What others are saying!
I sit here with a bare soul, as my thoughts float on the breeze. Never knowing who has heard my whispers or reacted to my cries. I have always poured my words over the blank sheets before me with ink and left them etched in lead. I've left my mark for the world, so that all that dare to venture in my shoes may have their senses overwhelmed with all that I have encountered. No two people will experience it the same, but the following are just some of the thoughts that have ridden the wind through the trees and swirled across the plains on their way back to me.
Voyage of the Soul
"Voyage of The Soul" takes you on a journey through the lives of several characters. The author does a great job of describing the characters in such detail, the reader can't help but connect and relate to their feelings and actions. Their is an underlying love story, but it is not your typical sappy romance. The story of Elizabeth and Jacque relates to real life and the struggles and trials that true relationships go through. The story takes place in a different era, but many of the tribulations that Jacque and Elizabeth have to face could just as easily take place in today's society. Jacque is such a strong character with deep emotions. He faces so much devastation in his life but continues to persevere and do what needs to be done for the people he loves. Their story, along with the stories of some of the other characters in the novel, resonated deeply within me which led me to feel true emotion while reading the story. I feel a sign of a good book is when you can connect so deeply to the story and the characters that you feel and envision what they were experiencing. I was truly impressed for this being a first time, self-published novel by the author. - Mindy M.
The greatest thing about poetry is that it speaks to everyone in a different way. We may read the exact same poem, but respond to it very differently. The book, “So, You Said You Wanted To Get To Know Me”, by Brett A. Reif, is a collection of poems that transcend many subjects and themes. The best is when you find a poem that really speaks to you and it feels like your story or situation is being told through the poem or you read a romantic poem in which you wish the author was writing that for you. This collection included several poems that did exactly those two things. The author breaks the book into sections with poems on various subjects.
The first section is Life and Its Intricacies! Here is a taste of some of my favorites.
“The Pathway of Life” – Such power and meaning in just the first few lines: “Walking through the valley of life; Heaven on one side, Hell on the other. The path takes you through some of both…..”
“Shedding a Tear” – “For in life it is better to cry and live; Than to hold it in and die.” (I have read this poem several times and it means even more to me the next time I read it)
“Writing Away Tears” – “Drowning my sorrows in a puddle of hatred and pain; Fighting to float to the top is my smile; Lost in a sea of deprivation…..” The analogy and imagery is so visual. I can see the sorrows in the puddle as well as feel the struggle of trying to bring out the smile when you are drowning in sorrows.
“Lost” – “The soul is hidden as is the sun when a cloud smothers its light….” Again the analogy is so strong and visual.
“The Reaper” – “I don’t want to go; Please; I beg of you….”
“You” – “For when you find yourself; Only then can you; Be you.”
The next section is Love And Sensuality! Most everyone is looking for love if they haven’t yet found it. The poems in this section speak to a deep feeling of love that some of us may have never known. The poems give hope for a true and deep love to those who are searching and can remind those who have found that type of love how strong and special it can be.
“A Valentine’s Day Wish” – “Love her I do, but not for her looks; For her heart and soul; For eternity I will be happy; Just to have her in my life….”
“Your Love And Mine” – This is probably my favorite poem of the entire collection. “I guess that all I am trying to say; Is that I love you; Today; Tomorrow; And forever.”
“I’ll Wait” – And this is my other favorite….so fitting for my life at this moment. “ Here I’ll stay; Sitting on this bed; Till you join me; Finally completing my dream; Now a reality in my arms as we lay.”
“In the Shadows” – “Let me come out of the shadows; And tell you how much I love you; Let me show you your secrets and desires are safe with me; Let me come out of the shadows and set your heart free….”
The next section was Joys of Fatherhood!
“My Son” – “You have made my dreams come true; And I am here to make all yours a reality too….”
“For Both Our Sakes” – “Raging hatred once boiled in my veins; Each day that passed and you were kept; Kept from me for not what I’ve done; Or what I wouldn’t do; But because you were a pawn; The game I hope you never know….”
The last two sections are Quirkiness Makes The World Go Round and Pondering Still!
“The Crying Pillow” – “Crying face first in a pillow; Soaking it with the tears; Muffling the sobs and the screams; So no one else will know…”
In the section of Pondering Still the author asks several thought provoking questions which make the reader think about subjects and topics that may not always be at the forefront of your mind. I felt it was a great way to end the book. It also kept me interested and curious to have discussions on those questions and thoughts.
I really enjoyed the poetry in this book. This has now been included in my collection of favorites of all time. I have purchased the Kindle version, but feel I need the paperback version for the amount of times I have wanted to go back and re-read one of the poems. - Mindy M.
Future Reviews:
Thank you for taking the time to write a review of my work. Each word is beneficial and very much appreciated!