Something is brewing. Like the far off rumble of a train in the distance, a rebellion is stirring. A cry for change arises in the midst of a traditional monarchy, where King Addison has inherited the throne. Who are the underground troublemakers? What is stirring their defiant banner and demand for change?
Find out in The Rebellion! (The Tales of Tarsurella #2) Vanessa Bennett lands her dream job working at the Palace in Tarsurella. She struggles to balance everything on her plate: life in a new country, stressful deadlines, crabby co-workers, college classes at the local University, and blossoming feelings of romantic adoration toward her boss–King Addison. Keeping up with her To-Do list, while trying to earn respect in Addison’s male-dominated administration, presents its challenges. Nevertheless, she can’t help but fight a reoccurring thought and the excitement rising with it: is Addison interested in her? Addison is adjusting to his new role as King. Rumors of a rebellious uprising among the youth in Tarsurella intensifies, as acts of violence and protest break out across the city. Addison is determined to uncover the hidden instigator who fearlessly blogs democracy-driven ideals with a secretive pen name. Will Addison discover and expose the fiery rebellion leader? Or will his efforts fail to stop the rebellious thoughts spreading like wildfire, causing a heartbreaking rift in his divided nation? About the Author
Livy Jarmusch is a twenty-something author, singer, and songwriter. She enjoys crafting YA fiction that is pure, lovely, inspirational, and of course, entertaining! When she's not writing, you can usually find her playing guitar, blogging, drinking peppermint tea, connecting with new friends, planning her next trip to Disney, or pinning images of Europe and Golden Retriever Puppies. Come connect at http://www.livylynnblog.com !
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Synopsis
When Reggae recording artist and poet made the journey from her native Jamaica to New York City to do some recording, she decided to pursue a higher education. She had recently become a Christian, and her newfound relationship with God was quickly put to the test as she entered the York College of the City University of New York (CUNY) on a financial shoestring. Each semester ended with her owing the university money. The controller was always quite adamant that until her debt was paid, she couldn’t register for the upcoming semester. She would plead her case, even promising that “My Father is going to give me the money again to pay.” Indeed, the Father of us all did come through every time, using various people as the conduit through which His riches flowed so that just in time, her school bills were caught up and she was allowed to register for the next semester. Each time the money came from unexpected places and sometimes from complete strangers. Each time the Lord provided for her needs she tried not to worry, but human nature what it is, she would find herself fretting over where the funds would come from. But … “The journey through college allowed me to get closer to God, prove Him over and over and witness first-hand how He cares for each and every one of us. It allowed me to challenge God and watch Him come through for me.” About the Author
A native of Jamaica, Queen Majeeda, is a musician and recording artist, poet, and educator. She has performed her poetry, given lectures, and taught poetry writing workshops in a variety of venues in Jamaica and the United States. She is also a journalist with a B.A. in English and an M.A. in International Relations, and is listed in Who’s Who in Jamaican Arts and Entertainment. She claims Jeremiah 31:3 as her favorite Bible text, and the African Proverb, “No matter how far you've gone down the wrong road, turn back.”
Instagram@queenmajeeda Twitter @queenmajeeda Tumblr @queenmajeeda www.queenmajeeda.com “…sometimes we don’t need poetry but need simple words to touch our hearts. Sometimes warriors are not in armor but the ones with a smile.” Taking her writing to new levels, Islaih shares her struggles with mental illness and chronic pain. This collection is her emotional journey through grief and the need to escape. Her writing takes us through the darkness of losing a friend and almost losing her mother, then ends with uplifting pieces of self-love. ~My Review~I am always curious how people live their faith. Maybe because I sometimes feel disconnected to it, and sometimes I feel so deep within His presence that this yingyang is something I hope others experience...because, who wants to be the only one to have such extremes of faith? This collection felt like poet Fida Islaih was writing mostly to herself; a journal, if you will, of her grief, her emotions and her assurances that her faith will get her through. This was very personal and from knowing a little about Fida and how guarded she is online, I am very proud of her for her bravery in writing and sharing. There were pieces here that touched me. Pieces that sounded like a friend telling you about life after death, after questions surrounding the 'what-ifs' in our lives. It read like a friend who needed to say these things outloud for both of you to come to terms with your grief, your hurts and everything in between. Well done, my friend. I hope you found healing while writing this collection. "...Strengh is more than how many burdens you carry, it is how you carry them." ***I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.*** Rating: 4/5 About the AuthorFida Islaih is a multicultural Muslim blogger and poet. She writes about her strong love for her faith and country. She shares her experiences with her faith and other life events. She loves to read realistic and historical fiction. Her other loves are chocolate and her two cats.
