Poetry Books

Hello, My name is Tom. I am fortunate in that I already am acquainted with the author. I actually consider her a friend and hope that "Experience the Poetry of a Heathen" will be a huge success story. I read her book from cover to cover without putting it down because it held my interest so strongly. It has uplifting qualities and many of the poems touched me personally. I am particularly fond of the poems entitled Blackjack and New Orleans because I related to the message in each of them.

The author of "Experience the Poetry of a Heathen" really loves California. Euphrates has at least 3 poems wherein she glorifies California and since I am a native of this state it makes me feel very proud. Thoughts Regarding California, California Dreams and California Skies are all beautifully written poems. She could have written a section or even a chapter and dedicated it to my homeland. She might have named it "A Tribute to California" because people who live here (especially those of us who grow up here) think this is the best place in America and possibly the world.

I found that this book of poetry by Euphrates Lois was divided into three chapters - Chapter One is about general topics such as love, friendship and romance. Chapter Two is dedicated to alcoholics and addicts. Chapter Three is my favorite because it talks about the love of God and nature. I really appreciate this kind of poetry. It touches your soul.

The author of "Experience the Poetry of a Heathen" really loves California. Euphrates has at least 3 poems wherein she glorifies California and since I am a native of this state it makes me feel very proud. Thoughts Regarding California, California Dreams and California Skies are all beautifully written poems. She could have written a section or even a chapter and dedicated it to my homeland. She might have named it "A Tribute to California" because people who live here (especially those of us who grow up here) think this is the best place in America and possibly the world.

This book is totally amazing. It's as if she understands my

inner soul. Two thumbs up to the author. Apparently she knows

a lot about the human psyche. Very spiritual and exhilarating.

A "performance poet" I know once called poetry "the snack food of literature." Well, she was young, so I forgive her. But sometimes it seems that a snack is all the current literary scene wants. They won't get it here. Djelloul Marbrook's "Far From Algiers" is the best kind of repast: every poem multi-flavored, nutrient-rich, and demanding repeated tastings. This is poetry as nourishment, the solid meal so needed in a spiritually starved, caffeinated world. Slow down, chew each bite. Feel stronger aferward.

What makes these poems stand out is not only their evocation of Algeria, but the pain of being denied by one's own father. At a time when we've just elected as president a man who was largely denied by his -- and at a time when far too many young people grow up without fathers -- these poems go a long way toward imparting that sense of deep, lifelong hurt that often accompanies such abandonment. I'll never casually use the word "[...]" again without thinking of what these poems taught me. Rich, warm, lovely poems that are deeply satisfying and which last a long time in the mind.

These poems are among the most hauntingly beautiful works imaginable. They stay with me to the extent that I find myself thinking about them long after having read them. I highly recommend this collection.

These poems will stay with you long after you've read (and re-read) them. They grab you with titles such as What Good Did My Own Good Do Me? and Bitchy Nurse. What follows are hauntingly beautiful poems about belonging, not belonging and facing and owning our feelings. Mr. Marbrook shows a wicked sense of humor also. I think the next time someone asks me (as in the poem Sinistral) "And what is your background?" I will answer "I have an advanced degree in bastardy." There are many such treasures in this wonderful book of poems by Mr. Marbrook. I am looking forward to more from this talented writer!

I wept reading EXILE, page 51. While poetry, for the most part escapes me, I was touched for all of us reading about Juanita Guccione. She could have been any mother absorbed in her world at the expense of those around her. Her art was simply her world. Reading and re-reading somehow let's us understand a mother who was first an artist.
And, perhaps brings a little understanding for all whose career turns out to be first. Recommend.

"Nothing great was ever accomplished without passion." (Freidrich Nietzsche) Proof that this truth applies to parenthood courses through the selections in "A Father's Poems" by Ajit S. Dutta. Honest and intimate, meditative and lighthearted, this collection examines perhaps the deepest and purest of all loves, the love of one's own children. The book's themes relate the author's journey into parenthood: learning from his children and learning to guide them; wanting to protect them while at the same time respecting and nurturing the innocent perfection of youth. Scenes and meditations both frivolous and profound will ring true to any parent, or aunt, or even family neighbor. You'll want two copies of this touching book of poems: one to read and reflect upon, and one to share as a gift.

