Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet and author, Cindy Georgakas and a book review #poetry #TreasuringPoetry #bookreview
Posted: February 19, 2025 Filed under: Uncategorized 59 Comments
Today, I am delighted to introduce you to poet and author, Cindy Georgakas. Cindy is one of the most upbeat and positive people I’ve ever met and her book and poetry are a delight to read.
What is your favorite style of poetry to read i.e. haiku, ballad, epic, freestyle, etc.
I love everything about spoken word poetry. The story, the inflection, the rhyming at times, the metered lines, the buildup, emotions that come with it and the message it sends. Like most of us, Amanda Gorman is so talented and hearing her spoken word resonates deeply with me. I also love Sara Kaye and Phil Kaye and they are not related I might add. I have posted about them which you can find here if you like https://uniquelyfitblog.com/2023/04/14/update-spoken-word-poetry-shark-tank-tonight/. This is a wonderful poem they did together which explains their story.
I love reading poetry or anything else for that matter that reaches my heart and soul and if it doesn’t it’s very difficult for me to engage with it. If it’s too ambiguous and I have the think too long, I’m not interested.
And although I love lot’s of styles and it fascinates me, my time is so limited, I need to adhere to what I love at the moment. Perhaps someday it could be fun to explore other forms but for now, I have to honor my truth.
I find it the same with movies. I’ll give them 10-15 minutes and if I’m not engaged, I’ll walk out. Life is too full in my world and I value my time and the people in front of me so I have to be selective to protect my sanity and those I love.
The same is true with engaging with others online and in “real life”. We can’t be all things to all people nor can we respond to everything or we wouldn’t get anything done. So do what you love and do it well and be as kind to yourself as you are to others.
What is your favorite poem in your favorite style to read?
I would have to say that freestyle/prose poetry is a favorite of mine. As you know, I am a non-poet turned poet without any formal training. Words come to me day or night and I write them down as they get downloaded to me, from where, I don’t know but deep inside my unconscious brain at times. Sometimes they rhyme, sometimes they don’t, some lines appear metered but not by intention, some I use refrain and repeat which happens if it happens but not by design. Often its stream of consciousness that appears on the page.
With your question came the opportunity to visit poets that write similar in nature or of those I respect and admire. Thank you, Robbie, for these questions that I have to say felt daunting to me at first. I even asked our friend Diana Wallace Peach https://mythsofthemirror.com/ about freestyle poets I might connect with, and she gave me some insight. In her review of my book, she said:
“Most of the poetry reflects a style I’d refer to as “delineated prose,” more conversational and accessible than poetry dense with metaphor and lyrical imagery. This style makes the collection a quick, easy read, primarily addressing “you,” the reader/seeker of a happier, more balanced life.”
This was very enlightening to me because I had never heard that term before. Digging deeper was a lesson in getting to know poets of my similar genre that I enjoy reading and writing and finding out what it is I love about each one. Many poets came to mind, each that have a brilliant way with words. Jack Kerouac, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickenson, Allen Ginsberg, Mary Oliver, Maya D’Angelo and many in our community as well, including you and Diana. Thank you, Cindy.
While there are so many amazing authors, I have to say I truly connect with Maya D’Angelo. Here writing is always aimed to connect people, stop the segregation and differences between us and look for the similarities. She was bright, witty, funny and poignant all at the same time and left a piece of her heart in every word so we might share her message to those who might need to hear it. I love this poem she wrote which is an example of her courage, compassion and love of humanity.
Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud by Maya Angelou
I’ve had so many rainbows in my clouds
I had a lot of clouds
So I don’t ever feel
I have no help
I’ve had rainbows in my clouds
And the thing to do it seems to me
Is to prepare yourself
So that you can be a rainbow
In somebody else’s cloud
Somebody who may not look like you
May not call God the same name you call God
If they call god at all
You see
May not eat the same dishes prepared the way you do
May not dance your dances
or speak your language
But be a blessing to somebody
That’s what I think.
What is your favorite style of poetry to write? Why?
I love how it flows from my brain to my fingertips, tongue and quill, otherwise mostly my computer.
What is your favorite of your own poems?
This was the poem Diana chose that was one of her favorites of my work, and I think it is a great example of words flowing through as a facet of myself and how I connect spiritually to the universe and my day. Although a short poem, one that brings peace when I read it.
The Way
It’s between the familiar and the unfamiliar where I meet my soul. The calling, the dance, the way, where clouds shift, birds sing, around my head buzzing in my ears and eyes and the boulders of my mind, that wake to what’s important in this uncharted territory.
Please tell us about your poetry book, Celebrating Poetry. What is your main intention with this collection of poems.
My poems are a culmination of poems moving the reader from dark to lightness in 4 Steps mirroring my first book, Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps To Turn Your Dreams Into Reality.
Step 1 Finding Your Path
Step 2 From Darkness to Light
Step 3 Ignite Your Light
Step 4 Celebrate
My intention and hope is that as one of my word press friends says “reading Cindy’s books to find a warm embrace on a dark night”. That really hit home with me as the writer of my own words and as a reader when I heard them in a review. My hope is that we can heal the wounds of our past, grow from obstacles in our path, light a way to the future and celebrate each moment of our lives and hold ourselves through each facet of joy, pain, sadness and happiness by loving ourselves and others. There is a place to write your own reflections and maybe even write a poem of your own. Life takes us to places we least expect as I have found that keep unfolding before my eyes.
About Cindy Georgakas
Cindy is a San Francisco native and currently lives nestled in the trees in a small community with her husband. She is a health and wellness professional, a certified life coach, personal trainer, yoga/meditation teacher,and bodyworker. She draws inspiration from her clients, friends, four children, 4 legged furry kids and nature.
Her new book Celebrating Poetry is a #1 New Top Release on Amazon. It is a companion guide to her book, Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps to Live the Life of Your Dreams, has over 41 5 Star Reviews. She was voted Author of the Month on Spillwords Press in April 2023 and Publication of the Month on Spillwords in October 2022.
She is a co-author of #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women, #1 Best Seller of Hidden In Childhood: A Poetry Anthology and is also a Treasured Contributor to MastecadoresUsa.
You can read more of Cindy’s work at Unique Times by Cindy Georgakas.
Author New Release Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps to turn your Dreams in Reality Amazon
Author Of The Year 2024 Spillwords Press
Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women
Co-Author, #1 Amazon Bestseller, Hidden in Childhood, A Poetry Anthology
Co-Author, # 1 Amazon New Release, Petals Haiku: An Anthology
Monthly Contributor, 2022/23, MasticadoresUSA
Website: uniquelyfit.net
My review of Celebrating Poetry by Cindy Georgakas
This delightful book of poetry is a companion to this poet and author’s motivational book, Re-Create & Celebrate: 7 Steps to turn your Dreams into Reality. Celebrating Poetry shares the same helpful and uplifting messages on how to help yourself make the most of life and find joy. Celebrating Poetry is divided into four distinct sections, namely, Trusting Your Path, From Darkness to Light, Ignite Insight, and CELEBRATE! Each of the sections starts with a motivational message of how the author has achieved the goal set out in the section title. The main messaging being as follows: “It is my hope that you move through these poems and grow more in acceptance and self-love so you can enjoy life to the fullest.”
