Review of Tears of Me

[AvidBibliophile]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tears of Me" by LaToya Martin.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Tears of Me by LaToya Martin is a book of Christian poetry that meaningfully explores several themes: love, loss, grief, abuse, neglect, compassion, suffering, and forgiveness. Martin states, “Each poem depicts a tear that has been shed, be it of sadness, anger, or happiness. It resembles parts of life that many people experience and can relate to.” Throughout the collection of poems, she uses succinct groups of words to process her emotions. She includes mentions of anonymous suitors, car accidents, beloved husbands, mirrors, military service members, old trees, and forsaken outcasts. Throughout this collection of introspective ponderings, she seems to find a cathartic release.

Every poem begins and ends with a digital or watercolor depiction, and I very much enjoyed encountering several pages of calming botanical illustrations. They give the reader a resting place of sorts, a resting place that acts as an emotional palate cleanser between passages. Forty individual poems appear throughout this book, and they are all concise and to the point. I think their brevity gives them a sense of unshakable conviction.

I will say that there are several included mentions of God, heaven, angels, Jesus, prayers, sin, and the Holy Bible, but they’re all presented from a universally non-denominational standpoint. There is no profanity present in this book, nor are there any described scenes of intimacy, but much of the subject material is appropriate for mature audiences only. Due to the included mentions of suicide, sexual abuse, disloyalty, emotional abuse, marital affairs, physical abuse, and prostitution, I would only recommend this book to readers over 18 years of age. It might be appropriate for younger readers with adult supervision, but that decision would have to be made subjectively on a case-by-case basis.

Overcoming depression is never easy, but this author uses mentions of weed sprouts and lonely, abandoned, withered, tired, old trees as metaphors for how we feel throughout various stages of life. I also enjoyed coming across nostalgic and sentimental mentions of homemade biscuits and crowing roosters. I did encounter at least ten grammatical and typographical errors while reading, but that was the only aspect of this book that I disliked. A quick revision would address all of the minor mistakes, giving this title an even better chance for success.

Due to the errors, I must award this book a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. Tears of Me might be a good fit for anyone battling feelings of low self-esteem, shame, or hopelessness. This book shows how self-reflection through creative expression can act as an effective coping mechanism. It is Martin’s hope that readers will be able to find comfort and healing through the transformative power of her words.

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Tears of Me
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[RetiredOBNurse]

Sounds like we all might benefit from writing a book of poems or short stories about our own “tears of me” even if no one reads it but ourselves. I agree in regards to the possibility of a cathartic release of different emotions most of us likely struggle with as well. Thank you for a well written informative review.

[AvidBibliophile]

Sounds like we all might benefit from writing a book of poems or short stories about our own “tears of me” even if no one reads it but ourselves. I agree in regards to the possibility of a cathartic release of different emotions most of us likely struggle with as well. Thank you for a well written informative review.

This author definitely explored many meaningful topics in a very vulnerable way, a way that I both applaud and admire. It’s not easy to open up about some of our harder life experiences, the ones that leave us a little more sad and broken, but healing is possible with time. Thank you for commenting!

[Raluca_Mihaila]

It seems like a book that can help someone when he or she is at a low point. Loved reading your insightful review!

[AvidBibliophile]

It seems like a book that can help someone when he or she is at a low point. Loved reading your insightful review!

Most definitely! That’s a spot-on assessment of what this book can reassuringly provide. Thanks for the feedback!

[Josephe-Anne]

I like poetry as it is often expressed through raw emotions. I'm sure that these poems can bring about serious introspection and healing for some people suffering from low self-esteem and depression.

Thank you for another excellent review.

[maggi3]

I don't read poetry all that often, but this sounds like a wonderful collection. I love that the book also contains art, as I'm sure looking at the art is a welcome break from the heavy content. Thanks for the review!

[TheMazeRunner]

This book is full of emotions, the author definitely did a good job here! I love your review!

[AvidBibliophile]

I like poetry as it is often expressed through raw emotions. I'm sure that these poems can bring about serious introspection and healing for some people suffering from low self-esteem and depression.

Thank you for another excellent review.

I agree with you in every way, and thank you for your kind words. So many of us have experienced extreme lows and times of sadness, and books like these help us vulnerably explore difficult topics together.

[AvidBibliophile]

I don't read poetry all that often, but this sounds like a wonderful collection. I love that the book also contains art, as I'm sure looking at the art is a welcome break from the heavy content. Thanks for the review!

The scattered watercolor illustrations and gentle depictions of serene themes truly did help all of the heavier words find a soft place to rest. I applaud authors who are able to share themselves in such authentically poetic ways, so this collection of thoughts definitely made an impact.

[AvidBibliophile]

This book is full of emotions, the author definitely did a good job here! I love your review!

This collection of honestly raw and meaningfully representational poetry is definitely full of heavy emotions. Thank you for recognizing that!

[Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala]

I love poetry, I hope I'll also enjoy this one since its by a Christian. Is there anything nicer than being whisked into a botanical garden by calming botanical illustrations every once in a while? Awesome review!

[IamJc_Bembo12]

A self-help book that is worth reading. I should give this one a try. Thanks for your honest review!

[AvidBibliophile]

I love poetry, I hope I'll also enjoy this one since its by a Christian. Is there anything nicer than being whisked into a botanical garden by calming botanical illustrations every once in a while? Awesome review!

You make some excellent points and observations! She truly did a lovely job portraying her emotions and poetic thoughts through both words and illustrations. I really appreciate your feedback! Thank you

[AvidBibliophile]

A self-help book that is worth reading. I should give this one a try. Thanks for your honest review!

Kind of you to say so! I hope many readers get the chance to experience this one.