The Jewish Pilgrimage – An Exploration of Reality, Mainly in Verse
The Jewish Pilgrimage by Geoffrey Hoffman is clearly written to inspire philosophical discussion. This book depicts the author’s personal journey to find some form of understanding about man, our various versions of God and how this effects society and the use of its knowledge. He debates moral issues and provokes deep thinking in several areas that will never leave my mind as I travel along my own road.
Geoffrey questions the justness of creation itself and the gift of consciousness. Also he cleverly uses metaphors when he depicts various pieces of himself by using the universe, planets and astrological colors. Without a doubt this student of life, takes joy in nature. Throughout the book the author makes his awe in the vastness of the universe quite apparent.
My personal favorite piece was Beautiful Among The Buildings, which used powerful visual statements like:
"Night sprawls among the broken lives that line the broken street;
The lonely and unpitied men whose waste is our defeat.
Men stagger from dank cellars; men, imprisoned in their cars,
Go roaring into sightlessness – unmindful of the stars."
And the equally powerful anti-war piece, No Frontiers:
" The father carrying the limp body of his child,
The soldier staring at his amputated hand,
The little girl among the bloodied pieces of her parents –
What does it matter if they are of one side or another?
Dogma cannot grieve.
It is the pain of individuals that sears."
I also really appreciated Half Sight, which discussed the inability to witness the good and love in life when there is so much horror to distract us from it. Today Near Watford Market was a very moving piece for me in that it was so visual. It describes an event where the author witnesses a man speaking to the public about his lack of belief in religion. And "circling like wolves, the true-believers snarled, snapping at both his arguments and him." Yet nearby an elderly women fell, sprawling her shopping items on the ground around her. The non-believer ran over to her side and helped her on her way, "jostling to her assistance through unmoving ranks of true-believing ice". It is a beautiful story about seeing God where you least expect it.
In the later part of the book, the author moves away from poetry and gets in to verse debating who the Jewish people are, what they are perceived as being and the persecution of this group of people through the ages. His interesting look at the holocaust does not dwell on the sorrow or loss of the people – rather it centers on the people themselves.
By far, Jewish people are not the only race of people who have suffered at the hands of man and I think the author means to use the example as a tool to accelerate the intellectual growth of mankind.
ISBN#: 1-4137-7281-1
Author: Geoffrey Hoffman
Publisher: Publish America
Tampilkan postingan dengan label poetry. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label poetry. Tampilkan semua postingan
Rabu, 21 Desember 2011
Selasa, 22 November 2011
The Jewish Pilgrimage - Book Review
The Jewish Pilgrimage – An Exploration of Reality, Mainly in Verse
The Jewish Pilgrimage by Geoffrey Hoffman is clearly written to inspire philosophical discussion. This book depicts the author’s personal journey to find some form of understanding about man, our various versions of God and how this effects society and the use of its knowledge. He debates moral issues and provokes deep thinking in several areas that will never leave my mind as I travel along my own road.
Geoffrey questions the justness of creation itself and the gift of consciousness. Also he cleverly uses metaphors when he depicts various pieces of himself by using the universe, planets and astrological colors. Without a doubt this student of life, takes joy in nature. Throughout the book the author makes his awe in the vastness of the universe quite apparent.
My personal favorite piece was Beautiful Among The Buildings, which used powerful visual statements like:
"Night sprawls among the broken lives that line the broken street;
The lonely and unpitied men whose waste is our defeat.
Men stagger from dank cellars; men, imprisoned in their cars,
Go roaring into sightlessness – unmindful of the stars."
And the equally powerful anti-war piece, No Frontiers:
" The father carrying the limp body of his child,
The soldier staring at his amputated hand,
The little girl among the bloodied pieces of her parents –
What does it matter if they are of one side or another?
Dogma cannot grieve.
It is the pain of individuals that sears."
