ARTWORDS

ARTWORDS ISBN: 9781643145198 AuthorsPress, copyright and written by Beatriz M. Robles.

The author’s opening words of dedication well-describe the intent of her book “As my father, Rene Robles, has always said when describing the meaning of his art Assertionism, “Art that has power—asserts, transforms, and transcends,” Under his influence in art, and my mother, Emilia Robles’ poetic influence in writing, we have Artwords, “Writing that asserts, transforms, and transcends to become art.””

Discussion/conclusion: I was impressed by the reviews of other of this author’s books and was looking forward to reading it. To be totally frank, I spent a considerable amount of time attempting to figure out what I was reading. And yes, it is that different. Once you begin to understand, it is possible to attain some feeling for the reviews others have written for her other books from the structure of the material she has supplied and her photographs, and certainly she, as well as both her mother and father, are held in high regard by a seemingly large number of inhabitants of the Philippines from reviews offered by the media there. Additionally, the author is well-know and highly respected, especially in Asia and Europe as a classical musician, as well as recognized artist with a number of exhibitions as well as an author of a number of well-received books. So to return to Artwords, from the material offered and total contents, it is possible for a reader to ‘feel’ or ‘sense’ what the author is attempting to provide – a use of words that provide an image and is a most interesting concept. Granted, a complete evaluation regrettably and apologetically could not be provided by this viewer, because some of the material provided a dark shading of sections, notations, and the letters themselves were unable to be raised to a size font sufficient to be completely comprehended. However, a ‘sense’ of her intent easily was discernable. So, to conclude: the author successfully has accomplished her purpose. But again apologetically for a caveat – although a fascinating, well-formulated and presented concept, this book is not particularly one for the more pragmatically inclined reader.

3* 5* concept; – 2*(?) readers’ choice – see discussion/conclusion.

Ledgins of Liberty Volume One

Legends of Liberty Volume One ISBN: 9781737551317, TAJ Classics, copyright and written by Andrew Benson Brown, Further noted is that it is “Printed and bound in the United States of America by KDP Covert art: The Battle of Lexitom.by William Barnes Wollen Title page: Detail from the Apotheosis of Washington, by Constantino Brumidi. Includes notes with bibliographical references.”
This is a somewhat unusual book for several reasons. The manner of provision itself – it opens with an Introduction that explains how “this important new poem” might be compared to Byron’s mock-epic Don Juan especially from the manner in which “it emphasizes both Lyrics and their ability to depict brief and intense emotional states or intellectual conundrums, whereas narrative holds our attention for a much more prolonged period.” Both also employ “tight and classical forms – Byron a notoriously difficult Italian form – Benson Brown a ten-line stanzaic form that avoids difficulties otherwise faced.” These explanations are most important for readers far more acquainted with the intricacies of poetry than this reader whose early interest in poetry was stimulated by such as Longfellow’s recounting of Paul Revere’s ride and Alfred Noyes “The Highwayman”. For readers similarly inclined and/or poorly prepared, this book and the manner in which it has been presented is excellent.
Discussion/Conclusion: From casual conversations, I have learned that quite a sizable number of readers will not even consider books of poetry. In this case such a reaction would result in their missing a most readable story. Benson’s poem is an extremely fascinating read and the added collection of notes most informative. One particularly noteworthy is that of the wavering position of importance assigned to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow during the 2020 era. It appears that the status of poets ‘wax and wane’ similarly to ordinary writers, e.g. Edward Bulwer-Lytton, at the time the popular author of “The Last Days of Pompeii”. His style of writing today is of little note. But to conclude, this reviewer believes that any reader who is, or desires to be, in anyway familiar with this section of American history, will discover this volume to be a most informative and enjoyable read.

5* for general reader interest, as described (Originally posted August 10, 2021)

Moments: This to the Next

MOMENTS: This to the Next ISBN 9780986090097 Vista View Publishing Copyright 2010, designed, inclusive of all art work and written by Gary W. Burns.

Subtitled Poetry, “Now and Eternity” is a collection of simplistically produced poems depicting nature’s beauty, time and its passage and love, often expressed in  a minimal selection of words. Some, even appear to be somewhat esoterically directed. A few examples:

     One Love   Morning was asked.

“Morning Do you miss the night?”

Morning’s light Replied

“I’m holding her hand;

Love’s grand.”

       Built

Built, The bridge is crossed.

       Somewhere

Somewhere In the wind

Your name begins

       So Much For Time –

Wherever you are

Whenever then is

Will be now

Summary: This book is the latest of several volumes of poetry created by this well-travelled and apparently well-known individual. They appear to express thoughts based upon his observations of individuals and the intertwining effects of nature and the passage of time has upon their lives and love. For this, and perhaps this reader alone, there is a large degree of disappointment with few memorable ‘takeaways’.

3* Regrettably, as explained.

Skeletons

SKELETONS ISBN: 978317(incomplete) Xlibris publishing, copyright and written by Bryce Wellington Rhymer.

Sub-titled “Poetry of Human Nature”, this little book consists of a large collection of poems exploring individual thoughts and emotions as one wanders through life. Characteristically, as with thoughts themselves, the subjects presented do not follow any particular pathway. They range through “A Retiree’s View, A Sad Reality, Alone, Poetic Insight, Wrong Doing” and a host of others. They explore subjects of love, why one may enjoy writing poetry, relationships, “who’s in charge of you”, how continued disregard of basic discipline will cause the downfall of any institution and numerous other thoughts every individual considers, even if not more than occasionally.

Discussion: The reader will discover that the interesting contents of this little book have been quite well provided in the description employed for its introduction to the prospective reader. Exactly as described, it is a simplistically written tale of human behavior and how such individuals realistically think. A recounting, in a rhythmic poetic pattern, the often immense depths and flow of emotions, feelings and thoughts we all harbor but do not express. Thus, they simply add a little more to the already heavy psychological luggage many individuals carry through life as “Skeletons in your closet.”

4* Quite fascinating assembly of thoughts/emotions shared by all.

SLICES

SLICES, an e-book assumed to be published, copyright and written by Thomas Simon.

This is “a collection of thirty poems that explore objects, people, situations and their interplay in daily life in order to unravel an introspective view of life and its journey. Through various characters, it moves the reader from simple words to a whole different world of metaphor, conveying deeper meaning by uncovering layers of human behaviors and emotions.”

According to further brief words about the author at the end of the book, he is an avid photographer, nature lover and voracious reader who “has been writing poetry since his school days” and is desirous here to have the reader look for “fresh perspectives with varied interpretations and diverse thoughts” from the “everyday thoughts and emotions presented.”

Discussion: Regrettably from this reviewer’s perspective the author’s admirably lofty desires have not been realized. Far removed from once studying Shakespearean and Seventeenth Century Poets I did not expect especially rewarding poetry but was quite disappointed. Additionally and most regrettably from my standpoint, the author did not elicit any of his intended “fresh perspectives with varied interpretations and diverse thoughts” from his often quite unusual ruminations.

1* Regrettably and most apologetically to the author.