Poetry Books

Perhaps one of the more interesting parts of this book, I thought, was the introspective view of the world situation as voiced by Pugh to Bronwen. Keeping in mind this was originally published in 1952 that would mean some of what was at issue for O'Brian was the Cold War and the nuclear threat, but it is fairly easy to interpret the concerns as equally applicable to today. The threat is different but the results on the human psyche are the same, as are Bronwen's curious response asking how that relates to the idea that a person has a soul.
Other interesting tidbits include Pugh's description of characters such as Lloyd, Ellis, and Skinner. Loved this bit on Skinner: "The stuff he adduced was such an intolerable farrago of rubbish that I was shocked that it should have imposed upon a man of education and some reading. It was such an incoherent, verbose mumbo-jumbo, with esoteric twaddle jostling Gnosticism, scholarship of the lucus a non lucendo order that I could not refrain (burning with my private fire) from saying some sharp things about his authors." (p. 124)
I had no issue with the person playing "Q" assuming it was just a rhetorical device.

This is the sort of book that, when you finish the last page, compels you to sit in silence for at least half an hour, contemplating it. It doesn't allow you to pick up another book right away because you don't want to break the spell that's been cast over you, and the spell lingers for hours and days.
I already knew, from the Aubrey-Maturin books, that O'Brian was a master of characterization and of plot and action, but here, with the sailing and the battles removed, I could see even more clearly how masterful his prose is. It is hauntingly beautiful.
Like some other reviewers, I was confused and unsure what to think of the ending. There was a part of me that thought O'Brian was pulling a fast one, which I didn't like, but the other part of me was so enamored of the characters and the writing that I just didn't care. Especially when you consider that this was his first novel, you simply can't ask for better. It has echoes of Hardy, or even (if you remove all the melodramatic passion--just my opinion) of Wuthering Heights, with the harsh but beautiful landscape mirroring the harsh but beautiful people.
Highly recommended.

I cannot describe how much I think of this book, even 4 years after reading it. How many books have that effect?! For me, it was one of the most vivid renderings of passion, loneliness, the relationship between men and women, and most importantly, the parallel of our emotional state to the land we occupy. The country of Wales was just as powerful as the relationship between the characters in the novel. What more can you ask for? Find a quiet spot and read this book!

Patrick O'Brian is more than a writer. He's a publishing phenomenon via his superb Aubrey-Maturin series.
But TESTIMONIES was his first novel, originally published in 1952. It tells of an English professor of Welsh origins, Joseph Pugh, who abandons teaching at Oxford and moves to a cottage in Wales. There he explores the primal mountain back country and tries to understand the farming culture of his ancestral land. A lonely, middle-aged bachelor, Pugh can hardly keep house, even to basics--cooking, cleaning, maintaining his clothes. He has never known intimacy, let alone close friendship, but he falls fatally in love with the wife of his sheep-farmer neighbor Emyr Vaughan, a violent man . . . He pines for months, keeping his love sickness to himself, but when he becomes gravely ill he is taken into the Vaughan house, where he and Bronwen discover each others' feelings, with tender reserve. The denouement is poignant, inevitable, yet O'Brian handles this difficult material deftly, without over-writing. For a beginning writer in his 20s this is masterful work at the pinnacle of writing.
An acute recorder of time and place, human behavior and motivation, action and reaction, O'Brian uses words persuasively, passionately, a craftsman to the core. He captures country, culture and character with Hardy's lyrical affection, idiosyncratic ethnicity, thoughtfully observed. His meticulous work is reminiscent of the great American writers Faulkner, Steinbeck and Capote, or O'Brian's fellow Brits John Fowles and William Golding.
Back in 1952 O'Brian anticipated with TESTIMONIES the struggle for relationships, understanding and love in an era--the last half of the 20th century--in which men and women judge and choose first from ethnic or cultural biases or appearances or political/social correctness and only later, maybe, start to understand each other and become acquainted. Or is xenophobia genetic, eternal?
Fast forward to Norton's republishing of TESTIMONIES in 1983. We see that beyond Aubrey-Maturin, O'Brian had the chops in 1952, though few knew and it took many years for many of us to find him. Doris Lessing in the '90s offered two books under assumed names to test the market for unknowns. Result: rejection (she couldn't even get the books read!). So how many others like O'Brian flower unknown, unappreciated? What is their 'testimony?'
Napoleon allegedly remarked that ability is useless without opportunity. O'Brian won his opportunity, finally, and made the most of it. We are the beneficiaries and TESTIMONIES is the proof--res ipsa loquitur.
This book is one of those few that is unforgettable and will remain in the mind and heart for the rest of the reader's life.