Podunk Moon is an anthology of mostly non-fiction poetry starting in 2016 and time traveling back through the years ending in 2003. A time capsule of heartache, depression, and the overall state of confusion that comes with being in your twenties. An excerpt of the suspense thriller novel, The Great American, follows after, leaving the reader with a taste of something that is altogether a darkly different breed of beast.
~My Review~
I love how random observations, a line here or a jingle from a commercial stirs within us a type of inspiration. Or perhaps, that's just the way writers are. We take note of the most mundane of circumstances, or hear a conversation somewhere and think, "I need to write that down."
This anthology felt that way. Snippets of observations in a day, a moment, a heartbreak, and a plane ride. I could imagine Erin Geil with a pen in her hand, and just as a thought pops up, jotting it down on post its, or restaurant napkins, or perhaps she carries a notebook with her at all times. This collection spans thirteen years; years capturing those moments of falling in love, falling out of love, depression, and trying to find an identity of sorts in your 20s. A journal of life lived told in poetry. It was beautiful and a reminder of that naivete and ambition that comes in our 20s.....before life hands you experiences that you hope won't turn you bitter in your 30s. Well done. Looking forward to more from this poet! ***I received a copy in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.*** Rating: 5/5About the Author
Erin Geil started creating poetry before she was able to hold a pencil in her hands or make much sense of the alphabet. A very patient and kind mother played secretary to a very insistent four-year-old who wanted to rhyme about the ins and outs of bathroom behavior. She evolved over the next three decades and graduated to more appropriate poetry topics such as sex, depression, and love gone horribly wrong. Currently, she is hard at work finishing up several projects. A prompt book entitled, The 30 Something’s Guide: Abandoning Baggage Through Writing; her prized “child” of eleven years, a suspense thriller novel, The Great American; and finally, a poetry book inspired by brands of wine, entitled, The Wino’s Dirge.
With over 600 submissions, poets from around the world put their pens to paper to create this anthology, enthused by a common goal to raise money for the charity, Mind. With poems focusing on mental health from a wide range of experiences, this book aims to continue the worldwide conversation about mental health. The profits from this book go to UK Charity, Mind. Trigger warnings by chapter: Section One: References include war, depression, grief, alcoholism, bulimia, trauma, suicide Section Two: Sexual abuse, self harm, suicide threat, Borderline personality disorder, electro shock therapy, razors Section Three: Postpartum depression, hospital ward Section Four: Anxiety, pills, Borderline personality disorder, eating disorder Section Five: Poverty Section Six: Alzheimer’s Section Seven: Depression Section Eight: Therapy ~My Review~Imagine going down a dark tunnel - that's what this book felt like to me, and editor Isabelle Kenyon even alludes to it at the beginning. My journey through this brilliant darkness, cocooning me with words that made me shiver, made me want to run as fast as I can down past the nothingness, the whispered heartaches and brokenness, and past the despair I hear in the poet's voices. It's all around me, these cries for help, these numbing observations and afterthoughts, and casual yet harsh realities of living with a mental illness. I had to stop several times in my read to look at the contrasting brightness in the daylight. But I know this journey through these words has an ending. There is hope, and light found in tunnels. Although, I also realize that its not ever that simple. One can run as far away as they can and darkness, death and depression will still cling onto them. Some will never find light. Some will never know hope. And that's probably among one of the reasons that a book such as this exists. So that others can know that they are not alone. So that the person reading this book can better understand someone else living with a mental illness or disorder. This is a collection filled with multiple individual's first hand accounts, their own thoughts; an ownership of their truths in its ugly, sinister, unwashed lives. These are real people who understand darkness and passageways to tunnels without light. These are real images; snapshots of memories or a thought that captures the numbness, the rage, and their illnesses. The imagery was heavy. This collection is heavy. Still I pressed on, determined to finish, and to read the poet's message hidden between the lines. The collection is broken down into 8 different sections and the reader is invited to name each part. As a whole, it's absolutely painfully breathtaking. Dark and gritty in the beginning, and something akin to hope by the end. As Kenyon states the hope is that you find light at the end of the tunnel. But I found much more than that. I found that in the darkness, there is bravery to continue, to press on. And towards the end, there is victory to getting up each day. Victory no matter how small. No matter how weathered we look, there is victory that we have endured....or are enduring. So as I carefully set out on this passage way, I listened to the hushed voices and read each line...I truly could hear each person's story and chief among them, a plea to the reader to 'please hear what I'm not saying.' My Rating: 5/5About the AuthorIsabelle Kenyon is a Guildford based poet and a graduate in Theatre: Writing, Directing and Performance from the University of York. She is inspired by the people and events around her - she observes and writes what she sees and what she feels.