I also really appreciated Half Sight, which discussed the inability to witness the good and love in life when there is so much horror to distract us from it. Today Near Watford Market was a very moving piece for me in that it was so visual. It describes an event where the author witnesses a man speaking to the public about his lack of belief in religion. And "circling like wolves, the true-believers snarled, snapping at both his arguments and him." Yet nearby an elderly women fell, sprawling her shopping items on the ground around her. The non-believer ran over to her side and helped her on her way, "jostling to her assistance through unmoving ranks of true-believing ice". It is a beautiful story about seeing God where you least expect it.
In the later part of the book, the author moves away from poetry and gets in to verse debating who the Jewish people are, what they are perceived as being and the persecution of this group of people through the ages. His interesting look at the holocaust does not dwell on the sorrow or loss of the people – rather it centers on the people themselves.
By far, Jewish people are not the only race of people who have suffered at the hands of man and I think the author means to use the example as a tool to accelerate the intellectual growth of mankind.
ISBN#: 1-4137-7281-1
Author: Geoffrey Hoffman
Publisher: Publish America
The Jewish Pilgrimage by Geoffrey Hoffman is clearly written to inspire philosophical discussion. This book depicts the author’s personal journey to find some form of understanding about man, our various versions of God and how this effects society and the use of its knowledge. He debates moral issues and provokes deep thinking in several areas that will never leave my mind as I travel along my own road.
Geoffrey questions the justness of creation itself and the gift of consciousness. Also he cleverly uses metaphors when he depicts various pieces of himself by using the universe, planets and astrological colors. Without a doubt this student of life, takes joy in nature. Throughout the book the author makes his awe in the vastness of the universe quite apparent.
My personal favorite piece was Beautiful Among The Buildings, which used powerful visual statements like:
"Night sprawls among the broken lives that line the broken street;
The lonely and unpitied men whose waste is our defeat.
Men stagger from dank cellars; men, imprisoned in their cars,
Go roaring into sightlessness – unmindful of the stars."
And the equally powerful anti-war piece, No Frontiers:
" The father carrying the limp body of his child,
The soldier staring at his amputated hand,
The little girl among the bloodied pieces of her parents –
What does it matter if they are of one side or another?
Dogma cannot grieve.
It is the pain of individuals that sears."
I also really appreciated Half Sight, which discussed the inability to witness the good and love in life when there is so much horror to distract us from it. Today Near Watford Market was a very moving piece for me in that it was so visual. It describes an event where the author witnesses a man speaking to the public about his lack of belief in religion. And "circling like wolves, the true-believers snarled, snapping at both his arguments and him." Yet nearby an elderly women fell, sprawling her shopping items on the ground around her. The non-believer ran over to her side and helped her on her way, "jostling to her assistance through unmoving ranks of true-believing ice". It is a beautiful story about seeing God where you least expect it.
In the later part of the book, the author moves away from poetry and gets in to verse debating who the Jewish people are, what they are perceived as being and the persecution of this group of people through the ages. His interesting look at the holocaust does not dwell on the sorrow or loss of the people – rather it centers on the people themselves.
By far, Jewish people are not the only race of people who have suffered at the hands of man and I think the author means to use the example as a tool to accelerate the intellectual growth of mankind.
ISBN#: 1-4137-7281-1
Author: Geoffrey Hoffman
Publisher: Publish America
Senin, 21 Maret 2011
I Hear Gaea - Book Review
I have to say that I found this work simply breath-taking from the first poem on. Tessa Crigger focuses on issues of conscious living, anti-racism, natural resource consumption, the necessity of finding alternatives and the importance of the individual. At the end of the book, she gives readers a glimpse into her personal life, which I think was helpful in understanding the author.
Her unique style made me feel teleported to a warm night, a warming campfire and sitting quietly while listening to ancient stories and lessons orated by elders. It was a wonderful feeling.
Tessa insists upon the power of the individual: "act upon these things and turn no more blind eyes, become what we were meant to be and at least give it a try". Her passion for the health of the planet is quite admirable.
I was honestly so taken with what Tessa had to say, I even wrote the following quotes out for my bulletin board: "Nations are built upon it and wars are fought to keep it, when all along we should be looking for a way to heal it" and "The children must be given more than a picture or a museum, the nature of our planet cannot be found in a coliseum".