Having been so affected by this book, it is so pleasing to see the unanimity of readers. I finished the book last evening and have been engrossed all of today without waning; it just won't go away. What a mavelous love story where passion is never enjoined except in the spirit. What a painful tragedy that leaves one stunned and wishing himself dead. What a range of humanity. What a blessing on us all that there are writers of the power and imagination of Patrick O'Brian.

Vincent Lopez managed to write a collection of poems that touched my heart, my mind, and my funnybone. I had to earmark just about every page in the book as a favorite. I've had this book for over a year now, and it is still one of my favorite books of poetry.

This is now one of my favorite poetry books and authors. This book is very engaging. It keeps your interest like a novel. Its unpredictable, humorous, warming, blunt, sad, and happy - all in one. I relaxed into this book like it was a pillow and I just read and read and read...I didn't want the book to end!!! I feel blessed and enlightened just to be exposed to the world of "Thimk". I am so pleased with this book that I find myself promoting it voluntarily...I can't help it :)

I really enjoyed Vincent Lopez's book. I had to read it on the bus, lunch breaks, bedtime, any chance I could get. I felt connected to what was written because I had similar questions, thoughts, etc. but just didn't know how to manifest them. It's a must read.

Being a mother of small children, I haven't had a chance to read as much as I used to but a friend highly recommended the book. This is the first book of poetry that I have ever bought and I read it in one day! Being a hopeless romantic myself I got swept away by his love poems and his life poems really made me THIMK about different issues around the world and those going on in my life. I would definitely recommend this book to those who are ready to open their minds and spirits.

"Thimk" by Mr. Lopez is truly for the souls with great minds. If you need an opener book that feels you with warmth, joy, tears and laughter this book will take you to places that only a deep soul can relate too. The author as a style of his own that opens the soul within you and clearly makes you "THIMK". I enjoyed the creativeness that Mr. Lopez contained in each poem which, makes you feel the words in your inter-soul.
I was just going through life's daily routine and felt I was missing something. I brought "THIMK" and it hit me once I finished reading that I needed to THIMK more. I had missed reading and some times with life busy schedules you can't get a minute to your self. The book "THIMK" healed my soul and opened my mind for the joy of reading again. "THIMK is very excellent & enlighting. So if you are a "THIMKER" with a great soul this BOOK is for you I highly recommend it.
I can't wait for the author to write another book/novel.
There was a poem that left me baffled so when you read please write your review -see if you can unscramble that POEM!!!

I never thought someone could be so creative with "This Little Piggy." My son (20 mo.) and nephew (4 yrs.) LOVE it. They used it so much I've taped & glued it back together so many times that it's time to buy a new one - one for each of them.

The story line is based on a birthday party (VERY neat & creative). The first four little piggies are preparing a surprise party for the last piggy. The toes actually wiggle - or move, and a piggy pops up. You see them shopping at the market, wrapping gifts & decorating, cooking roast beef for dinner, etc.

My son loves this book. He received it for Christmas when he was 10 months old. He wants us to sit and read it to him over and over and over. Once, twice, three times is never enough. He just cannot get enough of this book.

