Book Review: Heartfelt Expressions
Original review written 7/27/21
Title: Heartfelt Expressions A collection of Poems
Authors: Jenny Cannon
What's it about?
Heartfelt Expressions is a little different then the other books I've reviewed so far. That's because this isn't a story in the traditional sense. It's a collection of poetry conquering topics from love, family, mental illness, abuse and more!
What were my favorites?
Favorite Poems: One of my two favorite poems was the very first one I read, entitled The Meaning of Love. It was sweet, beautiful and rang true. The other poem I consider one of my favorites was called No One. It flowed amazingly. I found it relatable. It just struck me.
Favorite Quote: "Like the sun, and the moon, and the stars in the sky You brighten my days and fill up my nights." (Pg. 71) Would it be redundant if I said this was just pure poetry? That there's something lyrical about this that just struck me? Yea...you're right. I won't say that, then.
Any other thoughts?
I was so excited when I received this book. The size is perfect, short but substantial enough to feel like you're getting your money's worth (but able to be read in one sitting) and the cover is gorgeous, peaceful and calm. When I read the note from the author, I was touched. This isn't a book Ms. Cannon wrote to get rich, but because she was chasing a dream! That in and of itself takes a lot of guts and should be celebrated so congratulations Ms. Cannon!
As I continued to read, it quickly became clear that, if you're looking for the next Silvia Plath, Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost or Shakespeare, Ms. Jenny Cannon is not it. While her poems are nice and beautiful, ringing with truths, I often felt as if they were a little clunky. I would be reading a poem, set in a rhythm and moved and then, out of the blue, the rhythm was broken, leaving the entire poem to just feel...off. It left me feeling disappointed, desperately wishing other words had been chosen as to not disrupt the lyrical feel that the poem once gave me.
Reading through, from one short poem to another, I felt like I was reading the story of her life. I felt for her and related to her as she spoke about abuse, love, family and mental illness. I admire her for her strength and bravery to put herself out there with such truth, without hiding behind a veil of metaphors and analogies. Her pain is obvious, her love finds a way to radiate and I find myself wanting to hug her and praise her for being able to put that voice out there when so many would hide them away in hopes no one would ever see them so emotionally naked. I respect that more then I can say.
While this may not be a collection of the most perfect poems ever written, they feel like getting to know a friend. They remind me of poems I wrote many years ago that I now want to dig up. They made me smile. They made me feel. In those respects, they did their job. Ms. Cannon is not a poet for those seeking poetry reserved for the most elite, she is a poet for those who think they don't like poetry. She is a poet for the everyday person but, mostly, she is a poet for the right reasons...because it's what she loves to do.
What would I rate it?
I give this collection of poetry
3 (even)
out of
5 hearts
But that's just what I thought. Did you read this collection? Did you love it? What was your favorite poem? Let us know what you thought!
