First published on Reedsy Discovery. Beginning with ‘core’, Neutron Star by Kevin Charles Johnson II, focuses on identity, family, love and legacy. Johnson grounds his identity in his blackness and in the power of his spoken and written word. ‘Birthday’ is fantastically honest and shares with the reader who Johnson is. It is also a hallmark piece, … Continue reading Review of Neutron Star, Kevin Johnson
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Pages from the Pizza Crows is as abstract and weird as it is wonderful. Fiction’s synopsis suggests any reader is in for a bizarre read as each tale told is determined by the pizza type and toppings fed to the crow who visits the narrator each night. Fiction’s premise is … Continue reading Review of Pages from the Pizza Crows, Odd Fiction
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. The Rocky Orchard is Monier’s fourth novel and a testament to her experience and craft. Monier captures Mazie, the novel’s protagonist, exceptionally. From four years old to her late twenties, Mazie’s characterisation is realistic and charts her growth as a young woman; whilst still reminding us all of the traits … Continue reading Review of The Rocky Orchard, Barbara Monier
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Written during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Epiphaneia is a collection which explores life, loss, grief and community. From the very beginning, Georges speaks with maturity, experience and wisdom; immediately placing Epiphaneia above several, current poetry releases as its poetic calibre ensures it deserves a space on everyone’s bookshelf. At … Continue reading Review of Epiphaneia, Richard Georges
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Green’s collection, Gates, is refreshing, original and a book for the 21st century. Behind Green’s words are the stories, thoughts and feelings of a human being who loves, wins and loses too. Split into two parts, Gates is a collection of quiet, inimitable power. It begins with ‘Namesake’, a poem … Continue reading Review of Gates, Jay Green
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Stargazer by Rachel M. Patterson is a short collection of seventeen poems and illustrations. Often, I search for the story beneath any collection but Patterson’s debut reads more as a foray into the craft rather than a journey. Consequently, Stargazer deals with a myriad of subjects - from Eden, to … Continue reading Review of Stargazer, Rachel M. Patterson
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Nelson’s Journal follows the life, dreams and experiences of Nelson Phillips; a man raised to follow his dreams and the lessons they teach him. Each chapter holds one of these dreams and life lessons for both Nelson to respond to and for the reader to question and gain a new … Continue reading Review of Nelson’s Journal, Joseph Mendola
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. The eponymous piece of this collection is its crowning glory and it left me wishing Baird had written a collection of short prose rather than poetry. This short piece immediately transports the reader into a twilight zone between reality and distortion. The end is utterly bizarre but in a way … Continue reading Review of The Girl in the Purple Room, Patrick Baird
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. Framed by the death of Chairman Mao and the student protests in Tiananmen Square, Horko's novel tells the story of Melissa; a woman from the UK whose life is tied to the events in China due to her relationship with activist Jianguo and the birth of her son, Justin. Through … Continue reading Review of A Book of Changes, Krystyna Horko
Originally published on Reedsy Discovery. "Your body caught in a wave Turning you over in the thick brine" In archaeology, a tel (Hebrew for 'hill' or 'mound') is a mound formed by generations of people living in the same place for hundreds and thousands of years. Whilst, 'Aviv' is Hebrew for 'spring'. Thus, Karlan's three … Continue reading Review of Tel, S. Karlan
