OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A World Diverse" by David Edmond.]

David Edmond was prompted to write his poetry book after his wife passed away due to Parkinson’s disease. His years serving across Canada exposed him to a multitude of diverse people, all acting as inspiration for his poetry.

The World Diverse is divided into three parts: 'Faith', 'Friendships', and 'Feelings'. It consists of 20 poems. As the name states, 'Faith' delves into the author’s love for God, his fear for people who are going astray and his belief that all sorrows have a reason for being. 'Friendships' was beautiful to me because of his positive and hopeful tone. 'Feelings' was a bit more somber but no less beautiful.

I picked up this book expecting a sad read because of the death of David Edmond’s wife. Instead, David Edmond imbues his poems with motivation, love, and hope. It was touching and so lovely to read. I especially loved his poem "Who’d a thunk it?" which is about his second chance at love with a long-lost friend.

David Edmond’s love for God is apparent, but he writes with love and tolerance, so I honestly believe any religious person would enjoy this read. It’s clear that the author loves the world and its people and he even states, "There exists a place for all to go.” A sentiment I appreciated.

This book is professionally edited, and I am ecstatic to report that I found no errors in The World Diverse. The book is short (only 40 pages) and the writing is fluid, clear and colourful. This book is also very easy to understand. If you usually struggle to read or understand poetry – don’t worry. This one might be the one for you. The poems flew by and I found myself rereading a couple of passages because of how good they were. Lines I really loved were:

The sharing of love and concern for our fellow man
is the best prescription for the ills of mankind

and

And what does it mean?
That humans and nature
are one and the same.
We grow and we flourish
with love and with care.
Without it comes neglect
and rejection.
Without it we wither.
It gives us pause for thought
that we all have the power
to help each other grow.
- to be of value in a world gone astray.

I rate The World Diverse 4 out of 4 stars. David Edmond’s hopeful and loving outlook is sorely needed in such a negative time. His writing is filled with love and optimism and I would recommend this book to everyone. You don’t need to be a lover of poetry to enjoy The World Diverse by David Edmond.

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A World Diverse
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Like JR Mercier's review? Post a comment saying so!

I enjoyed reading your review. Poetry is not my cup of tea however, your review gives me hope that I can go for this book and appreciate it's beauty without tearing apart my hair. Thanks for the review!

Wow! I am not sure that I would be able to infuse motivation and hope into my poetry after my husband died. In fact, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't. He must be quite a strong man. It sounds very lovely and something worth reading. Thanks for your review.

"The sharing of love and concern for our fellow man
is the best prescription for the ills of mankind."

I love that. It is such a part of my life philosophy.

I really think I would enjoy reading this book based on your review. Faith, friendship, and feelings are all topics I enjoy reading. I'm excited to take a look at these poems. Thank you for sharing!

Sounds like a really nice book. The topics of the poem are really sensitive things. I think I'll take a look at it. Great review.

From the samples you've included in the review, this seems like a lovely and inspiring collection of poems. Great review, JR!

I've always love reading poetry, and this one sounds great. Honestly, it amaze me how the author dealt with the grief, instead of being bitter and let the sorrow swallow him, he let his better judgement rule. His faith to God is admirable, his faith to life in general.

Thank you for your review. I don't particularly like poems so I think I'll have to give this book a pass. It sounds like an emotional read for those who like poems though

It's been a while since I've read a good book of new poetry. This sounds like a good one. Thanks for the recommendation.

It sounds like a very heartfelt and sincere read. Actually, I had picked up the sequel for review previously, but the copy given was unfortunately incomplete. Now, I'm definitely hoping that it comes by again, thanks to your lovely review!

The concept of this book is really interesting. And I agree that this kind of book is needed in times like this. Nice review

Debjani Ghosh wrote: ↑19 Sep 2018, 22:56 I enjoyed reading your review. Poetry is not my cup of tea however, your review gives me hope that I can go for this book and appreciate it's beauty without tearing apart my hair. Thanks for the review!

I also used to struggle a lot with poetry but this one would be a nice and easy one to understand. Thank you for commenting.

kandscreeley wrote: ↑20 Sep 2018, 08:04 Wow! I am not sure that I would be able to infuse motivation and hope into my poetry after my husband died. In fact, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't. He must be quite a strong man. It sounds very lovely and something worth reading. Thanks for your review.

Thank you so much for the kind comment and I agree with you. I wouldn't be able to do what he did.

teacherjh wrote: ↑20 Sep 2018, 11:45 "The sharing of love and concern for our fellow man
is the best prescription for the ills of mankind."

I love that. It is such a part of my life philosophy.

I wanted to cry when I read that because it's so easy and yet so lacking in our daily lives. I wish it would be more peoples philosophy. Thank you for commenting.