What a fun book! It adds an extra storyline to the popular Piggy nursery rhyme. Everyone we've given this book to has loved it too. Though the book is pretty durable, when my daughter was younger, she did rip many of the pop-ups. That's okay -- we just bought another one now that she doesn't rip books anymore. : )

Nice and sturdy to take the rugged treatment of a toddler's hands. This book get passed around at play time and parties by all the kids - very popular. Great book

My son absolutely loves this book and has since he was about 10 months (he is 19 months now). We didn't even realize when we first received it as a gift that the little toes moved (duh!). He did it on his own. He tries to grab the piggy that pops up before we pop the piggy back into hiding. I'm also buying a second one because he has "used" this book almost every day for the last 9 months and has beaten it up pretty bad. I can't wait for him to see the new copy -- he'll be so excited. Anyway, it is so unpredictable which books kids will love. I think this one has been the reliable favorite of my son.

George J Carroll author and reviewer.

This is a Must Read for any animal lover which shows how selfless people, called Animal Rescuers, respond to a tragedy and give of themselves to save animals left to fend for themselves after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Each poem is a story in itself and will move you to tears or give you a lighthearted moment but the tragedy is quite clear in what it has done to these animals and the owners who could not take them with them when rescued. The author is to be commended for all his work in rescuing and relocating many of these animals, along with the thousands of volunteers who gave of there time in this same endeavor.

I just finished reaing Kastro's book "Through Katrina's Eyes" and must say that it will be a book that I will remember for a long time. Ed allows the reader to see the heartache, tragedy, and suffering from a different view than the media portrayed...from the animals that were left behind, lost, and forgotten as well as his own view...the rescuer's perspective. Kastro's poetry is heartfelt, moving, and real. I was deeply moved by the characters and the circumstances, the darkness that was described in their eyes as they wait for their owners to return, their determination to protect what was left of their homes, and the joy of being rescued! A look at the tragedy of the storm that forever changed our nation...a book about the tragedy of the storm that will forever empact your life!

At first this tiny volume of poetry was hard to take. It will make you cry. Then it points that some animals were indeed reunited with their masters & mistresses or found homes where they are also loved. Also the latest problem is packs of wild dogs & feral cats who were once domestic but lost and abandoned from Katrina. Such animals can breed 24/7. The offspring are not immunized. They can attack. They suffer, fight & starve. This is why laws to permit people to evacuate with pets are so important. First there is separation & grief which can lead to drunkeness. Then there is the abandoned animal problem which is full of disease & danger. Evacuation with pets is more expensive but it saves in the long run.

Ed Kostro has done it again. The poems in this book will have you reaching for a handkerchief one moment and laughing out loud at the next. Ed is able to capture his unique experiences of the Katrina battlefield, the horrendous strugle of the animals that were left behind, and the horrifying aftermath of a devastating hurricane in few words - words so powerful that a novel could not do them justice. The poetry of Kostro touches one's soul, and once you read this book, you will never look at the human or animal condition in the same way again.

Bravo!!!

Not only do I recommend "Through Katrina's Eyes" because of its powerful and compassionate message, but also because a portion of the proceeds from each book sold will be donated to animal shelters that are still housing many of these 'left behind' dogs and cats.

The Katrina animals rescued by the volunteers had faced unimaginable tribulations, the courage and patience of both rescued and rescuers stands as an example for all of us...and deserves our appreciation and support.

Not to mention that Ed's wife is surely deserving of a standing ovation, if not Sainthood...and if you want to know why, then ya gotta read the book! :o)

I've searched for this book in different venues and came up with nothing. Ironically, I just found out that the author of this book is my cousin. I guess that makes me biased. Sorry. But thanks so much for your help.

First of all, I noticed that you had the first word of the title as "trails", but it's "trials" on the book, and that is a shame because this book is excellent. It reads more than a poetry book, it tells stories that black people can relate to. I think that it's brillantly written and I've shared it with all of my friends. Oh yeah, the title is amazing.

