Poetry Books

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.

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.

Goblin Market, a verse fairy tale that was first published in 1862, is a rather fascinating piece of masterful poetry. It tells a wonderfully sensuous tale that has inspired a myriad of interpretations. I've spent more time reading about Goblin Market than I did actually reading it - savoring it, rather, for it really calls for a much more personal treatment than a mere reading. This pre-Raphaelite work harbors latent eroticism that echoes with both renunciation and desire. Thus, some term it a work of repressed Victorian eroticism and grin knowingly (and leeringly) as they recount the fact that Goblin Market was quite a popular children's fairy tale in its day. Christine Rossetti was herself a recluse along the lines of Emily Dickinson, allowing her heart to sing freely even as she kept herself separated from any possible objects of her latent desires.

In the poem, one sister gives in to the temptation of the forbidden fruit offered by the dark goblins forever lurking in the twilight to seduce their victims to a first taste of their exotic wares. The desire to obtain more of the passion fruit overtakes her young life, yet the goblins appear to her no more; as a result, she begins to waste away near to death. At this point, her sister, who sensibly avoided temptation, willingly seeks to bargain with the goblins, only to have them force their juicy wares upon her. The fruity residue is enough, however, to revive her sister. The act of salvation is obviously the juiciest part of the story on a number of levels - such a sensual act between sisters, with lines such as "Hug me, kiss me, suck my juices" and "Eat me, drink me, love me," cries out for interpretation of all kinds - and those quick to criticize the hypocritical prudishness of Victorian society have a veritable field day with it.

Some say this is not a poem for children's ears? Balderdash. Like any masterful work of poetry, Goblin Market can be read and interpreted on many levels. Children will delight in its lyrical rhyming patterns, its allusions to wee goblins hawking the most delicious of fruits, and interpret the salvation of the tempted sister in comparatively innocent terms. I say leave the interpretations to the adults. And what interpretations there are of this lengthy poem. Some see in it a recreation of the genesis story, a story of sacrifice and redemption, a tale of lesbian yearning, a declaration of the power of sisterhood, a commentary on women as commodities in market society, evidence of sexual molestation by Rossetti's father, etc. There's no limit to the interpretations put forth about what is, on the surface, an engaging fairy tale set to verse.

This is a fascinating work of lyrical poetry that can be read fairly quickly yet will sustain your interest through multiple readings, all sorts of fascinating research into analysis and interpretation, and just plain wonderment. As sensual as it is beautiful, Goblin Market is probably one of the most fascinating and insightful products of Victorian literature.

I wonder if the good folk at the end of the 19th century when this poem was originally published were just too obtuse to understand the gist of Rossetti's work; if so, we have an innocent artifact that has evolved into something erotic because of our twentieth century sensibilities (we have dirtier minds than our compatriots from the past).

Don't let the word "erotica" scare you away. This is not a blatantly sexual work in its language; it is not a "dirty" book. Just understand that despite what anyone else says or writes, this is about as unambiguously EROTIC as you can get. With phrasing like "Eat me, drink me, love me; Laura, make much of me; For your sake I have braved the glen; And had to do with goblin merchant men."

Since the original work is now in the public domain, if you want to read the full text online just do a search using most standard search engines with the terms "Christina Rossetti Goblin Market" and you should turn up a number of links to the actual poems, go read it, and decide for yourself about it.

This makes a wonderful gift for people you are very close too. However, it is also a very personal poem, and if given inappropriately could actually scare someone away!

Noted Italian/English poetess of the 1800's Christina Rossetti's imagination catching poetry has stood the test of time, being still loved and studied today. Because of its title, Goblin Market sometimes gets put into a juvenile category, but this is a poem for mature readers. This moral tale depicts the epic struggle between bad and good. The goblin's onslaught on virtue immediately engages the reader's inner ear and heart. This poem is really gripping reading. Goblin Market is often considered Christina Rossetti's best poem. This re-issue, replete with noted illustrator Arthor Rackham's beautifully eerie drawings, is a book worth owning.

A children tale for adults. It's a light and thoughtful reading. The story of two sisters and lewd goblin men. Innocence, temptation and emotions all together. This inspiring story has wonderful work of Dante Gabriel Rossetti.

This tale is not about sexuality but about redemption and the need to help others. Read deep into the story to find the meaning that Rossetti intended.

I was looking for a book about manners for my four year old. I came across this one, and decided to give it a try. It's charming, and he LOVES it!

The book is written in a rythmic poetry that really appeals to young children and the stories are funny -- and while they do convey bad manners, they simultaneously make it clear why the behaviors are unacceptable. (I was a little concerned about that, but I needn't have been.)

I recommend this one!

What a great book! Thirty years ago (when I was five) I discovered this book. These are manners children used to be taught. Now parents expect teachers and others to raise their children for them. Etched in my mind forever is one of the phrases from this book. "The goops they lick their fingers, the goops they lick their knives, they spill their broth on the tablecloth , oh they lead disgusting lives. The goops they talk while eating,and loud and fast they chew, I'm glad I'm not a goop are you?" Buy this book!

Time moves on, we make technological advances and things change. However, people remain the same. No matter what happens, right is right and wrong is wrong.

What impressed me the most about this book is that it is fun to read. I don't want to bash Emily Post, Martha Stewart or any others lecturing on the dos and don'ts of life, but books on manners and etiquette can sometimes get pretty dry.

I have a feeling that children everywhere will love the whimsical drawings and happy little rhymes.

The subject matter may seem simple, but Goops and How To Be Them provides a wonderful opportunity for parents to speak with their children about the issues that face today's youth.

The editor of the latest release of Goops and How To Be Them has set up a website devoted to training kids and families about manners........................

I grew up with Goop books, and I have fond memories. There are numerous poems on what good little children should do (manners) and what the round faced goops do to be naughty. A very fun children's book.

My mother read me this book when I was very young, and it stays with me still. A great way to teach kids manners!