History of Present Complaint by HLR cleverly interweaves the terrifying past with the equally frightening present. HLR’s debut is brave and raw as she stoutly refuses to shy away from the palatable. This collection of poetry and prose transgresses boundaries and will evoke a deep-seated grief and ache within any reader. HLR’s work focuses on … Continue reading Advance Review of History of Present Complaint, HLR
"stepping boldly and bravely / into the glaring unknown."[Floodlights] Moonglow on Mercy Street is John Biscello's newest poetry collection which reflects on the past year and showcases Biscello's wondrous talent for poetry and storytelling. Part one of this collection is beautifully kind to the reader: 'bless your broken softly' [How the Light Gets In]. 'Birthing … Continue reading Advance Review of Moonglow on Mercy Street, John Biscello
I Saw Myself Alive in a Coffin, Kait Quinn's second poetry collection, begins with a wonderful author's note detailing Quinn's honest intentions. Through her experience with depression, grief and suicidal ideation, Death and thinking about death became ever present in Quinn's consciousness and so in her poetry too. And yet, Quinn does not seek to … Continue reading Advance Review: I Saw Myself Alive in a Coffin by Kait Quinn
"the world will feel too tight - the skin of a peachabout to burst." [For Louise] These lines from Feroze’s poem,‘For Louise’, from her debut collection The Colour of Hope beautifully and evocatively summarise the collective experience of people across the globe, this year. ‘For Louise’ spoke of a universal hope which the Foreword of … Continue reading Advance review of The Colour of Hope, Jen Feroze
First published on Reedsy Discovery When I read a poetry collection, my desire is to know the poet by the time I read the final piece. I crave an insight, a journey, no matter how small, something I can recognise because I have seen it before in my reflection; and allow it to move me. … Continue reading Review of The Glenmore Sessions, Joseph Fulkerson
“My reflection in the train window settles/between the trees/beyond the glass/lining the field of gold.” In itself, the opening of the title poem speaks of forlorn reluctance, wishes, and wonders. It must be because there’s something so powerful and intimate about one’s reflection; we study ourselves and pick up every nuance, whether we want to … Continue reading Advance Review of Between the Trees, Kindra M. Austin
“For the first time, I saw a way out and it was beautiful.” Many known poets were older, for the simple reason, by the time they become known they are either dead or have lived many years. Kristiana Reed is one of those exceptionally gifted writers who like Mary Shelley, was able to find her … Continue reading Advance Review of Between the Trees, Candice Daquin
First published on Reedsy Discovery Cherney’s novel is a beautifully written account of Saskia Soyer’s downward spiral after her father’s death. The writing is fluid and buoyant; taking you from one part of Saskia’s story to the next. It isn’t an easy ride, however, as moments like Saskia’s encounters with Rick, substance abuse and Grey, … Continue reading Review of Happy as Larry: A New York Story of Cults, Crushes and Quaaludes, Kaethe Cherney
The first word that comes to mind when reading Reed's work- which is not limited to her customary free verse, but prose and shorter poems like “Hope”, - is haunting. At the same time, that seems a primitive, schoolyard adjective. Haunting are the ghost stories we told our younger siblings and friends in hopes of … Continue reading Advance Review of Between the Trees, Nicholas Gagnier
