My Catchphrases

Thursday 31 March 2011

Thursday Tunes: Song of the Month May: Gayle Forman: Poll and Giveaway

I am so excited that Gayle Forman has agreed to choose the Song of the Month for April to coincide with the publication of Where She Went.

Read Gayle's very interesting Bio here

This months song is chosen by the amazing Gayle Forman. The only problem is, Gayle has given me 2 amazing songs to choose from - both fitting to Adam [ : D ] So I thought I would enlist your help. Take part in the poll to decide the song of the month for your chance to win a copy of Where She Went - review here.

This is what Gayle had to say about the song choices:
How about Sufjan Steven's Chicago. Even though it's not a NYC song there is something about that song that is such pure redemption, it makes me cry and always made me think of Adam. Either that or Guided By Voices (band name alone is fitting for Adam) I Am A Scientist.

First song is: Sufjan Stevens - Chicago


Isn't it beautiful and yes, Gayle and I know it is called Chicago and that Where She Went is set in NYC but just look at those lyrics.

Second Song: Guided by Voices - I am a Scientist

Now do you see why I couldn't make a decision [ : D ]


If you had a second chance at first love . . . would you take it?
It’s been three years since Adam’s love saved Mia after the accident that annihilated life as she knew it . . . and three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard’s rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia’s home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future—and each other.
Told from Adam’s point of view in the spare, powerful prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.

Check out Gayle's playlist here

The Song and the Winner will be announced next Thursday 7th April. Open Internationally. You don't have to be a follower but I am not going to stop you if you want to [ ; D ] All votes to be made by Wednesday 6th April Midday. Remember to vote. Comments much appreciated [ : D ]

Don't forget to pre-order your copy of Where She Went publication date 28th April.

GOOD LUCK

Wednesday 30 March 2011

Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins


Title: Hex Hall
Series: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Children's
Publication Date: 1 April 2010

Source: Own



Synopsis: From Amazon
In the wake of a love spell gone horribly wrong, Sophie Mercer, a sixteen-year-old witch, is shipped off to Hecate Hall, a boarding school for witches, shapeshifters and faeries. The traumas of mortal high school are nothing compared to the goings on at "Freak High." It's bad enough that she has to deal with a trio of mean girls led by the glamorous Elodie, but it's even worse when she begins to fall for Elodie's gorgeous boyfriend, Archer Cross, and frankly terrifying that the trio are an extremely powerful coven of dark witches. But when Sophie begins to learn the disturbing truth about her father, she is forced to face demons both metaphorical and real, and come to terms with her own growing power as a witch.

Review:
This book has a most refreshing take on the paranormal/supernatural genre. I adored the snarky first person narrative voice (you know I adore sarcasm) Sophie was so easy to relate to, normal teen angst, hot boy crushes and mean girl cliques mixed with kicking butt magical powers. The direct address to the reader at intervals gave it a really personal feel to the story.

Beautiful scene setting and background detail revealed throughout while keeping the element of surprise. As you are probably aware I am good at guessing plot twists - I think it stems from the amount of reading I have done (or my age) - but this one took me completely by surprise on so many levels.

The school itself is an interesting concept, the descriptions conjure southern Gothic imagery set alongside the idea of a reform school for magical beings; providing a setting that is both prison like yet strangely comfortable, oxymoronic within my imagination (that is my word of the day I just wanted to use it).  The way in which the cliques and allegiances were portrayed it was difficult to know who was good and who was bad. This really kept me on my toes.

There are some really beautifully executed twists, I really did not see them coming, this is very rare. The unexpected discoveries added to the suspense of the plot. The action is fast paced, dynamic drama, romantic tension and suspenseful anticipation all add up to a compelling read.

All the characters were individually interesting and their interactions were well executed. The way in which relationships change due to circumstances was skillfully portrayed in the narrative. I have to say that each individual character played a unique role to the plot, some in very surprising ways. I adored the friendship between Sophie and Jenna, initially formed by their joint outcast status it quickly progresses to a deeper bond. Plus who can resist a vampire that has such an obsession with the colour pink lol.

The romantic interests I actually enjoyed even though I am burnt-out on the love triangle aspects used so often at the moment, I have to say that this wasn't so much a love triangle as more life getting in the way of romance.

