Tag: A Book review

What It’s Like for a Stay-At-Home Father with Two Boys

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A Book Review

Fatherhood: Dispatches from the Early Years by Andrew B. Knott Photo by: Tremaine L. Loadholt

I first stumbled across the writing of Andrew B. Knott on Medium. His witty gift of gab and literal humor were luring effects. He had a gift of drawing you in slowly, building up the comedic punchline with a slow burn to a lasting fire. I appreciated the way he looped words that sounded like they belonged together in sentences. It was as if he were a word connoisseur, sharing his tastes with us, but in a way that Medium needed at that time.

I became even more enamored by his work when I began editing his submissions in P. S. I Love You, a defunct Medium publication that specialized in publishing work on relationships, love, and all things life & connection. Andrew stood out, and he still does.

Below is the review of Fatherhood: Dispatches from the Early Years, shared on Amazon and Goodreads:

I’m Not a Parent, But I’ve Seen Parents in Action

And this book is crafty in the way the events are presented in the author’s life. Every story, essay, and vignette has something to offer the parents of this world, especially new/newer/younger ones.

Even though I have not birthed any of my own children, I am significantly older than all my siblings, so most of the scenarios mentioned, I’ve experienced in some way with the little ones (now much older ones) in my life. I also have significantly younger cousins and nieces and nephews.

What I like most about Andrew’s approach to parenting (as it is humorously detailed throughout the book) is his nonchalant, “let it be” attitude with his children.

Naturally, some things will call for discipline, but most things do not… So why waste time and energy when children will more than likely not change their minds or agree with a parent’s choice in the very intense moments of a tantrum?

The author’s humor is one that builds up. There is a slow burn to it before the lasting fire. It’s witty and catches you off guard. It actually reminds me a lot of Steven Wright’s approach to comedy. Either you get it or you don’t, and I definitely get it.

There were a few stories that droned on or took a while to get to a plot twist or heightened point of comedic satisfaction, but those are few and far between.

Overall, I’m glad I took the time to read parenting from a person’s perspective who took “learning as you go” to a whole other level.

It’s a great read!

I shared this review with Andrew by way of communicating with him on Substack. I have another book of his on my shelf, waiting for its turn, and I am truly looking forward to it as well.

If you’re looking for a good laugh about parenting and the many obstacles you have to endure to feel like you’re at least a C+ parent, I recommend Fatherhood: Dispatches from the Early Years.

Scattered Words: Hardcover $26.00 USD|Scattered Words: eBook $11.00 USD|Scattered Words: Amazon

Motivation You Can See

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A Book Review

Girl & Dog Alone Together by Gail Boenning. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

I am an avid reader of Gail Boenning’s work. I miss her daily missives on Medium (I am no longer active there, and I believe she stopped posting there shortly before I did), but I can keep up with her through her books. And I appreciate this more than I thought I would.

With everything taking place in our world, a bit of light-hearted reading was what I needed.

What Gail has given the reader in Girl & Dog Alone Together is a work of original paintings and motivational tidbits that will settle in your mind gently and peacefully, too.

Here is my review on Amazon and Goodreads:

Bite-sized Motivational Tidbits That Make You Smile

Gail Boenning has a knack for churning out work that encourages various age groups. Girl & Dog Alone Together is another example of her versatility.

I thoroughly enjoyed every motivational tidbit shared between the girl and her dog, and how they seemed to face all odds in adult-like ways.

Girl’s approach to life was to lean on Dog. Dog’s approach to life was to take care of Girl. They make the perfect team.

From playing in the park to taking piano lessons, sinking the perfect basketball shot, and learning in school, the advice given is notably intelligent while being rhythmic as well. These life lessons will be easier to remember and digest for a younger audience.

The paintings bring a full view into play for the reader also. I found myself smiling from ear to ear as I read each page, knowing that much of the advice given, I’ve shared with my siblings, nieces, and nephews, and with myself whenever necessary, too.

If you’re looking for a light-hearted reminder about life’s small obstacles or you need a book that’s age appropriate for a few children in your life, I recommend Girl & Dog Alone Together.

I enjoyed this book a lot more when I read it because I actually needed a pick-me-up, and this was it.

Maybe you’re in search of one, too?

*Previous book reviews for Gail Boenning: Flit Flutter Float, and POISE.

Scattered Words: Poems for Jernee Timid Loadholt is available now! Have you gotten your copy? Hardcover|eBook

How Do You Talk To God?

