Reading Is Still Fundamental

A few Amazon reviews for your reading pleasure

All the Words I Kept Inside. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

Pooja Gudka, at LifesFineWhine, first book of poetry was recently published, and I knew I would enjoy the content.

I read it in one sitting; took me about an hour to absorb everything and connect with a few of the gifts she has given us with this debut book of authentically vulnerable & expressive poems.

Below is the review I left for it on Amazon:

“First, I’ll say if you have a problem with the explicit truth about depression and anxiety, and how the two combined can be incredibly damaging to a human being, this is NOT the book for you.

However, if you can appreciate someone digging deep within themselves to bring you the most vulnerable parts of themselves in the form of poetry, then sit back and revel in the short ride of a most exquisite debut book of poems.

I felt so many emotions while reading ‘All The Words I Kept Inside.’ Pooja did a phenomenal job with the placement of the poems in every section of the book. One thing is for certain, you WILL FEEL something.

And however you feel afterward, will stick with you for years to come. It is as though the depths of her very soul lie in the lines of this book.

You will walk away embracing the damaged version of yourself.

And that’s an incredible accomplishment.”


Being a Woman: Overcoming. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

After I read Pooja’s book, I dove into Michele Lee Sefton‘s first two books of the “Being a Woman” project: Overcoming & Becoming.

Both are light reads with just under 18 and 25 pages, so consuming the content was not a time-eating issue.

Below is the review I left for the first offering on Amazon:

“The author, Michele, is intentional with this book about her message. She is free to be who she is regardless of what society and the many men who make the rules believe she should be.

Her coming of age and into the human being she wants to be took place during the rise of a global pandemic in 2020. Not only was she able to still be creative, but she produced this work of art.

My only dislike is that it’s much too short.

If you’re looking for a quick read, with poignant poetry and brilliant artwork as an accompaniment, I recommend Being a Woman: Overcoming.


Being a Woman: Becoming. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

As I stated above, after I finished the first book, I thumbed through the second one and knocked it out as well. 

Here is the review for the second offering of poems by the writer:

“Michele has a knack for tackling tough subjects without making the reader feel burdened. As the second body of work for the “Being a Woman” project, “Becoming” isn’t what I thought it would be, but definitely what it should be.

It is a compilation of tiny reminders, cultural embraces, and acknowledgment of the women who make this world go ’round. The accompanying artwork by her daughter, Sammi, is also something to be admired.

If you’re a stickler for completing serial works just as I am, you’ll want this book to add to your collection.”


We are surrounded by a deluge of talented writers and thinkers in this WordPress community, and I’m happy I have a chance to delve into the words of so many of your productions.

Peace and blessings.

25 thoughts on “Reading Is Still Fundamental

  • What a wonderful review of Pooja and Michele’s books trE! I couldn’t agree more! Both authors are such gifts to our community and give so much of themselves through every word they utter. I couldn’t agree with you more and how over the moon they have to be to see your lovely reviews. I loved them too and haven’t told Michele yet as I’ll get a review at some point as well.. I’m sooo slow with getting to them. Thanks for sharing💓

    Liked by 2 people

  • Thanks for sharing these reviews Tre. I will get myself a copy of Michele’s work today. I agree with your take on Poojas book. Felt like a glimpse into her soul. 🥺

    Liked by 2 people

  • trE! What a beautiful surprise! I will try not to get emotional. Too late. 🥹 A project that brought Sammi and I “together” during the pandemic and enriched our time with great discussion about the many facets of being a woman, continues to bless my life when gracious and giving souls, like you, take the time to read and share some thoughts. Thank you for wanting more! Sold as chapbooks, they feel like a poetic substitute for a stock card. I am most grateful to you for your interest and time and thank you for bringing beautiful light to my day! ✨🙏🏻 Pooja’s book is coming up for me and looking forward to yours! 🙌🏻

    Liked by 3 people

    • I know! I cannot really draw to save my life. The artwork included in the books has such detail, too. It’s really exceptional work!

      Liked by 1 person

  • Thank you so much for sharing your review of my book on your blog too, it is so incredibly appreciated. And I’m so happy you enjoyed reading it. I love Michele’s blog so I think this is my sign to read her poetry collections. Thank again! 🥹💞

    Liked by 3 people

  • trE, you’re on a roll, m’lady. How amazing. How generous. Wonderful reviews I’m so very sure will bring sunshine on these two amazing Authors. Congratulations to Pooja and Michele.
    I also adore Michele Lee’s books and like you, I wanted more pages too.
    Pooja’s book. Oh, it’s percolating nicely within me. I will place my review soon too. Such good talent in WP community. 👏🏽
    Thanks for sharing. You’re amazing. Bless you. Xoxo

    Liked by 4 people

  • Excellent reviews trE. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Congratulations to both Pooja and Michele. I read the 3 books in Michele’s series and I appreciated them because they were different and the theme was truly poignant to the character of her books. I know both authors will appreciate your gracious applause to their work! 🤗💖🥰

    Liked by 4 people

    • Thank you! I’ve got Michele’s third book carted, and I’m certain it’ll be a great addition to my collection of books.

      There is just so much talent on this site, always has been. But many more creatives are taking the plunge at publishing.

      Bit by bit, I’m getting my TBR pile chiseled down. 🤣😂😆

      Liked by 2 people

      • Girl trE, I cannot afford another ‘bookshelf’ of any kind in this house. I got to slow my roll. I have two piles of books in my office closet as we speak that are on my TBR list. Now, I was doing great for a while until I started getting free books from book clubs and off the 50 cents rack in our local library. My husband has sent me a clear warning. 🤭 Yeah, I got a book problem, but I am not apologizing for it! 😂😅🤣

        Liked by 1 person

      • I had to get another bookshelf recently, so I understand. I’ve got a ways to go before that one fills up, but I will be taking it easy after my TBR pile is complete.

        Baby steps. 🤣😂😆

        Liked by 1 person

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