I have actually had this book for a while and pushed it to the top of the pile as the second book arrived from UK Book Tours - I am so glad I did. I am equally glad that I had the second book to read straight after it.

Tuesday 29 March 2011

Trailer Tuesday: Trash by Andy Mulligan and Give-away

Raphael is a dumpsite boy. He spends his days wading through mountains of steaming trash, sifting it, sorting it, breathing it, sleeping next to it.
Then one unlucky-lucky day, Raphael’s world turns upside down. A small leather bag falls into his hands. It’s a bag of clues. It’s a bag of hope. It’s a bag that will change everything.
Soon Raphael and his friends Gardo and Rat are running for their lives. Wanted by the police, it takes all their quick-thinking, fast-talking to stay ahead. As the net tightens, they uncover a dead man’s mission to put right a terrible wrong.
And now it's three street-boys against the world...



Are you intrigued now?? Do you want it???

To celebrate the paperback release on the 31st March the publisher is kindly offering a 5 copies as a giveaway. To enter just fill out the form below and leave a comment please. You do not have to be a follower to enter but I am not going to stop you if you want to be [ ; D ] Closes Midday Tuesday 12th April, Winner will be chosen via Random.org Announced Saturday 16th April. 1 International winner, 4 UK (I have to count the pennies you know [ ; D ]


GOOD LUCK

Monday 28 March 2011

MG Monday: Review: Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt


Title: Princess for Hire
Series: Princess for Hire
Author: Lindsey Leavitt
Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd
Publication Date: 1 Feb 2010

Source: Library



Synopsis: From Amazon
Wanted: teenage girl to serve as substitute princess. Must be willing to travel. Please call Meredith. Ever wanted to be a princess? To float away from your ordinary life and swan about in a tiara, with everyone telling you how fabulous you are? Desi desperately wants to escape her boring, unfulfilling life in Hicksville, Idaho. And now she has the chance - she's got a job substituting for various real princesses when they need a holiday. But not all princesses live in a palace, and not all princes are gorgeous...plus the whole fairy godmother thing is seriously misleading. Thrown into the job with little training, Desi finds that she'll need an awful lot of luck - and a bit of magic - to get by. Maybe having your wishes granted isn't always as straight forward as it seems.

Review:
I knew I was going to love this book from the word Go. What little girl doesn't dream of being a Princess, I look at my 5 year old playing dress up and she favours the sparkly princess dress and tiaras. She will then get out the toy castle and have a princess tea party for her sisters and teddies. Although the 10 year old gets slightly 'miffed' at this as it is no longer 'cool' to want to be a princess at 10 (lol). I haven't broken it to her yet that the 5 year old is having a Princess tea party for her birthday in May and she is to be part of the entertainment *insert evil laugh*

Written in first person narrative from Desi's perspective, she has a fun, sarcastic narrative voice. You already know I love sarcasm so I adored the snarky one liners Desi came out with. We don't have anything unusual in the storyline but that doesn't matter the way in which the characters and their interactions are portrayed is so quirky giving it a uniqueness of its own.

The basic elements of a standard fairytale - working for little money, the mean girl, the romantic crush on the popular boy - are all elements within the narrative, but given a totally modern twist which makes it fun. This isn't a book to be taken seriously but a nice refreshing break from reality where dreams can come true.
The way in which the portrayal of bullying stemming from Desi's fathers job really struck home with me, working in a school and having to tell certain students off always causes friction, I would not want my children to be bullied for anything relating to my job - so I don't think they will be coming to the school I work in.

One of my favourite aspects of the book was the beautifully visual descriptions, really wonderful pictures to conjure in the imagination and escape reality. The OCD fairy godmother character was fantastic and unnervingly easy to relate to [ : D ] I am know carefully scouring pet shops for magic fish. Plus who wouldn't want to travel in a bubble. Told you it was quirky.

The use of old movie references peppering the narrative added a sense of realism . The way in which Desi's self-confidence grew as a result of helping others was inspiring. From experience it is sometimes easier to deal with other peoples problems than your own, maybe because you are too close to a situation, through helping others you can gain insight into yourself as Desi did.