Though a little long, her poems had many valuable thoughts to share and did not seem to ramble or get redundant. I truly believe her work will help influence others to make an effort for a positive change. Just like ripples in the pond, each one of us can have a very real and important impact, even with the smallest of actions.
Her unique style made me feel teleported to a warm night, a warming campfire and sitting quietly while listening to ancient stories and lessons orated by elders. It was a wonderful feeling.
Tessa insists upon the power of the individual: "act upon these things and turn no more blind eyes, become what we were meant to be and at least give it a try". Her passion for the health of the planet is quite admirable.
I was honestly so taken with what Tessa had to say, I even wrote the following quotes out for my bulletin board: "Nations are built upon it and wars are fought to keep it, when all along we should be looking for a way to heal it" and "The children must be given more than a picture or a museum, the nature of our planet cannot be found in a coliseum".
Though a little long, her poems had many valuable thoughts to share and did not seem to ramble or get redundant. I truly believe her work will help influence others to make an effort for a positive change. Just like ripples in the pond, each one of us can have a very real and important impact, even with the smallest of actions.
Senin, 07 Februari 2011
I Kissed a Frog and My Prince Forgave Me - Book Review
Naomi Jo Rush new book of poetry, I Kissed a Frog and My Prince Forgave Me, is a well-crafted poetic journey through infidelity.
Naomi reveals the most vulnerable time in her married life. Her poetry teaches us that married couples tend to forget about each other’s needs and become absorbed in habitual day-to-day behavior. While she strained for the attention that her husband would not or could not provide Naomi put on a performance of a happily content wife, when she was really screaming with frustration inside.
Her confusion ripens with the prospect of temptation. The thrill of spontaneity coupled with feeling of being desired draws Naomi to her lover like a drowning person would desperately clutch at a lifeline.
Craving for her husband to notice the change and discovering she never wanted the marriage to end prompts Naomi to confess her wrong doings. When it is all revealed, Naomi endures the torturous guilt while watching her husband writhe in the pain she inflicted upon him.
In the end, I think Naomi provides hope for us all in showing us the reasons and effects of infidelity by walking us through the steps of recovering a marriage. I felt encouraged that marriages have a chance of thwarting this common mistake if we show one another love and open the channels of communication .We can thrive in a world of strife and temptation.
ISBN#: 1424100275
Author: Naomi Jo Rush
Publisher: Publish America
Naomi reveals the most vulnerable time in her married life. Her poetry teaches us that married couples tend to forget about each other’s needs and become absorbed in habitual day-to-day behavior. While she strained for the attention that her husband would not or could not provide Naomi put on a performance of a happily content wife, when she was really screaming with frustration inside.
Her confusion ripens with the prospect of temptation. The thrill of spontaneity coupled with feeling of being desired draws Naomi to her lover like a drowning person would desperately clutch at a lifeline.
Craving for her husband to notice the change and discovering she never wanted the marriage to end prompts Naomi to confess her wrong doings. When it is all revealed, Naomi endures the torturous guilt while watching her husband writhe in the pain she inflicted upon him.
In the end, I think Naomi provides hope for us all in showing us the reasons and effects of infidelity by walking us through the steps of recovering a marriage. I felt encouraged that marriages have a chance of thwarting this common mistake if we show one another love and open the channels of communication .We can thrive in a world of strife and temptation.
ISBN#: 1424100275
Author: Naomi Jo Rush
Publisher: Publish America
Jumat, 04 Februari 2011
Shattered Memories, Scattered Emotions - Book Review
Betty Woodrum released her first book of poetry entitled Shattered Memories, Scattered Emotions in on July 16, 2005. Her poetry is clean and simple and extremely honest. There is such a strong theme of the various forms of love that the word ‘love’ should almost be included in the title!
It is apparent throughout Betty’s poetry that friendships mean a great deal to her. The poem about online friends reveals how deeply the Internet is involved in our society’s home-life. Betty warns to never let feelings go left unsaid to the important people in our lives and then welcomes readers on a journey through some tough times in her life. Readers will watch Betty let go of the past, witness her learning to live in the moment and feel her suffocation while she battled depression.
