as a "look into the depths and crevices of the soul of a black man". Mr. Parks, although still young in this game called life, has captured through his experiences, the essence of his mind's eye. With each word....with each phrase....with each line.....I get a front row seat to his soul.

I look forward to the next masterpiece.

This book was very well thought out and was creative. Although harsh at times, it kind of brings a certain reality into perspective. I beleive that many of us live two or more lives, a professional life of today in 2001, and another life at home that has been passed to you from generation to generation. Mr. Parks put both lives together in fine print for all to see, like it or not. That's the beuty and the brutality of it. He kind of made me feel like there were hidden messages between the words that either you saw or you didn't but either way the overall outcome was what you wanted it to be. The effect this book had on me was more than just the pleasure of reading a different reality on life, but it served me as a motivator to get me to express myself somehow. It was very motivating and entertaining. It shows a true freedom of expression to it. I like how he left everything up to the reader to interpret, giving anyone and everyone a different understanding of what Mr. Parks was trying to say. This is definately one of those books that you could read over and over and truly get something different out of it everytime you read it. Motivation or simply entertainment, even a lesson or two, this book is capable of touching a wide arena of readers.

Time-that is what's captured in Richard A. Parks' work. He takes you through several periods of his own life, and each page you turn reveals a different layer. Park's book allows you to see the warm, funny, angry, compassionate sides of a man. It even allows you to see vulnerability, which increases the impact of this man's words. His outspoken essays are thought provoking, and so are each of his poetic tributes on life, love, loss, and strength. You get to grow with him as you experience his life through his words, and it is a compilation of work that everyone can truly vibe with, no matter your age. This writer's talents are unlimited, and people will be able to read his work throughout time. He has definitely left his mark in the best way---through his words.

Poet Richard A. Parks, Jr. pens poetry which swings the closet door of his personal experiences wide open. Exposed are some of the storms he survived, loves he lost and lessons he learned along his path to manhood.

Someone Is Sleeping In My Head is definitely for those who believe that our brothers don't know how to communicate effectively. Richard A. Parks, Jr. disproves this theory as he invites readers into his head, his heart and his soul with his brilliantly expressed poetry.

I saw an ad for this book at a web site called Mental Satin that my wife told me about and this book was featured there. I saw the title and the artwork on the cover and i figured this was just a bit too deep for my taste. But i was pleasantly surprised. This is a funny book. Parks has his moments of deepness and the reality of his experiences stand on thier own but this young brotha made me laugh at things i never felt were humorous. His essays, "Blockbuster versus Bankbuster" and "Where Are All The Single Black Women?" had me in tears. I enjoy books that break things down to levels where we all can understand. Mr. Parks did that for me and i thank him for that. Well done sir....well done.

Just because we Americans might not live in England, some of us still get the word play. Geography does not necessarily dictate misunderstanding of dialect, but I digress. This book is like the title in the ingenuity of the word and sentence structure, and this book also does show that John had a truly great brain.

John Lennon was undoubtedly a very complex man, and he had a marvellous sense of humour. The spoonerisms in some tales are magnificent - some stories are real laugh out loud material. But there is still a streak of the dark and brooding Lennon, which occasionally cuts into the comic genius, and makes you look at him in a different way. This is a valuable book for anyone who seeks to understand one of the great musical influences of our time, and also one if you're looking for a good giggle!

I read this book and thought it was one of the funniest things ever composed. I highly suggest the pieces: 'The Fat Budgie', 'The Wumberlog' ,'Mr. Borris Morris' and 'The National Health Cow'. It can be a bit controversial, shocking even in places, but why should that stop you? But if you like things (or indeed 'pidgers and writty' as Mr. Lennon said)about people's uncles eating budgies, or 13 year old girls waiting outside in boxes until they were 21 (as stated in thier uncle's will) and wondering if they were going to get the key of the door, but then realising they were getting the whole house, or indeed milking a cow who's milk comes out in bottles, then this is the book for you.

I think that John Lennon is a genius. I wish I had the money to buy all of his books. I love how he plays with the language. He is truely going to live on forever. I recommend this book to anyone who loves things to think about and even if you don't just for the fun of it.

Words flow out like restless wind inside a letter box, they tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe. Lennon forever!

