Review of Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith When I first came across Still Here: A Poetry Memoir of Grief & Love by Jenny Smith, I felt an immediate pull. The title, with its poignant duality—reminding us of loss and the enduring power of love—echoed my own experiences with grief. As soon as I began reading, I knew I had stumbled upon something deeply personal yet universally relevant. Jenny's exploration of her brother's unexpected loss resonated with a raw honesty that compelled me...

Unleashing Your Inner Poet: A Journey with 100 Writing Prompts for Poetry As someone who has danced with words for years, I was instantly intrigued when I discovered 100 Writing Prompts for Poetry: Guided Poem Writing Notebook Journal with Prompts. In a world brimming with distractions and the occasional creative block, finding a companion that inspires and propels you forward is essential. This journal, curated by the creative minds at Supernova Publishing, promises to awaken that dormant poetic spark within—an invitation I couldn't resist! When I first flipped through its...

Unlocking Creativity in Just Five Minutes: A Review of 5-Minute Poetry Writing Prompts As someone who often finds myself staring blankly at a page, hoping for inspiration to strike, the title 5-Minute Poetry Writing Prompts: 301 Ideas to Spark Creativity, Build a Writing Habit, and Overcome Writer's Block by Matthew Outerbridge truly caught my eye. The promise of breaking through writer’s block in just five minutes felt like a lifeline. Could this book be the key to unlocking my inner poet? At first glance, 5-Minute Poetry Writing Prompts is...

Unleashing Your Inner Poet: A Review of How to Write Poetry: A Guided Journal with Prompts As a lifelong lover of words and introspective musings, How to Write Poetry: A Guided Journal with Prompts by Callisto Publishing was a revelation that landed in my hands just when I needed it the most. I’ve always found comfort in the rhythm of poetry, but after some time away from my pen, I felt reluctant and uninspired. This guided journal feels like a warm invitation to step back into the poetic world,...

Embracing Creativity: A Review of The Practice of Poetry As someone who’s wrestled with the complexities of writing poetry, The Practice of Poetry: Writing Exercises From Poets Who Teach grabbed my attention immediately. Edited by Robin Behn and Jane Hochman, this collection resonates with both seasoned writers and those curious to explore the poetic form. It’s not just a book; it feels like a cozy invitation to the intimate world of self-expression. The book features over 90 writing exercises accompanied by essays from established poets, each one designed to ignite...

Unlocking the Poet Within: A Journey with Stephen Fry When I stumbled across The Ode Less Travelled: Unlocking the Poet Within by the ever-witty Stephen Fry, I felt an unmistakable pull. As someone who often tiptoed around poetry—like a cat approaching a sleeping dog—I was intrigued by the challenge of understanding this elusive art form. Fry’s invitation to explore the world of poetry with humor, insight, and a dash of whimsy felt like a friendly nudge in the right direction. Little did I know, I was about to embark...

The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry - A Review There’s something inherently alluring about poetry. It’s a realm where emotions meet language, where the ordinary can be transformed into something profound. When I stumbled upon The Poet’s Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry by Dorianne Laux and Kim Addonizio, I felt a spark of curiosity. The title hinted at a nurturing guide, a friend to accompany me on my poetic journey—something I realized I desperately needed. At its heart, The Poet's...

Review of Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne When I first came across Loving Sylvia Plath: A Reclamation by Andrea Van Duyne, I was intrigued—not just by Plath's enduring legacy in literature, but more so by her complex relationship with Ted Hughes. Van Duyne’s exploration promises to shed light on a history that often feels entwined not just in love, but manipulation and tragedy. As someone who has always believed that understanding the human element in literary history is crucial, this book spoke to me on...

A Journey Through Verse: Discovering Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook As a lifelong admirer of poetry, I often find myself sifting through volumes in search of wisdom and inspiration. So, when I stumbled upon Mary Oliver’s A Poetry Handbook, I felt like I had found a hidden gem. Oliver, with her profound connection to nature and humanity, has always captivated me with her work. This handbook promised not only to enlighten my understanding of poetry but to guide my own poetic ambitions. Oliver's A Poetry Handbook is a masterclass...

Book Review: Also a Poet: Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Me by Ada Calhoun Sometimes, the books that call to us are those that promise an intersection of the personal and the poetic. Ada Calhoun’s Also a Poet: Frank O’Hara, My Father, and Me caught my attention precisely for that reason. A daughter grappling not only with her father’s legacy but also with a luminary like Frank O’Hara? I was instantly intrigued. What could be more fascinating than the struggle to find one's voice while illuminating the life of...