ideas take life in WordsA blog following the works (and shenanigans) of J.E. Klimov
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Fast Facts: Title: "Trouble in Peaceful Haven" Author: C.R. Leverette Genre: Science Fiction (Western twist) Rating: 4.5 stars A quintessential science fiction with a loving "western" dressing that has a storyline which can be enjoyed by all! Trouble in Peaceful Haven is a science fiction/western novella that was just filled with pleasant surprises. C.R. Leverette carves his world with beautiful descriptions and fills it with a solid storyline. When you first crack the story open, you don't immediately realize you're on another planet. The author drops hint and after hint that makes the discovery pleasant for the reader. (A man with ocular implant? Hmmm...) The balance between futuristic tech and a calming old western vibe was done tastefully throughout the story, and the author's attention to detail is really what sets this apart from the staggering choices for your next read. I will say, while western in taste, I wouldn't say it's steampunk. The story's voice alternates between various points of view- from the conflicted main character Movian Jenks, pleasant tavern owner Bill Conner, to the mysterious Darin (and more!). One thing I love is that the antagonist, Darin, isn't a 2D bully- he is fully fleshed with a heart-wrenching reason for his arrival to shake things up in Peaceful Haven. The prose was well written, and it read smoothly. There was one "reveal" at the end from Bill Conner to Movian Jenks about his fiancé that I didn't understand why Movian didn't know from the start (WHY, Bill???) But I won't spoil it here. It took me only two (work) days to inhale this lovely story! I highly recommend this.Trouble in Peaceful Haven motivates me to seek outmode novellas and shorter pieces. I also can't wait to see more of C.R. Leverette. Peace! J.E. Klimov
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How to Survive NaNoWriMo(10) Have a go-to writing spot planned out. Whether it's in your room, outdoors, or at a coffee shop. Stake out your creative nook!
(9) Have a go-to crying spot. When you want to pull your hair out with frustration, never do it in your creative space. Keep the positive and negative energy separate! (8) Have a liquid energy source at all times. The choices are endless: Red Bull, coffee, tea, some fancy-pants chai with soy milk, soda... or water? Rocket fuel NOT recommended. (7) A distracting, mind-numbing hobby to blow off steam is recommended. For some it's exercising, TV, video games... bird watching, nose picking, sudoku puzzles. Whatever. Just don't feel bad about it. (6) Know that non-writers won't always "get" NaNoWriMo. Don't bother explaining it to them... unless you want to waste more precious writing time... (5) Hug a kitten. Or puppy. Whatever animal you can get your hands on. (4) Create a playlist. Music can really put you in the zone and keep you there. For some, it's classical, others like death metal. For me, I like Zelda soundtracks via YouTube. (3) Hit a road block? Let your friends help! Let them pick an aspect of your project for you. Example: Have them pick a word you have to incorporate into the story...or even the protagonist's/antagonist's day job! (2) Laugh. Relax. Does the number 50,000 look intimidating? Draw smiley faces in the zeros and now you only have 5! But in all seriousness, the whole point of NaNoWriMo is to encourage writing of any kind! Whatever you get done in November is a HUGE accomplishment. Don't be too hard on yourself. (1) SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE YOUR WORK. You may laugh....until you get that blue screen of death mid-sentence... BONUS: Check to see if there is a local group in your town/area that has write-ins! I've done this a few times and loved it. See you around NaNo! Wanna be my buddy? I'm The Madpharmacist. Keep in mind, I'm primarily a fantasy author; however, I am challenging myself with what I consider one of the toughest genres to master- romance! Dun Dun Dunnnnnn! Peace! J.E. "Land of Steel and Honey" is coming October 31. Today is the cover reveal & you can preorder for only 99 cents. Keep reading to find out more! Jovi faces a precarious situation when Cappa teams with Belisandre to kidnap her. When she finds herself right back where she started in the castle, she tries to escape. Before she can break free, Cappa forces her on another journey, this time into the heart of Lyenhaus. It doesn’t take long to learn how untruthful Cappa has been about his life. In order to survive, she must make him believe that she trusts him, and that she still loves him, which isn’t an easy feat when she can barely stand to be in the same room as him. Lyenhaus is the Dwarf land, and soon Jovi finds a friend in the Dwarf king, who sees Cappa for what he is the moment he meets him. With his help, she might actually break free, but when Cappa escapes, she has an important decision to make. Can she return to her life as Queen of the Frost Mages knowing Cappa is out there. Land of Steel and Honey is the second installment in Secrets of Orendor, a YA epic fantasy series that will appeal to fans of Sarah J Maas and Victoria Aveyard.And Book 1 has a brand new cover too! |
