Suggestion Saturday: A Couple Poetry Books I've Enjoyed
Welcome to a new series where on a random Saturday with absolutely no consistency, I will post about a few poetry books I've read recently to help you find your next read!
A few notes before we dive in:
All opinions are my own. No one has asked me to share these books/authors/links nor do I receive anything compensation or commission-wise.
I am choosing these books because I read them and enjoyed them - and I believe someone else would enjoy them too!
Between The Dark and The Light by R. William Parmenter
Here’s the blurb from Amazon:
Between The Dark and The Light, the debut of R. William Parmenter, is a powerful collection of poems exploring the raw and authentic experience of living with bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. This deeply personal work journeys through the shadows of mental illness, while also uncovering the moments of light and inspiration that give hope. It traverses the social issues that cause strife, but also shows the beauty in humanity.
Created to share the realities of mental illness and to inspire others, this collection reminds readers they are not alone on their journey. Through honest reflection and uplifting resilience, Between The Dark and The Light offers a beacon of understanding and encouragement for anyone seeking hope amid darkness.
Who might enjoy this poetry collection?
First, I’m copying the content guidance from the book: “This collection contains themes of mental illness, miscarriage, grief, loss, systematic racism, police brutaility, and mentions of trauma and suicide.”
In the preface, Parmenter discusses his own disagnosies. For me personally, I was diagnosed in November of 2023 with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and begin taking Lexpro at that time. I’ve always dealt with anxiety (literally my whole life) but it’s become much more managable.
Many of the poems from Between The Dark and The Light spoke directly to me and made me feel seen. If you enjoy poetry that highlights themes of mental health though strong imagery, then you may enjoy this collection as much as I did. This collection deals with heavy topics and the author recommends not reading in one sitting. Personally, I read in one sitting. I enjoy pain. #NoRagrets
In particular, my favorite poems from this collection are: Treading Water, Marathon, Wake Up, Fragile, Mirror, Little Blue Pill, Cut From Different Cloth, Introvert, Manic Projects, Unfinished, and Box of Photos.
I received permission to share an image of a poem from the book. Here’s an image of Treading Water.
Snippets from some Reviews left for this Collection:
“This was an unexpected delight. These poems truly occupy the spaces "between the dark and light", dancing between the beauty and devastation in this world beautifully.” (Goodreads)
“For anyone who has struggled with depression, anxiety, or similar mental health issues, these words will make you feel and remember dark times in the past, but still choose to follow the light to the other side.” (Amazon)
“It's like a million dollar jewel buried under a bucket of sand.
His raw emotions are so relatable. It's quick to read but a book you would go through again and again.” (Amazon)
How to Connect with the Author & Purchase this Collection
You can purchase or read Between The Dark and The Light by R. William Parmenter from the following places:
Read on Hoopla (through your library!)
You can connect with R. William Parmenter in a few ways, including Substack!
Flowers that Doubt the Existence of the Sun by Erica Noemie
Here’s the blurb from Amazon:
A poetry collection about love, loneliness, and finding the light again.
Caught in the downpour for too long, will there ever exist a chance to be golden again?Even the brightest flowers doubt that the sun will rise again.
Flowers that Doubt the Existence of the Sun is a poetry collection that takes you on the journey of the highs and lows of life, the devastating moments of stagnancy and wilting, and the potential to bloom and rise through the soil again. This book examines the profound themes of love, loneliness, despair, darkness, hope and light, drawing attention to a range of different emotions and exploring what it really means to be human.
Who might enjoy this poetry collection?
I genuinely believe that this collection and poet deserve more attention. I came across her on Threads and downloaded her book on KU. I’ve resonated with so many of the poems already. When I noticed that she doesn’t have any reviews on Amazon yet, I wanted to cry — because this collection is truly lovely and touching. I’ll be leaving my own review this weekend.
Noemie’s imagery in this collection is truly incredible. I’ve had every sense tingling reading - touch, taste, scent, hearing, sight. Additionally, the poetry in this collection feels like an experiment - one that works. Upon reading, you’ll find many different styles and they seem to perfectly fit the meaning and cadence of each poem.
The poems in Flowers that Doubt the Existence of the Sun are a journey that bring nostalgia to the forefront, highlight the highs and lows of growing up and learning to navigate the world, but also bring a sense of hope. As I read this collection, I was highlighting so many lines because I kept thinking, “THIS”. Words and feelings articulated in a very relatable but special way. By the end of the book, I could tell that healing had happened. For the author, and for myself.
In particular, my favorite poems from this collection are: Different, Moon, Actor, Yearning, I am a pit stop. A hotel but never a home., Waiting, Stagnant, Petrified, Empty promises, Abandonment II, Injustice, Familiar II, Peace, New beginnings, Fulfilling, Sincerely.
I received permission to share an image of a poem from the book. Erica sent me this photo (thank you!) Here’s an image of Moon.
How to Connect with the Author & Purchase this Collection
You can purchase or read Flowers that Doubt the Existence of the Sun by Erica Noemie from Amazon. It’s available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and in Paperback.
You can connect with Erica Noemie in a few ways, including here on Substack!
Thank you for reading along and I hope you found something new to read this week. When you read a book from an indie author and enjoy it, I encourage you to leave a review. Indie authors are often overlooked because we don’t have a publisher backing us with marketing and promotion. Reviews are how we get seen and can also use those to further market ourselves.
I would encourage you to review indie books on multiple platforms. You simply copy and paste the same review but it makes a huge difference for the author!
love this, thank you :)
Great review! The first book you recommended really resonates so I will definitely check it out!