I will be giving this one to the 8 year old when she gets a little older. A lovely light read providing a much needed escape from reality. An enchanting modern fairytale. Now where are those magic fish [ ; D]

Sunday 27 March 2011

In My Mailbox #11-2011


In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren giving me the oppurtunity to thank all the generous people that donate books to the school library.

Also the book buying madness induced by Jenny from Wondrous Reads.

This is one heck of a mailbox so be prepared.



FOR THE LIBRARY

Donated by the fabulous Michelle of Clover Hill Book Reviews

(I really wanted this book for the library for ages)
(my copy for the library returned among these beauties)
(again this is going to the Upper Library - I cant wait to see it fly off the shelves)
*Squee*
(sounds really good - passing to the Upper Library as an older age range)


Donated by the lovely Vivienne of Serendipity. Viv won 2 copies and kindly donated this one.

(Sounds so good *looks at TBR pile*)


From the publisher for a little something planned later in the year { : D

(looks at TBR pile again)


Donated by the lovely Susie Day who is also welsh and understands my welshisms on twitter <3

(the poor kids have had the first 2 books and we havent been able to get this one *happy dances)
(this is so funny. I actually prefer the layout of the US copy. Review here)
(I cant wait to read this. Shhh dont tell the kids I am reading it first)


Donated by the fantastic SC Ransom who I think may just have superpowers { : D

(keeping tight reign on this one - these tend to dissappear *glares at pupils*)


Donated by the wonderful Luisa Plaja. One of the nicest people in the entire world <3



Donated by the fab Hayley Long herself - when she found out we needed books for the library she offerd these <3

(shhh *whispers* these are going to be read by me too)

BOOK BUYING MADNESS


I am definately putting this down to Jenny from Wondrous Reads for encouraging me to go to The Works

(so pretty)
(had these on my wishlist for ages)
(another I have been wanting for ages)


Tempting Asda offers - the trolley goes there automatically I have no choice {: D

(I am on the verge of giving up on this series - I need an ending)
(love this cover - hoping it is better than the Wicked series as I detested the ending of that one)
(again I was swayed by the cove not realising it is the 2nd in the series)


Swapped:

(cover so pretty - I love pretty covers if you hadn't noticed)


Finished copy from the Publisher:

(saeriously love this book - I just cannot get it out of my head. It is staying in my permenant collection. Review here)

So that is it for this weeks mega IMM.
Huge thanks to you all for the donations they are really appreciated.
Hugs you all

Saturday 26 March 2011

Saturday Spotlight: Guest Post: Lacey Weatherford: Have you hugged a Librarian today?

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I feel very privileged to hold a guest post from Lacey, not only are her books fantastic (really one of the best literary couples EVER) but she is so lovely as well. Lacey has recently changed publishers and new content, covers, etc are now available - more along the lines of what Lacey had in mind in the first place. Unfortunately, as yet, Lacey does not have a UK publisher and I for one would dearly like to see that changed. If you go to Tuesday's Trailer you can get a coupon to download the first book in the series for FREE.   Over to Lacey:


I’m actually quite excited to do this guest post today because I get to talk a little bit about a subject which is very near and dear to my heart, and that is libraries/librarians and how they influenced me toward writing.

When I was younger I couldn't wait for an opportunity to go to the library. We had one in the back room of the small country school I attended, and it also served as our town library too.

Our librarian’s name was Orpha Jackson, she was my great aunt, and she was one of the most wonderful people I have ever known. She was an older lady, who would light up when I would come into the room to talk to her about books. Often times I was the only one in the library, so she would follow me around, visiting with me and helping me to carefully check out books.

I loved visiting with her, and I loved being able to take those books home and devour what was between their pages while curled up in a cozy spot. We didn't have a television at that time, so reading was my number one entertainment. Most times I was finished with my books in a day or two and eager to return to the library again.

It was during this time, on a day spent with aunt Orpha that I discovered my first Nancy Drew book, reading it on her recommendation. I was eight years old and I was instantly hooked! I read the several volumes that our library carried and when I ran out aunt Orpha told me there were more copies of them in the neighboring town’s library.

I soon had a membership at that library too, and continued reading as often as the occasion would arise. This series was what initial made me want to become a writer, and I began writing my own little mysteries, that starred myself and my cousin. I believe my first mystery was called, The Diamond Caper. It was totally laughable, but hey, I was nine at the time!

