Once I began reading Twelve, I couldn’t stop. I was captivated by her words and felt every teardrop of her grief. We are not taught how to grieve but Austin’s choice to document and share the first year of mourning her Mother’s death, is a beautiful way to begin. Her words inspire, comfort and sting. … Continue reading Review of TWELVE, Kindra M. Austin
Mercy Road is the third novel from Nicholas Gagnier I have read, and I have come to realise his storytelling is nothing less than addictive. The verb ‘devoured’ is probably the best way to describe how I read Mercy Road. This story is fast paced yet, to paraphrase Gandalf the Grey, everything happens precisely when … Continue reading Review of Mercy Road, Nicholas Gagnier
Everyone has the capacity to write. Some people write uplifting messages in greeting cards. Some people write hilarious commencement speeches. Some people write like their entire existence depends on it and in doing so etch their soul into the stars. After reading Composition of a Woman, Ray convinced me she was the latter. The Myths … Continue reading Review of The Myths of Girlhood, Christine E. Ray
Without a doubt, A Journal For Damned Lovers Volume 2 reveals S. K. Nicholas’ growth as an exceptional writer. He gives the reader even more of himself in this second volume and does not shy away from sharing the darkest thoughts, memories and dreams through this inner monologue. Styled as journal entries this volume oscillates … Continue reading Review of A Journal For Damned Lovers Vol 2 – S. K. Nicholas
Biscello’s style is new, unique and refreshing. The switch in pace, perspectives and narrative person unravelled a story which has no beginning nor end. It is a snapshot of a moment. The story centres around Pierangela - a troubled soul I could try and compare to characters like Holden Caulfield or Dorian Gray. I won’t, … Continue reading Review of Nocturne Variations, John Biscello
Samantha Lucero’s work is stunning. I was introduced to her through Sudden Denouement and I have been an avid follower ever since. It took me far too long to purchase and read Six Red Seeds and I urge you not to make the same mistake. At least I know ‘good things come to those who wait’ … Continue reading Review of Six Red Seeds, Samantha Lucero
I have admired and been inspired by Candice Daquin’s writing since being introduced to her almost a year ago. So, when the bundle of books I bought for Christmas all arrived, I picked up Pinch The Lock right away and finished it the very same day it had landed on my doorstep. Poem after poem … Continue reading Review of Pinch The Lock, Candice Daquin
Originally published on Blank Paper Press Gagnier’s Swear To Me, his first collection explicitly addressing mental health was a triumph. It united writers from across the globe and there was a raw honesty within the pages which helped me feel less alone as I read it. Gagnier calls us ‘legion’ and here, as ‘all the … Continue reading Review of All The Lonely People, Nicholas Gagnier
Originally published on Indie Blu(e). We Will Not Be Silenced is a collection of poetry, prose, essays and art which shares the lived experience of sexual harassment and sexual assault. It has been pieced together and pioneered by four incredible, courageous women who, in telling their truth, have a raised a chorus of ninety-one other … Continue reading Review of We Will Not Be Silenced
If there was anything I did make a conscious effort to improve this year, it was how much time I set aside for reading. I didn't set a number of books, I just kept a note of them. All in all, I read forty three books. The odd number may annoy some but it is … Continue reading Top Ten Books of 2018