The poet is an exceptional person with a strong character and ability to guide and provide strength to others. These characteristics shine through in every poem in this collection. I finished reading this book feeling revitalized and ready to take on the world and make the most of every opportunity presented to me.
One of my favourite poems in this collection is Enjoy the Music of Silence. This is an extract:
“Enjoy the music of silence
where stillness resides:
Feel your heartbeat,
your very first instrument.
Some days it might be out of tune,
and other times, in perfect harmony.
March to the beat of your own drum,
For you are the conductor of your life.”
These are words to live by, for me.
The collection finishes with this empowering quote: “The length of our life is love, not length of time or years, and as we love, eternity appears.”
A most delightful collection that I highly recommend.
You can purchase Celebrating Poetry from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Celebrating-Poetry-Cindy-Georgakas-ebook/dp/B0DNBPC4GP
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
__________________________
This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get Your Copy Today!
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
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Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle – Ghost Train by Natalie Anna Jacobsen and a Japanese cooking class #Japan #bookreview
Posted: February 12, 2025 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Fiction, Read and Cook, Recipes, Review, Supernatural | Tags: Book Reviews, Read and Cook, Recipes, Robbie Cheadle, Writing to be Read 59 Comments
Ghost Train by Natalie Anna Jacobsen
What Amazon says
“A haunting and immersive read.” – Eva Wong Nava, author of The House of Little Sisters. “With lyrical prose that evokes the mystique of 19th-century Kyoto, this meticulously researched narrative weaves together historical authenticity with the ethereal allure of ‘yokai’ folklore.” – Jake Adelstein, journalist and author of Tokyo Vice and The Last Yakuza
Set in 1877 Kyoto during the early years of the Meiji “Restoration” Era, Ghost Train tells the story of Maru Hosokawa, a samurai daughter who is thrust into a life opposite how she grew up. Her father has surrendered his sword with other samurai, assimilating into a role as a civilian merchant. As his work takes him further and further from home, she is left to find work of her own to help rebuild the family wealth — and protect herself, “just in case,” her father says. But during the summer festivals, ghosts begin appearing before Maru. Unsure of where to turn or who to trust, Maru fends for herself, facing an abusive employer, unreliable friends, and insecurity at home. In the search for answers, a kitsune offers to help in exchange for Maru’s aid in confronting a demon rampaging Kyoto at night. As summer passes on, more ghosts appear, plagues sweep through the city, and a stench of blood in the streets, and rumors of a samurai rebellion obscure reality, driving Maru to make a choice against all instincts, to save herself, her father — and Kyoto. Inspired by true historical events and based on myths of yokai, this story began taking shape first in 2010. With guidance by historians both in Japan and the US, subject matter experts in geisha, kimono, and samurai life, and countless beta readers and supporters, Natalie Jacobsen has carefully crafted this historical fantasy to reflect 19th century life during the tumultuous, society-altering leadership of Emperor Meiji… just with a few more ghosts.
My review
Having recently visited Tokyo, Japan, and being exposed for the first time to the concepts of Japanese Yokai and other supernatural beings, this book immediately caught my attention. During my short time in Japan, I also learned a little bit about the coming of the Black Ships to Japan in 1853, which marked the beginning of the end for the Tokugawa shogunate, and the last Shogun. This book, set in Kyoto in 1877 during the Meiji Restoration Era, addresses both of these fascinating aspects of Japanese history and culture.
The story revolves around a young girl, Maru, the daughter of a former-samurai, and her journey to understanding and acceptance of the end of the reign of the samurai and transitioning of her city (and country) into a new era of progress under the ‘young’ emperor.
Maru’s father has gone away, theoretically on ‘business’ and left her in the care of the geiko of an okiya – a traditional geisha house, in the role of shikomi, a junior position to the geiko and maiko of the house. Maru clearly dislikes her new role and is struggling to make the adjustment from the daughter of a former-samurai to her new life having to survive as a woman in a misogynistic, male dominated society where women were either wives, geiko/meiko (entertainer of men) or oiran (prostitute). The fate of women, in the new society under the Emperor, was worst than before and many girls had no option but to resort to prostitution in order to survive. Maru clings to the thin hope that her father will soon come for her and her life will return to how it was in the past.
Maru is traumatised by scenes of death and destruction from the past during the period of the demise of the samurai and daimyo, and has blocked out memories relating to her father and his decisions in order to adapt to her new situation. She is also surrounded by anxiety in the general population as people, especially women, struggled to integrate their superstitions and beliefs of the past with a new society including technology like trains. Maru hears stories about yokai and disappearing girls, and is conflicted about strange metallic smells caused by rain on the new electrical wires and which are reminiscent of blood. Many people believe the train and electrical wires are killing girls and feeding on their blood as well as causing general illness. All of this anguish and mental strain ultimately manifests as visions by Maru of various yokai and also kitsune, foxes that possess paranormal abilities that increase as they get older and wiser. Maru meets a kitsune which has the ability to shapeshift into various forms but which is ‘damaged’ by the new technology and needs her help to survive.
Maru must walk her path alongside her kitsune manifestation to find acceptance of her father’s decisions, her own rejection by her former friends and acceptance of her new life and progress in general.
This is an exciting tale with an abundance of amazing historical information and Japanese folklore woven throughout. There are exciting scenes of conflict and a grand finale which, the way I understood this story, are effectively all part of Maru’s spiritual and mental healing, in other words, in her imagination.
This is a clever and well research story, the history is fascinating, and the folklore mesmerising. It is a complex tale that requires attention throughout and the understanding of Maru’s mental state and internal conflicts for the story to pull together effectively.
An excellent book for people who are interested in Japanese history and folklore. It helps to have some knowledge and understanding of this era of transition and cultural shock in order to best appreciate the historical nuances and information presented.
I wrote this review as a member of Rosie Amber’s book review team. You can find out more about Rosie’s reviews and review team here: https://rosieamber.wordpress.com/.
Purchase Ghost Train from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Train-Natalie-Jacobsen-ebook/dp/B0DHSXH8FM
Cooking Sun Tokyo
During my recent trip to Japan, TC and I attended a 10-course Japanese cooking class. It was great fun and the food was delicious.
The basis of Japanese cooking is dashi stock made with water and 1 – 2 kombu strips (dried kelp seaweed). The cold method for making good dashi stock is simple. Put water into a bottle with the kombu and let it steep overnight.
The dashi is used in all the recipes of which I am sharing two here.
Dashimaki Tamago (rolled egg)
Ingredients: 1 egg, 1 TBsp dashi, 1/2 tsp light soy sauce
Method:
In a small bowl, whisk the egg, dashi and light soy sauce.