As I grew older, into my late teens, I continued to check out books to read while I dabbled with writing stories for friends, or sometimes even giving a few shots at poetry too. I helped out with story time at the library on occasion, and when fundraising was started to build a new town library, I volunteered my services as a clown for the big country festivals they would have. (I've been clowning around ever since! Ha)

After I was married, I briefly served as President for The Friends of the Library of our new town library, and I kind of felt like things had come full circle.

I recently took my kids, nieces and nephews to a library and they all freaked out because they found my books sitting on the shelf. This particular library is on a county system so it’s a network of several libraries. I found out while I was there that my books were the number one checked out books in three of their libraries, with long waiting list to be checked out. The librarian laughed and said they had to keep replacing the books because they tended to “disappear” a lot.

I just shook my head in awe. Never did I imagine that I might be an author supplying books for others to read someday. I definitely attribute my becoming a writer to those young childhood adventures to the library.

So my advice to you is this. Go to your public library. Let your cities know they are important to you by frequenting them often. Too many of them are being forced to close due to budget cuts lately. And most importantly, if that good librarian behind the counter inspires you then give her a hug and tell her so! It will make her/his day!

My sweet aunt Orpha has long ago passed away, but I know without a doubt she would be thrilled to see my books in HER library today!

Thank you Lacey for that wonderful post. It really must be surreal to see something you wrote on the library shelves.

Lacey Weatherford has always had a love of books. She wanted to become a writer after reading her first Nancy Drew novel at the age of eight. She resides in the White Mountains of Arizona, where she lives with her wonderful husband, six beautiful children, one son-in-law and their energetic schnauzer, Sophie. When she's not out supporting one of her kids at their sporting/music events, she spends her time writing, reading, blogging, and reviewing books.

Lacey also has a new promoter in the form of the lovely Belinda Boring. Go take a look at all the hard work these guys do.



We want to reward all the wonderful followers of this blog tour, so what better way to do that than to give away a free Kindle and Of Witches and Warlocks Swag!

Being entered to win is easy!

All you have to do is follow the tour each day and search for the highlighted (different colour) words in the post.

There may be only one word on some days or two or more on others, so be sure to read the whole post.

They could be anywhere…even in this description!

Keep collecting the words each day to build a certain phrase.

At the end of the tour on April 22nd, bring your completed phrase to The Delusional Diaries and submit it into the form to be entered into the Kindle drawing!

Did you miss a day? No worries! Just follow the linky list on The Delusional Diaries to the post for that day and search for it.

After you have submitted the special phrase, add up all the times you commented on the different posts during the tour and add that number for extra entries!

Lots of chances!

So come join in the FUN!

Friday 25 March 2011

Review: The Demon's Kiss by Lacey Weatherford


Title: The Demon's Kiss
Series: Of Witches and Warlocks
Author: Lacey Weatherford
Publisher: Global Authors Publications
Publication Date: 13 Apr 2010

Source: Loaned from the adorable Susan K Mann




Synopsis: From Amazon
Can someone else's past come back to bite you? After being drained of nearly all the blood in her body, novice witch, Portia Mullins, wakes up to find that her warlock boyfriend, Vance Mangum, has fled in search of his demon father. Determined to keep him from facing the evil alone Portia follows after him, unknowingly setting herself on the path of a new adventure that will take her, Vance, and their coven over international borders, into a foreign place where they will discover that the black magic which awaits them is far worse than they ever imagined. Portia finds herself tangled up in a web of lies and deceit in an other's quest for demonic power in the excitingly romantic second paranormal novel in the Of Witches and Warlocks Series, The Demon Kiss.

Review:
Following on from The Trouble with Spells Portia has developed into a really strong female character around which the rest of the characters seem to orbit. I love Portia as a role model even if she sometimes lacks 'common' sense which ultimately leads to dangerous situations.

Vance's conflict against his demonic nature is endearing. The deep bond he shares with Portia was heart warming to follow, especially shining through the narrative when Portia helps Vance cope with the physical pain it causes him to struggle against the demon raging inside him. The chemistry between these two literally crackles from the pages.  The way in which Lacey handles the physical side of the relationship as not to be rushed into and a true commitment adds to her abilities as a writer. It would have been all to easy to slip into eroticism with this but I feel it does the relationship justice (alongside the story as a whole) the way in which it was dealt with.

