Excellent poetry for everyone
934528
Love these poems. So often they deal with views, positions, reflections that haven't occurred to you until you read them. Beautiful language, gripping topics.
4299806
Faith's poetry is brilliantly graceful even in its raunchier moments, and lends a bittersweet voice to the trials and tribulations of a strong woman rising against personal struggle. Her sense of humor is sharp and clever, and she writes about intimate encounters without fear of judgment. It is clear from these lovely poems that Faith has thoroughly examined the best and worst times in her life through a multi-faceted lens -- and she always comes out on top, with a smile.

What I especially enjoyed about her book is that she never takes herself too seriously, and unlike other poem anthologies, you'll never encounter a self-righteous or holier-than-thou attitude. Instead, Faith provides nothing but true confidence, positivity, and spirit, unmarred by her battles. She's down-to-earth, and will make you crack up in between vicariously experiencing her courage, passion, and pain. This isn't the work of some snobby hipster, these poems are REAL.

Even in its light-hearted verses, the book is never cheesy, and the poems run with steady rhythm and rhyme structures. It's a shame that her poems are not more well-known, because this book seems like it could be an Oprah Book Club title. I'm not exaggerating when I say that Faith Knoeing, if given the chance to earn more fame within the poetry world, could be the new voice of a generation.
1247935
This is a brilliant collection of stories and poems. Each one offers a poignant message, sometimes uplifting, sometimes heartbreaking. What is consistent throughout is the command of the language, the eloquent turn of phrase, and the obvious passion behind each tale. There truly is something for everyone in this collection. I was particularly drawn to two stories: the last one, as it reminded me of my own grandfather, and the handbag story, which broke my heart (no mother should have to live through that). The author information at the end of the book was a lovely addition to the piece. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
3876233
This is an excellent poetry collection. Dara Wier's writing is sharp, intelligent, and each poem moves with intent. They are well designed. The book itself is printed beautifully, on matte pressed paper. I like the cover enough to put the book on my wall. I cannot recommend this book enough, to people who like poetry for its beauty, as well as those who like to analyze poems.
3809375
This is a fabulous, thoughtful, teachable collection of poems. The broad spectrum of subjects included spans a significant range of deep emotional experiences humans face. Heartfelt sentiments are expressed in such a creative, sensitive way that they are engaging and sometimes compelling. I read poems every morning, and they made my day each time. I'd mention some of my favorites, but there are too many. I can't wait to share this book with my poetry-loving friends. They will love it. Thank you, William Bernhardt. You are so deep.
254375
Great poems and very easy reading.  You will find these so meaningful in everyones life.  Best I have read in a very long time.  I hope there will be more to come from this author.
3657504
This is a lovely book of poetry and photos.  It was recommended to me by a friend and my whole family has enjoyed it.  The author has a nice use of rhythm and rhyme that make the poetry fun to read aloud.  In fact, my 12 year old son (who is home schooled) asked if he could replace his current poetry textbook with THIS poetry book!  High praise!
We have also enjoyed the photos - which are mostly lovely shots of nature.  We have had a lot of discussion about why certain photographs were chosen to go with certain poems.  Of course, only the author really knows - but,  like all good poetry - the reader is given much food for thought and discussion.
Thanks, Melanie!
Can't wait to read what is next!
2965663
This collection of poems makes exceptional reading. It is extremely unique in a good way. The poems are in simple language, to which everyone can relate. Their expressions will impact people from all walks of life
3500247
Simplicity is a great book containing many wonderful poems.  This book is for anyone to enjoy.  You don't have to be a poet or a professional author to enjoy the works of Dean Thomas Andrews.  Dean's poetry is unique in that he combines many ingredients such as emotion, life experiences, and the influences of those throughout his childhood and into his adulthood which has made him the man he is today.  I would reccomend Simplicity to fans of poety or even those who have had no experience with reading or creating their own poems.  The book is filled with a variety of poetry that anyone can enjoy or relate to.  To sum it all up, Dean Thomas Andrews exposes his heart and soul to the reader by means of pen and paper.  I found many of the poems to be touching and thought provoking.  To conclude,I highly recommend Simplicity.  Great job Dean!