Dee Brown introduced me to his book and I must say that this is the best book of poetry that I have ever read. I could not wait to get home and call my friends and family to let them know how great this book was. I am so glad that I had the pleasure of reading this book before Mother's Day, what an excellent gift!! From a young, black, intelligent woman, GET THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just wanted to say that this book is really good. I read the entire book in two days. this is not your ordinary poetry book because I could relate to the poems so well. I'm also from the hood and this book captures many attitudes and feelings from my neighborhood.

first of all, the title that is on amazon.com is incorrect. the title of this book is "trials and tribulations of a fried bologna sandwich." not "trails". however, i thought that this book was fantastic, dee brown is a true poet. his diverse styles throughout the book make it a page turner and a pleasant surprise on every poem. this book is deep, wise, smart, thoughtful, and humerous all rolled into one. i give this book five stars, for sure.

Once again, I was quickly sucked into this collection of poetry. Insightful, sometimes humorous, but always very accurate and truthful are several descriptions I would associate with Michelle Ailene True. For any true poetry lover, we know and appreciate an artist who can succinctly choose words that give vivid imagery, entice emotions, and do so in few words.

No Retreat and I Won't Give up are examples of the author's inner strength but also they show us that the victimization come not from how the other people/situation treats us, but how we respond to the situation. Our choices make us either the victim or the survivor. Look Back And Laugh makes you proud of her wisdom. It goes on like that though all 151 pages as the author tries to convince herself, and the process convinces you, the reader, of a fantastic universal truth. We all hurt. We all bleed. We all want love. And most importantly, we all have the strength within to rise above and move on.

Though the poems are the author's pain, when you read them, there is not one person who cannot associate with the words, the emotions, the pain or the joy expressed in the poems. They are universal and beautifully crafted for that very reason.

True Emotions, written by author Michelle Ailene True, covers all emotions and
subjects of life. Not one the same, some intriguing, some very different; but all
written very well. Michelle Ailene True, author of True Reflections, brings to you
True Emotions with one hundred poems to satisfy any poetry lover. Keep your eyes
peeled for future works by Michelle Ailene True.

- Veronica Lamont. author of I'm Not Mad, I'm Special

True Emotions by Michelle Ailene True delivers an entertaining account and perspective of love, life, relationship and loss. The poems in this book truly come from the heart, and make the absolutely remarkable True Emotions come to life. Each poem is woven together with various emotions and transitions so subtle that the reader will be drawn into the depths of Ms. True's inner most feelings. For example, in I'M JUST ME, Ms. True writes: "I'm just me, no more, no less; I don't leave much for you to guess. In SHATTERED, My heart has been frequently shattered, as thought it hasn't ever mattered." Showing such strengths, candor, and vulnerability each emotion transcends throughout her writings. True Emotions will leave a lasting impression upon its readers as they reflect upon its veritable journey of emotions. I highly recommend this book to everyone. David A. Lewis, author of Forever Moments

Michelle Ailene True's True Emotions is filled with poetry that depicts perfectly how poets feel about their craft and the words that they use to draw a picture for the reader. "Hair Obsession" shows her self-assuredness, "No Retreat" and "Don't Give Up" shows her strength as a person while "I Didn't Mean To Leave" illustrates deep sadness through loss, and her poem "Without You" shows the full cycle of love, loss and the return to wholeness. Michelle has a unique way of pulling you into her mind and heart as a poet and shows you the love and frustration of her craft. It's funny, loving and serious throughout and a must for book lovers everywhere! - Terri Ann Armstrong, Author of My Soul Has Spoken & Where Do I Begin?

Michelle True is a poet with strong self-respect who makes her own choices in life and deals with the consequences. In her newly published work, True Emotions, Michelle discusses old and new relationships, the sensuous pleasures of everyday life and loves in a self-contained and thoughtful way.