"Nothing great was ever accomplished without passion." (Freidrich Nietzsche) Proof that this truth applies to parenthood courses through the selections in "A Father's Poems" by Ajit S. Dutta. Honest and intimate, meditative and lighthearted, the 55 poems in this collection examine perhaps the deepest and purest of all loves, the love of one's own children. The book's themes relate the author's journey into parenthood: learning from his children and learning to guide them; wanting to protect them while at the same time respecting and nurturing the innocent perfection of youth. Scenes and reflections both frivolous and profound will ring true to any parent, or aunt, or even family neighbor. I recommend two copies of this wonderful collection of poems: one to read and reflect upon, and one to share as a gift.

This is lush, generous talent. Ajit Dutta moves the reader, whether yound, old or casual. A Father's Poems is a book to treasure, explore, read and read again. The writing is contagious, no one remains indifferent. Instead, be ready for a journey from the imaginary to the riches of daily life, with all its nuances: awe, enchantment and laughter.

This book moves me to tears and laughter and leaves me with the feeling of someone truly understanding those universal familiar feelings of a parent's love. Mr. Dutta expresses those deep and loving emotions we all feel for our children but simply cannot put into words. Mr. Dutta is so masterful in finding those simple phrases that say so much.

Ajit Dutta has created a real jewel of a poetry book in A Father's Poems. No one could read these lovingly poignant poems without being deeply moved. Ajit has captured both the spiritual and temporal nature of childhood - its innocence and experience. His deep love for his daughters shines through the poems as he speaks in beautiful language of how much he has learned from them. Cheerios, rice krispies, and childish impatience are delightfully juxtaposed with powerful personal thoughts on the feelings of humility at the privilege of being part of the miracle of fatherhood. As Ajit says in his author's note, the poems are "highly personal" yet also "universal. It would be hard to pick a favorite, but I think "Dinner Conversation with a Six-year-old" captures the essence of the poems. "...But if God is everywhere, how come I don't see him? Do I really have to finish my chicken. I'm really, really full you know." This lovely little book would make a wonderful Father's Day gift.

A book of poetry is not only a glimpse into the psyche of the author but to the very soul and spirit of him and this book is no different. Written in exquisite honesty and brilliant composition, this book takes us on a journey through hardship, hope, pride and deliverance. The author's words are flawless in their beauty, pointed in their meaning, and ingenuous in their purpose. Now, there's been a lot written about Ethiopia but so much more is needed to understand the nation's complexity, its divinity and its mysticism - this book offers such a chance. For all who love and yearn for a homeland so far away, for those who ache for the pain and suffering of their brethren and for those that hunger for change and renewal - this book will speak to your hearts and minds. For only through discussion can we find redemption. A radiant piece of work that will inspire and ignite an indelible flame that will burn for eternity. I highly recommend this book to all who love poetry, history and destiny.

As an Ethiopian, I found "Fetena" to be a book of fascinating substance and quality. It is a book that not only provides ample enjoyment of poetic beauty but also compelling perspectives on diverse issues. I bought "Fetena" because of my love for Amharic poetry. But I got much more than what I bargained for.."Fetena" is a skillfully crafted book that combines a high level of poetic beauty with a serious examination of an entire generation's quest for truth and justice. One can not just read the book without engaging in a serious reflection about what "Ethiopia" and "Ethiopian identity" mean. Each poem in "Fetena" is a work of excellence that captivates the reader with a powerful literary hold. To put it in simple terms, "Fetena" is one of the best and most thoughtful works of literature that I ever read. I thank Tewodros Abebe for giving us such a remarkable work of Amharic literature. I eagerly look forward to reading his next book. Great job, Tewodros, and thank you for making us think! Thinking and being more humane --that's what we need at these challenging times of "fetena"! Thank you.

The title says it all.
Tewodros Abebe's poems are eye-opening. You can easily grasp the meaning through his confrontational approach to the reader. When I read his poems I am not merely reading words but I feel the words and am surrounded by their messages. I loved how the different poems could connect to different emotions that each of us feels.
"Yenba Guzowoch" is extremely challenging and takes me through a series of emotions, from grief, anger, guilt, to resentment. "Yager Lidje" is another poem that really spoke to me. I feel like so much is said in a
small amount of space.
Keep up the awesome work and God bless you.