Fueled by chocolate and moonlight, Heather Hayden seeks to bring magic into the world through her stories. A freelance editor by day, she pours heart and soul into her novels every night, spinning tales of science fiction and fantasy that sing of friendship and hope. Heather’s publications include Augment, a YA science fiction novel, and several short stories in the JL Anthology series. She is currently working on Upgrade, the sequel to Augment, as well as a gaslamp fantasy series titled Rusted Magic. You can follow Heather’s writing adventures on her blog, Facebook, or Twitter, or through her newsletter. |
"Secrets in Our Cities" blurb:
The real world and imagination collide in this international collection of paranormal urban fantasies. Some cities are inhabited by lycanthropes: a werewolf-turned-private-eye takes on a kidnapping case that upsets his plans for a simple life; a vegetarian lycan must join forces with a local pack to save their city; and a twenty-something werewolf thinks she’s the scariest monster in town until she meets a necromancer. Children are often the center of paranormal activity: a troop of Mountain Gals on a camping trip runs afoul of a witch; a high school outcast pairs up with an angel to guide ghosts to their final rests; a young fae intelligence agent is placed on his first undercover assignment at a high school; and a little girl rattles a zombie-run pub for supernatural clientele when she accidentally begins haunting it. These young urbanites are more than they seem: a kindhearted girl changes her life forever when she offers shelter to an injured hellhound; a runty dragon dwells in the sewers plotting revenge while dreaming of reliable takeout; and an ordinary detective must team up with a young hotshot magician to solve a mysterious disappearance. Step across the paranormal divide with these ten short stories, and you’ll never look at your hometown the same way again. |
Fast Facts:
Title: "Autumn Eternal" (Book One of the Fantastical Stories Told Beneath the Willow Tree)
Author: Kyle Bagsby
Genre: Middle-grade Fantasy
Rating: 5 stars
A refreshing adventure filled with courageous characters and mischievous creatures that will capture the hearts of young readers (and older!).
Title: "Autumn Eternal" (Book One of the Fantastical Stories Told Beneath the Willow Tree)
Author: Kyle Bagsby
Genre: Middle-grade Fantasy
Rating: 5 stars
A refreshing adventure filled with courageous characters and mischievous creatures that will capture the hearts of young readers (and older!).
"Kip looked at Marleigh. 'What should we do?' he asked in a hushed tone.
'This.' She grabbed the door knocker and let it fall."
-Autumn Eternal
I picked up "Autumn Eternal" a little biased... I LOVE THE FALL! For my #authorconfession folks, you know I love pumpkin EVERYTHING.
But in all seriousness...
Keep in mind this review is for a book that is classified as middle-grade, but even as an adult, I genuinely enjoyed this book, and I'm holding onto it tight until I can pass it down to my youngin'... "Autumn Eternal" is about a shaggy-haired boy named Kip whose curiosity and courage sucks him into an adventure he never anticipated! The story takes place in a town where it's consistently fall and birds moo. Yes. Moo. This story is plenty creative with quirky creatures, witches, and a mysterious book. What I appreciate most is that the author is able to create refreshing concepts through impressive prose. There were some repetition, but it was done purposefully like "the second from the bottom step that hardly counted as a step at all". Well placed patterns makes it ideal for the target audience. The strongest aspect about this book are the descriptions. Every page was filled with vivid details that indulge every sense. It immersed me in the fictional town of Arno.
This book is independently published, and it impresses me like a book from a major publishing house. Sure, I could put on my editor's hat and nit-pick small things (i.e. quotations, capitalizations); however, I don't usually consider those in my book reviews unless it impacts the quality significantly (and in this case, no). Looking at overall content, I can say this is truly a gem.
I don't want to neglect another wonderful aspect- the illustrations (done by Yevhen Kerpenko). There are beautiful ink drawings throughout the story.
True, this is a middle-grade book, and I'm almost thirty (DON'T REMIND ME!!!!!!!!); however, I can say with confidence that this is a GREAT read for youngins or just those young at heart. Oh, and the epilogue leaves a tantalizing hint for another adventure in the next book. Which, by the way, I am definitely ordering when it's released. Bagsby is a talented author to keep an eye on.
Peace! J.E.
But in all seriousness...
