3 out of 4 stars
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It has often been said that most authors do their best work when they write from experience. By expressing real-life events, readers are given a gift through words when a writer lays bare his or her story on paper. That is what you will find in the pages of David Edmond's book A World Diverse II where he draws in the audience with his concise use of vocabulary to speak about everyday life events we may encounter.
Beginning with a brief introduction followed by a poem entitled "If" it is quite apparent that Mr. Edmond can take a small word and expand it out into a deeper, spiritual meaning that displays his talent of saying a lot with just a few lines. Section two is titled the Working Life, and the writing that follows involves the theme that life is about others helping us and teaching us how to handle situations to which we owe them gratitude. In the third segment, readers will find the subject changes to paying honor to those who have served in the military. It's a good reminder that the price for our freedom cost others their lives.
The next portion, and probably the most cathartic for the author is about how he handled the death of his wife. I think this section was the one that most resonated with me especially in one poem where he spoke about the positive and negative sides to silence. When a person needs rest from a hectic day, solitude is welcome, but when a loved one is suddenly gone, the idea of being alone brings on a whole different meaning. This part of the book was the most heartfelt and had the most writing. I think that for those who are in the process of grieving, this author's words will be of great comfort as he has walked that path.
Finally, he concludes with a tribute to two close friends he fondly pays homage to by highlighting their caring natures and reflects upon their actions that their loved ones and communities have been blessed to reap.
I don't usually choose to read poems because I cannot always catch the meaning of what the author is trying to say. Trying to solve a puzzle or looking for a hidden meaning can prove to be exasperating and not enjoyable. That is not the case with this. Everything is written in a straightforward, everyday talk tone so that the point of each passage is picked up quite quickly, and that is refreshing for this genre.
The title makes it clear that this is the second volume of the series. Because I have not read the first book, I can only give advice on this title. But, it seemed like something was missing. Even with all the pleasure I found in reading the various poems, I felt like more should have been included or that the first book and the second book should have been merged into one. I thought by the end like there was more to be said and it wasn't finished yet. For that reason, I am giving this a 3 out of 4 stars. This author is talented, and I think for those who like poems they will find this to be a short time investment but much wisdom gained. I would suggest that for those, who like me, think this type of book isn't interesting, to give it a try and you might be surprised.
I found only one error in the entire text, so it would seem that this book has been professionally edited.
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A World Diverse 11
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