Poetry Books

I had never imagined that poetry could be that sharp and clever! The author managed to finger-point without becoming unsympethatic. Published 4 years ago, the collection of poetry has become now even more relevant as we all have joined Silent Creek in his unbeatable analysis as he spoke out what we all should have seen but didn't dare to because it was not opportune.

What a wonderful and playful way to portray our times, its hypocrisy, its hopes and downfalls, its despair and survival mode; the author uses the language in a unusual and intriguing way so that after reading only one of his poems one feels to get addicted to the style... It is so refreshing!!!

What a wonderful, witty, deep, entertaining, challenging way to play with words and put so much truth in so few lines. A powerful voice!

heya, what a brilliant way of getting it out to those who do not want to be brainwashed anymore!

I love it! The poems are dense, the way the rhyme goes with rythm makes me breathless but not speechless as I found so many things I always thought of and wanted to say but somehow couldn't as I didn't know how to formulate it properly. It was like the words had been lying on my tongue but couldn't cross my lips. Now, they can, with the help of these poems...

REVIEWED BY: Wayne Walker

As I have said before, poetry is not my preferred form of reading. However, I do like good poetry, which is a legitimate form of children's literature, and have several favorite classic poems. Many authors find that keeping children's interest in poetry requires a touch of humor. That is what Tom and Tess Hannah have provided in The Endless String. There are 53 pages of poems in this book, many a full page, others shorter, including several limericks, that deal humorously with different aspects of children's (and adults') lives. "Have you ever pulled the endless string, the one that hangs and can't harm a thing?" What person, young or old, has not had that experience!

Tom, who enjoys writing, and Tess, a language arts teacher for nearly twenty years, live in the Midwest and have always enjoyed reading stories and poetry to their four children. Tess's line drawings add a great deal to the light-hearted feel of the book. Youngsters who like poetry should really appreciate these laughable but true-to-life verses, and even those who say that they do not care all that much for poetry will find something to tickle their funny bone. When I was younger, I could especially relate to this one: "Can you believe it? Just look at this hair -- it's out of control and beyond repair."

Tom & Tess Hannah have written a book for all of us, young and old. Their sense of humor and love for children and animals is quite apparent. It shows us everyday situations that viewed from above are very funny! I particularly liked, "Get in Shape." There is a familiar theme there that we all can look at with a smile. Every parent does it and to see it written so lightly, immediately makes you remember raising your children and wanting them to be a circle or a square or a triangle. I would place this book on my gift list for my children and also their children.

We are lucky that Tom and Tess Hannah can be so silly and that they have great imaginations. The result is 'The Endless String', a fun collection of silly poems for children of all ages(including adults). Many of the poems are accompanied by the zany illustrations of Tess, but even the non-illustrated poems have the reader picturing very vivid images that add to the humor. A great book for kids and fun for everyone!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and illustrations. Reminiscent of Shel Silverstein, it is as enjoyable for adults as for children. Reminds us all of the everyday joys and difficulties of growing up.

The Endless String is a continuous enjoyment of entertaining and humorous poetry. Readers of all ages can enjoy these creative poems that reflect childhood pasttimes and funny events that can pertain to everyone. I have read these with my children and to myself on a treadmill. The giggles that come out of my children while listening to me read the poems is an endless smile to me. I read a lot to my children, who are all ages, but also was brought up with entertaining poetry. So with this in mind, I myself am also a number one fan of The Endless String. Poetry can be just as fun and exciting as reading a good book with your children. So if you are caught up in the rat race of today's craziness, enjoy this book, and I hope you too enjoy a good laugh with your kids.

This is one of those books you think initially think would intimidate and overwhelm you; but from the first word it actually reads like a novel you can't put down. We are all fortunate that the Ravitch team writes so accessibly and engagingly. This book has already become part of my nightly bedtime routine; I look forward to reading a selection every night. "The English Reader" should be in everyone's library -- or at everyone's bedside. It's a lively treasure.

No one's better than educational historian Diane Ravitch at pointing out what's missing from today's schooling and doing something about it. This new anthology brings together poems, stories, songs and other literature that used to be part of the common experience of all educated men and women and have been replaced by second-rate material designed to be easy to read, raising scores without raising knowledge. Nothing in one of today's textbook readers will be remembered for long, while the pages of this book contain phrases, lines, whole paragraphs that touch us, stay in our memories, and connect us with each other through our common knowledge of these classics of our common culture. An excellent gift for any child, parent, teacher, or friend; these selections are sure to resonate and provide lasting pleasures.

A very nicely done anthology containing important cultural slices of English prose and poetry. The short but helpful introductions given to the author of each chosen writing are just right.

Perfect reading for those of us whose earlier education did not cover a wide swath of the written word as produced in the mother country. Even an experienced reader will enjoy stumbling across thoughts known to him but hitherto not tied in his mind to the specific work of a British author.

The English Reader wakes one up to remember all the past days when one read these wonderful pieces and a life of business took one away from their enjoyment. It's like stopping to smell the roses. Thank you

"Life imitates art," declares Oscar Wilde in The Decay of Lying, one of the many wonderful pieces of writing collected in The English Reader. Yet most of us are woefully ignorant of the art or at least the literature that our lives imitate. This indispensable anthology proves how instrumental the literary arts have been in creating the culture we know. It also proves something else--that great literature is fun to read. Thank you to Michael and Diane Ravitch for this educational and engaging book.

