Customer Reviews

Claiming the Spirit Within: A Sourcebook of Women's Poetry

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As a poet and writer, I am drawn to this book. The poetry is rich, accessible and honest. As a woman, I was astonished by the wealth of experiences shared by so many. There is a commonality in the words yet there is nothing common about this book. An extraordiary find, I would not hesitate to share this book with my daughter (who is 13). It is a valuable resource for explaining life's variable condition as well as honoring the sacredness of female experience. Editor Marilyn Sewell has done an outstanding job in selecting her subjects and poets.

How often do you read poetry and say - this has nothing to do with me and my life ? That will not happen when you read Claiming the Spirit Within. Marilyn Sewell has put together poetry that lives, breathes and just is. The women whose poetry has been selected for this compilation are not just good poets but possess an earthy spiritual quality. They explore all aspects of a woman's life including love, the body, family, frienship, death and illness with a confidence that is larger than life. As Marilyn Sewell puts it, "these poets show us how to live". I can only wonder at why some of these women poets; much better than some of the male poets that I have read, are not household names.

Right beside my bed, you'll find my latest novel, my Bible, my journal, and now this collection of poems. It's easy to only read one verse of the Bible a night, but I can't help but read more than one of these poems! I consider it a nightly reward for my mind, for my soul, to be able to share the thoughts of these talented poets on subjects and experiences familiar to every woman. I highly recommend this book!

After reading Cries of the Spirit I couldn't wait to purchase Claiming the Spirit Within and I have not in any way been disappointed. The poetry in this book showcases an array of women's voices that speak to a multitude of women's experiences. I cannot put this book down and I find myself returning to re-read some of the poems so that I can experience the full effect of an image that is created. I wish I could buy a copy of this book for every one of my women friends to be a companion on their journeys.

This anthology of women's poetry is great. If you don't have it, get it.