Tag Archives: poetry

Rose: Future Heart by Jazalyn (Book Review)

A socially underprivileged rose witnesses unpleasant events and behaviors that threaten Her inner peace and is determined to set life and love aside in order to find Her true, pure and moral parts of character.

30 petals of MOOD and STATUS.

A society full of INJUSTICES and UNFAIRNESS.

A ROLE She doesn’t want to play.

A RAGE. A RAVE.

A PAST that leads to HATE.

A RARE SOUL.

A wishful CHANGE of HEART.

She AROSE and She ROSE.

From IGNORANCE to STRENGTH.

A FUTURE that should lead to LOVE.

But can there be LOVE?

A dark fantasy magical realism poetic novel that endures urban social issues and inequality, and challenges self esteem, self help, self improvement, self development, healing.

I never knew how to have
I’ve learned to live without love
And I can’t change all of a sudden
Something’s got to happen

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

 

Reading Rose: Future Heart was like riding on a merry-go-round that never stops. You go up (I want to love and be loved) and down (love escapes me, no one will ever love me). 

Jazalyn’s poetry speaks of love in different intensities, which usually piggyback on jealousy, tears, pain, feeling of shame and humiliation, and reasons why love eludes them. They speak of not becoming a lover until they find their “perfect fit” (“No Lover”). There is no perfect fit; we all have flaws. You might see these flaws as you date or move in together. Eventually, the imperfections will surface. Saving yourself for perfection is a goal that’ll be difficult to obtain.

The author discusses other reasons they can’t have intimate relations: OCD, mysophobia, and germophobia. I have OCD and am a germophobe, but “mysophobia” was new to me. Upon a quick internet search, I discovered it meant having an extreme or irrational fear of dirt and contamination. They feared disease entering their body. I get that, but unless a person with mysophobia wants a sexless life, they need to seek counseling for this condition.

 

Favorite poems:

“Entertainment Made Me Love Like That” – People indeed use many forms of creative outlets to help them cope with internal and external pain. I hope writing brings the author comfort and peace. 

“Sleeping Beauty (Life Back)” – I thought it was interesting writing about what’s going on inside the mind of the sleeping beauty. I’ve watched the movie many times, and not once did I stop and wonder what she was thinking or dreaming about. 

 

Overall impression: The collection was not my cup of tea. I was going to score it two, but upon reflection, I decided to score it based on how it would be received by others who struggle to find or retain love in their life – for those who are looking for their “perfect someone” to make them whole. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About the Author

With 150,000+ engagements and 20,000+ followers that grow more and more across 7 social media platforms, Jazalyn is among the most-promising newcomers authors-poets.

Her books have sold in 4 Continents and have been featured on best-seller category-based lists on Amazon US, Amazon UK and Amazon AU. Soon she will expand in every corner of the Earth.

Jazalyn attracts all cultures and traditions with an audience from all walks and stages of life as a consequence of the universal atmosphere that encircles her themes.

Her innovative and versatile writing style stemming from abstraction and absurdness captivates mystery and suspense with words swimming in surrealism and magical realism.

Her imaginative and inventive narration unites the philosophical with the psychological and the scientific elements of both fantasy and fiction that create and solve riddles and puzzles.

In what results as a contemporary genre of cinematic (epic) poetry in slice of life-vignette expression which provokes thinking and eyes new horizons.

Her latest books vViIrRuUsS, Rose, Hollow signify Jazalyn’s transition towards literary magnificence.

 

Website Link

Twitter Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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vViIrRuUsS: I Never Forget by Jazalyn (Book Review)

Three robotic viruses are released from unknown forces and compete with each other exposing crimes, with humanity’s scale of existence oscillating between total destruction and reinventing recovery.

A REVELATION of the THOUGHTS.

An AWAKENING for the HIDDEN reality.

A MADNESS pandemic.

A WAR of ESPIONAGE.

Whose VIRUS is which?

Is it too late for reinstating?

The PANIC button pushed.

An attempt to erase the MEMORIES.

Can an EVIL virus SAVE the world?

A post-apocalyptic techno thriller poetic novel that emulates psychological reactions of a serious medical and technological global emergency and provides philosophical insights on the world’s best direction.

It’s unfair
To be guilty
When no one
Is innocent

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

 

vViIrRuUsS: I Never Forget is not a collection of poems focused on positive elements of society. Jazalyn writes about the darkness of the world and how “humanity screams for change” (“Apocalyptic Reality”). 

I do agree that the world needs to evolve. First, the world (as a whole) needs to agree that climate change is real. Global warming is real. We need to focus on saving our planet. The global disasters resulting from our negligence are evidence of our carelessness to our home planet. Everyone should band together and not fight on this issue (“Energy BYPRODUCT and “Electric Blood”). 

“Viral News” couldn’t have been read at a more perfect time. Let’s just say, the former prez came to mind as I read it. 

Many poems reflected a person who hated their life, desperate for change, and was crying out for help. I’m not a licensed physician, but if a person feels like they are “living in hell” (“I Still Live”) and no one understands them and is desperate for change (“I Hate My Life and I Want To Change It”) – please seek professional help. 

