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.
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.
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.
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.
Emotional Shadows 