The character development across the board was stunning. All of the characters were developed uniquely yet made up the whole 'coven' if you will, each person had a specific role and no-one was a 'weak link' so to speak. I especially enjoyed the way in which the 'human' characters were included in the paranormal storyline. Playing a crucial role within the plot and their actions were pivotal to the action. Proving that a single person can make a difference even if they do not have 'special powers'. The group dynamics, character development interactions was just fantastic.

Some of the scenes were quite gory and scary for me (as I don't do gore or horror) but the beautiful romance and 'that' [ ; D ] romantic scene stole my heart and more than made up for the gore. The action is fast paced and really keeps you on your toes. There is a jaw-dropping cliff hanger of an ending - just be prepared to rush straight out and buy the next book.

This book is the complete package.

Seriously UK publishers you really need to scoop this writer up. She already has a 'cult' following [ : D ]

Thursday 24 March 2011

Thursday Tunes: Guest Post: Musical Moments by Laura aka SisterSpooky Part 1

Asamum Booktopia is honoured to welcome Laura aka SisterSpooky to Musical Moments, Laura has fantastic music tastes, so much so that I have had to split her post into 2 parts [ : D ]

I love a good list and I love making music play-lists too. I’m a bit addicted to making play-lists for books while I read them, fan mixes for my favourite TV shows and just general play-lists that suit different moods or eras. I live by list making and Post-it notes are my favourite thing in the world because they double up as instant bookmarks!

So when I was so kindly asked if I wanted to make a post about a ‘Soundtrack of my Life’ I was already shuffling my Music player and flipping around my vinyl’s to make my selections. First off it’s really really hard to do but I’ve picked some songs I just love, some that remind me of times in my life or people and others just because they need to be seen and recommended! There isn’t a real order but these are just the few I would say define me and my musical tastes.


I’m a DIE-HARD MCR fan. Like the kind of fan that camps out at the venue and “sleeps” in the rain to be at the barrier and then waits after to try and meet them.....again. This is my favourite track I would say. I even have a tattoo featuring the lyrics. It’s about taking the negative and using it to make positives. Go buy their albums and see them live; it will change your life. I love all their records but also see Honey, This mirror ain’t big enough for the two of us, It’s not a fashion statement, I’m not okay, Na Na Na, Destroya, Planetary (go!), Sleep and Mama (or just go buy their entire back catalogue!)


I grew up listening to Queen when all the other little girls had Boyzone posters on their walls and I can still remember driving around with my dad and brother with this song playing at max volume and the windows steaming up because we were bouncing around in the back seats. Classic also see Going to California –Led Zeppelin. Another band that I can credit my dad with introducing me it.


Such a good band and this is an amazingly beautiful song. Just the vocals and a piano. Kind of a sad reason but it was one of my dad’s fav songs and the one I picked to have at his funeral. It’s all about remembering the past, living in the moment and the joy of the simple things. Another tattoo I have (seeing a theme right).

Great rock band with a great live show. Songs of my youth and an album I think I stole from my younger brother when his musical tastes shifted.

Band that makes me think about my best friend and college because she recommended the CD to me at the time and his vocals are so pure and tragic. Dashboard does songs will help you get over the bad times and bad break ups!

Ahh pop punk served me well in my teens and this is just the best song to play loud and jump around to for no reason other than to be happy and bouncy! See also The Rock Show- Blink 182 and Fat Lip –Sum 41


I love ‘Labyrinth’. It’s my favourite movie ever and this is on the soundtrack. David Bowie is just so cool but I still love him for this movie, the OST and being my first crush in that movie. Ha-ha.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful selection with us, Laura made me both laugh and cry through her post and the great thing is there is more to come.

