Warped lies embedded
In the nucleus of your being
Tilted fantasia
Twisted mockery
Of ethereal tenderness
For it was never real
Silken trail of togetherness
Sodden with maggots
Carcass of words
Infested with falsehood
Almost sounding true
Under the dying moon
Raven-eyed, the lost prowl
For cadavers of love
Scavenging in ribcages
For a heart beating
Still yearning with desire
To find true intimacy
Book: The ABC of Paradise Found
Author: Karen Amanda Toulon and Eric Rhinehart
Genre: Culture and Ethnic, Art
Review Copy: Reedsy Discovery
Available at: Amazon.in
Recommended: Must Read
The ABCs of Paradise Found is a mesmerizing work of creativity and art that deserves to be on the bookshelf of every connoisseur of all things fascinating. An award-winning journalist, Karen Toulon, and her partner, artist Eric Rhinehart, collaborate on an exquisite collection of words and watercolors. They delicately tiptoe around each other in a waltz of absolute delight, the colors, and brushstrokes in complete harmony with the theme and words. The narration, in its simplicity, tugs warmly at the strings of your heart. The paintings, in their sheer brilliance, pull you into a meditative state of blissful appreciation.
The writer evokes the culture, landscape, cuisine, and society of the French Caribbean islands. We see a relationship blossom between two people as they explore the culture of the Caribbeans and each other. As their awareness of the richness around them and their fondness for each other grow, Karen sketches with words, “You pretend to patiently wait while I select the perfect basket to add to my collection.” Eric complements such imagery with equally glorious artwork.
Each painting draws out the beauty of all Eric saw and felt. The colors spill out in absolute delight and fascination. The stories are pleasant, humorous, and even cover the supernatural myths of the land. You can almost taste the delicacies, and the fruits, dress up for the fete, or roam the old market. When you free yourself from the grip of the words, the colors enrapture.
This talent-laden exposition is a perfect gift or a coffee-table book to possess and cherish. This resplendent book has magical powers to bring the sea and the sand to you. The micro-stories are pure nostalgia and an ode to memories of cherished companionship. From the book jacket to the advanced praise, acknowledgment, and introduction, every piece speaks to the fantastic treasures in this book. Don’t miss a word, don’t skip the art. Savor this book, in whole or in part, several times.
The writing community always gives. From words and encouragement to gratitude and encouragement. This year I dedicated myself to reading self-published and Indie writers and reviewing books that made a difference.
As a Reedsy Disovery and Himalayan Book Club book reviewer, I discovered a whole new world. Previously, I also reviewed books for Juggernaut but it dwindled due to time constraints. Several writers have reached out to me through social media platforms with comments on my reviews. Some have chosen me to review their book, which gives me much joy.
I am glad to be one of these creative writers and it surely warms the cockles of my heart to receive personal notes from authors. A few have connected with me to talk about their writing inspirations and their next work. I was able to provide editorial guidance to a self-published writer who was seeking help with her young adult trilogy. It has been an exciting journey and I hope to keep the momentum in 2022 also. It is not only important to write but to support other writers, too.
Do you wonder, find it strange
How this world loathes
When we could love more
As hatred spills everywhere
We stand still, stare in despair
None intervene, all stay aloof
“It’s not my battle, not my war”
Until it is knocking at our door!
For the thing with hatred is this
When ignored, it only spreads
Its claws are sharp, hunger wild
We may be silent but can’t hide.
Blogger of the month, November 2021, selected by the Writefluence Editorial Team. Grateful for all the writing opportunities. The creative journey has never been better as I returned to creative writing after a long gap. All the encouragement helps to keep the momentum.
Blue Pen Strokes 