Keep in mind this review is for a book that is classified as middle-grade, but even as an adult, I genuinely enjoyed this book, and I'm holding onto it tight until I can pass it down to my youngin'... "Autumn Eternal" is about a shaggy-haired boy named Kip whose curiosity and courage sucks him into an adventure he never anticipated! The story takes place in a town where it's consistently fall and birds moo. Yes. Moo. This story is plenty creative with quirky creatures, witches, and a mysterious book. What I appreciate most is that the author is able to create refreshing concepts through impressive prose. There were some repetition, but it was done purposefully like "the second from the bottom step that hardly counted as a step at all". Well placed patterns makes it ideal for the target audience. The strongest aspect about this book are the descriptions. Every page was filled with vivid details that indulge every sense. It immersed me in the fictional town of Arno.
This book is independently published, and it impresses me like a book from a major publishing house. Sure, I could put on my editor's hat and nit-pick small things (i.e. quotations, capitalizations); however, I don't usually consider those in my book reviews unless it impacts the quality significantly (and in this case, no). Looking at overall content, I can say this is truly a gem.
I don't want to neglect another wonderful aspect- the illustrations (done by Yevhen Kerpenko). There are beautiful ink drawings throughout the story.
True, this is a middle-grade book, and I'm almost thirty (DON'T REMIND ME!!!!!!!!); however, I can say with confidence that this is a GREAT read for youngins or just those young at heart. Oh, and the epilogue leaves a tantalizing hint for another adventure in the next book. Which, by the way, I am definitely ordering when it's released. Bagsby is a talented author to keep an eye on.
Peace! J.E.
"He wouldn't deny he was curious to know whether there was more to Amanda's Solanke's story...
What made her choose 'The Twisted Spire'?"
-The Witch's Touch
Fast Facts:
Title: "The Witch's Touch"
Author: Rosie Wylor-Owen
Genre: Paranormal/urban Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Intrigue and mystery surround Amanda Solanke, attracting two detectives to trail her. But what exactly do they discover? A true twist in a compact story!
While I'm a fantasy reader/author, I don't typically read urban/paranormal-leaning ones as much. (Which is funny since I'm about to publish my own paranormal/urban fantasy short story in the next JL Anthology!) Regardless, I set this on my to-be-read list and was very pleased!
This is a short story, alternating between different POVs (character point of view). Detectives follow Amanda and Leona after a string of criminals that get away with their crimes "disappear".
What makes this a solid read is the fact it truly contains a nice twist by the end. It left me satisfied as a reader- not cliche! Sometimes the change in POV made me go back and re-read some parts but that doesn't discount its quality much. It stayed true to its genre, but it also incorporates elements of romance. In my opinion, it was the right amount as not to turn anyone away. However see below...
I checked other reviews on Amazon (*after* reading of course!) and I can elaborate more on my blog... I was shocked to see a low rated review- simply because there was romance and it was between two females. The reviewer referenced romance as "porn". ... WHAT? Yes, it does have some "romance" in it. But it's part of what makes the story more dimensional. It's not the primary component. It was done tastefully, and I appreciated the way it was executed. It's a HUGE PET PEEVE of mine that people leave horrid reviews that have nothing to do with the QUALITY of work. If you think romance is equivalent to "smut", STOP READING IT. Not once did this person critique it for its literary content. Alas, this is the real world, and there will always be people like that.
ANYWAY---
I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy or a fresh change of pace from their genre.
Peace! J.E.
Title: "The Witch's Touch"
Author: Rosie Wylor-Owen
Genre: Paranormal/urban Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Intrigue and mystery surround Amanda Solanke, attracting two detectives to trail her. But what exactly do they discover? A true twist in a compact story!
While I'm a fantasy reader/author, I don't typically read urban/paranormal-leaning ones as much. (Which is funny since I'm about to publish my own paranormal/urban fantasy short story in the next JL Anthology!) Regardless, I set this on my to-be-read list and was very pleased!
This is a short story, alternating between different POVs (character point of view). Detectives follow Amanda and Leona after a string of criminals that get away with their crimes "disappear".
What makes this a solid read is the fact it truly contains a nice twist by the end. It left me satisfied as a reader- not cliche! Sometimes the change in POV made me go back and re-read some parts but that doesn't discount its quality much. It stayed true to its genre, but it also incorporates elements of romance. In my opinion, it was the right amount as not to turn anyone away. However see below...