This book is distinctively different from most books about persian poetry. Its distinction lies in the authors extensive, yet careful and graceful explanations of the essence of Hafiz message to humanity.
His message: love, truth, and justice is the path to enduring happiness. It is the path to the Creator.

The authors extensive knowledge, love and dedication to Hafiz gives the Poet the wings to fly across time and space to come next to you from ancient Persia and whisper his wisdom in your ears. What an achievement is this!

I hope Haleh Pourafzal and Roger Montgonery keep sharing their sweet wine with us. You have to have read the book to understand this sentence.

I can say nothing about how this book is translated, as an earlier reviewer did, since I am an English speaking monolingual person. I can only say that the book had much personal meaning for me. I found it meaningful, for example, when the authors spoke of life's purpose being service to the divine attributes of humanity: The authors say "The rend is the compassionate, emphathetic embracer of the world's pain. Unseparated from the creator, unafraid to embrace existance as it is, the rend takes on and deals with the darkness as well as the light." They also comment that "The transformation of human beings into a mirror of their creator is the precise intent and goal of evolutionary unity." I found that many times there were phrases in the text that really resonated with me spiritually.

When we are ready to hear a message, perhaps it presents itself. Perhaps I was just in the right place to meditatively receive some of the ideas in this book- and the book became the right vehicle for me to use to integrate these insights into my life. Many times I found the authors' words wise, gentle and compassionate.

While I have found that Daniel Ladinsky's translations of Hafez more accessable and pleasing to my ear, it helps that the authors include commentary about their translations that helped me understand what they felt the poems were saying.

The authors quote Hafez as saying that "The tale of love is only one story but it's wonderous- for every new version I hear is unique in itself." This book is indeed a tale of love: wonderful to my ear, comforting and inspiring to my heart.

So many books have been written about Persian poetry by non-Persian people in recent years that you may wonder if Persians ever write about their own literary figures. Well, here is a very intelligent and warm book by a Persian woman (and an American co-author) about the deeply-loved poet Hafez. As would be expected, it presents a different picture of thhe poet and a different feel for his poetry than most other books. Hafez is talked about as a true universal poet rather than a Sufi, as most others do. I had not ever heard him called the philosopher of love, but it is a fitting label.

Many people say Hafez cannot be translated well because he writes in an extremely complex manner. In so many translations, this is true. But this poetry is translated with a warm and true feeling for the rhythm and even the rhyme, a unique accomplishment. The book is filled with both the full poems and individual verses. The authors offer extensive discussions of the meanings.

Like another reviewer, I particularly liked the translation of The Wild Deer, a Hafez masterpiece which is not easily understood. This well-known poem conveys the teachings of the poet's whole life.

But perhaps the best part is that the author shares her personal lifetime understanding and study of this cultural being who is so loved by Persians, and now American readers can look at Hafez with affection, a little bit like Persians themselves do. This is a very different view than that of Western literary scholars, and it is so nice that it is now shared in an enlightening and gracious way by a Persian writer. It is a point of great cultural pride.

I recommend this writing to all lovers of poetry and good books.

A wonderful, mystical book that is grounded in ancient Persian tradition. The overall presentation of this Persian poet is well researched and the poetry is moving. I took a long time to read this book, and found it to be in the top ranks of current mystical writing. It is thoughtful, moving and original. I would love to see additional translations.

This is a wonderfully mystical book about the Persian master poet Hafez, whose poems remain popular today with Iranians all over the world as a great divination tool. The authors are an Iranian woman, H. Pourafzal, who learned the poetry from childhood, and an American man, R. Montgomery. The book also draws on the work of Ms. Pourafzal's father, who lectures on Persian poetry at Sorbonne University in Paris. The result of this collaboration is a fluidly articulated presentation of an ancient mystical master that has not previously appeared in the West. The many aspects of Hafez's thought are revealed by examining the depths of his poetry in the context of his own times. What emerges are not only many pages of flowing verse but also an engaging vision of a wise universal teacher. The translations/renditions are first rate. Very different from other "scholarly" books on Persian mysticism, and very highly recommended for any reader with a strong mystical bent and the desire to discover a wonderful ancient teacher.