She is the author of poetry anthology, This is not a Spectacle and micro chapbook, The Trees Whispered, published by Origami Poetry Press. She is also the editor of MIND Poetry Anthology 'Please Hear What I'm Not Saying'. Her poems have been published in many poetry anthologies and included in literary festivals, such as Anti Heroin Chic, Literary Yard, Bewildering Stories, The Inkyneedles anthology, the Great British Write Off, the Wirral festival of Music, Speech and Drama, Poetry Rivals, and the Festival of Firsts. Isabelle has been awarded third place in the Langwith Scott Award for Art and Drama and runner up in the Visit Newark Poetry Competition. You can read more about Isabelle and see her work at www.flyonthewallpoetry.co.uk
Growing Kids with Character: Nurturing Your Child's Potential, Purpose, and Passion (David C. Cook, March 2018)
Through Hettie Brittz's famous tree metaphors, parents will discover how to let their kids excel at being who they naturally are as they grow in their unique purpose in the world. Author and speaker Hettie Brittz helps readers identify their kids' natural bent and understand how that affects the parenting journey. Parents will learn how to: -Cultivate each of their kids' unique way of encountering, following, and worshiping God -Disciple and discipline based on each child's blueprint -Help their children celebrate God's individualized design for others Brittz offers tools to parents for recognizing their kids' God-given personalities, guiding them on their spiritual journeys, and establishing their identity and purpose in Christ. Learn more and purchase a copy. ~My Review~
I take most parenting books with a grain of salt. That being said however, I still like to read and learn all I can, as sometimes (most of the time, to be honest), I second guess my ability to parent. We are bombarded with images on social media from our friends, acquaintances, family, and peers and are led (in my opinion) that they're doing better on this parenting thing than I am.
And so I read. I learn. But I like to read books that give me a different perspective of how I can communicate with my children. I have 2, a "Palm-Rose hybrid" kindergartener and so far, my toddler is showing signs of being a "boxwood." I love the little 'conversational' identifier examples. a practical guide at the end of each chapter and a few reflective questions. I do appreciate this book and would recommend to add to your parenting books...as long as you remember that not all children are going to "fit" in exactly in any categories, even hybrid ones. ***I received this book through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.*** Rating: 4/5Hettie Brittz's 'Growing Kids with Character' Blog Tour, Facebook Live, and Giveaway
Have you ever wished your kids came with an instruction manual? Hettie Brittz's new book, Growing Kids with Character, provides a resource to understand a child's natural bents not only to excel in life but also to firmly establish their identity and purpose in Christ better. Through Hettie Brittz's famous tree metaphors, parents will discover how to let their kids excel at being who they naturally are as they grow in their unique purpose in the world.
Join Hettie and other parents to learn how to grow kids with character at her Facebook Live event, plus enter to win a family fun prize pack! One grand prize winner will receive:
RSVP today and spread the word-tell your friends about the giveaway and Facebook Live party via social media and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 3rd!About the Author
Hettie Brittz is a South African-born author, international speaker, and a foremost voice in parenting advice and personality styles. She is the author of "(un)Natural Mom," the developer of the Evergreen Parenting Course, and the codeveloper of Tall Trees Profiles. She heads up Tall Trees Consulting (USA).