I checked other reviews on Amazon (*after* reading of course!) and I can elaborate more on my blog... I was shocked to see a low rated review- simply because there was romance and it was between two females. The reviewer referenced romance as "porn". ... WHAT? Yes, it does have some "romance" in it. But it's part of what makes the story more dimensional. It's not the primary component. It was done tastefully, and I appreciated the way it was executed. It's a HUGE PET PEEVE of mine that people leave horrid reviews that have nothing to do with the QUALITY of work. If you think romance is equivalent to "smut", STOP READING IT. Not once did this person critique it for its literary content. Alas, this is the real world, and there will always be people like that.
ANYWAY---
I recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy or a fresh change of pace from their genre.
Peace! J.E.
Fate has smiled upon me: I ran into Critically Clean at Celebrate Holliston 2018. The majority of my posts are writing and reading related; however, I do not limit my posts when it comes to talented artists or artisans.
Of course I had to try something new: deconstructed bath bombs. There are two versions: "Slow" and "Haste".
Haste: An invigorating mixture of sweet oranges and tart lemon
Slow: A soothing blend of lavander and chamomile
What is a "deconstructed bath bomb"? Well, it's bath salts but has the fun fizz you see in a bath bomb. Though to be technical, it's officially called an alchemical powder!
Don't take baths? No problem-Grab a handful and let the relaxing fizz take you away in the shower!
Another neat fact: The bags are biodegradable! This locally made bath product is earth-friendly!
Like them on Facebook to stay tuned for new products!
My review: 5 stars. It has the feel of a handmade item, but the quality of a high-end brand product. The scent of lavender in "Slow" was just right and perfect after a tough day! Looking for something unique in the bath/body space? This is it.
....SUPPORT LOCAL!
Peace, J.E.
Of course I had to try something new: deconstructed bath bombs. There are two versions: "Slow" and "Haste".
Haste: An invigorating mixture of sweet oranges and tart lemon
Slow: A soothing blend of lavander and chamomile
What is a "deconstructed bath bomb"? Well, it's bath salts but has the fun fizz you see in a bath bomb. Though to be technical, it's officially called an alchemical powder!
Don't take baths? No problem-Grab a handful and let the relaxing fizz take you away in the shower!
Another neat fact: The bags are biodegradable! This locally made bath product is earth-friendly!
Like them on Facebook to stay tuned for new products!
My review: 5 stars. It has the feel of a handmade item, but the quality of a high-end brand product. The scent of lavender in "Slow" was just right and perfect after a tough day! Looking for something unique in the bath/body space? This is it.
....SUPPORT LOCAL!
Peace, J.E.
Dear Patron (fellow book-lover),
You have bought one (or more) of my book(s) for yourself or for a loved one who has a passion for reading. I humbly thank you. This is only my second year attending events, and each time I set up, my heart pounds in my rib-cage because I'm nervous of what to expect. However, by the end of the day, I pack up my things with a smile on my face.
Not because of the sales.
It's because of my interactions with my customers (or those kind enough to chat for a minute!)
I still remember my first real customer, a twelve year old girl named Ruth. She hung by my booth discussing her love for books. Ruth also asked about each of my works with genuine interest in her eyes. In fact, most people who stop by my books are also aspiring writers at various levels. While I'm not a NY Time Best Seller (yet!), I felt capable of spreading inspiration that they shouldn't give up on their dreams.
My debut novel, The Aeonians, is a young adult fantasy that was first written in my notebook in the SEVENTH GRADE. I was told multiple times throughout the years to throw my dreams in the trash. However, in 2017, I dusted that notebook off and promised myself that I would achieve my dream. And I did.
Like Princess Isabel, the main character in The Aeonians, I started with little to no confidence. Life change after life change, I struggled with my sense of self... there have been tears. Many tears. I suffered loss of close family...had my heart broken... and then some.
Throughout my struggles, I was able to keep that little, hidden flame alive. I worked hard. I found a superb group of writers to support me. Now, my dream is a reality- or shall I say, the beginning of a fantasy!
I really hope you enjoy my work- please reach out to me with any thoughts, feedback, or if you have questions: [email protected].
Sincerely,
J.E. Klimov
My works:
Full-length novels:
"The Aeonians"
"The Shadow Warrior"
Short Stories (JL Anthologies):
"The Guardian's Secret" in From the Stories of Old
"The Fate of Patient Zero" in Between Heroes and Villains
"The Charcoal Cat" in Of Legend and Lore
Coming soon: "Soul of Mercy" in Secrets in Our Cities - 10/31/2018
You have bought one (or more) of my book(s) for yourself or for a loved one who has a passion for reading. I humbly thank you. This is only my second year attending events, and each time I set up, my heart pounds in my rib-cage because I'm nervous of what to expect. However, by the end of the day, I pack up my things with a smile on my face.