Heat the prepared Japanese rectangular egg pan after drizzling the pan with a little cooking oil. When its hot, pour half the egg mixture into the pan ensuring the egg covers the full surface. Once the egg is starting to set, use cooking chopsticks to roll the egg to the far end of the pan. Pour the rest of the egg mixture into the pan. Allow it to go under the rolled egg by lifting the roll using the cooking chopsticks. Once the fresh egg mixture sets, roll it up over the previous rolled egg to make a bigger role. Remove from the pan and place on a bamboo mat. Shape the egg roll into a rectangular shape with patterns.
Grilled stuffed lotus roots with chicken
Ingredients: 30 gram portion of lotus root, 30 grams of minced chicken, finally diced Japanese leek, finally diced carrot, a little fresh ginger, 1 tsp sake, sprinkle of salt, 1/2 tsp potato starch, 1 TBsp dashi
Method:
- Dice Japanese leek and carrot and mix into chicken mince. Add the grated ginger, sake, salt and potato starch.
- Powder one side of the lotus root with additional potato starch. Stuff the meat mixture into the lotus root holes and layer the rest of the meat on top of the lotus root.
- Heat the frying pan and place the lotus root into the pan, meat side down. Cook for approximately 3 minutes. Turn the lotus root over, pour on the dashi and steam in the pan with the lid on for about 5 minutes until cooked.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
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This post is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.
Get Your Copy Now.
Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird
Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle
Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home (Ages 6-8): https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee
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Treasuring Poetry – Enjoying poetry with Dave Williams and a review of Gasp! Poetry! #TreasuringPoetry #bookreview #poetry
Posted: January 15, 2025 Filed under: Books, Poetry, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read | Tags: BookReview, Dave Williams, Gasp! Poetry!, Interview, Poetry, Robbie Cheadle, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 81 Comments
I am very excited to welcome talented artist, poet, and author, Dave Williams to “Treasuring Poetry”. Dave is discussing his thoughts on poetry and I’ve reviewed his unique poetry book Gasp! Poetry!
What is your favourite style of poetry to read i.e. haiku, ballad, epic, freestyle, etc?
Freestyle. I like playful poetry, and poetry that causes me to think of stuff in different ways than my status quo. Also, I’m a big fan of short poetry about nature. Doesn’t have to be haiku. Poems that focus on one aspect of nature, be that a particular animal or plant or season. This kind of poetry is like a seed for me to meditate over that aspect of nature.
What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?
My favorite poem by another writer is “maggie and milly and molly and may” by E. E. Cummings. I love it because it’s lively and frisky and profound. And because it reminds me of growing up near the Atlantic Ocean. And because one of my daughters is named Molly (with a capital M, not lowercase like in the poem — although she’s welcome to be creative with the capitalization of her name if she likes).
The poem:
maggie and milly and molly and may
went down to the beach (to play one day)
and maggie discovered a shell that sang
so sweetly she couldn’t remember her troubles,and
milly befriended a stranded star
whose rays five languid fingers were;
and molly was chased by a horrible thing
which raced sideways while blowing bubbles:and
may came home with a smooth round stone
as small as a world and as large as alone.
For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it’s always ourselves we find in the sea
Source: https://poets.org/poem/maggie-and-milly-and-molly-and-may
What is your favourite style of poetry to write? Why?
I enjoy writing freestyle the most. Limericks and haiku can be fun to write by following their rules. But I typically go with freestyle because I don’t have to worry about rhymes or syllables or meter.
What is your favourite of your own poems?
A tough question, Robbie! One poem of mine doesn’t jump out as a favorite. I looked through Gasp! Poetry! to find one to include here. I chuckled over several poems, but the poem that clicks with me right now isn’t aimed at humor. Rather, it feels hopeful:
Chickadee
Seeing an eagle,
the chickadee
aspired to greatness:
soaring high in the
Great Blue
Yet he could not
transform into that epic bird
In her son’s sullenness,
mama chickadee asked
the elders to offer wisdom
They told him
there’s a quiet dignity
in being a chickadee
and that
warmed his heart.
Your poetry collection Gasp! Poetry! has a most unusual name and blurb. Please tell us a bit about this book, what the poems are about, and what your intentions were will the collection.
The cover tries to warn people who have no interest in poetry. The title and cover illustration pretend what such a person’s reaction might be to a poetry book. They might throw up their hands and shriek, “Gasp! Poetry!” Then they’d run for the safety of a Non-Poetry Zone. Where, after catching their breath, they might tell other people how close they got to a poetry book and how terrifying it was. The cover uses drama for humor (hopefully).
Some poems in the book aim for silliness, while others are serious. The topics are assorted. One short poem is about a monkey taking a bath. One long poem is about how Scheherazade told a thousand tales to avoid being murdered. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, chances are good that you’ve read poems from this collection.
My intention was to package a bunch of poems on my blog, and ones that haven’t been published there yet. I hoped to entertain readers who like playfulness and absurdity in poems.
You write both novels and poetry. Which do you prefer?
Novels. Even when short, they’re more immersive than poems — which are like sketches to me (since I don’t write epic poems). I enjoy pondering possible plot paths of novels, as well as possible backgrounds of characters. It’s akin to reading a book and being immersed in the story. But with novel writing, the story can unfurl in various, potential directions. Joy is in exploring and shaping the story. So is frustration. But it’s worth the frustration when the book is finished.
My review of Gasp! Poetry!
The amusing title of this poetry collection by Dave Williams is indicative of the nature of the poetry. All of the poems are clever, slightly dark, and poke fun at humans and humanity in general. In other words, these poems are brilliant and hugely entertaining.
Is a Poem about Grains of Sand on a Beach Too Pretentious?
“I wondered that question,
lying on a floral beach towel,
a speck in a crowd
of swimsuited people –
all of us were lumps of cookie dough
glazed with sunscreen and coconut oil
baking in this oven.”
The short extract above is a great example of Dave dark humour in relation to human behaviours and his engaging descriptions.
Valor is a great example of the poet’s quick and clever mind and attitudes towards adversity:
“”You’re not sharp enough?”
“Get some sides!”
Yells were hurled from
the crowd of octagons
at the little circle.
“You look ridiculous!”
The circle puffed up
with valor,
said “I am what I am,”
refused to conform,
then rolled defiantly towards home.”
This was my favourite poem in the book. I really enjoyed the personification of shapes and it reminded me of Flatland by Edward Abbott Abbott.
There is some wonderful life wisdom encased in these freestyle poems. A short extract from Ocean Inside which captivated my mind:
“Meanwhile I work against the urge to liquefy myself
and pour myself into the container
others have sculpted for me”
Having gone through my own teenage years and watched three sisters and two sons go through theirs, I am acutely aware of how very real this pack mentality is with young people. Sometimes, people never manage to escape its grip and find their own path in life.
If you enjoy dark humour, excellent poetry, and life truths, you will love this engaging and entertaining collection.
You can purchase Gasp! Poetry! from various suppliers here: https://books2read.com/u/mBJjRk
You can find all of Dave William’s great books on Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dave-Williams/author/B08662D961
About Dave Williams
Surely many people are named “Dave Williams” and this particular Dave is a redheaded one who enjoys writing speculative fiction, drawing, and reading. He lives in Maryland with his wonderful wife, two inspirational daughters, and two cats (a lazy one and a playful one).