I couldn’t write this review without discussing the cover and its title. Without telling two people what I was reading, I showed them the cover. Neither person could figure out what it said. After I informed them it was virus written inside virus, they were able to see it. Unfortunately, you don’t want a buyer to question what your title says. If they have to stop and think, they might walk on. Both of my guests suggested changing the title’s design. I concur. 

I want to end my review on a positive note. I love the nod to The Joker in “Joker Just Wanted His Dreams” and “I Sympathize With This Joker.” Maybe if his upbringing were different, he wouldn’t be labeled the villain. (Nature versus nurture debate) His movie was spectacularly done. It made you feel for him and see past his villainous smile. I can’t wait for part two! 

One final, positive note: Thank you for placing value on space exploration. I also think it would be fantastic if a person introduced themself, and instead of saying, “I’m so and so from this state or country,” you say, “Hi. I’m blah blah from Mars or Proxima Centauri b.”

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: 1/2

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About the Author

With 150,000+ engagements and 20,000+ followers that grow more and more across 7 social media platforms, Jazalyn is among the most-promising newcomers authors-poets.

Her books have sold in 4 Continents and have been featured on best-seller category-based lists on Amazon US, Amazon UK and Amazon AU. Soon she will expand in every corner of the Earth.

Jazalyn attracts all cultures and traditions with an audience from all walks and stages of life as a consequence of the universal atmosphere that encircles her themes.

Her innovative and versatile writing style stemming from abstraction and absurdness captivates mystery and suspense with words swimming in surrealism and magical realism.

Her imaginative and inventive narration unites the philosophical with the psychological and the scientific elements of both fantasy and fiction that create and solve riddles and puzzles.

In what results as a contemporary genre of cinematic (epic) poetry in slice of life-vignette expression which provokes thinking and eyes new horizons.

Her latest books vViIrRuUsS, Rose, Hollow signify Jazalyn’s transition towards literary magnificence.

 

Website Link

Twitter Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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Hollow: A Love Like A Life by Jazalyn (Book Review)

A ghost spirit of dark’s universe falls in love with a ghost spirit of light’s universe, and while They cannot meet, for They wander around separate realms and spacetimes, They live Their love through a secret and sacred interaction.

They are light years APART.

But there is INVISIBLE possession.

A precious NEED bridges the range.

A SECRET LANGUAGE.

A SACRED ENERGY.

A distant BOND is created.

An EVOLUTION of the SOULS.

Will they ever MEET for REAL?

And in what FORM?

A supernatural paranormal romance poetic novel of mystical and spiritual time travel, epitome of confessional metaphysical and existential love that is seen in space opera.

I prefer the dark
And often I cry
But is it so sad?
You prefer the light
And you smile
But are you happy?

Our eyes see
Different things
But our thoughts
Are aligned
And I’m wondering
Why I love you
When we can’t live
The same life

Amazon Purchase Link

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)

Hollow: A Love Like A Life consists of about eighty poems dealing with love, jealousy, sadness, paranoia, self-doubt, and obsession. 

Some people believe there is only one person for them. Their self-worth hinges on that person’s love and acceptance. They think if this person can’t or won’t love them in return, then no one will. (Example: “If They Can’t Love Me”) You should not define yourself or your worth based on if your “soul mate” loves you in return. That’s unhealthy. 

Hollow: A Love Like A Life is about two ghostly spirits: one living in the light’s universe and one residing in the dark universe. You might have noticed I didn’t use “living” when I mentioned the spirit in the dark universe. I didn’t because they weren’t living. They were merely residing, hoping, obsessing over light’s love, if it’s real or not. 

When I read poem after poem, I had a mental image of someone plucking petals off a flower and, after each pluck saying, “They love me. They love me not.” The dark spirit questioned light’s love time and again. They saw the light giving attention to others and became jealous. (Example – “After Loving You”) They wanted to ask if it was all in their head but were afraid of the answer. This scenario will resonate with many readers. 

A common theme throughout the book is obsession. “Haunted” even stated they will “make you love me.” 

“Back to Your Thoughts” had a most unsettling line that would be cause for alarm if this was discussing real people and not spirits: “My feelings for you order me to obey to your will.” 

The final line of “Irreparably” is something that I agree with, and you, the review reader, will probably agree with too. “Don’t play with my feelings.” No one wants toyed with, so this ender was perfect. Either you love someone, or you don’t. Be honest, so no one’s heart is left in a state of limbo. 

I’m scoring this a three. I think others will relate to the poetry far better than I do, so I am giving it a point for its relatability. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About the Author

With 150,000+ engagements and 20,000+ followers that grow more and more across 7 social media platforms, Jazalyn is among the most-promising newcomers authors-poets.

Her books have sold in 4 Continents and have been featured on best-seller category-based lists on Amazon US, Amazon UK and Amazon AU. Soon she will expand in every corner of the Earth.

Jazalyn attracts all cultures and traditions with an audience from all walks and stages of life as a consequence of the universal atmosphere that encircles her themes.