Not because of the sales.
It's because of my interactions with my customers (or those kind enough to chat for a minute!)
I still remember my first real customer, a twelve year old girl named Ruth. She hung by my booth discussing her love for books. Ruth also asked about each of my works with genuine interest in her eyes. In fact, most people who stop by my books are also aspiring writers at various levels. While I'm not a NY Time Best Seller (yet!), I felt capable of spreading inspiration that they shouldn't give up on their dreams.
My debut novel, The Aeonians, is a young adult fantasy that was first written in my notebook in the SEVENTH GRADE. I was told multiple times throughout the years to throw my dreams in the trash. However, in 2017, I dusted that notebook off and promised myself that I would achieve my dream. And I did.
Like Princess Isabel, the main character in The Aeonians, I started with little to no confidence. Life change after life change, I struggled with my sense of self... there have been tears. Many tears. I suffered loss of close family...had my heart broken... and then some.
Throughout my struggles, I was able to keep that little, hidden flame alive. I worked hard. I found a superb group of writers to support me. Now, my dream is a reality- or shall I say, the beginning of a fantasy!
I really hope you enjoy my work- please reach out to me with any thoughts, feedback, or if you have questions: [email protected].
Sincerely,
J.E. Klimov
My works:
Full-length novels:
"The Aeonians"
"The Shadow Warrior"
Short Stories (JL Anthologies):
"The Guardian's Secret" in From the Stories of Old
"The Fate of Patient Zero" in Between Heroes and Villains
"The Charcoal Cat" in Of Legend and Lore
Coming soon: "Soul of Mercy" in Secrets in Our Cities - 10/31/2018
When you go through a loss or soul-crushing heart break, it can most definitely impact your writing. Whether it’s your WIP or a cathartic piece based off your grief, authors have their own manifestations of the 7 stages of grief.
INSTEAD OF "Shock or Disbelief":
1. Complete writer’s block, involving hours of staring at your screen/notebook in paralysis.
INSTEAD OF Denial:
2. Rummaging through the fridge for food even if you aren’t hungry. Possibly turning on Netflix, looking up puppy videos or funny memes, or balancing a pen on your nose. Essentially, seeking any activity to avoid acknowledging your WIP's existence.
INSTEAD OF Anger:
3. Computer smashing or head-to-desk banging. You’ve finally tried to forge ahead, but all you get is a migraine.
INSTEAD OF Bargaining:
4. You tell yourself: if you write just another 500 words, you’ll feel better about your piece of sh** WIP.
INSTEAD OF Guilt:
5. You feel bad about calling your WIP a piece of sh**.
INSTEAD OF Depression:
6. You cradle your laptop/notebook and ugly cry. The critical voices in your head tell you “you’ll never finish”, “you’ll never get published”, “you’ll never be good enough”.
INSTEAD OF Acceptance and Hope:
7. Someone reminds you that Fifty Shades of Grey was a NY Times Best Seller, and you sit down with a latte and hash out the rest of your manuscript with a slight smile on your face.
Best of luck in your quest!
-J. E.
...........................................................................................................................................
Speaking of memes.... Enjoy a few of my favorites lately. (Thanks, Pinterest!)
INSTEAD OF "Shock or Disbelief":
1. Complete writer’s block, involving hours of staring at your screen/notebook in paralysis.
INSTEAD OF Denial:
2. Rummaging through the fridge for food even if you aren’t hungry. Possibly turning on Netflix, looking up puppy videos or funny memes, or balancing a pen on your nose. Essentially, seeking any activity to avoid acknowledging your WIP's existence.
INSTEAD OF Anger:
3. Computer smashing or head-to-desk banging. You’ve finally tried to forge ahead, but all you get is a migraine.
INSTEAD OF Bargaining:
4. You tell yourself: if you write just another 500 words, you’ll feel better about your piece of sh** WIP.
INSTEAD OF Guilt:
5. You feel bad about calling your WIP a piece of sh**.
INSTEAD OF Depression:
6. You cradle your laptop/notebook and ugly cry. The critical voices in your head tell you “you’ll never finish”, “you’ll never get published”, “you’ll never be good enough”.
INSTEAD OF Acceptance and Hope:
7. Someone reminds you that Fifty Shades of Grey was a NY Times Best Seller, and you sit down with a latte and hash out the rest of your manuscript with a slight smile on your face.