You can find Dave Williams on his blog here: https://davewilliamswriter.wordpress.com/
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
__________________________
This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get Your Copy Today!
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
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Cook and Read – My review of A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute and Peach Chicken #CookandRead #fiction
Posted: January 8, 2025 Filed under: Books, Read and Cook, Recipes, Review, romance | Tags: A Town Like Alice, Nevil Shute, Peach Chicken, Read and Cook, Robbie Cheadle, romance, Writing to be Read 45 CommentsMy review of A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute
This was my favourite classic book read of 2024. A delightful romance initially set in Malaysia during World War II and then moving between post-war London and Australia, Jean Paget’s story of strength, endurance, and leadership made for an amazingly uplifting read.
The novel commences with the main character, Jean Paget, a secretary in a leather goods factory, receiving notification from a solicitor, Noel Strachan, that she has inherited a large sum of money from an uncle she never knew. Noel is the trustee of the funds until Jean can inherit at the age of 35 years old (this age was set by the uncle who believed that women were incompetent fools who couldn’t be trusted with money until they had a family and life experience). Strachan acts as Jean’s financial advisor and, over time, a good friend. His part of the story is all the more interesting because of the secret love he develops for Jean. Noel is the narrator of the story.
Jean announces to Noel that her first priority is to build a well in a village in Malaysia and this introduces her poignant backstory as a prisoner of war in Malaysia during WW2. This part of the story is based on a real survival story which makes it all the more fascinating. Jean was working in Malaysia when the Japanese invaded and she was taken prisoner along with a large group of other European women and children. The Japanese authorities doesn’t know what to do with the group so they end up walking from one village to another for months. The lack of good food, exposure of the elements and hardship results in the deaths of a large number of the group. Jean meets an Australian soldier, Joe Harman, who is also a prisoner of war and is driving a lorry for the Japanese invaders. He tries to help the women and ultimately steals five chickens from a local Japanese commander. He is eventually caught and beaten, crucified and left to die by the Japanese soldiers. Jean believes that Jo Harman is dead. Soon after, the women’s Japanese guard dies and they take shelter in a Malaysian village for the rest of the war. Jean wishes to build a well in this village as a gesture of gratitude to the villagers who saved the lives of the remaining women and children by taking them in. During the construction of the well, Jean discovers by accident that Joe survived and returned to Australia. She decides to go in search of him in Australia and this sets the stage for the rest of the story and the romance. Joe had mentioned the town of Alice Springs during their short time as friends, and this is where Jean heads.
The writing is completely engaging and the characters of both Jean and Joe are well developed and admirable. As a reader, I become completely involved in both their stories and was rooting for their romance and success as individuals and a couple. Jean is portrayed as a strong willed survivor with a strong sense of compassion and responsibility. She is a remarkable leader and an excellent role model for young women.
Joe is portrayed as being recklessly brave and this results in his undoing. He is a very determined and strong willed person, however, an these characteristics result in his miraculous survival.
I read this book because I am interested in learning more about the war in the Pacific and the Japanese involvement in World War II. I have read several books on this topic and A Town Like Alice is the one that stands out the most in my memory. I highly recommend this book to lovers of romance and war literature.
You can purchase A Town Like Alice by Nevil Shute from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1842323008
Recipe for Peach Chicken
This recipe is based on Matt Preston’s recipe for Apricot Chicken in his book, Cook Book. I made some variations. If you are interested in purchasing Matt Preston’s book, you can do so here: https://www.amazon.com/Cook-Book-recipes-incredibly-popular-ebook/dp/B016NIBORU
Ingredients
8 chicken thighs and 8 chicken drumsticks, on the bone with skin
160 ml olive oil
1 Tbspn garlic flakes
1 heaped Tbspn dried oregano
5 ml dried thyme
1 tin peaches and the juice
24 caperberries
24 green olives, pits removed and cut in half
2 bay leaves
1 Tbspn chicken stock (powder)
Ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) white wine
Method
Heat the over to 180 C. Line the bottom and sides of a oven baking dish with silver foil. Lay the chicken skin up on the bottom on the dish. In a separate bowl, mix the oil, wine, herbs and caperberries. Pour the tinned peaches over the chicken. Add the wine mixture. Lastly, place the olives over the chicken. Cover the dish with tin foil.
Bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Turn the oven to grill. Remove the tin foil and grill the chicken until nicely browned. Do not let the peaches burn. About 15 – 20 minutes.
Enjoy with rice.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
_______________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
_______________________________________
This post is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.
Get Your Copy Now.
Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird
Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle
Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home (Ages 6-8): https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee
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Treasuring Poetry – Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka collated by Colleen M. Chesebro and Robbie Cheadle #poetry #treasuringpoetry
Posted: December 18, 2024 Filed under: Anthology, Poetry, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: Colleen M. Chesebro, Robbie Cheadle, Sunflower Tanka, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 52 Comments
For this final post of 2024, I am sharing about Sunflower Tanka: An Anthology of Tanka, Tanka Prose, & Experimental Tanka collated by Colleen M. Chesbro and myself, Robbie Cheadle.
The theme for this collection, “Into the Light,” was influenced by how a young sunflower bud always faces the sun. This sun tracking is called heliotropism.
It is believed that sunflowers participate in heliotropism because they possess an internal clock similar to humans. This internal clock enables the plant to maximize its growth and absorb optimal energy.
The buds are heliotropic until the end of the bud stage. Upon reaching maturity, the sunflower ceases to follow the sun.
The combination of sunflowers as an emblem, and “Into the Light” as a theme is intended to throw shards of brightness out into the world. By actively seeking out happiness and sharing love and light, we can make this planet a better place for all its people and creatures.
golden sunflowers
watch Apollo’s chariot
move across the sky
from dawn’s first light to sunset
forever seeking the light
by Colleen M. Chesebro
Blurb
Sunflower Tanka, edited by Robbie Cheadle & Colleen M. Chesebro, is an annual anthology of contemporary tanka, tanka prose, & experimental tanka from a broad mix of new and established poetic voices from across the world.
Our theme, “Into the Light,” draws inspiration from the way a young sunflower bud constantly turns to face the sun. Poets delved into the realms of death, love, and the natural world, capturing their human experiences in the timeless form of syllabic poetry.
Contributors to the first edition of the Sunflower Tanka: Suzanne Brace, Yvette Calleiro, Kay Castenada, Luanne Castle, Robbie Cheadle, Colleen M. Chesebro, E.A. Colquitt, Melissa Davilio, Destiny, Tamiko Dooley, Lisa Fox, Cindy Georgakas, Chris Hall, Franci Hoffman, Marsha Ingrao, Jude Itakali, JulesPaige, Kenneth, MJ Mallon, Brenda Marie, Selma Martin, Michelle Ayon Navajas, Lisa Nelson, D. Wallace Peach, Freya Pickard, Dawn Pisturino, Gwen M. Plano, Jennifer Russo, Aishwarya Saby, Reena Saxena, Merril D. Smith, Nicole Smith, Ivor Steven, Ben Tonkin, Trilce Marsh Vazquez, Cheryl Wood.