Halemush

Alexandria, Va

This is just a short note of appreciation the Author of Fetena, Tewodros Abebe. All the work he has done in this wonderful book by expressing his noble thoughts with beatiful word.It is amazing and enjoyable! We, Ethiopians have somehow failed to realized our own problem spritually and politically. I am proud to count myself as person who incredibly admire this wonderful and well written poem which wakes up our brain cell and let us to think twice when it comes to a good judjement for our own country. By reading this book,you will see different weakness that we had in commen and how things are change and affect us with so many ways when it comes to our culture and sociatey. So, This simple poem help us to see our own problem clearly .I highly recomand and ask every citzen to buy and read this simple poem but with a lot of grace and carry a true massage. Tewodros keep it up!
Mimi from Ohio.

very few books elicit such emotion from the reader as this one.
Ethiopia has suffered a shortage of good writers for some time now. So long infact I cant say there has been one in my lifetime. In a time when mediocrity has become the norm Fetena is a breath of fresh air. In fact Im happy to say, Tewodros Abebe has single handedly resurrected the art or "Gitim".
Gitim is not getting two words that hit home, so to speak, as some so called writers seem to think. It is an art form. An art form that Tewodros seems to have mastered. His well chosen words seem to strike a cord that few writers have been able to.
Please don't try to read this book at one sitting. It is not meant to be read as a regular book. Read one poem at a time. Take time to digest it, savor it, let the words wash over you. That is how a well written Gitim (poem) should be read. And from time to time you will find yourself going back to the book to "refresh" or just to enjoy the rich depth and flavor of FETENA.
If I could say one thing to the author it would be this is a great start But NOW expectations are really high for your second book.
I dare say that Judging by his first book, Tewodros has the makings of a great writer, I do hope he can live up to the high standard he has set for his second book. God knows we need a good writer in Ethiopia today.

...I have been eating poetry.' The quote at the beginning of the book is now, since reading it, my poetry mantra.This book is a delight.Others share their favourite poems after their reason why/or the reason/s they love poetry.There is a real mix of selections, which make a pleasurable read for anyone with a taste for poetry.

An anthology that proves that the gift of heartbreak are the art forms that celebrate a testament to the lost love, such as poetry that allows the remembrance of that love to live forever.

Think about your childhood, or the time when, as a teenager, you idly turned the page onto a poem that forever changed your world. Then multiply that experience by 68 and you have the contents and flavor of FIRST LOVES. edited by Carmela Ciuraru. Some of the poets she asked to contribute are already no longer with us, so their comments here have a slightly valedictory quality which makes this book even sweeter now, than when it first appeared three years ago.

It is also a good book to share with your own children. What's nice to know is that, in the middle of today's crazy world, young people are still stumbling across their very first poem, and again are succumbing to the pleasures of the word. A noble book, filled with lasting memories.

Simply a series of short essays in which poets comment on the poems that first awakened them to poetry. Fortunately, the poets seem to have felt no need to be "poetic" in their essays, which are all fairly straightforward and insightful. The poems themselves are, of course, included as well. It's interesting to see the diversity of poems that others have found meaningful and to hear their explanations as to why: Two selected "Jabberwocky" to my mild surprise, while another selected "Suzane Takes You Down" and another selected a Rodgers & Hammerstein lyric. Others selected more obscure poems that I find it hard to believe anyone would regard as meaningful, but that's the charm of this book. The one who selected "For a Dead Kitten" ("How could this small body hold / So immense a thing as Death?") is my new Favorite Poet, even though I've never heard of her or read anything she's written.

Poetry can be inspiring, uplifting and daunting. This book, however, takes a tack which will inform even the most casual poetry reader. Editor Carmen Ciuraru asked writers to name the poem which inspired them to write -- so, in this handy volume, you get a short essay about a poem and then get a chance to read the poem itself. It includes a wide range of poets and poetic forms, from Yeats and Dickinson to Rilke and Williams. It's also fairly easy to read because you can select certain essays to read in one sitting. This is a perfect book for those who think they like poetry and don't exactly know where to start.

I ordered this book on Amazon.com for my grandson. With shipping it cost me a little over $10.00. He never recieved it. I ended up buying the book locally and shipping it out myself!!! No more amazon for me!

I was a kindergarten teacher and this rhyme was a staple during the month of October. When I saw it had been made into a book, I got it for my 2 year old daughter. It is perfect for this age. Short, rhyming text and vibrant pumpkin pictures. My 4 year old twins like it too because they are so familiar with the rhyme they feel like they are reading it themselves. Definitely a favorite for Halloween in this house.

The rhyme of Five Little Pumpkins is SO easy to read and memorize, the board book holds up very well, and the illustrations are very endearing--the jack-o-lantern faces are expressive and the colors are beautiful. This book made my 20-month-old son a jack-o-lantern fan, and I haven't gotten tired of reading it to him yet!

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate.
The first one said, "Oh, my it's getting late!"
The second one said, "There are witches in the air."
The third one said, "But we don't care."
The fourth one said, "Let's run, let's run!"
The fifth one said, "Isn't Halloween fun?"

