#BookReviews – Must read #Books

I have read and reviewed many books last month, but I have to make a special mention of these two, as they are different from the usual books, and I would highly recommend them to all book lovers.

Maggie Watson’s profoundly personal poetry, ‘Wildflower’ inspires and empowers all those who find themselves in an abusive relationship. She assures that it is possible to escape, to seek a healing path, and move on.

When she says, “I still sob my heart out,” “I still doubt myself.” She highlights the agony and the irreparable psychological distress that persists.

The imagery in ‘Once Upon a Time, Someone Stripped The Bark from My Tree’ is stunning! But in the same breath, she says, “I am not bullet-ridden. I am a survivor. I have risen from the flames.” Though scalded and scarred, she holds hope and calls upon all those who are naive, who have been eager to please others, to have courage and rise against their tormentors. Healing may take time, but the “will to survive” can steer us through life’s storms.

Whether they were the jagged edges of rocks or the thorns that tore through her breast,  or she was thrown off balance into the deep waters, she knows she has the resilience to flounder and rise. The one who considers “darkness as her guide” and “tears as diamonds,” she has to be a “warrior” of life. Written in a  straightforward style, each poem is loaded with the power of a bullet that can pierce your heart. 

With mind-blowing imagery and persistence of a bull, Watson exhorts you to be a “lioness” like her to carve your own future. A powerful and emotional poetry with meaningful messages.

‘Tales From the Irish Garden:The Missing Pieces’ is like a whiff of fresh breeze, lifting us from the mundane world of thrillers and murder mysteries, transporting us to the magical world of love, kindness, and peace. Here, in the garden of the Emerald Island, meet with the Storyteller – the character, who holds various threads of the stories together. Cronin weaves them into a magical garland, and the link sounds realistic despite the fantasy backdrop. Anyone who comes to the Storyteller’s garden finds comfort, solace and confidence to face the world.

Characters are of utmost importance in all the stories and each one shines under the pen of Cronin. She doesn’t need to describe them, as their emotions and reactions are enough to tell about them. It is a marvel how Bebechat (a cat) becomes a part of characterisation and holds your attention with real human feelings. 

While reading the stories, you get sucked into the power of positivity floating in the vibrant garden of the Storyteller, bask in the glory of his sanctuary, inhale the fragrant air, enjoy the music created by Ramon, and devour the homemade scones and cakes baked by Lilah. Also, enjoy the weddings! You have to read this book to visit the spectacular sanctuary.

Happy reading! Thank you.

Have you checked  Beyond the Fetters? It is a poignant and engaging story of cultural compulsions and emotional deluge. 

My New Friend…

New poem for new year?

“Forget it,” says my snooty muse – irate and imperious. “Go ahead with your fiction and the new friend you’ve found.”

“Why are you sulking?”

“NO! I feel stifled when you write descriptive paragraphs for your new friend.”

“Why can’t a poet write a novel?” I ask 

“You are no good at that! I know you are a person of few words. For years I’ve been your mentor and now you’ve abandoned me.”

“But this is a temporary phase. This story has been waiting to burst out. Let me finish it.”

“Really? I challenge you to finish it this year. I am sure you are going to get wedged in those dark corridors. Only I know how to pull you out.”

“Now that is poor encouragement, goldy.”

“I am familiar with your dismal progress. Each time I’ve to step in to show you the light that glows at the horizon.”

“I know I am incomplete without you. I promise to be with you each morning.”

“This is no truce. I’ll choose my own time. Right now I am in an adventurous mood.”

“You’ve come home after a month. Share your stories with me.” I try to ground her.

“Ha!”she rebuffs me and bounds out. “Don’t try to humor me. I know you too well.”

My new friend embraces me and we totter forward. Hope has been my dearest buddy.

© Balroop Singh

Thank you! I am looking for some beta readers for advice about my WIP. All kind of suggestions from accomplished fiction writers are welcome.

Meet poet, Balroop Singh, and a review of Magical Whispers

Meet me today at writingtoberead.com, where I talk about my favorite poets. Also read Robbie’s fabulous review of Magical Whispers there!

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Treasuring Poetry

Today, I have the pleasure of featuring talented poet, Balroop Singh, as my Treasuring Poetry guest. Balroop has shared some lovely thoughts about poetry and her favourite poems. My review of her latest book, Magical Whispers, is included at the end of the post.

You can find out more about Balroop Singh and her poetry on her lovely blog here: https://balroop2013.wordpress.com/about/

What is your favourite poem?

How can you have one poem as a favorite? They have been changing with my growing years. From Rumi to Rudyard Kipling to Maya Angelou, poetry has always evoked images of romanticism, realism and Sufism and I got carried away with those images depending on the phase of my life.

As a youngster, I liked ‘Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost. It acquainted me with the beautiful images and simple style of writing a poem, inspired me…

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I Can’t be Shackled…

“Welcome home,” I hope your adventures are no longer alluring for you.

“Please don’t close that door,” she sprawled on the couch, hardly paying any attention to my smile.

A cold sweep almost knocked me over, and I closed the door.

“Do you want to asphyxiate me?” She leaped toward the French window to get out into the patio and collapsed on the loveseat.

Teenage tantrums don’t sway me. I buried myself into the murder mystery that was more interesting than her shenanigans.

“I know those thoughts! Don’t mess with me; consider me as your blessing. Don’t try to tie me to your strings.”

I looked up in awe, as she spouted:

I fly with butterflies
Colors define my personality
Lovebirds emulate me.

I swing on clouds
My ochre robe blends with twilight
I am ambrosial. 

I dance on the waves
Water cannot drench me
My shimmer could dazzle.

My harp is captivating
Its strings are tuned by Nature
Its melodies manifold.

I sing with the stars
My songs sooth those who care for
The sick and deprived.

I can’t be shackled
I dwell in the wondrous woods
Warbling wistful tunes.

Pixaby images

I break free
When you take me into dark alleys
I soar beyond bickering. 

I regale relationships
But can’t get fettered to them
Don’t squabble with me.

Your expectations
Can’t carve the spectrum of my path
I am ethereal.

“Enough of your bluster,” I could merely mumble those words when she whooshed out of the door with the reminder that chiseled poetry book that I had planned, needs my attention.

Many thanks to Diana for the inspiration, initiated by her muse. Click here for the rules and have fun with your muse.

Lately my muse takes pride in poetic conversations. Thank you for reading.

If you like poetry, Check my latest book: Magical Whispers

Pick up your copy at Amazon. 

#NewYearWishes

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Looking back was never my way
New dreams drown me
Deeper I go into the sea
Keeping my eyes at the horizon

Swimming was never my sport
Yet I wade into waters
Splashing around for fun
Waves of words comfort me

Flanked by those waves
I smile at the new dawn
Each one brings love and peace
I wish the same for you.
© Balroop Singh

Wishing a wonderful 2020 to all my blogger friends and readers.

You can click here for more poetry.

Check my latest book release: Moments We Love

Thank you for your support. If  you have liked this poem, please share it at your favorite social networks.

Balroop Singh.