Follow/Stalk Laura:


And I just had to include this photo of Laura's incredible body art [ ; D ]


 

Wednesday 23 March 2011

Review: Fallen Angel by Heather Terrell


Title: Fallen Angel
Series: Fallen Angel
Author: Heather Terrell
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Book Group
Publication Date: 28 Dec 2010

Source: International Book Tours - thank you




Synopsis: From GoodReads
Heaven-sent?
Ellie was never particularly good at talking to boys—or anyone other than her best friend and fellow outcast, Ruth. Then she met Michael.
Michael is handsome, charming, sweet. And totally into Ellie. It’s no wonder she is instantly drawn to him. But Michael has a secret. And he knows Ellie is hiding something, too. They've both discovered they have powers beyond their imagining. Powers that are otherworldly.
Ellie and Michael are determined to uncover what they are, and how they got this way . . . together. But the truth has repercussions neither could have imagined. Soon they find themselves center stage in an ancient conflict that threatens to destroy everything they love. And it is no longer clear whether Ellie and Michael will choose the same side.

Review:
Urghhh I am berating myself for not writing this review as soon as I finished the book, as I have forgotten quite a bit of what I wanted to say. I am torn with this one, there are good points and not so good points.  I will say that I enjoyed the basic premise of it.

The story is written in first person narrative from Ellie's point of view, at 16 her parents have brought her up to be socially responsible - putting other people before herself in all respects. Her parents are professors who implement eco-friendly farming techniques in third world countries during their holidays. They have instilled a deep moral code in Ellie from a young age. Ellie does however, make hasty decisions with no real thought to her actions or their consequences.

I did find the story to be slightly disjointed, as I read an ARC there were quite a few grammatical, spelling and continuity problems that I hope were addressed in the finished copy. The plot moved quite slowly and at times lacked direction, the pace of the book seemed to lack 'flow', an all or nothing scenario. It does take shape towards the end of the book which ultimately left me pining for the next book in order to get my questions answered.

The cross-over vampire and angel mythology reminded me of the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz minus the glitz. Well researched biblical references added depth to the plot. Ingenious use of one of the lesser known names for the Devil conjured up the imagery even if you were unaware of the connection with the name.

The romance and chemistry between Ellie and Michael was intense and worked really well. You do question whether their relationship is 'healthy' and I think that is what Heather Terrell was aiming for with the storyline. Far more connotations from their relationship with regards to the main plot are hinted at but yet to be disclosed. Their true identities and purposes are implied but not completely revealed, leaving me jumping to a lot of assumptions without the benefit of verification one way or another.

I have to mention that I completely detested the whole memory loss angle employed at one point in the story. The whole 'was it just a dream' made me want to throw the book across the room. But that may just be me.

At the end of the book I was left with so many unanswered questions - although I was disappointed with the pacing of the plot - I still feel compelled to read the sequel in order to discover the direction the plot takes and hopefully get my questions answered.

Tuesday 22 March 2011

Trailer Tuesday: Of Witches and Warlocks by Lacey Weatherford plus free e-book

Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant from a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears its ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold on to the one thing that really matters in her life.

Review here

Seriously this book contains one of the best literary couples ever - the passion crackles from between the pages.
Plus Lacey is just so darn cute (see video at the bottom of this page). Laceys books are being republished with a new publisher, they contain new content *happy sigh*. So now is the time to go get them.



Convinced yet???


See what I mean - super cute [ : D ]

Plus you can download a free e-book of The Trouble with Spells for a limited time only using the code on the coupon displayed below. Just go to the SmashWords website by clicking the link and input the code at checkout. ENJOY.



Monday 21 March 2011

World Poetry Day: Another Country Haiku Poetry from Wales by Nigel Jenkins




Title: Another Country Haiku Poetry from Wales
Author/Editor: Nigel Jenkins
Publisher: Gomer Press
Publication Date: 15 Mar 2011





Synopsis: From Amazon
This is the first ever Welsh national anthology of haiku poetry, and features the work of forty authors who have contributed significantly to the development and popularity of this most ancient yet versatile of literary forms. Concise, precise and evocative, and taking us on a journey through and around the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of everyday life, these poems have been selected and edited by three highly respected pioneers of the haiku in Wales, Nigel Jenkins, Ken Jones and Lynne Rees

Thanks to the wonderful Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea I have a taster of the poems included in this gorgeous book.

Rain and the ghosts of rain

conjure the mountain.

Everything will disappear.

