2024 Book Reviews

by: Edward S. Gault

"This is an intriguing, wry and colorfully- detailed collection of reminiscences (including some dream- memories) and speculative inquiries (such as “What If There Was No More War”, wan thoughts on the author’s own future funeral and a humorous question about putting “a crack in the day” which reminds us of Leonard Cohen’s assertion that “there is a crack inside of everything”). Many of the pieces here are in prose, although they often have a poetic feel and flare. There are also some exercises in haiku, tanka, free verse and other forms. A clever set of writings by this Boston-based writer, well worth exploring."

- Bill Nevins

"Edward Gault’s debut is a wonderful, timeless collection. Each poem puts you in that exact place and time that the words suggest."

-Fin Hall, author, poet, publisher

by: Quinn Collard

"Channeling poetic spark through 'singing typewriter keys,' Quinn Collard's "And Shatter Me With Dawn" casts a quiet spell, evoking the magic and beauty in life's smallest details. From incantation start to elegiac conclusion, its poems carry us through Winter's silent strength, Spring's bright exuberance, Summer's incendiary rush, and Fall's
haunting remembrance, threaded with lush imagery and a skillful blend of darkness and light. Luckily for us, this enchanting debut 'is only the beginning.' "
- Emily Cordes, author of "Queen of Swords" and "Armful of Poppies

by: Laura Lilia

"Laura Lilia talks about pain. Internal and external, corporeal and spiritual, ongoing and not easily assuaged. Oh, God, (you are thinking), I know what kind of book this is. No. You don’t. BECOMING FOREVER CHANGING LEAVES is not some please-pity- me jeremiad. Simply a painstakingly honest, elegantly precise journalling of a poet trying (sometimes desperately) to remain heard and relevant ...to herself. Getting through life in one sane, sensible piece is a hard enough effort. Add an illness that will not mind its manners, mix in the to-be-expected heartaches and life-hacks, apply a generous dose of faith/musing/common sense--and this is the voice that emerges. Laura is neither asking you to feel her pain or feel guilty about it; she’s just telling her story. Maybe you've experienced what she's feeling, maybe not. It doesn’t matter. No martyr here—just a woman, asking questions, and bidding you pay attention to the answers. BECOMING FOREVER CHANGING LEAVES is not comfortable read. But it is necessary. The world isn’t always fair, life isn’t always pleasant, and the search for solutions NEVER stops. But we have to acknowledge existence in all its seasons. Because if we don’t...never mind our bodies. Our souls can never recover.

-Stacy Dyson Author of LOVELY AND SUFFERING and FOLLOW ME ON THIS

by: Taurin V

"There are many titles to describe Taurin V, but saying he's a poet is an understatement. This artist has written the most inspiring and creatively detailed poems with artistic descriptions I have never experienced until now. He studied women in the most tender love and care in a way other artist don't which is a reflection of creative genius. This isn't just art for the eyes or the ears, but admiration for women as well. A well-written letter of poems to capture the essence and soul of a woman. I love the drawings in his pieces, which describe every texture, power, soul, beauty, and testament of being a woman. He captures a woman in the most creative, loving and thoughtful way possible. His words never stray away from capturing women's devotion and appreciation for women in every shape and form. If you want to read, see, and experience a love letter, look no further than this book. You won't be disappointed in the least. I highly recommend it."

- Eddy Foreman aka Ed Poetastic 

by: Kelly Mary McAllister

"I could totally relate, considering my weight has always been an issue, for most of my life. The struggle to exude confidence with myself and overcome my lack of self-esteem because I didn’t feel that I was at my best…it was not just for aesthetic's sake, but for health reasons…now that I’m older. Her writing also has a way that really draws you in.  There is a truth and acceptance of this truth in these pieces. She is an awesome storyteller and quite hysterically funny to boot."