Each word is placed with care on the page with spiritual power and often joy, as she serenely blends emotions with descriptive sounds and original expressions. Michelle sometimes writes with a subtle feeling of disappointment in life, reminiscent of Emily Dickinson's self-contained solitude, that carries you throughout her writing and reveals a quiet passion and love of people and life combined with expectation of something better. Her poems have a calming effect on the soul, of acceptance of life as it is, yet striving for more, as she ties together beginnings and endings often surprising the reader at the finish.

The sorrows, hurts, acceptance and release of the act of divorce is poignantly described throughout the book, leaving the reader with a deep compassion for the wounded self felt by the author as a sweet dream turned sour. True Emotions drains the dross in all of us to reveal the nugget of gold Michelle True leaves at the bottom of our souls. It is a book everyone who loves poetry's simplest, truest reflection of life as it is and how we wish it could be, will want to read and place among their finest works of poetry, as well as share with others. - Joyce Ann Edmondson, author of "The Listening Tree"

Normally I don't care for poetry...however, this book of poetry told a story. The story of a woman after God's own heart. The story of someone who has been broken but leaning on God's shoulders. The story of someone who mourned the lost of a loved one and wanted to began to rejoice. The story of someone who is genuinely concerned with racial reconciliation. This book is a love story with the Lord as the main character.

We live in a world where people are seeking realness and truth. Ms. Allen delivers just that!

' Forgive me' pg. 17 ...Ms. Allen leads us into God's presence, where true forgiveness/atonement awaits...such a blessed place!

Poet has an uncanny nack of being able to portray the realness of life. Covering topics not often talked about in society and often frowned upon by the prude in each of us. Thoughtful and perceptive. One experiences change after encountering this collection.

Allen's poems are refreshing and inspiring their honesty. She's clearly lived a lot in life, and come through much. Very good for my spirit to read and reflect on her thoughts.

It's so hard to explain just how beautiful the illustrations in this book are. My son learned the entire poem the first year we read it when he was 3 1/2 and it is a book he looks forward to getting out every year. There are other great illustrators who have done Twas the Night Before Christmas, but there is something so special about these dot illustrations that I'm so grateful we happened upon THIS book.

This book has nice black and white illustrations, and "old English" spellings. The cover is a subtle forest green, wine red binding and some gold.

What a contrast from the brightly-colored character-loaded images from other books and videos that fill our children's lives.

Children love colors, but wouldn't it be good to expose them to different things once in while?

I purchased this book for my family for Christmas. I found it absolutely beautiful! There is a short introduction in the beginning that tells the history of the poem. The drawings are exquisite and the binding is simply elegant. I love everything about this book! I intend to keep it in our family and pass it down for generations!

I received this book quickly and was pleased to see the pictures were exactly what I had hoped for and the words were exactly the ones used in the original "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus".
My little 3 year old grandson listened intently as we read it to him. He wanted to see the pictures as the story was read and explained to him. This book will become a treasure of our family, to be read and re-read year after year.

My mother used to read me this poem every christmas eve which became a magical tradition. The book was misplaced in a move and my mother and i have not read it since I was young. So I ordered this version for her christmas this year and when it arrived I was more than pleased. The book is stunning in more ways than one, and the artwork really shows how magical and heartwarming the story is. I shall give it to my mother on christmas eve and I know she will treasure it.. as will my kids and there kids after them. This book without a doubt will become an heirloom. Wether you are looking for a new copy or buying twas the night before christmas for the first time, I highly recommend this version. Enjoy.

The Upanishads illuminated that the Self (Atman) is connected to the all-pervasive Brahman, and that to realize the Self and the connection to Brahman is to attain Enlightenment and escape from the cycle of Samsara (Moksha). While I am not an expert on the Sanskrit or its translation, this version is very accessible, and has been around for over 50 years. It has stood the test of time. It illustrates the Upanishads and their concern with attaining Moksha and awareness of the inexpressible, unknowable Brahman. This itself can be both illuminating, and repetitive. I recommend it to those who also read the Bhagavad Gita, where a stronger sense of ethics and duty are spelled out. This abridged version is short and accessible.