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A Book Review

When We Talk To God: Prayers & Poems for Black Women by Sharifa Stevens. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

You know the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? So, I’m judging, but positively, though. When We Walk To God: Prayers & Poems for Black Women by Sharifa Stevens is the book I didn’t know I needed. The cover is a perfect gateway to phenomenal content.

This is a necessary book for Women of Color. How we talk to God is, as I’ve witnessed and experienced, extremely different from how other women talk to God. I connected with this book in a way that has brought me unmitigated peace and comfort, and I’m happy to express that.

Here’s the review I shared on Amazon and Goodreads:

Talking To God Is a Form of Art

At least, this is what I gleaned from the prayers, poems, and notes shared by the indomitable Sharifa Stevens.

There are books that sneak in when you weren’t expecting to be fulfilled or touched by spirits and there are books that pull you from dark places and remind you of your worth… “When We Talk To God: Prayers & Poems for Black Women” encompasses both of those descriptions.

There are pieces within this offering that read like sermons. Some feel like testimonies. And others swim across the page, reaching out at just the right moment to grab ahold of the reader and remind them that they are and will forever be God’s child.

I am a sinner, yet I love. I am a sinner, yet I feel. I am a sinner, yet I have solid friendships. I am a sinner… I am a sinner… I am a sinner… Yet, God will never stop loving me.

In the midst of the turmoil and chaos of this wretched world, I cracked open the spine of this gift and found solace.

“When We Talk To God…” offers hope, reflection, strength, encouragement, and the reality that I am not alone on this tedious journey of life, and I am blessed to be able to say that I read it.

And I will, without a doubt, read it again and again, and maybe a few more times for sustainability.

There’s a prayer in this book for you, Black woman. There’s a prayer in this book for you.

When I find a book that makes me feel good about myself and less alone, as well as hone in on biblical scriptures that can motivate, encourage, strengthen, and engage my mind, I am completely satisfied.

And, I am.

Scattered Words: Poems for Jernee Timid Loadholt is available now! Have you gotten your copy? Hardcover|eBook

Scattered Words Is Making Its Rounds

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A review by Candice Louisa Daquin of ThisKeptAche

Scattered Words: Poems for Jernee Timid Loadholt

I am not one to push grief and loss onto anyone. Compiling poems for this book was cathartic for me. I needed to do this. It has been helpful for my grieving process and the appropriate mourning of a dog who meant the world to me. She was such a lifesaver for me; my calm, my peace. I am certain there will never be another like her.

To know that this work is not only helping me but also others in their grief is the icing on the cake of creativity. This work was not produced in vain. Candice Louisa Daquin, a long-time friend and fellow creator/writer, reviewed Scattered Words: Poems for Jernee Timid Loadholt, and what she said about it made me truly see that I have given the world some magic, even in my sadness.

A snippet of her review is below:

It says a lot about how much animals can impact lives, including the lives of those around us, who understand they are family and the loss is incalculable and akin to losing another human being. Jernee’s life will never be forgotten and this is where Scattered Words comes into its own. To say this is a eulogy isn’t sufficient. This is a testament to love. It is also filled with light and love, because Tremaine knows, Jernee is waiting for her and not far away.

From the first page where there is an image of Tremaine with Jernee, and it says, “hello rainbow bridge / treat my baby with kindness / she deserves it all” to the last image, which is more of a portrait of Jernee, there is grief and loss and love and hope all wound together in this brave and honest homage and reflection of a life well spent.

It isn’t fair that we only had 17 years with Jernee, but one thing I know is, every one of those years was filled with meaning and the bond between them, inseparable. I remember seeing the photos of Jernee after she died, and also leading up to it, and it opened wounds in me I had forgotten I had. This is not a bad thing, it is a necessary thing. We do feel. We have pain. To pretend otherwise is foolish. I like that about Tremaine, she is unflinching in her examination of what is real.

These poems were written after Jernee’s death and during her life. They are sometimes terribly sad, but for any pet-owner, animal-lover or really, person capable of understanding the bonds we forge, this is a book we wish we all had someone write about our life.

You can read the review in its entirety by visiting the original blog post for it.

As a writer who depends on emotions, it is encouraging to know I didn’t overshoot this one. I thank Candice for pointing that out, and for giving Scattered Words: Poems for Jernee Timid Loadholt such a remarkable review.