A few examples of the poetry in this book
All the poems in this book are gorgeous, so I have just randomly selected three pieces to share here:
echoes of despair
hushed as tears fail haunted eyes
silence expresses
a quiet faiths’ grip on hope
firm through darkened horizons
Tanka By Destiny
***
ash and dust reclaim
from flames of passion or shame
born this, raised as that
do butterflies from cocoons
ditch all that was, for petals?
Extract from Intertwined Essence (garland tanka) by Jude Itakali
***
within the forest
there’s a glen where children play
under a white light
where mystical faeries
flit around, happy and free
Tanka by Ivor Steven
Jacaranda Blue
As a photographer and painter, I am always trying to capture light in my work. This series of three photographs of my painting, Jacaranda Blue, was intended to demonstrate how this painting captures light in different ways.
This painting is dedicated to my amazingly artistic blogging friend, Resa McConaghy, who recently shared a most extraordinary series of articles about The Painted House. You can find the last article, with links to all the rest, here: https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2024/11/24/exterior/. In addition to her amazing photography, Resa creates the most incredible art gowns out of recycled materials. Click on Resa’s name to discover more about her gowns.
This is a short extract from my poem Jacaranda Blue, a rensaku, inspired by this painting and included in Sunflower Tanka:
dressed for a spring ball
frocks of filmy organza
Jacaranda blue
delicate forms gently swaying in softly flowing fabric
Sunflower Tanka Video
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
___________________________
This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get Your Copy Today!
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
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Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle – Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien and a recipe for Christmas cake #bookreview #recipe #Christmas
Posted: December 11, 2024 Filed under: Books, Read and Cook, Recipes, Review | Tags: Christmas, Christmas fiction, J.R.R.Tolkien, Letters From Father Christmas, Read and Cook, Robbie Cheadle, Writing to be Read 43 Comments
My review
Letters to Father Christmas is Tolkien at his absolute best. A series of letters written to his own children and featuring Father Christmas as a very real and relatable person who experiences lots of setbacks, both small and large. Set over an extended period, the letters also run through World War II and explains how the war and its deprivations impact on the folk at the North Pole. Although WWII is a long time past, this messaging of resilience and making the best of things is still relevant in our modern time of uncertainty and warfare.
Father Christmas relies on his number one helper, Polar Bear, to help him in his work. As time passes and more and more children are born, Father Christmas also gets help from the elves. His elven secretary also starts assisting him with his letter writing. Polar Bear is a delightful character, full of fun and very naughty, he is always getting into trouble and creating mishaps. Father Christmas has to move house after Polar Bear tries to rescue his hat from blowing away in a wind and falls through the room and into the family room.
Father Christmas also faces adversity in the form of the hostile goblins who keep attacking his home every couple of hundred years. The goblins are mean and treacherous creatures and the folk at the North Pole have to call upon the red dwarves for assistances from their attack. An interesting way of explaining war and its meaning to young children.
A delightful book for children and adults and one I highly recommend.
You can purchase Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0618512659
Quotes from Letters from Father Christmas
“if you remember him, is still fast asleep, and quite thin after so much fasting. He will soon cure that. I shall tickle his ribs and wake him up soon; and then he will eat several months’ breakfast all in one). More love, your loving Father Christmas There is audio content at this location that is not currently supported for your device. The caption for this content is displayed below. Christmas Eve 1934”
“I hope you will like the little things I have sent you. You seem to be most interested in Railways just now, so I am sending you mostly things of that sort. I send as much love as ever, in fact more. We have both, the old Polar Bear and I, enjoyed having so many nice letters from you and your pets. If you think we have not read them you are wrong; but if you find that not many of the things you asked for have come, and not perhaps quite as many as sometimes, remember that this Christmas all over the world there are a terrible number of poor and starving people. I (and also my Green Brother) have had to do some collecting of food and clothes, and toys too, for the children whose fathers and mothers and friends cannot give them anything, sometimes not even dinner. I know yours won’t forget you. So, my dears, I hope you will be happy this Christmas and not quarrel, and will have some good games with your Railway all together. Don’t forget old Father Christmas, when you light your tree.”
Christmas cake recipe
Ingredients for Christmas cake
250 grams currants
240 grams sultana
200 grams mixed berries
240 grams raisins
120 grams mixed peel
180 grams chopped cherries
300 grams plain white cake flour
pinch salt
2.5 ml mixed spice
2.5 ml cinnamon
300 grams softened butter
300 grams sticky brown sugar
30 ml lemon zest
6 eggs, lightly beaten
45 ml brandy
Method for Christmas cake
Preheat the oven to 140 degrees Celsius. Double line the cake tin with thick baking paper.
Beat the sugar and butter in an electric mixer. Add the lemon zest. Add the eggs, beating in one at a time.
In a separate bowl mix the dried fruit, spices, salt cherries and flour. Add the egg mixture and mix well. Lastly, pour in the brandy and combine.
Scoop the mixture into the baking tin and level with the back of a spoon. Wrap a layer of tin foil around the base of the baking tin and place in the oven. Bake for +- 3 hours.
Last year’s Christmas cakes had a roses theme:
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About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
_______________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
_______________________________________
This post is sponsored by the My Backyard Friends Kid’s Book Series and WordCrafter Press.
The My Backyard Friends kid’s book series is inspired by the birds and animals that visit the author Kaye Lynne Booth’s mountain home. Beautiful illustrations by children’s author, poet, and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, bring the unique voices of the animal characters to life.
Get Your Copy Now.
Heather Hummingbird Makes a New Friend (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-HeatherHummingbird
Timothy Turtle Discovers Jellybeans (Ages 3-5): https://books2read.com/MBF-TimothyTurtle
Charlie Chickadee Gets a New Home (Ages 6-8): https://books2read.com/MBF-CharlieChickadee
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Treasuring Poetry – Meet poet Maggie Watson and a review of Pieces of Me, A collection of poems #TreasuringPoetry #poetrycommunity #bookreview
Posted: November 20, 2024 Filed under: Book Review, Books, Collection, Interview, Poetry, Review | Tags: Interview, Maggie Watson, Pieces of ME, Poetry, Review, Robbie Cheadle, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 72 CommentsToday, I am delighted to introduce poet, Maggie Watson. Maggie writes incredibly compelling poetry which you can find on her blog here: Ephemeral Encounters
Over to Maggie
Robbie, thank you so much for inviting me to be your guest on Treasuring Poetry. I loved your questions, and I hope everyone finds my answers, at the very least, a little interesting.
My favourite style of poetry to read is haiku.
Haiku poems are easy on the eye, yet they can evoke strong emotions in a few words. If a poem is too long, I lose interest halfway through unless it grabs me in the first couple of lines.
My favourite haiku is “A Poppy Blooms” by Katsushika Hokusai
I write, erase, rewrite
Erase again, and then
A poppy blooms.