Aria Nicole's name truly reflects the work within the pages of THE EVOLUTION BEYOND WORDS AND POETRY. Her poems are like arias, beautiful songs about people, feelings, and reflections. Reading through this book, the thing that struck me deepest is how this gifted poet uses such descriptive words to pull the reader into the emotions she wants you to feel. From the helpless despair of "Home-Less" to the laid back mellow mood of "The Way I Flow," from the strident anger of "Mr. So Damn Wrong," to the appreciative admiration in "Exquisite," which is a tribute to Lena Horne, Aria Nicole allows you to share her life experiences and lessons through words which are lyrical and highly emotional.

Her words are spoken from the heart, and leave you needing to take a break after each poem, to catch your breath, and refocus your mind between one poem and the next. I was haunted for days by the closing lines of "Home-Less," which deals with the subject of incest: A house is not a home when you're daddy's "special girl." My heart could not help but grieve for the hundreds of girls who are probably experiencing these feelings.

There is something for everyone in the collection. Nicole speaks of the black experience, of romance, of spirituality, and with respect and appreciation for singers, poets, and people who have touched her life in a special way. Her dedication poem to her grandmother is one of the most beautiful pieces of poetry I've read so far this year! For those who truly enjoy poetry, THE EVOLUTION BEYOND WORDS AND POETRY is a must have. May the "Mahoganie Artist 4 Life" continue to create interesting works.

'The Evolution Beyond Words & Poetry' is a collection of poems and otherwise through words expressed feelings in which every single person will recognize a little of himself. Many of the poems in this book have truly touched me and like all good poetry, it makes you think. Aria's words still give you food for thought even if you've read the book many times before. And that is what true art is about.

I love reading her poems and therefore have read it several times now - I even know the poem 'hopeless' by heart. Sometimes it's nice to go through the whole book in one read, other times I feel that I'm so caught up by one poem that I have to put the book away and really think about what I just read - that is when her piece turns into much more than just a collection of words.

I recommend this book to anyone who likes good poetry and isn't afraid to open their heart to and be carried away by the words of a true artist.

I was one of the first to receive The Evolution Beyond Words & Poetry...I waited a year for the release.

In Aria's words you will find guidance, challenges, questions, answers & hopefully you'll reach another plateau of vision. The Evolution is just that...it evolves from epochs of it's creator...I'm stumped at what I should telling the readers of this review other than each reader will be blessed to take from this wonderful book whatever you are supposed to.

I personally found a new love, each time I read the pages, I am sucked in to each poem. I float through the words & allow them to fondle my being...sometimes I cry, other time I shout, sometime I say nothing...

It penetrates me!

The Evolution Beyond Words and Poetry captures life experiences in a way that makes you feel them as though they were your own, whilst still allowing you to be uplifted and inspired.

Written through my Tears and Troubled are my favourites, purely for their expressions of raw emotion.

Feelings everyone has experienced at some point in their lives, are beautifully expressed, and with a little humour thrown into the mix the result is truly heart warming.

If you love great poetry, pick up this book, you won't be disappointed.

This book came into my life, and swept me away. I was able to relate on so many levels. "Kind Of Blue" personally touched me, especially on those days that it's not so easy to face the world. "Green" on the other hand express everything you feel when relationships don't turn out the way you hope.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a love of books, life, and honesty. "The Evolution Beyond Words & Poetry", has all this and so much more.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

...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.

Ruth Bell Graham was a truly remarkable woman. I love how she told God that she would consider it an honor to serve Him with Billy Graham if God allowed it. She is a woman to be envied in her devotion to God and family and her absolute patience. Oh, how I wish I were as devoted as she was in every way.

A lovely book, lovely graphics, and truly inspirting. One that you must keep and then also great gifts for special friends.

I am half way through and i just love this book. It is so beautifully written and the pictures are so wonderful to look at. The poems are so touching! I will definately be reading more Graham books!

Rich, simple and startlingly clear & deep, the poetry of Ruth Bell Graham speaks a heart language that lends itself alike to silent contemplation or verbal reading.

This is far more than an attractive coffee-table book. It is a treasure of rich verse, beautiful language, deep insight and breathtaking honesty.

An ideal gift for yourself or that special someone, this is a book that will continue to give every time it is opened. It also poses the risk of making poetry lovers from those who think all poetry is stilted and obscure.

Married to internationally known Reverend Billy Graham, Ruth Bell Graham has a lot to say in her own right. She shares her voice in a poetic way within the pages of "Footprints Of A Pilgrim." And what a lovely voice it is - melodic, deep, intelligent, elegant and so insightful. I had never known Mrs. Graham possessed such creative talent. Her poems are amazing and are of varied human, nature and spiritual topics, always interesting.

The book itself is beautifully presented, loaded with pictures of the past of family and friends and annotated with brief glimpses into Mrs. Graham's life. It's almost like a shortened version of her interesting biography, showcasing her wonderful poetry throughout the years.

"Footprints Of A Pilgrim" is the type of book I keep in my library as it can be re-read a few years from now, appreciating in age.

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.

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.

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.