Then Woooooo went the wind
And OUT went the lights.
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight.

My 2 1/2 year old just loves Halloween. It's only June as I write this and he's already asking if Halloween is coming soon almost on a daily basis. So when I saw this book at a yard sale I just had to pick it up. This delightful verse that has been around so long is accompanied by cute and spooky illustrations of pumpkins, ghosts, witches, and black cats. Just a delightful and sturdy little board book. Perfect for your little goblin.

Dan Yaccarino captures the essence of Halloween with simple, yet expressive pictures of pumpkins, ghosts and a black cat. My one year old son Ryan loves it when i read the story of the Five Little Pumpkins. He points to all the different pumpkin faces and loves their orange glow. The book wipes clean and withstands being dragged all over the house! I am a big fan of Dan Yaccarino's work, love his cartoon Oswald, so this book is a big Halloween fun delight!

THRIVE! is a wake-up call to the fact that there is nothing more important than our spiritual health. Tackling issues such as self-acceptance, forgiveness and rejection head-on, we are encouraged to honestly and finally deal with our issues!

Felicia T. Scott has captured the essence of what it takes to survive this existence we call "Life". 'Thrive!' is a lifeline to anyone who is sinking into the depths of despair, despondency and discouragement. Thank you Ms. Scott for not only feeding us with nourishing words of wisdom but also showing us how to prepare our own meals!

Felicia Scott is a truthteller who spurs you to action. She has a matter of fact way of presenting issues and solutions that actually empowers the reader. Thrive! is a must-read, especially for that person looking to grow and is willing to turn within to experience their own greatness. --Cheryl Smith, KKDA-AM, Dallas, TX

Felicia Scott's book provides an eloquent, insightful and humorous pathway to those who seek guidance down life's rocky road. She maps out a no-nonsense guide on how to deal with issues-she inspires us to take control, get over it-and move on. Ms. Scott's beautiful poetry is an added bonus. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is feeling sorry for themselves-you will feel empowered to move on by the end of the book.

THRIVE! 7 Strategies for Extraordinary Living is like the perfect blend of WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED and CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE WOMAN'S SOUL. It will capture the heart of every woman who felt she was the only one going through and assure her that she can overcome; she can rise to every occasion. Yes, she can survive! In fact, she can do more than that - she can Thrive!

Ms. Scott, thank you for your transparency, insight and courage in writing this book. Sometimes I felt like I personally knew you and even more than that...you personally knew me. You were all up in my business!

It's more than a book to me. It's more of a life reference guide that I will turn to again and again for encouragement, wisdom and inspiration. I'm very excited about using the journaling guide in the back to help me dig out the beautiful woman that's inside of me.

Thank you so much for writing this book! I know what my friends are getting for Christmas this year.

There's such a lacking in books like this - smart but still sexy, funny sometimes yet deadly serious others, erotic and sensual from start to finish. Mostly deep and meaningful stories and poems, really just beautifully done.

I think that what I most enjoy about the "From Porn to Poetry" books, as well as CleanSheets.com, the magazine they originate from, is that you can say something like "sexy, classy, hot, wild, and true" and be accurate in your description. The editor's name, Susannah Indigo, represents authenticity in writing to me, and all of her projects that I've read have been a cut above ordinary erotica. The mix of material in this book ranges from the down and dirtiest stories to elegant, sexual poems, and there's nowhere else you can read that kind of pleasurable mix. The subtitle is "Clean Sheets Celebrates the Erotic Mind," and that's how it felt to me after reading the book - like my "erotic mind" had been thoroughly and joyously "celebrated," honored, turned-on, and was raring to go.

Nothing in the book resembles cheap "Penthouse" stories; stunning stories by writers like Kim Addonizio, Maggie Gray, Mike Kimera, Greg Wharton, and Susannah Indigo herself simply leave you begging for more. I can't recommend these books enough to anyone interested in erotica; I've gifted friends with them and they all agree. They wonder, in fact, where I found them, since there's nothing in big bookstores done as well as this. Thank heavens for the Web and the ability for small book publishers to put this cornucopia of erotica out there for us!

There are some really good stories in this book, and the rest is such an interesting variety that I highly recommend all of it.

I love the mixture of fiction and non-fiction and poetry in this book. All of it is sexy, interesting, fresh and new. Highly recommended, and a great gift for a love to get them talking about what they like.