Scattered Words: Hardcover $26.00 USD|Scattered Words: eBook $11.00 USD

Not a “Jagged Little Pill”, but a Smooth Pill To Swallow

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A Book Review

jagged remnants of you: This Chapbook Was Supposed To Be A Love Note. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

I admire writers who can turn words into endless quotable lists. Poetry is meant to be consumed at any given time, and every offering of jagged remnants of you is digestible at all hours of every day.

Barry Dawson Jr. IV, (BJ Dawson) is one such writer. He and I have collaborated on many pieces of poetry, meshing our words and methods together for a tad over twenty years.

I get him. He gets me. Our efforts have not been in vain, and if life favors us, we can expect more collaborative pieces in the future.

For now, please enjoy the review I have done for his second book of poetry, which is currently listed on Lulu and awaiting global distribution by other book retailers.

As a long-time collaborator and lover of wordplay, BJ Dawson did not disappoint with his second offering of poetry, “jagged remnants of you: This Chapbook Was Supposed To Be A Love Note.”

I knew when I cracked open this gem, I would find elements of Frost, Hughes, Plath, Shakespeare, and Baldwin. I also knew that I would feel the pulse of Run DMC, The Roots, Yasiin Bey, and KRS-One.

BJ has managed to lend the subject of love to us as its most undressed and wanted self. There is beauty in the ugliness of the word, whether it be stoic or in action.

Quotables are on nearly every page, and as a writer and reader of poetry, I could not contain my excitement while highlighting phrases and making notes in the margins.

This is an exceptional work of art; a masterpiece on love; the lack of it, attaining & loss of it, and the hope for it to one day show its face again wherever we may seek it, and I applaud BJ’s knowledge of love and how best to write about it.

Not only did he gift us poetry in various forms about a thing many of us have yet to grasp perfectly, but he ended the book on a brilliant note: “I am fresh out of spells and right now, I sure do miss you with a vicious numbness that just won’t let go.” Now if this isn’t a “flawless victory,” in the land of literary victors, I don’t know what is.” 

It is one thing to read a person’s work, critique it, and bask in it because you know they are going to put their all into it and so much more, just as you would. It is entirely another when you read their work and get lost in it, and all you want to do is share it with others because it’s just that good.

BJ, my friend, take a damn bow. You truly deserve it.

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.

Titillating Literary Culinary Offerings

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A Book Review

Milkshakes & Chilidogs by Bartholomew Barker. Photo Credit: Tremaine L. Loadholt

You will never have to twist my arm or convince me to purchase a book of poems by Bartholomew Barker. If he’s writing them, I’m buying it. Some people master structure, line breaks, wordplay, and intensity all in one go with their poetry, and Bart is one of those people.

I assure you, reading about dinner, drinks, and dessert will never be the same. You’ll find yourself thinking you can actually undress a glass of wine, see full and supple breasts in a bunch of tomatoes, and hear heaven’s angels sing while you’re baking a fresh batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

It was a pleasure to read and review this chapbook, which I did on both Amazon and Goodreads.

Serve Me a Symphony of Purple in a Glass

I knew that I would not be disappointed as soon as I opened “Milkshakes and Chilidogs”, and began reading. Barker has a way of working language, playing with phrases and rhythm, so that his poetry not only sticks with you, it is pleasing to the ear when read aloud.

His line breaks are intentional and powerful. Every stanza is a welcome wave of sighs of relief for a reader and writer of poetry.

There are so many quotable phrases throughout this chapbook such as:

“I keep time with an hourglass
because I prefer the shape.”

“Sunday morning pancakes
start out pale like her skin
in early spring.”

“Tomatoes
Firm as your breasts
Red as your lips
On a night out
Drenched in Merlot.”

And this doesn’t even begin to scrape the surface of his brilliant use of form and structure. I loved everything about this offering except for the fact that it’s not long enough.

I would have loved to see a formal book of poetry regarding dinner, drinks, and dessert, especially if they’re going to be written by Bartholomew Barker.

Currently, at just $1.99 for Kindle and $5.45 for paperback, Milkshakes & Chilidogs is far beyond affordable and worth so much more. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer for a few of your wordsmith-like friends, this chapbook would make the perfect gift!

Have you gotten your copy of Séduire: Serial Tales & Flash Fiction at Lulu in E-Book & Paperback versions, or Amazon in Paperback (only) yet?

I am on Substack as well. Poking the Bear’s Belly for Fun is a place of healing, as I discuss recent events related to my previous place of employment, including racism and discrimination, the growth I experienced after resigning from that company, and the foibles and overall experiences of life. I welcome your visit.