The writer here uses the imagery of spring to describe his writing process.
I would use winter, as I sometimes find the whole writing process frustrating, especially when I am blocked, staring at a blank piece of paper (a barren landscape in winter).
My favourite style of writing poetry is freestyle. I am ashamed to say that I have not tried any other style. I did attempt a few haiku a while back, but not consistently. As I write, it comes from my heart and soul and usually reflects my mood or thoughts at that moment. I hope no one shoots me down in flames for saying this, but poetry should be as free as a bird set free, not confined or restricted to parameters.
My favourite poem written by me is one of the first I ever wrote in 2020, one of the better ones, I hasten to add. The Mask is also in my new Collection, Pieces of Me and is related to the subject matter.
She puts it on before she goes outside,
just in case anyone should see inside.
The darkness, the hurt, the years ripped and scarred with dirt.
No one knows.
No one cares.
They only see the Mask she wears.
She tries but can’t forget all the angry words and threats buried deep within and the pain that never seems to dim.
So she smiles, wears the Mask, and hopes that no one ever asks.
I had originally planned to call this collection Bouquets of Barbed Wire, however, it was a little too close to the title of a television programme that I remember my parents watching, so I decided against it.
Pieces of Me is another poem from another Collection, “In the Shadow of my Pen: A Collection of Poetry and Prose.
Not long after joining WordPress, David from A Skeptics Kaddish reblogged it. I then decided to write two other parts, all three are in the new Collection. The new collection is my story in poems about my abusive relationship. The main form of abuse was gaslighting, which is a gradual erosion of your spirit, piece by piece. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to do the same.
Thank you again Robbie for giving me this space.
It’s my pleasure, Maggie. Thank you for being a wonderful guest.
My review of Pieces of Me, A collection of poems by Maggie Watson
Pieces of Me is a collection of powerful poems written by a survivor of domestic abuse. The abuse the poet suffered was not physical or sexual, but rather mental. The kind that slowly and insidiously destroys your spirit.
The collection is divided into parts reflecting the various stages of the poet’s abuse from the early days of her marriage until she found the determination and courage to exit her destructive relationship.
Red light spells danger: These poems are about the warning signs that the poet was to young and inexperienced to understand. It is awful to think of a young person being lured into such a terrible set of circumstances like a fly into a spider web.
“I was blind.
I did not see it.
Too young, too naive.
Red light spells danger, but I ignored the colour of your aura.”
An extract from Red Lights Spell Danger
When I think back over my own youth, I sigh with relief that I never fell victim to such a man’s charms. It could have happened so easily as we are gullible and innocent when we are young.
Eggshells is the next section and eloquently describes living with a bully and gas lighter.
“A soul in pain, cute with a blade, the wound
then stitched together with words unkind
Spirit erased, replaced with doubts and fears.
Thoughts of unworthiness grow among the stitches sown
Drip, drip, they slowly infiltrate the mind.”
Extract from Soul in Pain
I am becoming is an uplifting section where the poet describes her escape from the vicious clutches of her abuser and path towards reclaiming her life.
“Never be a lamb to their slaughter
don’t let them watch you bleed
It is they who are weak as they plant their
seeds in your womb
for the pleasure that they seek.”
A collection of strongly worded and evocative poems that make you walk the poet’s path hand-in-hand with her. With compassion comes understanding.
Purchase Pieces of Me: A collection of poems from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DH32JKQ8
About Maggie Watson
Maggie was born in Cape Town, South Africa.
She now lives in Scotland.
She has CFS which is a very debilitating/unpredictable illness, but she refuses to let that define her.
She began writing in 2020 at the start of the Pandemic.
At that point, she had no idea it would play such a huge part in her life as it does now!
In 2021 she self-published her first collection of poetry and has since self-published five others.
Maggie draws a lot on her life experiences when she writes.
As a Domestic Abuse Survivor she uses her voice through her words to empower.
Her work has also been published by Gypsophila Zine, Glass Gates Publishing, Spill Words and Edge of Humanity and others.
And, also included in three anthologies.
For more examples of her writing visit her blog here: https://poetrybymaggiewatson.uk/
________________________________
Did you know you can sponsor your favorite blog series or even a single post with an advertisement for your book? Stop by the WtbR Sponsor Page and let me advertise your book, or you can make a donation to Writing to be Read for as little as a cup of coffee, If you’d like to show your support for this author and WordCrafter Press.
___________________________
This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Get Your Copy Today!
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
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Read and Cook with Robbie Cheadle – To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor and American Crabcakes #bookreview #cooking #crabcakes
Posted: November 13, 2024 Filed under: Books, cooking, Read and Cook, Recipes, Review | Tags: American Crabcakes, Jeff Shaara, Read and Cook, Robbie Cheadle, To Wake the Giant, Writing to be Read 47 CommentsNovember 11 is Remembrance Day or Poppy Day, a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. With this in mind, and to feed my growing interest in USA history, I selected To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Jeff Shaara for this month’s book review. Last month, the month of Halloween, I reviewed Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice. If you missed that post, you can read it here: https://writingtoberead.com/2024/10/09/read-and-cook-with-robbie-cheadle-interview-with-a-vampire-by-anne-rice-and-new-orleans-gumbo-bookreview-recipe-readandcook/?_gl=1*akw5pe*_gcl_au*MjgyNDk3NjkzLjE3Mjg3OTgxMTQ.
Are you noticing the book choices are themed? They are, to the extent possible, and next month is Christmas. I’ve got a treat in mind for you …
To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor by Jeff Shaara
I have read a few of Jeff Shaara’s books and they have all be entertaining, informative, and well researched. My historical knowledge of both WW1 and WW2 is much greater as it relates to events in Europe and from a British, Dutch, French, and Polish perspective. I have been making a point of learning more about WW2 from an American perspective and this book did not disappoint. It provided copious detail about the events leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour and the USA’s entrance into a war they fought on two fronts, in an interesting and relatable way.
The author tells his story through the eyes of three main characters, two of whom are real historical people and one who appears based on a real person but whose life would have been more fictionalised for purposes of this book. These main characters are as follows:
Cordell Hull is President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Secretary of State and the real historical figure who tried to negotiate for continued peace with the Japanese through Ambassador Admiral Kichisaburo Nomura and Special Envoy, Saburo Kurusu. He failed and the Japanese launched their attack on Pearl Harbour on Sunday, 7 December 1941, marking the USA’s terrible and spectacular entrance into WW2. Cordell tells the story from the US government’s point of view and perspective.
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is the force behind the attack on Pearl Harbour. A real historical figure, he understood that war was inevitable and planned for an early victory and delay tactic for an American response by destroying the United States Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbour in a preventive strike. Yamamoto believed that aviation was the way forward and opposed the building of the battleships, Yamoto and Mushashi, proposing investment in a strong Japanese arial force instead. Yamamoto tells the story from the Japanese perspective.
