Book Reviews: Poetry & Memoir…

Baydreamer - Lauren Scott

Aug 30

It Ain't Winning If Without You by Michelle Ayon Navajas

Michelle Ayon Navajas' 7^th book, It Ain't Winning If Without You, is a collection of beautiful poetry that is lovingly dedicated to her beloved father who has passed away. The poems are divided into three sections, most in her preferred form, freestyle, but many in various syllabic forms as well. Michelle pays tribute to her inspiring and hardworking muse that any author will find relatable. She writes about love for her father and love of the heart – its every edge, jagged and smooth. Then she pays tribute to those who read and love her work. A very endearing end to this collection.

This book is over 300 pages, so I took my time reading and rereading each poem. I nestled into my comfy sofa at the end of each evening and sunk into Michelle's engaging words. Her poetry is written in the first person, very intimate, so it was effortless to slide into each phrase and feel the emotions enfold me in their deepest meaning. Her style of writing is accessible and conversational as though we're sitting across from each other, sharing a cup of coffee or tea, and she's divulging her personal feelings.

Since both of my parents have passed, Michelle's poems about her father resonated. I know what the heart endures when a parent leaves our physical world. Her signature poem, "My Papa" truly tugs at the heart. But her love poems, well, the varied emotions are exquisitely expressed, and there were too many favorites to list, but a few are "Sixty-Five", "Crimson Sky", "What am I to You?", and "Loneliness too." A real beauty that exemplifies Michelle's talent is:

The Moon

the moon envies my midnight soul
for it shines brightly as it ever had
now that your heart has been thawed
from being frozen for so long
without even knowing why
without even asking why
but one thing is sure my dear
your unfrozen heart has made my soul
euphoric and alive and ecstatic
that even the moon has been jealous of.

This lovely collection of poems is meant to be savored, to slowly dip into the deliciousness for supreme enjoyment. Highly recommended for all poetry enthusiasts who love diving into poetry about the joys and sorrows of life, the struggles and celebrations of the heart, and poems on gratitude.

The Winding Road: A journey of Survival by Miriam Hurdle

The Winding Road by Miriam Hurdle is a detailed account of her journey after being diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2008. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because of its ability to spread to vital organs if it's not detected early. But this rare form of melanoma was discovered when Miriam was seen for a routine procedure. Imagine going in for a procedure that is conducted on a regular basis, then leaving with news that shockingly obscures the view you have of your future. When I began to read Miriam's narrative, a version of the old adage came to mind, "We can't truly understand unless we walk in the same shoes."

And yet, Miriam's story is relatable on the surface as my husband is a melanoma survivor. Even so, reading Miriam's experience evoked fearful memories of the days to follow the diagnosis when his outcome was still undetermined.

Miriam tells her story like it was without mincing any discomfort. Following the diagnosis, she was given two treatment options to choose from, and it was a difficult choice to make. Then The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost appeared in her mind, specifically these lines:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by.

And that has made all the difference.

Miriam wrote, "I gazed at the road of unknown. I sought affirmation."

I was so moved by this profound declaration.

I was also touched by the kindness of others that shined in various ways throughout her journey. This loving support afforded her the strength to keep believing, to continue pushing through the grueling treatment. The pain that Miriam endured was beyond unimaginable. But her persistence, faith, and strength were beyond commendable.

If you don't believe in miracles, I implore you to read this moving book because I know without a doubt, you'll have a change of heart.

I hope you enjoyed these interviews, and to read more of these wonderful authors, visit Michele here and Miriam here.

Thank you for stopping by and I wish you a fabulous day!