Title: Poems, Short Stories, and Things Remembered
Author: Gloria G. Blakeney
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing LLC
ISBN: 978-1-64361-596-7
Pages: 100
Genre: Fiction-Poem
Reviewed by: Christa Hill
Hollywood Book Reviews
Many of the poems in this collection reflect a religious attitude or perspective that lulls the reader into a more reverent state of mind. The perspective presented in to poems tends towards Christianity and a belief in Jesus Christ. Each of the stories and poems are wholesome, joyful, and simple. It is a very charming experience to read works that shun linguistic barochory and unrefined dialogue. Blakeney has complied a collection of works that clearly means something to her and those that she loves. She engages the reader with her knowledge of the life of Christ and the call on all human life to aim for more. Blakeney pulls from ordinary daily experiences to open her readers to the magic of living in the moment. Her poems remind us of the little things that make up special and unforgettable moments.
Out of all the poems I personally connected with her prose on friendship. It is good around the holiday season to remember friendship and the important role that it plays in all of our lives. The poet takes time to remind us that growing old with your friends is truly a gift worth having. Though Ms. Blakeney created the compilation many of the poems and pieces were written by relatives and friends. Still as the book progresses the poems become darker looking at death, addictions, and inner turmoil. Though it felt like a sudden change in tone it was rather nice to have the combination of light and shade in this little book.
The short story section of the book has a more personable retellings of Bible stories and a few funny stories about the lives of animals. The entire work is a quick read with good pacing that allows the reader to move through the book with ease. The poems covered a scope of topics, while some of the short stories felt disconnected from the book as a whole. Blakeney does present readers with raw thoughts about the human experience put under her perspective. This makes each poem relatable yet thought provoking as the reader reflects about the author’s perception on the topic.
Overall, this book is a good read and might be perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the pool.