Seaman Tommy Biggs is an ordinary nineteen-year-old from a small town in Florida. Having finished school, he is faced with no job opportunities as a result of the Depression. When his best friend decides to join the Navy, Tommy is convinced to sign up too. Tommy has aspirations to work in the military hospital service and, after successfully completing boot camp, manages to get assigned to the USS Arizona as a hospital apprentice.
Seaman Biggs’ role in this book is the one that interested me the most as he represented the ordinary seaman. The reader learns about his life on the USS Arizona and the abuse he suffers at the hands of the military system which allowed senior personnel to bully junior staff. Through his eyes, I experienced daily life aboard the ship which was repetitive and boring, and off short time in the town. Most of the seamen spent their time ashore drinking cheap booze and making use of prostitutes. The boredom of the life on board ship, eroded alertness and interest and, in my opinion, helped set the stage for an attack that was such a complete and utter surprise.
This book is fascinating and shares details of the historical event in a heart rending and personable way. The descriptions of the event of the day were a shock to me, I didn’t know about the terrible fires and the oil the water that burned and horribly maimed many of the seamen. Having read this book, I understood the mindset of the American people and how the events that followed came to unfold the way they did.
If you are interested in books about and like to learn and expand your knowledge in a fascinating and compelling way, this book is for you.
You can purchase To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor here: https://www.amazon.com/Wake-Giant-Novel-Pearl-Harbor-ebook/dp/B07X8D1B1Y
Quotes from To Wake the Giant: A Novel of Pearl Harbor
“We believed we knew everything they were thinking. Those Magic intercepts made us feel invulnerable. No, a better word is cocky. Their diplomats are chatting back and forth with Tokyo about the weather or color of their new Cadillacs while their military put a plan together to kick us in the teeth. We thought we knew everything. We didn’t.
-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt”
“All I propose is an attack that will paralyze the Americans, for perhaps six months. This attack is not about victory, about winning a war…It is about delaying them, keeping them back, damaging their military might and pride.
-Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto”
“How were we taken so by surprise? Everything we have gone through at the State Department, for most of the past year has pointed unmistakably to Japanese aggression, to their deceitfulness, duplicity, and backdoor actions. We knew exactly what they were doing in Southeast Asia in the Netherlands East Indies in China. We had access to their diplomatic communications we have outstanding people in our intelligence offices, both army and navy. How could this have happened?
-Former US Secretary of State, Cordell Hull”
THIS IS A SMASHING BOOK. IF YOU HAVEN’T READ IT, YOU REALLY MUST!
And now, on to the recipe. I made three dishes for this post and I loved them all. I decided to share the crabcakes recipe today and will keep the others for another post.
Robbie’s version of American Crabcakes
Ingredients
2 large eggs
90 ml mayonnaise
2 Tbspns (30 ml) onions grated
120 ml lemon juice
10 ml dried tarragon
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
500 grams uncooked crab meat
30 ml melted butter
1 1/2 cups (750 ml) crushed melba toast slices (you can use any plain savoury biscuit)
Method
Mix the eggs, mayonnaise, onions, lemon juice, tarragon and pepper flakes together in a mixing bowl. In a frying pan on a medium heat, cook the crabmeat in the butter. Add the crabmeat to the egg mixture and combine. Add the crushed melba toast and ensure everything is properly mixed together. I always use my hands.
Shape the mixture into cakes and fry in a little olive oil until nicely browned. We enjoyed the crabcakes with rice and Greek lemon roasted vegetables.
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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This segment of “Read and Cook” with Robbie Cheadle is sponsored by The Women in the West Adventure Series and WordCrafter Press.
Historical Women’s Fiction
Get Your Copy Today!
Delilah: https://books2read.com/DelilahWiW1
Sarah: https://books2read.com/Sarah-Women-in-the-West
Marta: Coming in 2025
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Treasuring Poetry – Meet talented poet, Dawn Pisturino and a review #poetrycommunity #poetry #TreasuringPoetry
Posted: October 16, 2024 Filed under: Books, Collection, Poetry, Review, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: Dawn Pistrurino, Haiku for the Midnight Hour, Interview, Poeetry, Robbie Cheadle, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 65 CommentsToday, I am delighted to welcome talented poet, Dawn Pisturino, as my October Treasuring Poetry guest. Dawn has a Halloween collection of micro poems which I’ve reviewed below.
What is your favourite style of poetry to read i.e. haiku, ballad, epic, freestyle, etc?
I like any style of poetry to read, but my favorite is the sonnet. William Shakespeare and Elizabeth Barrett Browning excelled in this art form that elevates the mind and captures the soul.
What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?
My favorite sonnet is the classic love poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning from her collection, Sonnets from the Portuguese. “Portuguese” was Robert Browning’s pet name for his wife. Her sonnets are so expertly written and articulate such deep love and passion! They are delightful to read and reflect the nature of true romantic love between two people—the abiding love that most people dream about but rarely find.
Sonnet XLIII
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, – I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! – and, if God choose, 2
I shall but love thee better after death.
What is your favourite style of poetry to write? Why?
It’s easier to write in free verse and let the words and emotions flow. Writing in a tight form, like a sonnet or haiku, requires discipline, creativity, and a more extensive vocabulary.
What is your favourite of your own poems?
“Ariel’s Song” is my favorite poem because it was written for my daughter when she was quite small. It reflects our life when we lived in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Ariel’s Song
Ariel sings a lusty song
Of ships upon the sea,
And ere the night is very long,
Her spell is cast on me.
She spins a web of intrigue,
She tells a tale of woe;
And when the sun is waxing big,
I do not want to go, –
No, I do not want to go.
But she folds her wings together
And whispers my release;
For her stories last forever
And her songs will never cease.
Then, she rises from the window,
Winging high into the light,
And I’m left alone in shadow
As she disappears from sight.
Tell us a bit about your latest collection of haiku, Haiku for the Midnight Hour. What inspired you to write this collection? Is Halloween a favourite celebration of yours?
Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I have fond childhood memories of picking fresh pumpkins from the garden, buying cider from the local apple stand, bobbing for apples at my best friend’s house, and going trick-or-treating with my little brother. Early in the year, I thought about writing a dark haiku collection and decided to finish it in time for Halloween. It was a fun project. I wrote twisted, dark limericks for Underneath the Juniper Tree that were quite popular with readers of all ages. I thought it would be fun to do the same with haiku. Purists may not like non-traditional haiku about monsters, aliens, demons, voodoo gods, and other dark themes, but I’m hoping it will be an interesting introduction to haiku for adults, teens, and young adults.
My review of Haiku for the Midnight Hour
This is an entertaining collection of micro poems that revolve around the themes of Halloween and ghostly happenings. The micro poems are collected under common themes with headings, for example, Wee Folk and Crystal Balls.
While most of the micro poems deal with the paranormal, there are several that deal with Family and dark events in the home. On such example is Aunt Jane, as follows:
“aunt jane – locked away
in the attic for years – rocks
back and forth in chains”
The poems are clever and darkly humorous. Two of my favourites are as follows:
Jack and the Giant
“jack climbed the beanstalk
with curious intention
a giant backlash”
Purgatory
“purgatory and
punishment clean souls tarnished
by sinful doings”
If you enjoy clever and dark theme micro poems, this is the book for you.