Her innovative and versatile writing style stemming from abstraction and absurdness captivates mystery and suspense with words swimming in surrealism and magical realism.

Her imaginative and inventive narration unites the philosophical with the psychological and the scientific elements of both fantasy and fiction that create and solve riddles and puzzles.

In what results as a contemporary genre of cinematic (epic) poetry in slice of life-vignette expression which provokes thinking and eyes new horizons.

Her latest books vViIrRuUsS, Rose, Hollow signify Jazalyn’s transition towards literary magnificence.

 

Website Link

Twitter Link

Amazon Author Page Link

 

 

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Brain Crumbs: Stumbling through time with a crumbling mind by Sasha Dylus (Book Review)

A quirky collection of witty and whimsical poems for rhyme lovers of all ages. This lighthearted, pick-up-anywhere book is packed with dozens of bite-size ballads that are guaranteed to tickle the brain. From odd thoughts and ideas, to life lessons and laughs, Brain Crumbs takes a delightfully deep look at the world through the eyes of writer Sasha Dylus.

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Brain Crumbs: Stumbling through time with a crumbling mind by Sasha Dylus is a collection that touches upon many subject areas. For instance, I believe “The fish” was about going with the flow and being open to new experiences. 

“Well aged” spoke the truth: Time seems to move slowly, but then again, it moves swiftly too. In a blink of an eye, you’ve gone from babe to an older adult to not existing. 

“POV” was quite fascinating. I pondered whose mind I would like to swap with and why. A scientist? A politician? A family member? Hmm, maybe even my cat? Yeah, I think the cat brain swap would prove quite interesting. I often wondered what the heck my furbaby was thinking. 

“Lovebird” went from creepy to hilarious. Let me explain. First, the poet describes gluing a person’s image onto their eyeball. Okay, I know they didn’t mean literally: at least, I hope they didn’t. In the end, the writer made me smile when they stated the person they are obsessed with only shows them the middle finger. Yes, I think they were obsessed due to the eyeball line. 

“Small problems” used a rock in a shoe to symbolize not sweating the small stuff. Okay, I don’t know about you, but a pebble in a shoe is aggravating. That said, I agree you should not sweat the small things. Focus on the bigger picture! 

There were many other poems I liked very much in Brain Crumbs: Stumbling through time with a crumbling mind by Sasha Dylus. Why? To be honest, I didn’t have to think very hard to interpret their meaning. These poems were simple, straightforward, but well written. Minor change: I wish pictures, symbols, or something else were on each page to draw the eye. 

Brilliant cover! It caught my attention right away! 


Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Sasha Dylus is a Canadian author currently residing in Toronto, Ontario. His writing style is greatly inspired by his favourite childhood authors, Shel Silverstein and Dennis Lee. His work covers a wide variety of topics, using wit and comedy to engage readers of all ages.

Reedsy Link

 

 

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Love Is Love: Picture Book for Gay and Lesbian (LGBTQ) People with Dementia by Laurette Klier (Book Review)

 

Love Is Love is a beautifully curated collection of 21 vintage photographs paired with 21 classic love poems to engage and delight LGBTQ elders living with dementia. Nostalgic poetry is an invitation into the past with representation, compassion, and joy. Love Is Love invites conversation and connection, to affirm identity and awaken the spirit within. Designed to read aloud, read along, to share as a ‘picture walk’ with a friend, neighbor, family member, or allied health professional.


The NANA’S BOOKS series is recommended by ALZ Authors and ALZ Speaks. Featured resources in the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Teal Room, NANA’S BOOKS are the winner of a Maude’s Award for Innovation in Dementia Care for Making Connections.

 

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Love Is Love: Picture Book for Gay and Lesbian (LGBTQ) People with Dementia by Laurette Klier is a heartfelt mixture of poetry and black/white/gray photography. 

Laurette Klier chose poems written by notorious authors in the literary field, such as Emily Bronte, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and Lord Byron, expressing love between partners in same-sex relationships. Even without the poetry, the love is evident in every single photo. 

A subtle touch. 

A kiss. 

A twinkle in their eye.

A laugh. 

A loving embrace. 

Some photographs also captured couples in a more serious manner, but expressionless faces were the norm in certain periods. 

No matter the tone of the photographs, it was lovely to see a collection featuring same-sex couples from years past. 

My favorite male/male image was of the two gentlemen wearing hats and smoking cigars. They have a look on their face where I imagine they’re holding back laughter, and once the photo was taken, they break out in boisterous laughter. They also have a mischievous look in their eyes. I bet these two men have/had a lot of fun in life.

My favorite female/female photo is the neighbors kissing over their shared fence. I wonder how many times did they meet there? Did anyone know of their passion? I can almost hear their giggles when they call for each other. The woman with one foot up is posed in a famous romance swoon position. Love it! 

I loved all the works of art, textual and visual. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

 

Meet the Author

 

Nana’s Books is an award-winning series designed to engage and delight people living with dementia and their care partners through nostalgic art and verse. Nana’s Books are crafted to ease conversation and to awaken the spirit within. Nana’s Books bring back connection… one page at a time.

Reedsy Link

 

 

 

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