3654518
You don't have to be into poetry to absolutely love reading this book. Home, family life, the passing of time, all brought to life in short intensely evocative freestyle poems. The color illustrations and varied hand lettering couldn't be more inviting . . . once its in your hands, youll probably read the whole book through without stopping, and then read it again aloud to your best friend.
4460179
A refreshing and beautiful collection of poetry for anyone in any situation. Liz Newman's perspective on the heart is a raw interpretation of what we all may feel but are unable to put into words. She is able to help us find expression with this book.
4298966
This book is a gem.  In it, you will find many favorite Billy Collins poems that have been published previously in multiple other volumes, plus a section of new poetry to enjoy.  Billy Collins writes accessible poetry, the kind you can appreciate on a first read, but that also contains layers and thought-provoking ideas that reveal themselves with re-readings.  I discovered Billy Collins when he was Poet Laureate and appeared on Prairie Home Companion.  During that appearance, he read The Lanyard, and I was hooked.  That poem, still one of my favorites, is included in this new volume.  Collins' poetry will make you laugh, will make you cry, and will make you reflect.  All in comprehensible language.  The poems in this book offer something for persons of all ages.  In this volume, his several poems about being alone, about solitude, and about dining solo really spoke to me.  If you are looking for inspiration to stop and ponder the simple gifts we share, and choices we make, this is your tome.  Read a randomly selected poem, or sit down and read the whole book in one sitting.  Either way, you will be glad you did.
4171934
This is a wonderful book. There's something for everyone in this collection. I also really like the accompanying information about the poets. It's interesting to get each author's perspective.
4732126
I found this poetry book at the local library, recognized the author's name and brought it home.  I loved it - was even moved to tears by the one about Twirler. Her poems divinize the world and remind us how little we see as we march around "ears stuffed with self" (I paraphrase!). I wanted to have a copy to read repeatedly so I promptly purchased a kindle version (which unfortunately has some formatting problems with some poems) - still I prefer to have the imperfect format available to re-read now and then than not to have these lovely poems. I also purchased a copy for a dear friend who responded that he loved the poems too.  So to be explicit here - that's an unreserved 5 star review (where do we click on the stars?! I never reviewed on Amazon before)
39672
This is an amazing collection of utilitarian poetry. The poems are really accessible to everyone (as a time-sheet reminder should be) but the descriptions of  the natural world in all its minutiae and mundane glory are impressive, and remind me of the writings of Loren Eiseley. And Wagner's detailing of daily life (and its minutiae and mundane glory) are beautiful, absurd, and absolutely hilarious, often simultaneously. A must-read, even for people who aren't into poetry.
535071
I am passionate about reading and writing poetry.  I've truly enjoyed reading this collection multiple times over.  With each read, I appreciate new details.  I read poetry on multiple levels: first, I go for the flow and feel of the writing, then for meaning, then for layered meaning, and then I think about how it affect me as the reader.  When all that is done, I like to go back in again to understand it even further.  Unlike prose, the words in poetry are pieces of art unto themselves and the selection of specific words, the rhythms of the words, the spaces the words inhabit, all have to move towards the meaning of the poem.  Stallings accomplishes this style of writing exceedingly well.  Not only does she seem to be a great writer, but what she chooses to write about has universal appeal to an audience of readers.  For example, in this book, she wrote a series of poems that link mythological characters to everyday modern life.  She wrote a poem about divorce, about being a painter, about seeing a bird of prey eat a squirrel, that had me sitting on the edge of my seat.  There was also a poem about the use of metaphor vs. simile in writing.  I could go on and on, but I think you get my message.  I found this book worth my money and I've shared it with friends who've had a similar reaction.
4307828
These poems display very poignant, meaningful reactions to life as one advances in aging.  The writing is beautiful and accessible to any reader. I highly recommend this wonderful book even to those not inclined to poetry.