Miss Gabrielle sent chills thru my body with her book of poetry, Stand and Be Counted. It is an easy read, very passionate in the themes and incredibly mind-enlightening. I am looking forward to reading more of her work!

Incredibly profound, humorous, thought provoking, entertaining, and a delight!

I loved it! Pick up a copy of Elissa Gabrielle's debut book. Truly excellent and inspiring! I met her on the street, just happened to recognize her from reading the book. I couldn't believe it! One of the most approachable people! So down to Earth. Anyway, Stand and Be Counted was gripping, and what else can I say, "Loved It"!

A wonderful Accomplishment

Pick up a copy, it really is a good book

I am not normally an avid reader of poetry but this book by Renee Bagley has awakened my taste buds..
The book is extremely readable and I commend Ms Bagley for the depth of feeling she manages to infuse into each purposeful piece.
The author seeks to tap into the great depth of feeling that is our human condition as she touches our most sensitive areas with this collection of verse.
I found many of the poems quite sad, but hauntingly beautiful although, at times, I could almost taste the despair in the words.
I must admit to being more drawn to some pieces than others but all the verses were painted with delicate brushstrokes and all were rich in emotion.
My own favourites include `An Angel came down'. The words of this poem formed images that flowed freely through my mind and the last few words held a tremendous resonance.
`The Winding Road' also resonated for me, as it will for so many people, as it is about survival. Rich vivid imagery is packed into its short succinct lines.
Hauntingly simple and vividly recalled is `Remember September 11th'. A truly beautiful tribute to that harrowing time.
The overriding feeling in this work, I think, is one of hope. It is so vividly expressed in the singularly anthem-like poem `Heart of Hope'
My favourite, however is `In the Night' which describes the strange lonely world of night and the scary mind games that darkness can produce.
Finally, I must say that the poem `Tangled Web' easily represents the overall feel of the book. I loved the last two lines especially, as they are a timely reminder to us all of the power of emotion and it's place in all our psyche's.
This book is food for the soul and Ms Bagely has indeed taken us on an emotional ride through great terrains of sadness but also towering mountains of hope and deep pools of love.
I recommend this work to anyone who truly respects the human condition with all it's failings and all it's joy.

Review by
Patricia J Newcombe 11 march 2004
Author of INSIGHT
www.patriciajnewcombe.com

Tangled Web is a collection of poetry that presents the myriad of human emotions that come along with living and loving in an imperfect world.

These poems are thought provoking and easy to read, definitely a
collection to read by the fireplace, huddled up with your significant other. Tangled Web has plenty of poems about love - love sought, love returned, and love lost - making it an excellent Valentine's Day gift.

I highly recommend reading "Darkest Hour". It is a dark melodic poem that is creatively written. I was also touched by "Release" because of my strong faith in God and my views on life. If you like poetry, Tangled Web is a book worth checking out!

Tangled Web
by
Renee Bagley

Book Review by
Ron Shepherd

Tangled Web is a short peek into a secret photograph album of poetry, guarded closely by the author Renee Bagley. She has allowed her readers just a short look into her world of poetry, a world where she unveils her hidden thoughts to just a few close friends.

This book forces its readers to examine closely, their innermost recesses and rewards them with their own memories of times past and loves lost. She has found a way to make us all a little better people, just with her wonderful way of expressing her feelings.

Tangled Web takes the reader on a journey that is written in vivid color, a journey that most of us have already taken. The beauty is that it forces the reader to recall these times. She makes us feel like we are all a significant part of her life, close friends.

We've all had that special friend that, when we walk into the kitchen, she hands us a cup of coffee, the friend who is genuinely interested in how we are. So it is with Renee Bagley. After reading her book, we too become close friends with her.

I highly recommend this book as a significant addition to the world of poetry.

I loved this book! Renee has outdone herself in telling us of the world's woes and sweetnesses. It is a captivting collection of poerty like I have never seen before.

"Tangled Web" is such an apt title for this collection because the poems grab you from the first words you read, and the emotions they stir are complex like the threads of a web. The author's heart is so clearly laid open that I couldn't help but admire her fearless spirit. The beauty of the words at times is so real you feel compelled to close your eyes and envision the picture they sketch. This is truly a collection that will nurture every soul.