#BookReviews #Poetry #Stories

Published on by balroop singh

It’s been a while since I shared the reviews of the books I’ve read. Here are some of my favorites, each one got glittering five stars from me.

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Deep in the Forest Where Poetry Blooms is divided into two parts – the first one is dedicated to seasons and Finn takes us along, as she walks through the forest. The second part of the book explores free spirit, in which she shares her musings from the back of the Harley.

Finn sits under the pink flowering dogwood tree and her imagination blends into the colors of spring, as Mother Nature awakens to offer a breath of life to the world around her; butterflies receive the gift of nectar and “soil bursts with new life.” Dawn filters through pines, as she watches the birds, flirting in the trees and honeybees returning to collect nectar. Even her furry friends celebrate the advent of spring and enjoy her company. 

Summer poems brilliantly capture the images of public pools and “droopy potted plants,” as “searing winds” change the colors of the landscape. Even the birds are quiet, while the poet is inspired by the silent summer day to write lovely haiku and tanka.

Fall evokes “peace” and more micro-poetry, as “leaves sway in the soft breeze” offering “tinted red” landscape. Winter poems talk about hush in the forest and exhort you to soak in the silence of the days to contemplate about the never-ending cycle of growth and rebirth.

‘Until’ is my favorite poem because of exotic imagery like: “Exquisite white flakes waltz from the heavens.” ‘Edge of the Ocean’ is also beautifully written.

“My recliner becomes my island” from ‘Float,’ “Winter’s frozen grasp” from ‘Winter Limericks,’ and “distance became my harmony” from ‘Distance’ also spoke to me.

Each poem in this collection would play with your senses, transport you to the forest to celebrate blissful moments and enjoy the magical portals that Mother Nature opens for us. Finn’s poetry introduces us to that magic with her amazing style of bringing it alive. The haibuns took my heart away. A fabulous collection – not to be missed.

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This is How We Grow is a learning experience, as the stories introduce the reader to various perspectives, which can only be discerned if we hear the point of view of those who have lived their lives in a different environment. The stories shared by Ana Linden exemplify this perfectly. Women may take pride in their liberation in some countries but they are still bound by traditional societies, as highlighted by Ana.

Robbie shares her experiences of raising her two sons and her poignant stories would wrench your heart out, remind you of your blessings and fill your heart with gratitude. I salute her willpower and grit that she could concentrate on her laptop while sitting in a hospital! ‘Cat Healer’ is another gem. I am not a cat lover but this story changed my perspective toward cats.

The stories that Mahesh shares are a breather, as he presents them with a dash of humor and tells you how the little moments of life are valuable and impactful. His exquisite style of writing shines through sentences like: “Then came the dial-up connection and worldwide web, like sips of water to someone delirious from thirst.”

Lauren exhorts you to develop self-compassion, while Mabel shares an honest self-reflection about her writing journey. All the stories are unique in their own way, as each one shows some aspect of life that needs to be understood from another point of view.

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NIRMALA: The Mud Blossom highlights abject poverty, squalor, discrimination, domestic violence and misery that an innocent girl had to undergo in the stinking, unhygienic slums of Mumbai. Her crime –  she is a female! 

Pathan doesn’t leave anything to the reader’s imagination, as she vividly describes the untold physical and mental agony that is inflicted upon Nirmala. She transports you to the slums, making each nook and cranny come alive, so that you can smell the stench emanating from open drains, human excreta and garbage dump.

Nirmala’s character grows from a silent, helpless girl to a strong and resilient woman, eager to follow the demands of her family and traditions of society. Is that enough? Keep reading this fast-paced story, dripping with stark realism, which would seem unbelievable!

Happy reading!

Balroop Singh.

Have you checked  Fusion – my latest release?

Thanks to all the readers for their lovely support and reviews of Fusion.

54 thoughts on “#BookReviews #Poetry #Stories”

  2. Thank you, Balroop. Your review has me doing a happy dance in the forest! I love glittering stars, too. I agree about Nimala it was a very powerful read. I have to move up This is How We Grow on my reading list 🙂

  3. I’m reading Deep in The Forest Where Poetry Blooms and your descriptions enrich Denise’s beautiful prose. The other two sound heart-wrenching yet inspiring. Thanks for the recommendations!

    1. Thank you, Jacquie, I’m thrilled with Balroop’s thoughts within the review 🙂 Yes, Nirmala is very heart-wrenching!

  4. Fantastic reviews Balroop. I look forward to This is How we Grow and Denise’s books. Thanks for introducing me to Fiza’s book. I’m checking it out. Congrats to all. ❤

  5. Nice book reviews, Balroop. I’m always curious what you’re reading.
    Congratulations to D.L., Fiza, and Yvette!

    p.s. I have reviewed your new book on Amazon.ca and Goodreads as well as Bookbub.

  10. Great reviews, Balroop. I’ve read Denise’s book and enjoyed it immensely. She taps into her experience of nature in such a lovely, sensory way. And your reviews of the other two books make me want to dive in. Thanks for the recommendations. And congrats to the authors.<3

  11. Wonderful reviews, Balroop! Denise’s book is waiting for me which I’ll start soon, and thanks for the mention in your review for This is How We Grow. I was honored to be a part of Yvette’s special project. And thanks for the intro. to Fiza’s book. More to read! Congrats to the authors as well! ❤️

  12. These three books sound very different and yet captivating, Balroop. I have Denise’s book in my Kindle and am looking forward to reading it. 🙂

  13. Hi Balroop, thank you for this wonderful review of This is How We Grow. I am glad you appreciated my story and I hope it helps other people in similar situations. I have Denise’s book on my TBR. Fiza is a great writer. I will get her book but I will have to steal myself for the read.

  14. Balroop, a wonderful eclectic collection of reviews and they have all caught my attention. Your description of Denise’s work has me feeling tranquil and peaceful while I’m gripped by Fiza’s novel powerful concept! Wow! I love how you capture This Is How We Grow and the work of many of our blogger friends & writers there – even notice Cat Healer is by Sherri Mathews who was one of the first people I came across when I started out on WP and we had a chance to meet up as well!

    1. Thank you Annika for sharing your lovely thoughts about these books, all three are absorbing and yes, Fiza’s book would shock you, as you may not be familiar with the plight of people she has written about – much of it is realism.

  15. A wonderful review of these great book Balroop. You bring life to each of them. Great collections shared. I also reviewed Yvette’s book and appreciated her round up of such great authors. The others are in my TBR💕

  16. Wonderful reviews of the three books, Balroop! Denise is wonderful in taking us along to share the world around her. I appreciate everything Robbie is doing with her sons and her parents while working full-time, and keeping up with her blogging and publishing! ❤

    1. Thank you for stopping by to cheer these wonderful authors, Miriam. I agree with you and admire Robbie for all she is doing despite all the challenges of her life.

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