Tony Curtis

a bullfinch sparks off

into the gloom an old

sadness returns

Chris Torrance

again
this evening

filling the space between us

the scent of honeysuckle

John Rowlands

Winter light

inside our bedroom window

the spider’s web abandoned

Ken Jones
Hay’s almost in –

Summer’s too short here

for romance

Marion Carlisle

At sunset

My shadow

Grows absent

Humberto Gatica

I hope this has encouraged you to give poetry a try.
Thanks for reading

World Poetry Day: Guest Poem: Written by the Gorgeous Susan K Mann

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It is my pleasure to host a poem from one of the nicest people I know. She is a truly lovely person and without her I would be crying in the corner that my blog had disappeared. This poem is taken from Susan's blog with her permission. Although Susan insists she isn't very good I think it is wonderful. I will let you make up your own mind. Go check out Susan's fabulous blog by clicking the picture above.

First Kiss

Standing face to face,
Our eyes lock,
Our heads tilt before the embrace,

The butterflies in my stomach flap intensely,
The anticipation of what is to become overwhelms me,
The hairs at the back of my neck start to tingle,

We move closer,
I feel your breath on my lips,
A shiver goes down my spine,

Our lips touch,
And the butterflies become bats,
The tingling becomes electrified,


Our kiss becomes more intense,
I intertwine my fingers in your hair,
Our breathing becomes faster, becomes one,

Then its over, WOW...

World Poetry Day: Guest Poem: Written by the Lovely Zoe Marriott


In an attempt to showcase poetry in the school library today, I asked Zoe if she would share a poem with us. She is a fantastic advocate of the beauty of poetry, even making up quick haiku poems on twitter. The following poem is stunning - ENJOY.

THE HEARTBREAK OF DREAMS

I have a dream of the summer whisper of wind high up amongst green boughs

And darts of gold piercing patterns of leaf shadow

I have a dream of the soft movement of water

And ripples with dark underbellies curling on river stones

And I feel the brush of warm air against my cheek

Velvety and fluttering like a bird’s wing

That disappears with a sweet, aching throb of song

And takes the dream and the summer with it

And leaves me, eyes welling

In darkness…
 

Thanks to Zoe for sharing that beautiful poem with us.

Now go check out the awesomeness that is Zoe's website here where you can find information on all the ways you can interact with this fabulous person as well as seeing the beautiful covers and trailers for her books.

World Poetry Day: Guest Poem: Written by the Super Cute Iffath @ Love Reading X


When I asked on Twitter if anyone would like to share a poem on my blog and for the read aloud session in the school library - the lovely Iffath of Love Reading X kindly offered to share one of her poems. this is the one I chose. Enjoy. Check out Iffath's blog here and remember she is only 14.

PURE INNOCENCE

She stares into the mirror,
watching it repeat
her every move
Wincing in pain,
her breath becoming
forceful.
The scarlet eyes
do not fool her-
they glisten in the moonlight
like nothing
she has ever seen before
But. She has seen them
before.
somewhere. nowhere.

Everywhere.

Every. Single. Time.

Haunting the pure innocence
in her faithless past
Her raw tears
stinging the violet patches
engraved on her skin
What is this ‘thing’
she has created?
loved.

Freed
and how can she stop it?
even though, deep down,
somewhere, she
knows it won’t-
can’t happen.

She steals a glance
from her, now, intricate
reflection
but her dreamy mood
overcomes her
as her-
eyelids
droop down,
almost,
peacefully.

World Poetry Day: Guest Poems: Written by Nicole Year 8


I was really astounded when Nicole approached me to tell me she wrote poetry. Nicole suffers from turrets, she has a time out card she can use when she is having a rough patch. She tends to come to the library to calm down (plus I bribe her with sweets, lol). I am touched that she wanted to share her poetry with me (and ultimately you). My lesson in remembering not to judge a book by its cover [ ; D ] 

Friends Birthday
Its my best friends birthday,
She has one every year.
I like to buy her present,
to celebrate her birth.
She doesn't have a party,
because she is just too old,
but goes out for a meal
or has a sleepover at home.

Holidays
Holidays are the best,
I mean, You get to rest.
You sunbathe by the pool,
use a fan to make you cool.
You watch the skies above,
with the ones you love.

Bad Guy

I might be mean,
I might be sad, I can honestly say,
I ain't that bad.

You are sad,
You are mean, well that's how it seems.
But deep inside,
I know too well,
You ain't the bad guy,
Just under a spell.
 
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