Find out more about Hettie at http://hettiebrittz.com. Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed. Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr. But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life. Discussion points:Some discussions are important to have with your children: the birds and the bees, kindness and bullying, and I should most definitely like to add, what to do if you ever get pulled over by a police offer, and how to check if you're privilege. Our group touched on this several times over the course of a couple of hours. We acknowledge that some groups across racial/cultural/gender divide have it better or worse than others. In a room full of mostly Caucasian women, a woman of color and myself as the "self proclaimed Token Asian," our world view is limited to our individual privileges, our familial/cultural norms, and societal expectations we have for ourselves and others. I understand privilege as the "token Asian." Regardless of whatever grade I got, whatever subject went over my head, my being Asian carried with it an assumption that I was highly intelligent, I was favored, et cetera et cetera. You can look up Asians and the "model minority myth," if you're so inclined to learn more on this subject. So in spite of being just an average student, I was assumed in this positive (or not, depending on your thoughts) role. This is privilege. That I never had to work hard for anyone to trust me. I was automatic living the stereotype: good family, good (debatable) grades, going to college, getting a degree, working for advancement or content with a career that one will have until they retire. This is my privilege and I acknowledge it. The group of friends I have had throughout the years have never treated me less than because of the color of my skin. I was once told in college that if I were to visit my friend and her family in India, I would be readily accepted than if my black friend came with her. Of course, by the same "tokenness," I have experienced prejudices based solely on the color of my skin. The question "where are you really from?" doesn't bother me quite as much anymore, as I've heard that question all my life. Being married to a Hispanic man, I am fully aware of prejudices and stereotypes of a being Mexican American living in this type of societal powder keg. I am raising a generation that will have to fight for their accomplishments and against stereotypes. I know my daughter will encounter different forms of racism than her brother. Those are facts that I hope never come to fruition but still I am wary. SO in our very lively and sometimes heated discussion on said privileges, we can acknowledge that with privilege comes certain types of power. One being: how to use what power I have to help those who don't. How can we as individuals or as a group help the marginalized, the oppressed, and the poor? moving on to "my Review"The Hate U give follows Starr Carter, a teenage girl who lives two different lives, as per society standards, and constructs. She attends school at a predominately white prep school and goes home to her poor, and mostly black neighborhood. When her best friend, Khalil , is fatally shot in front of her, she starts on what I like to call as 'journey of self discovery;' one in which the road was paved with a certain level of understanding of how the world operates, how to be two different people and slowly, if not painfully sudden, the road becomes more rocky and made with less sure footing. A takeaway: "you can do everything right and still be wrong." Her childhood was never innocent. She saw things that most of us in our suburbia homelife can ever imagine. But through her voice - through Angie Thomas' carefully worded and profound words - I understood my own power, my own privilege. I applauded Starr when she found her sure footing, the power in her words, and her voice. If you have never read a book by a woman, or person, of color, I urge you to read this one. To say it is life changing is an understatement. I implore you to look beyond your own pedestal of understanding at the world, and look at the women and men who you look down on, without even realizing it. This book was heavy. Thomas wrote some wisdom of truths that only people of color can understand, however painful they may be. However, universally, I think everyone can agree that there exists a minefield of racial and social injustices for certain people. ***If by chance, you don't believe in this statement, I will most definitely gift you this book, please reach out.*** Folks, we must do better. About the AuthorAngie Thomas was born, raised, and still resides in Jackson, Mississippi as indicated by her accent. She is a former teen rapper whose greatest accomplishment was an article about her in Right-On Magazine with a picture included. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Belhaven University and an unofficial degree in Hip Hop. She is an inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Myers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. Grace Revealed: Finding God's Strength in Any Crisis(Broadstreet Publishing Group, January 2018) Trust in the unmerited gift of God's grace You can't escape the inevitable crises that will face you throughout your lifetime. Whether it's health problems, emotional issues, career challenges, gut-wrenching losses, or other failures, these experiences can destroy your morale and lead you into despair. Some crises may be a result of your own choices, while others may be completely out of your control. Whatever the source, there is a lasting solution that comes to you free of charge from above: God's amazing grace. In Grace Revealed, you will: -Experience real-life stories of others who discover they are not alone and that relief is within their grasp. -See how devastating afflictions can be overcome through faith in Jesus and His love, mercy, and grace. -Learn how God's grace transforms lives and leads you into enduring and rewarding Christian service. -Be inspired to encourage others who are suffering but cannot seek help on their own. Read these undeniable, modern-day examples of God's loving grace and its transformative power, and discover that God is always present in your time of need. ~My Review~This book serves as a reminder for all of us about God's love, mercy, and grace. Author Fred Sievert examines grace, as told by different people who have not only felt it, but were transformed by the knowledge of God's grace. Although some stories were harder to read than others, speaking purely as a mother, I was inspired by their hope that amidst all of their pain and brokenness, they were each able to see God's love. How amazing is that? In seasons where there are more darkness and pain, they all saw a sliver of light, and love that shone such brightness that they were able to fight their way out....even decades later. I particularly enjoyed going through the reflective portion at the end of each story. It allowed to give the reader take a breath from these experiences and also pause on the the enormity of God's grace. Grace, this tiny word with such heavy and magnificent meaning. I struggle with this daily, like most parents...like most people. My limit has been tested. My faith has been broken. God sends people to me in subtle and different ways to renew my thirst. This cycle, unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, continues on and on. Through it all, it is revealed that God's Grace is sufficient. Within these pages are stories of this cycle. Although, my season of doubt and hope pales in comparison to the sheer evilness and hatred that most of my brothers and sisters in Christ have had to endure. The picture stays the same. Hope abounds. Love remains and Grace (is) revealed. ***I received this book through Litfuse in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.*** My Rating: 4/5About the AuthorFred Sievert is a speaker, author, and former president of New York Life Insurance Company. Following his early retirement at age fifty-nine, Sievert attended Yale Divinity School and received a master's degree. Sievert remains actively engaged in his greatest passions, which include speaking and writing about his faith, mentoring young executives, and serving as a lay leader of his church and on the boards of several organizations with missions well-aligned with his beliefs and values. Fred and his wife have five grown children, three grandchildren, and reside in East Falmouth, Massachusetts. Find out more about Fred at https://www.storiesofgodsgrace.com. Marriage of Inconvenience, an all new romantic comedy standalone in the USA Today bestselling, Knitting in the City Series by Penny Reid, is LIVE! There are three things you need to know about Kat Tanner (aka Kathleen Tyson. . . and yes, she is *that* Kathleen Tyson): 1) She’s determined to make good decisions, 2) She must get married ASAP, and 3) She knows how to knit. Being a billionaire heiress isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In fact, it sucks. Determined to live a quiet life, Kat Tanner changed her identity years ago and eschewed her family’s legacy. But now, Kat’s silver spoon past has finally caught up with her, and so have her youthful mistakes. To avoid imminent disaster, she must marry immediately; it is essential that the person she chooses have no romantic feelings for her whatsoever and be completely trustworthy. Fortunately, she knows exactly who to ask. Dan O’Malley checks all the boxes: single, romantically indifferent to her, completely trustworthy. Sure, she might have a wee little crush on Dan the Security Man, but with clear rules, expectations, and a legally binding contract, Kat is certain she can make it through this debacle with her sanity—and heart—all in one piece. Except, what happens when Dan O’Malley isn’t as indifferent—or as trustworthy—as she thought? ~My Review~Rating: 5/5In Penny Reid's Newsletter voice: PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE LONGEST REVIEW EVER I feel like I can't just do this review for Dan and Kat, but sum up how I feel about every character in this series. "Every ending does have a beginning," after all is written under the dedication. The whole Knitting in the City series to me, felt like this house party I got invited to and never left. I made a home here, in this giant mansion with these people. Each room is a story layed out and decorated just for them and every character can go in and out, mingle in these snippets or "Easter eggs" found throughout the series. I would find Quinn and Janie in the study of this house party that is hosted in their huge mansion; wall to wall of knowledge at your grasp, the decor a dichotomy of masculinity and femininity. Elizabeth and Nico would be in the living room, perhaps hovering just at the entrance, inviting you into their lives and easing your discomfort at being at a party where you know all know their names, and they know all of you. Marie and Ashley with their goodness, would glide in and out of each room, ensuring that