Although Shattered Memories, Scattered Emotions could use a little editing, the poetry is well organized and is enjoyable to read. I certainly related to many of her poems, especially the one where she discusses the vulnerable feeling of being invisible and out of control. These are feelings I think many of us share – and this is what makes Betty’s book so special. She helps readers feel like they are not alone.
ISBN#: 1413784364
Author: Betty Woodrum
Publisher: Publish America
It is apparent throughout Betty’s poetry that friendships mean a great deal to her. The poem about online friends reveals how deeply the Internet is involved in our society’s home-life. Betty warns to never let feelings go left unsaid to the important people in our lives and then welcomes readers on a journey through some tough times in her life. Readers will watch Betty let go of the past, witness her learning to live in the moment and feel her suffocation while she battled depression.
Although Shattered Memories, Scattered Emotions could use a little editing, the poetry is well organized and is enjoyable to read. I certainly related to many of her poems, especially the one where she discusses the vulnerable feeling of being invisible and out of control. These are feelings I think many of us share – and this is what makes Betty’s book so special. She helps readers feel like they are not alone.
ISBN#: 1413784364
Author: Betty Woodrum
Publisher: Publish America
Kamis, 27 Januari 2011
Letter to Maya Angelou - Review
Letter to Maya Angelou is a book that is intended to entice the reader’s attention and provoke them to delve into deep thought on environmental and society issues.
One hundred breath-taking, intimate photographs of nature scenes have been included in this book. Beautiful shots of flocks of birds just taking off in flight, enchanting forests, stunning autumn color and incredible sunsets were enough to make me a fan of the book.
The photos are accompanied with poetic verses, which, unfortunately, did not strike a cord in me. Honestly, I did not even understand many of the verses. Overall, though, it was clear that the author’s intent was to encourage openness to adventure, the opportunity for growth and participation in issues that matter. I really liked a few statements in particular, "Let your heart be your guide, and the brain a tool" and "It’s always a holiday when you love".
Oluwadahusi is a man who has been juggling many hats for some time - from being a lawyer, author and poet, to the more rewarding efforts as a teacher and father. He warns his readers that "any apparent disorder in any of the text, lack of punctuation" was done with the intent to provoke the reader to fill in the blanks for themselves.
ISBN#: 1420820486
Author: Oluwadahunsi
Photographs provided by: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Publisher: Author House
One hundred breath-taking, intimate photographs of nature scenes have been included in this book. Beautiful shots of flocks of birds just taking off in flight, enchanting forests, stunning autumn color and incredible sunsets were enough to make me a fan of the book.
The photos are accompanied with poetic verses, which, unfortunately, did not strike a cord in me. Honestly, I did not even understand many of the verses. Overall, though, it was clear that the author’s intent was to encourage openness to adventure, the opportunity for growth and participation in issues that matter. I really liked a few statements in particular, "Let your heart be your guide, and the brain a tool" and "It’s always a holiday when you love".
Oluwadahusi is a man who has been juggling many hats for some time - from being a lawyer, author and poet, to the more rewarding efforts as a teacher and father. He warns his readers that "any apparent disorder in any of the text, lack of punctuation" was done with the intent to provoke the reader to fill in the blanks for themselves.
ISBN#: 1420820486
Author: Oluwadahunsi
Photographs provided by: US Fish & Wildlife Service
Publisher: Author House
Rabu, 26 Januari 2011
Pausing To Catch My Breath - Book Review
Debra Warren has appropriately titled her book of poetry ‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’. The pages depict this mother and grandmother as someone who I would personally love to sit across from at a kitchen table with a huge pot of tea and talk for hours.
Her style implements simple vocabulary with an honest appeal, yet her work is astoundingly moving. This is the kind of poetry that I like to read at a slow pace in order to allow the statements to really sink in. ‘I think’ is a good example of what I mean. ‘Today’ challenges readers to see beyond the mundane, by considering what others are experiencing that very moment. ‘Its Never Too Late’ was a moving piece about many kinds of incarceration. I related with ‘Trapped’, especially where she wrote, "I am trapped inside a body that betrays". ‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ is a particularly beautifully written piece. I hope to retain in memory my favorite line of this poem, "Hearing the music, I dance to my yesterdays". Debra also displays an appealing sense of humor in her work. I loved the imagery of viewing cruel and stupid people as "human speed bumps" along the road of life.
‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ most certainly displays Debra’s ability to use uncomplicated prose to create deep emotion, intellectual thought and crisp images.
ISBN#:14137767478
Author: Debra Warren
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
Her style implements simple vocabulary with an honest appeal, yet her work is astoundingly moving. This is the kind of poetry that I like to read at a slow pace in order to allow the statements to really sink in. ‘I think’ is a good example of what I mean. ‘Today’ challenges readers to see beyond the mundane, by considering what others are experiencing that very moment. ‘Its Never Too Late’ was a moving piece about many kinds of incarceration. I related with ‘Trapped’, especially where she wrote, "I am trapped inside a body that betrays". ‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ is a particularly beautifully written piece. I hope to retain in memory my favorite line of this poem, "Hearing the music, I dance to my yesterdays". Debra also displays an appealing sense of humor in her work. I loved the imagery of viewing cruel and stupid people as "human speed bumps" along the road of life.
‘Pausing to Catch My Breath’ most certainly displays Debra’s ability to use uncomplicated prose to create deep emotion, intellectual thought and crisp images.
ISBN#:14137767478
Author: Debra Warren
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
Kamis, 13 Januari 2011
A Voice in the Night
Seventy-five pages of poetic thought on everyday life, including the author’s frustrations with shopping and solicitors, greet the readers of A Voice in the Night, by GeorgeAnne Smith. She also includes a touching homage to the men and women who protect and serve us all. An interesting poem speaks from the view of a person who is shocked to find out someone was molested, when they had no idea it had happened.
GoergeAnne’s insightful life skills in Within You struck a chord in my mind that rang for days. I felt a sort of kin-ship with the author through Last Words of a Beauty Queen, a poem full of love for nature - something that is dear to my heart. In The Flow shows that poets are not striving for riches or recognition, but are fueled by the faint hope that their words may ease the journey for another human being and break the chains of their despair by making them feel less alone. With Eyes Open is a poem that refers to the purging effect that writing can have for the writer. I thought thatSeeds of Content has an interesting feel to it, reminiscent of chanting.
Glimpses of an older style of writing words slightly reversed, such as "searching we are, a golden life" and "on target, we all are" is something that I particularly picked up on.
To leave you with a little sample of A Voice in the Night, I have chosen this wonderfully written excerpt from the poem Awaken This Lifetime:
"Life may seem, but a merry chase,
Quite overwhelming, a dreary fate
Don’t get discouraged by a hurried pace,
Seek to awaken, for its never too late"
ISBN#: 1-4137-9489-0
Author: GeorgeAnne Smith
Publisher: Publish America
Published: Sept. 15, 2005
GoergeAnne’s insightful life skills in Within You struck a chord in my mind that rang for days. I felt a sort of kin-ship with the author through Last Words of a Beauty Queen, a poem full of love for nature - something that is dear to my heart. In The Flow shows that poets are not striving for riches or recognition, but are fueled by the faint hope that their words may ease the journey for another human being and break the chains of their despair by making them feel less alone. With Eyes Open is a poem that refers to the purging effect that writing can have for the writer. I thought thatSeeds of Content has an interesting feel to it, reminiscent of chanting.
Glimpses of an older style of writing words slightly reversed, such as "searching we are, a golden life" and "on target, we all are" is something that I particularly picked up on.
To leave you with a little sample of A Voice in the Night, I have chosen this wonderfully written excerpt from the poem Awaken This Lifetime:
"Life may seem, but a merry chase,
Quite overwhelming, a dreary fate
Don’t get discouraged by a hurried pace,
Seek to awaken, for its never too late"
ISBN#: 1-4137-9489-0
Author: GeorgeAnne Smith
Publisher: Publish America
Published: Sept. 15, 2005
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