March 1, 2004
RAW Rating: (5 out of 5) Fully Figured Lyrical Gems
Michelle J. Pinkard is a brilliantly talented new voice in the AA community. In her volume THE EYE OF THE TORNADO; FIFTY POEMS FOR RHYME AND REASON, she blesses the world with her thoughts and feelings on life and all it encompasses. Rocking to its own beat, Pinkard’s writing comprises of slow, graceful dedications; quick, sassy descriptions; deep, rhythmic sociologies; and sweet, passionate romances. Divided into five weather-related sections, these lyrical gems provide comedy, encouragement, wisdom, compassion, and a sense of connection. Her poems make you say, “Hey, that’s me! I’ve been there, too,” or “Wow, I never thought of that before.”
There are so many poems in this book that I simply adore. A few of them are “Fully Figured”, “One day wiser at the pond”, “Do we love us anymore”, “I’ve seen God”, “Letter to a college friend”, and “To a special black woman.” The life lessons presented in these pages have given me inspiration. Her eloquent, energetic command of the English language drove me to read and reread until my appetite for exceptional poetry had been temporarily sated. I love how she connected the title with the sections, metaphorically building on the theme of tornadoes and other weather phenomenons while sharing her thoughts on various themes within the big tornado of life. THE EYE OF THE TORNADO is a definite treat for any reader; a book that I will pick up again and again.
Reviewed by Natasha T. of The RAWSISTAZ™Reviewers
http://www.rawsistaz.com
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Natasha T. is a Communications/English major from Atlanta, GA, currently living and teaching in Hiroshima, Japan. She has been reading and writing since Elementary school and thoroughly enjoys being an active part of the literary community.
Pinkard's short story "The Warden" was included in this exciting new project!