you are served properly, are comfortable and having a ball; the steady lights in a room full of twinkling stars. I'd probably venture into the kitchen where Sandra and Fiona occupy a space. Hearth, laughter, warmth, mother hens in a room where the tears are shed, bellies are fed, and laughter abounds. Throughout the series, I had pictured Kat in a tower of her own construct, and where not even the bravest knights would coax her down. I pictured her in aloofness, waiting for her story and letting the world write it for her. Never in my imagination, would I find that Kat is the embodiment of a dragon, sitting in her tower, yes waiting for her story but also bidding her time. Controlling her narrative, as best as she can. A dragon with a multimillionaire dollar pen. I love the way Penny Reid writes each woman's prerogatives, missteps, hopes and friendships, and messy love lives. She doesn't mince words about their faults or beliefs, and sprinkles conversations that are needed in today's temperament. These women are real to me, because I find pieces of them in my friends as we struggle to have an open dialogue with each other, as we laugh over wine and books, as commiserate about what this world is coming to, and grateful that in our world, we've found each other and because pieces of them are me, in my anxiety, my mental preparations and quirks. In Marriage of Inconvenience, I saw a lot of my worries and worst case scenarios (that I'm working on by the way) in Kat. I applaud. I toast. I salute. I continue to be in awe of how Reid approaches mental illnesses. I thought she did an amazing job covering what living with mental illness is like in Shelly Sullivan and Beau's story in Beard in Mind (Winston Bros #4) but it was just as wonderful to be able to read that in this story. (We are not our illnesses is an epiphany that we need to believe). And there were parts here that came full circle for me. I HATE spoilers, so I'm not going to say but I appreciated this book. I will now reread this entire series and try to hang out at this rocking party a little longer. ***I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I am not required to write a positive one. These thoughts and opinions are my own.*** Read Today! Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2GjPbU1 Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/MarriageofInconvenience iBooks: https://apple.co/2FjtjGW Nook: http://bit.ly/2yycreU Kobo: http://bit.ly/2zRl42J Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2neqv6k Click on the picture above to enter the Giveaway for a complete signed set of the USA Today bestselling Knitting in the City Series! About the AuthorPenny Reid is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Winston Brothers and Knitting in the City series. When she’s not immersed in penning smart romances, Penny works in the biotech industry as a researcher. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja. Connect with Penny: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/ Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD Twitter: @ReidRomance Newsletter: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/ www.pennyreid.ninja
dear judas is the first chapbook in the dead letter series by Melissa Jennings, exploring trust, betrayal, and whether people are truly capable of forgiveness.
~ My Review ~
I enjoyed Melissa Jenning's debut collection, Afterlife. Admittedly, it took me a while to truly get into the collection's headspace. Dear Judas was nothing like that. If anything, I devoured this in a single setting and reread it again for clarity and a better understanding at the poet's world of duplicitous people.
This is a chapbook, so it's shorter, for those not familiar with poetry collections. Letters from the betrayed are marked with bitterness and fraught with anger. I loved the imagery of the crown of thorns and blood. It was rather interesting to read because we all know a Judas who have come into our lives at some point, and whether we've moved on from the act of treachery, or still reeling from it, we can relate to this collection. I have a lot of favorite lines from here. "don't suffocate in a sin you couldn't help." (I noticed this seems to be a resounding favorite) When your parents named you, did they know that they were naming a constellation? they looked at how you glowed, not how you were surrounded by darkness.
****A note for my faith readers: I'm Catholic and while the imagery were haunting, I didn't feel like Jennings used some religious images as a way to mock or make fun of the faith and the faithful. I loved their style and whatever their intention in using these, it made the betrayal more powerful and humanizing.....we have all met a Judas. We have all worn our own crowns of thorns. We've also been someone's Judas and caused pain to others. It's this deception and greed of wanting power that I paused on.****
Rating: 5/5About the Author
Melissa Jennings lives with their cat, Dora, in the sometimes sunny but always vibrant city of Glasgow, in Scotland. Melissa is currently studying towards an MA in English Literature at the University of Glasgow. They are an avid reader and a writer of many genres - poetry is just the first step.
To follow them, visit their website at www.melissajennings.co/ |
Book Pick:I use Goodread's rating scale1 star – didn’t like it
2 stars – it was OK 3 stars – liked it 4 stars – really liked it 5 stars – it was so amazing, it's on my reread pile! Categories
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