- Ericka M. Floyd, a.k.a. Bklynndahse, author, poet

by: Zachary Succardi

"A collection of witty anecdotes regarding the simplicities of life. Igniting flares of wisdom while exercising the art of condensation gives these micro poems a stand against time - less one allows it to slip away…"

- Dee Librarianne - Writer | Poet 

"I first met Zach a number of years ago in my shop and we realized we grew up in the same area and slowly became friends. The more I got to know him I learned of his creative endeavors and of his writing/poetry.  In the time since we met I've seen him develop his own voice. Raw, honest and vulnerable, something many writers lack today. His new book arrived in the mail and I couldn't wait to dive into it but life had other ideas. In finally sitting down and having some time with it I find he has continued to strengthen his voice yet still maintain that vulnerability which makes me relate to his work.  So psyched not only for my friend but to see a new writer come out of the shadows and publish something that can punch the reader in the gut or console even the hardest of souls. "

Mike D’Elia , Not Like You Zine

by: Valois J. Vera

"Love, Liberation, and Other Longings is a revolutionary work of cosmic instruction; to begin praxis with vulnerability. To decipher the dialogues of all of world’s protagonists including that of your past self. Here are poems live from the edge of the senses; from the legibility of selflessness. A musical, even restless humility moves through this collection providing a most sacred and dancing entrance to power."

- Tongo Eisen Martin

Poet | Activist | Author | Educator 

"Valois' skillful use of form, combined with their searing honesty creates an arresting and haunting collection. A poet playing artfully and with intention generously sharing an alternate narrative of American dreaming, which wakes and stirs the reader in the process."

- Rick Dove, London-Based Writer, Activist, and UK Poetry Slam Champion

by: Sarah Doolittle

"This collection constitutes an extended cry of grief at the death of a beloved relative, the speaker’s mother. It’s a story told in verse of the psychological journey which a grieving daughter embarks on—a story of survival and ultimate triumph. A trip through fear and visions of ghosts towards hope and, perhaps, faith. Employing creative typographical arrangements of often fragmentary free-verse lines, as well as starkly- effective line drawings, the book ultimately achieves a stunning impact on the reader. This is a strong dose, likely not to everyone’s taste. There is pain, anger, rage, self-doubt, accusation, as well as ultimate acceptance, healing, love and self-assertion in these pages. (The book is prefaced with a trigger-warning.) However, readers who choose to take this emotional journey with Sarah Doolittle will find themselves challenged, engaged, and very likely inspired.

A brave and admirable poetic foray into the troubled waters of loss and familial conflict.

Well worth reading."

- Bill Nevins

"A seasoned journey navigating the perilous path of grief and insecurity. I found so much of myself in these words as resonance was frequently in and out of phase with the expression of each vantage point. These words whisper profound thoughts in ways that remind a woman of her resilience as she waits to exhale while remembering - to breath."

- Dee Librarianne Writer | Poet

by: The Poet RoseGold

"Poet RoseGold pulls no punches. She tells you exactly how it is and how she feels. Her pieces are totally relatable to me. The black experience. Covering the history, as well as current events. She wakes you up, if you’re not already there. So brace yourself. Not to mention the struggle of our gender as a woman. Her pen articulates with a finesse that is regal, in her expression. It challenges you and also encourages you to do your own research."

- Ericka M. Floyd, a.k.a. Bklynndahse, author, poet

by: Wordsmith Philly aka Phillip Boykin

"WordSmith Philly is an author who is an embodiment of the saying that a person can write thousands of words. This book isn't just about her, but about bonds in general. I love how Philly writes insightful and delightful rhythmic poems about love. Not just about love, but nostalgic tales of conversation and chemistry with this anonymous woman. I love how his poems are stories of different stages in love and life to reflect how far he came. Love is beautiful, conversation is beautiful, human interactions are beautiful, and daily life can be beautiful. If you want a very poetic read to encourage you to express or show some love in the most positive way possible, please pick up this book! You won't be mistaken. I highly recommend it."

- Eddy Foreman aka Ed Poetastic