Best of luck in your quest!
-J. E.
...........................................................................................................................................
Speaking of memes.... Enjoy a few of my favorites lately. (Thanks, Pinterest!)
It's been a stressful summer. After another self-destructive shopping spree at Barnes and Noble, I yet again expanded my reading horizon and plucked "milk and honey" by Rupi Kaur from the shelf. Yes, this book has been out for a few years and I'm behind the "trend". But that's me.
Also about me: I never used to read poetry. I resented it in college (learning all these rules and techniques such as structure in stanzas... which is ironic because I think poetry can be whatever the author paints it out to be...). I don't write poetry. Well, I tried once. However, after reading "The Princess Saves Herself in this One" by Amanda Lovelace, I was hooked. (I recommend Lovelace's works by the way!)
So, I wanted to write a "review" for those that typically don't read poetry. I'm not going to dissect the technicalities. I'm going to look at it from an author's perspective. A human's perspective.
Also about me: I never used to read poetry. I resented it in college (learning all these rules and techniques such as structure in stanzas... which is ironic because I think poetry can be whatever the author paints it out to be...). I don't write poetry. Well, I tried once. However, after reading "The Princess Saves Herself in this One" by Amanda Lovelace, I was hooked. (I recommend Lovelace's works by the way!)
So, I wanted to write a "review" for those that typically don't read poetry. I'm not going to dissect the technicalities. I'm going to look at it from an author's perspective. A human's perspective.
Fun Fact: Kaur self-published this in 2014
This collection of poetry is divided into four parts: the hurting, the loving, the breaking, and the healing. The order of such makes it relatable for traditional readers- you see a steady flow of words creating a story that develops beautifully!
Why I consumed this in one sitting:
While this collection is different than Lovelace's works ("The Princess Saves Herself in This One" and "The Witch Doesn't Burn in This One"), there are similarities to them: the short, blunt, free style format, and the intense content- a majority touching upon empowering women despite various troubles and traumas. There were some instances that felt repetitive; however, it depends on the reader if this is a good or bad thing. I think it worked in Kaur's case.
It turns out I don't dislike poetry after all. I just didn't find the right style until now.
If you are still skeptical, look it up on Pinterest or Instagram. Many people took pics of their favorite passages (2 of my fav are below). That's what prompted me to buy this in the first place. SO, for you traditional novel lovers, I do recommend "milk and honey" if you want a nice therapy session for your soul. It's a change in pace, a breath of fresh air.
...And as an author...I'm tempted to write poems again! Thank you, Kaur for inspiring me!
Check it out. It's not hard to miss on the NY Best seller shelves!
(YES I KNOW, I need to get on reading my indie novels....)
Until then.............Peace! -J.E.
Why I consumed this in one sitting:
- The poems are mostly brief (for my short attention span)
- At the same time, while short, each one packs a powerful punch to your heart
- The style is most intriguing. Capitals aren't used. Reading something "unconventional" makes me feel like a badass
- There are a few illustrations- sketched out in a simple, striking, and sometimes shocking manner
- It is empowering, especially while reading the healing
- You are likely able to relate to something as this book spans the range of human emotion
- Each poem felt genuine. Rupi pours her raw self out there and even addresses the reader directly in the end. That's what I feel poetry should be- a form of art, molded however the author wishes, to share experiences with others. Poetry has a way of transmitting feeling/emotion in the most condense form.
- PS: the breaking was my favorite section
While this collection is different than Lovelace's works ("The Princess Saves Herself in This One" and "The Witch Doesn't Burn in This One"), there are similarities to them: the short, blunt, free style format, and the intense content- a majority touching upon empowering women despite various troubles and traumas. There were some instances that felt repetitive; however, it depends on the reader if this is a good or bad thing. I think it worked in Kaur's case.
It turns out I don't dislike poetry after all. I just didn't find the right style until now.
If you are still skeptical, look it up on Pinterest or Instagram. Many people took pics of their favorite passages (2 of my fav are below). That's what prompted me to buy this in the first place. SO, for you traditional novel lovers, I do recommend "milk and honey" if you want a nice therapy session for your soul. It's a change in pace, a breath of fresh air.
...And as an author...I'm tempted to write poems again! Thank you, Kaur for inspiring me!
Check it out. It's not hard to miss on the NY Best seller shelves!
(YES I KNOW, I need to get on reading my indie novels....)
Until then.............Peace! -J.E.