Genre: Art, Biography, Culture, Poetry

Ok, so I admit it - I went into reading this book thinking "Oh, it's just an art book." Well, 'Dalí' is so much more than that.

​Dawn Ades has created a book that provides not only a biographical outlook on Dalí's professional life, but has also provided a psychological insight into his motivations, passions and influences.

Sociological influences were also highlighted within the book emphasising the prevalence of these on Dalí's thought processes in relation to his masterpieces.

There were frequent occasions within this book where the internal workings and occasional conflict of the Surrealist movement were brought to the readers attention - especially with the disagreements between Dalí and André Breton (the movements founder). 

Throughout the book I kept thinking, "Gosh, I never knew that", which shows that this added tremendously to my knowledge around Dalí and his work.

Ades' writing style was easy to read and digest and where there were in-depth psychological, scientific or artistic terminology used this was carefully and skillfully explained and laid-out. 

My reasoning behind awarding a whopping five out of five stars for this book is because it has everything anybody needs to know about Salvador Dalí and his creative works - and so much more.

I would highly recommend this book to any creative, artistic or Dalí enthusiast - check it out now...

Genre: Poetry

​Falling Awake was shortlisted for the 2016 Forward Prize for Poetry - and I can now see exactly why.

This collection of poetry has everything that you would want from a classic collection of poetry and verse.

Oswald cleverly utilises every type of poetical device within the poetic landscape, from alliteration, similes, metaphors and extended metaphors - just to name a few.

She manages to utilise the entire page when constructing her pieces, visually adding to the theme of the piece just by the position of the words on the page. This makes it so vivid.

However, this is done in such a way that it does not detract in the slightest from the intense imagery that she creates.

Topics covered within this collection range from all sorts of aspects from all walks of life, but has a very unique and poetical twist, as seem in the video below of the poem 'Shadow', which is included within the book...

My favourite lines from the collection are:

These lines from the poem 'Shadow' highlights how vivid and strong her use of imagery is within her poetry. This is evident through the entirety of this book, again and again serenading our minds with such beauty that it is hard not to form an image in your mind.

​The second half of this collection is dialogue from two of Greek mythology's prominent hero's Orpheus and Tithonus. It was written in such a beautiful and clever way that their dialogue was like spending time in their presence.

I gave this collection four out of five stars as it fully encompassed for me all of the elements that make up such a wonderful collection of classic poetry. A truly wonderful piece of work...

Genre: Poetry

The Woman Who Was Not There is a collection of poetry that tackles some very deep topic areas.

I purchased this book after watching Raymond Antrobus' video review of it on YouTube (#RayRecommends) - see below, and I must say I wasn't disappointed.

​Joelle cleverly utilises poetical and literary devices, such as; rhyming couplets, oxymorons, alliteration, similes and metaphors - in order to create extremely vivid imagery.

​Each piece is so deep and dark and tells such a powerful and poingoint story that I was completely absorbed from start to finish.

Throughout every verse I could picture Joelle on stage passionately performing them in her unique style. Below is a piece from the book called 'No Mans Land' performed by Joelle.

Joelle is a key poet in demonstrating against the man within a world torn with social change. She works with refugees, incarcerated prisoners and individuals who live in some of the roughest areas in London - she's the catalyst for their voices, she makes them get heard.

I gave this book four out of five stars purely for the planning that you would need to do when you are about to read this collection, and I highly recommend you do give this a go, therefore I would put aside a decent amount of time to completely absorb yourself in this book.

Awesome stuff Joelle - I cannot wait to see what you come up with next...

​Genre: Poetry

So, I must point out by saying that the Witches of Aira Falls collection of poetry is clearly geared at an older child/young teen. When opening the front cover I had no idea what to expect from this book, but I must say - I was very pleasantly surprised.

Joanna has done this extremely well, as the style is rhythmic, but easy to read and visualise.

While reading this book I could clearly get a grasp to what the characters were like and their differences were clearly defined - the use of adverbs, similes and metaphors were used very effectively to achieve this.

The structure of the pieces of verse in this book isn't overly complex, as there are no difficult rhyming schemes or intricate and elaborate words being used, which goes to show that this collection is aimed at a young audience.

However, this does not mean that an older audience would not enjoy it and get as much out of it - essentially it's a collection for anyone and everyone, which I like.

From the outset of this book it is clear that the objective is not simply to pass on verse simply for the sake of doing so, oh no, this book has a purpose - to educate.

This book is very engaging for the reader, as towards the end of the book they are asked to get involved, either by composing their own poem or by drawing their own pictures, which is certainly new and innovative - so kudos to you Joanna.

I gave this book four out of five stars in the main because at the end of the book I was left with wanting to know more, which is not a bad thing - it's always good to keep the reader wanting more, I'm just impatient. I am very intrigued to see how this collection develops...

Genre: Poetry

Miss Duffy uses her poetic skills and proves why she is THE Poet Laurette of the UK in this engaging and highly entertaining little poenovel.

Another Night Before Christmas takes all the elements that we adore from the original, but twists them in a more modern and unique way.

In this adaptation Duffy cleverly twists the story on it's head by portraying it from the point of view of a young child who wakes up on Christmas night to find Santa and his raindeer going about their buisness.

The poetical rhyming scheme of the piece is extremely repetitive with the use of 'rhyming couplets', makes the rhythm of the verse easy for anybody of any reading ability to follow it. 

It's clear that Duffy was writing this for a younger audience, but I personally feel that this is a piece for anyone of any age. 

She has also released other pieces within the collection - and I use the term loosely, that are written for all children, big or small. These are:

• Dorothy Wordsworth's Christmas Birthday
• Bethlehem
• Wenceslas
• The Christmas Truce
• Mrs Scrooge

Go and enjoy these quick but extremely enjoyable festive verses. You'll not regret it.

On a seperate note - why not read my Christmas poem and see if you can spot all the Christmas song titles within it.