Customer Reviews

In Katrina's Wake - An Anthology of Inspirational Poetry (Compiled by Michelle Ailene True)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had hoped that the sentiments and thoughts that formed the basis of the book were portrayed within the book, and was disappointed. This was due to the editing and execution, and can be used as an example of why self-publishing often gets a bad reputation. It was very difficult to read either the front or back covers of the bookBecause of the titles' coloring closely matching the colors of the covers .

I was initially under the impression that the book's contents was strictly about the editor, not the collected works of many poets or of the tragedy of the Hurricane Katrina. There were many misspellings, grammatical and formatting errors that unfortunately drew my attention away from the works, the authors, and the purpose of the book. I was somewhat puzzled over the inclusion of several of the poems that were dark,and depressing and not related at all to the stated purpose of the book, which was to uplift and inspire....

I hope that the editor will learn from her errors and take the time to produce a book that would be a valuable additon to anyone's collection, not just considered to be a charitable donation to a worthy cause, because it demeans the work of many talented writers, readers, the victims of Katrina, and the American Red Cross where the proceeds of the sale of this book goes. I was sorely tempted to send the book back, and donate directly to the American Red Cross. There were many excellent poems in the book despite the efforts of the editor, which allowed me to rate this book higher than 1 star.

This collection made really uncomfortable reading because it reads like a group of poets that scrambled to take advantage of the Katrina catastrophe to publicize themselves. A few of them did seem aware that there had been a hurricane, but it looks like the rest just dug into their files and came up with random poems to throw into the pot, then called it "In Katrina's Wake." How does a poem about enjoying a New Hampshire snow inspire us to think about New Orleans? Or a poem about celebrating the 'spirit of woman' or another that scolds consumers for not recycling? I give it one star for having a pretty cover. The overall writing quality is gushy and amateurish, replete with 'Roses are red' type rhymes and maudlin sympathies. There are some good vanity press books coming out, but this isn't one of them. Send your money direct to the Red Cross.

This book contains a little something for everyone. Given the variety of poets/authors who contributed, you will find something you like. The poems are "chaptered" by author, which may take a little away from emotion as you read one poem that is uplifting and the next sad. But, that being said, emotions around the hurricane changed within each of us quickly and sometimes without warning. The way the editor has the works laid out gives you that feeling of ever changing emotions and is simply - brilliant.

This book is beautiful and well thought out. It really is inspiring and allows the reader to look beyond the pain to feel the joy of a new day.
It is a plus that the money from the sale goes to Katrina Relief.