I agree that there should be more books like this, always full of great writing, huge variety, covering the entire scope of our dirty and sexy minds, without being Penthouse-y/girlie magazine. Smart writing, sexy, with emotional depth, and hot. Excellent book.

Le Pham Le is a brilliant poet drawing on various traditions in her background to create moments frozen in time and yet alive with beauty and movement. To hear Le Pham Le perform her work is an additional treat but reading them by yourself can transport you to another time, another place forever. Bravo!

I do not know fluent Vietnamese, or really any for that matter. The English translations are so florid and calming that I can only imagine that the poerty must be majestic when spoken in Vietnamese. The poems are such a powerful introspective look into the hear and mind of a very talented soulful poet. I am not a large fan of poetry, but this is just an amazing poetic compilation.

Recognizing that Southeast Asian youth are quickly forgetting the lessons of traditional culture, war and the refugee experience, Le Pham eloquently recounts in poetry her personal experience. Printed in both Vietnamese and English, Le records the essential emotional experience. Nostalgic homeland and savage high seas memories are carefully detailed in a wonderful conciseness only possible in poetry. A must read for social science teachers and Vietnamese youth.

There are few sources of poetry today that can capture the essense of the Vietnamese-American experience with such vivid imagery and a slew of emotions. Le's poetry emits a profound sense of sorrow as she embarks on a literary journey back to her past, and the reader cannot help but feel as if they are traveling alongside her. It has been decades since the end of the Vietnam War, yet each one of Le's poems manages to bring the struggles of that time period to life. Without a doubt, Le's poetry is eloquent, poignant, deeply touching, extremely captivating, timeless, and speaks to all generations.

Le Pham Le has a great eye for the most important and moving moments of her journey from Vietnam to America. The emotional peaks and many lows a captured in a simple, direct and touching poetic narrative that places the reader in the heart of the journey Le Pham Le and many other Vietnamese were forced to take after their country was devastated by war. These telling vignettes leave a lasting impression, one that mixes the pain of loss with the need to move on.

This is a great & comprehensive look at wilderness philospher, beat poet, zen Buddhist Gary Snyder. With poems from Riprap and Turtle Island as well as plenty of essays, this reader is great for anyone interested in beat poetry, wilderness or zen. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in those aforementioned categories or would like a kind of oeuvre of his work. A must have!

Like many readers, I was introduced to Gary Snyder as the character "Japhy Ryder" in Jack Kerouac's novel, "The Dharma Bums." When I found out that "Japhy", who is one of Kerouac's most memorable characters, was based on the poet Gary Snyder, I had to read his works.

This collection of Snyder's prose and poetry is an excellent introduction to the works of a man I now consider a national treasure, not just for his literary works, but as an environmentalist and natural philosopher. His prose is inspiring, revealing the ethics of a man who practices what he preaches, and his poetry is exhilarating both intellectually and spiritually. His translations from the Chinese are rendered in such a way that they are easily accessible to western readers.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in Snyder's works and Beat literature in general.

Gary Snyder's writing style is clever and a part of poetic history--beat. This is a different kind of poetry. It's a good read.

most of us first heard of snyder though kerouac's dharma bums. and i must confess that is why i was 1st attracted to him and his writings. but to list snyder as just another beat it not only inaccurate it does a diservice to him, his writings and his fearless intellect. snyder is not only a great poet but is also an insightful naturalist and a true zen master. this anthology is actually a zen bible for the 21st century, filled with enjoyable reading and great insights. these writings would make the soul of han shan dance, and sakyamuni smile. this is one of my favorite books. just reading it will lighten your spirit and make your soul dance with joy.

Gary Snyder is an amazing person. He is an intellect. He is a poet. He is a teacher, a traveler, and he is a deeply spiritual man. He lives the life that we should all attempt to lead, a conscious thinking, methodical, contemplative life, asking questions arriving at conclusions and taking action.

The Gary Snyder Reader is a good compilation of his life's work, the variety inside includes essay, interview, and poetry. This book is a well rounded view of his feelings and belief's about nature, and that of the nature of the soul, the nature of man. I agree with other reviews written here about the power of Synder's writing. His is a strong voice which is able to make a terrific argument about everything from the history of the Christian church and some reasons for underlying social perils to making a call for more activism in one's own community. Make a difference, be responsible, see things for what they are, yes this is all there.

There is also the voice of pain, loss, suffering, anger, and very deep love. Above all else, one REALLY gets the feeling that Synder loves, passionately. Gary Snyder is an extremely talented writer and poet. The same voice that won the Pulitzer is still here. Do more than read and enjoy his works, read and be changed.