Purchase Haiku for the Midnight Hour by Dawn Pisturino from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DD3SBP6N
About Dawn Pisturino
Dawn Pisturino is a retired nurse in Arizona whose international publishing credits include poems, short stories, and articles. Her first poetry book, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023, debuted with five-star reviews. Her short chapbook, Lunar Gazing Haiku, became a #1 Amazon New Release in six categories. Her newest release, Haiku for the Midnight Hour, achieved #1 Amazon New Release status in three categories. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, PEN America, and the Arizona Authors Association.
You can find all of Dawn Pisturino’s books on Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CYM7BV37
About Robbie Cheadle
South African author and illustrator, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated sixteen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
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This segment of “Treasuring Poetry” is sponsored by WordCrafter Press and the Poetry Treasures series.
Poetry Treasures: https://books2read.com/PoetryTreasures
Poetry Treasures 2: Relationships: https://books2read.com/PT2-Relationships
Poetry Treasures 3: Passions: https://books2read.com/u/b5qnBR
Poetry Treasures 4:In Touch With Nature: https://books2read.com/PT4-Nature
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Read and cook with Robbie Cheadle – Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice and New Orleans Gumbo #bookreview #recipe #Readandcook
Posted: October 9, 2024 Filed under: Uncategorized 59 CommentsInterview with a Vampire by Anne Rice
This book is a fascinatingly different take on the traditional vampire story. Louis, a vampire, decides to share the story of his life’s journey as a vampire with a young journalist. The journalist is scared of Louis but is so interested in the story, he remains to hear it all.
Louis story begins in 1791 when he is the owner of a plantation, Pointe du Lac, outside of New Orleans. Louis is grieving the death of his younger brother for which he feels responsible. While deranged with grief, Louis meets a vampire named Lestat and falls under his charismatic spell. In a state of semi-entrancement, Louis allows himself to be turned into a vampire by Lestat who is searching for a companion in his immortality. After his conversion, Lestat pushes himself into Louis life, moving into the manor house and living a life of luxury at Louis expense. Lestat happily feeds on and kills humans, but Louis cannot bring himself to adopt the ways of the vampire. Louis exists by drinking the blood of animals. He resents Lestat and his vampirical ways disgust Louis.
The plantation employees eventually work out that the pair are vampires and attack the manor house, intending to kill them. The two men escape but the planation is burned to the ground. With the help of a woman whom Louis is passionately in love with, the vampires escape to New Orleans. Before Louis leaves, the woman tells him she believes him to be evil and a devil. These words wound Louis deeply and in New Orlans he attempts to give in to his vampire nature. He feeds on a five year old girl, Claudia, but he doesn’t kill her. Lestat finds out about Claudia and decides to turn her into a vampire, despite her young age, to bond Louis to him. He knows that Louis will take responsibility for their young charge.
The trio life in relative peace for many years but Claudia becomes very frustrated as she matures into a woman trapped in a child’s body. She develops a hatred for Lestat and kills him. Knowing the murder of one of their own is against the vampire law, Louis flees to Europe with Claudia in order to protect her. In Europe, the pair seek other vampires and try to build a new life.
Louis is a tragic and conflicted character. He was unhappy as a human and he remains unhappy subsequent to his conversion into a vampire. He is completely morally conflicted and cannot bring himself to feed on and kill humans for many years. Feeding for vampires is described as being almost sexual in its intense joy and Louis is completely miserable as a result of his self denial. He is also resentful towards Lestat who trapped him into the immortal life he despises. Louis is intelligent and learned, but he is intensely lonely. He wants to find a community of similar minded vampires to live with. Unfortunately, all the other vampires he meets are animalistic and driven by blood lust and a desire to live the high life. Louis becomes embittered and lonelier as the years pass by. I finished the book feeling incredibly sorry for Louis and even having some feelings of pity for Lestat.
Interview with a Vampire is well written and an interesting examination of themes of loyalty, the nature of evil, immortality and its meaning, and the link between violence and death and eroticism and desire. The settings are all dark and gothic and fit well with the themes of the book and its horror genre.
I recommend this book as an excellent Halloween read for readers who enjoy books with strong characterisations and dark, gothic settings.
Purchase Interview with a Vampire from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345476875
Quotes from Interview with a Vampire
“Evil is a point of view. We are immortal. And what we have before us are the rich feasts that conscience cannot appreciate and mortal men cannot know without regret. God kills, and so shall we; indiscriminately He takes the richest and the poorest, and so shall we; for no creatures under God are as we are, none so like Him as ourselves, dark angels not confined to the stinking limits of hell but wandering His earth and all its kingdoms.”
“It was as if the empty nights were made for thinking of him. And sometimes I found myself so vividly aware of him it was as if he had only just left the room and the ring of his voice were still there. And somehow, there was a disturbing comfort in that, and, despite myself, I’d envision his face.”
“It was as if this night were only one of thousands of nights, world without end, night curving into night to make a great arching line of which I couldn’t see the end, a night in which I roamed alone under cold, mindless stars.”
New Orleans Gumbo with a South African flavour
I’ve paired Interview with a Vampire with New Orleans Gumbo which I gave a South African flavour.
Ingredients
Olive oil for cooking
1 x brown onion, diced
8 x spring onions, sliced
2 x medium eggplants (bringal or aubergine), diced
1 x large pepper, diced. I used a yellow one
150 grams dried sausage, I used South African Chili droewors
30 ml (2 tablespoons) Cajun seasoning
15 ml (1 tablespoon) garlic flakes
1 kg deboned and skinless chicken breasts cut into quarters
500 grams peeled prawns
For the sauce:
250 grams butter
500 ml cake flour
1 litre chicken stock
1 litre milk
Extra:
10 grams chopped fresh parsley
Method
Heat olive oil in a wok or large frying pan. Fry onion, spring onion and celery until golden. Add the eggplant and green pepper and fry for a further 5 minutes. Eggplant should be turning golden. Add the dried sausage, Cajun seasoning, and the garlic flakes. Fry until cooked through and then set aside.
Add the chicken stock stirring continuously and then add the milk slowly. Stir until all lumps are gone and the liquid is smooth. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens into a sauce. The sauce is ready at the point when bubble start forming on the surface. Add the chicken and the vegetables and turn down to a simmer.
In a large saucepan, cook the chicken is a little olive oil until about 2/3rds cooked. Remove from pot and set aside. Melt the butter in the saucepan. Add the flour and mix to form a thick paste, allow to cook for a few minutes (this is called a rue).
In a separate frying pan, cook the prawns in a little butter until pink all over. Add the prawns to the chicken mixture. Your gumbo is now ready to serve with rice.
My short video of the finished product:
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This post is sponsored by the Midnight Dark Fiction Anthology Series and WordCrafter Press.
Midnight Roost: Weird and Creepy Stories – https://books2read.com/MidnightRoost
Midnight Garden: Where Dark Tales Grow – https://books2read.com/MidnightGardenAnthology
