7.2 SkullQuake by Michael E. Duckwall

Breathtakingly brilliant, at times positively chilling. Michael E. Duckwall’s collection, 7.2 SkullQuake serves as both his second poetry collection and an introduction to his art, which is absolutely stunning.

Released through Cajun Mutt Press in February, the work Michael put into the brief 25 pages is evident on every word, and proof that a book does not need to be lengthy to be a powerful read.

Containing eleven poems and artwork (not including the artwork he designed on the cover), it is a dark web of poetic thoughts and musings with accompanying images you could easily find yourself getting lost within.

As far as the art goes, my favorites were the ones accompanying the poems The Distance Between Dirt and Skin, Darkness encased in Darkness, Giving Shape and Roots, with the first two poems listed as two of my favorite poems, as well. I also greatly enjoyed Silence Between Us and Next In Line.

Michael’s work is one of a kind, it shines with vulnerability and a strength that is ever present in his writing, it leaves its marks on your mind and in your heart. I strongly encourage anyone to look him up, read his word, go to the Scottsburg IN open mic he hosts monthly and listen to him read, you won’t regret it. I for one, look forward to many more amazing works in the future.

You can find 7.2 SkullQuake here: https://a.co/d/e8RAd3p

Tales From a Broken Girl by Chris Dean

There are books or stories, where you read them and feel as though you’ve known that person forever, less like they’re letting you into their mind, and more like you’re having a conversation with them.

Tales From a Broken Girl is one of those books, where you don’t necessarily have to know the author on a personal level to feel like you know the author. Released last September through Storyline Press, it’s the debut work by Chris Dean; and let me tell you, it hits you with a bang.

Through poetry they let you into their world, invite you to join them for a cup of morning coffee and talk about life. I was one in a long line waiting for this book to drop last year, each poem was brilliantly crafted and well worth the wait.

Told through three different sections of life, Love & Loss, Piss & Vinegar and Acceptance, you walk away feeling like you’ve not just read a book but gotten to know them on a personal level. Like you’ve known them for years, in fact, and just stopped in for a morning catch up.

They invite you into their world as they transform everyday moments into magnificent pieces of art. From lovely pieces like storm song and a walk in the woods to the more brutal a friendly drink there isn’t a piece that won’t make you feel or reflect on the words they’ve shared.

The stand out poem to me as a parent was someday, a painfully familiar piece about putting everyone else first, because there will be time to chase dreams later. Until someday arrives and your desire has faded.

It was, in fact, the poem that inspired me to begin the open mic circuit, because you should put your loved ones first but not in such a way that it stalls your own existence in the process. Life is all about finding the balancing act, and Chris’ poem is a prominent reminder not to simply stop everything, because there’ll be time later, that you shouldn’t allow yourself to be lost in the process.

Chasing trains is another exceptional piece, as is a walk among the stones. For me, as someone who’s battled with mental illness and suicidal thoughts in the past, this year and welcome to the borderland were both very raw, at times brutal, very real pieces. I’m grateful they shared them, letting the reader into their personal struggle in a very vulnerable and beautiful way.

Chris puts their soul onto the page, every page, then steps back and lets you take what you want from the words. Their work is incredibly self reflective and will leave you with a desire to find and read more from them. I have personally purchased copies of this book for several people after reading it, and would do so again.

You can find Tales from a Broken Girl here https://a.co/d/00EcwjNp