The Upanishads holds the core teachings of Advaita Vedanta - Brahman is all there is. It is a good book to be read by any serious seeker - along with Nisargadatta. The book has many footnotes which attempt to explain the meanings behind much of the commentary.

This particular translation of the Upanishads is a highly recommended read.

I was talking to my brother-in-law's father about favorite spiritual books. He's been a dedicated meditator for decades.

I carry a copy of this Upanishads translation in my shoulder bag always. I pulled it out and asked, "Do you read these ?"

He chuckled with bright eyes and said, "Oh, I can't read those. They just make me meditate." He went on to explain that after only a page or two he spontaneously slips into meditation.

My experience is quite similar. It's as if this volume speaks directly to my Spirit, navigating its way through my critical mind to the essence of my inner Divine. It brings me peace, it fills me with faith, it melts my fears. I meditate easily after just a few sentences sometimes.

To me the Spirit is so profoundly expressed in here that I have no trouble with dogma or rhetoric, with symbolism or mythology. To me this translation serves as an invitation from the ancient mystics to join them. I can feel the Spirit welcome me.

This is less a review and more a personal experience. That's what this book is all about, though ~ a guidebook to direct personal experience of Spirit.

It's a frantic world we live in, fast and busy and complex. I find that this wonderful translation can help lead me to a stillness within, to a unity with all that is, to a feeling and understanding and connection with the magic of life.

What brought you here to this page ? Perhaps you seek a deeper spiritual connection with your inner Divine. I can only tell you my own story. I don't read this for scholarly theology. I read this as a guide for my journey within. This book brings me to my home, to my heart. I can't remember when I bought it, but the price on the cover says $2.95. It has held up wonderfully, and is the best three bucks I ever spent, hands down. I'm buying several extras to give and lend to those I love.

Welcome.

I used to think that for reason Upanishads were huge texts, but author explained that upanishads are found in the end of vedas. It is beauty piece of work. when they are not sure, they will have a footnote and tell you that what could the other translation could have meant. It only happened 2-3 times. They are very enlightening. Brahman (God) is everywhere, literally. =)

The Atman is the Soul. It is our real Self, God residing within us. We are to submerge the ego, and discover the Atman (Self). Uncovering the Self leads to nirvana, or enlightenment. This is the essence of this book. We will differentiate between what is Real (unchanging)and what is illusory (changeable). And as Jesus said, the Truth will set you free ...

Where do I begin in describing this ink of Audrey Michelle?
It is sensual and poignant, salient and clever, inspirational and surreal. You can feel her joy and desperation with every breath; you reminisce and contemplate in every thought. Her words are confronting in their honesty because the lady is so real.

Well done...

Audrey's words, whether written or spoken, speak miles to my heart. Her imagery and unique use of styles keeps you at the edge of each write. I feel that I have gained a great knowledge of who Audrey Michelle is and wants to be: A phenomenal person and Author.

Audrey's poetry goes right to the heart, and from there rushes through your body to set you on fire, or to freeze you. Some pieces about death, that invite to meditate about life and death. And many juicy pieces, the most uninhibited erotic poetry I ever read!

3D Stereoscopic Portraits - Photography by Rolf Bertram - Posing by Audrey Michelle: Color and Infrared

Flexible: Posing by Audrey Michelle

This book gives a great insight into the mind of the author. She shares the deepest of emotions and makes herself open and accessible for her readers. Readers of any background will be able to relate to the universal themes and deep emotional commentary.

This book, with its juicy poetry and provocative photography really were a treat for my husband and me. It takes you to the lowest of lows, but brings you back up to the highest of highs. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a well-rounded portrayal of a real woman.