Emerging from Shadows is no callow compilation of a lovestruck young adult’s first sonnets. Rather, it’s the reflections of an emotionally mature writer who has faced life’s stings with a determination to grow from them in an honest and healthy way.
This is a verse from my favorite poem in the collection, Sound that Resounds.
“I can no longer remain insignificant
Your harrowing hauteur is oppressive
Forgive me for finding my own avenues
My gratitude goes to my spirit.”
It’s an excellent read for anyone recovering from emotional trauma, especially those who would rather eschew bitterness, and instead be at peace with how they respond to life’s trials.
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Avid writer and reader of Faerie tales and noblebright fantasy.
Cathleen Townsend 
This is well written and important.
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Thanks so much, Jennie. 🙂
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You’re welcome, Cathleen. 🙂
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Thank you Jennie. Loved your thought.
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A lovely review, Cathleen. I also loved Balroop’s beautiful book.
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Thank you Robbie for your unstinted support. Stay blessed! 🙂
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Thanks, Robbie. 🙂
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Excellent review and quote from Balroops poetry collection!
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Thanks so much, Bette. ❤
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Thanks for your appreciative words Bette. Love and hugs.
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What a lovely review, Cathleen. I have this book and will be diving in soon. 🙂
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There’s a lot to ponder on. For me, at least, I think a poetry book should be sipped, not guzzled. 🙂
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That’s what I love about poetry: You can’t power through it like a James Patterson novel. It needs to be read slowly, and digested. You need to listen to what you’re reading.
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Thanks Diana, I would wait for your dive 🙂
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A lovely review to share, Cathleen. Thank you! 🙂
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And thanks so much for reading and tweeting! 🙂
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Thanks Natalie. 🙂 Stay blessed.
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Wow!! What a pleasant surprise Cathleen, I have been away from my blogging routine and just popped in to check the tweets and I came across this delight! You made my day with such a wonderful review. I am elated at the choice of your words…such a lovely analysis of Emerging From Shadows! Thanks for picking up that quote, which truly defines the theme of this book – why feel insignificant?
I absolutely agree with you dear friend, poetry is the best when it is sipped slowly, savoring each word. The more we read and re-read, more it goes deeper into our heart. 🙂
Many thanks for this honor. Stay blessed!
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The pleasure is all mine, Balroop. May your book do very well. 🙂
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Thanks Cathleen 🙂
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A wonderful review.
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Thanks, Adele. I’m glad you like it. 🙂
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🙂
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Reblogged this on Emotional Shadows and commented:
I am delighted to share my blogger friend Cathleen’s wonderful review of my poetry book ‘ Emerging From Shadows.’ I would like to express gratitude for her in-depth analysis of emotions that dominate the poems in this book and the quote she has picked up truly defines the theme that runs through the book.
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It’s always a pleasure to review someone as appreciative as you, Balroop. 🙂
When I write a review, since no book is for everyone, I really try to help readers who might like that particular work narrow in on it. Fantasy writers have an edge in that area. I can paint a dragon for my cover, and everyone will know it’s a fantasy. But people like different fantasies. Some people who love Lord of the Rings loathe Game of Thrones (I know this because I’m one of them). Anyway, if you can gently steer people away from a book who might be disappointed in it, it can prevent negative reviews later. In your case, if a teen was looking for a collection of first love poems, unless they’re a deeper thinker than average (always a possibility), they might be disappointed. In any case, I hope folks reading my review will know two things–your poems are free verse, and the most frequent emotional theme of your work is growing past pain.
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Such an honest review of your latest book, Balroop. To have it recommended as a book for anyone who has suffered emotional trauma is an amazing thing. There is a time to grieve over what we’ve lost, but there is also a time to move on and find ourselves again. Hoping to read your book soon. On my to-read list and when I have read it, I will let you know what I think 🙂
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I think you’ll enjoy it, Mabel. There’s lots there to like. 🙂
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Cathleen, an excellent review of what sounds like a very special and unique collection of poems. You’ve chosen a fantastic quote to share with us and it hit me like a punch! This is one collection I want to read and your wonderful analysis and recommendation has moved it to the top of my list of books to read!
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Thanks so much, that’s really an accomplishment. I well know what a writer’s TBR stack looks like. 🙂
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Fantastic review, Cathleen. Succinct and so well-written. xx
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Beautiful review, Cathleen. I’ve read Balroop’s book and I fully agree with your words… 🙂
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