What Amazon says
Imagine a shift to the way you see the world that arises through poetic narration.
Imagine the world, at its base level, is a collection of selves. These selves collide, disperse, intermingle, and share themselves in lines of free verse. Such is the premise of Versions of the Self, poetry that assumes multiple types of selves exist and relate in ways that alter them. Each of the eight chapters looks at a different type of self, including the singular “I” and romantic interactions. These unique 80 poems definitely color themselves outside of the lines.
My review
Versions of the self is quite an extraordinary book of poetry. The poet, Christy Birmingham, has a very unique style of writing which I found very intriguing. I also thought this style worked exceptionally well for the content of this book which is all about different versions of self. It imitates the flow of thought but in an easy to read and fascinating way.
I felt I would like to get to know the poet as I read her poems. While she does write about a mixture of various emotions, there is a thread of sadness or melancholy that runs through many of them and I felt that the writer had suffered pain in her past relationships. The poems become lighter and happier as you move through the book and I found myself hoping that this is a reflection of Christy’s life.
These are a few of the verses I found the most compelling in this beautiful book:
“You direct me forward but
I want to go back,
Back to when we were wrapped in
Clean sheets, before the
Lies melted on your tongue.”
From Lack of Direction
***
“You were once a masterpiece
Now, your colors run down the fabric of
My past,
Shades of yellow and orange that have
Grown thick in consistency,
As the price of fine art rises with inflation.”
From You, Colors, and Realization
***
“You came to see me at a pillow rich with creativity,
Where I had hope beyond reason for tugging at my heartstrings.
You know exactly which strings to play on your
keys to keep me smiling.
From You, Unique.
Great review Robbie. Christy’s words are beautiful 💜
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I agree, Ritu. She is a talented poet.
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😊
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Great review and very inspired choices. Thanks, Robbie and congratulations to the author.
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Thank you, Olga. Christy writes beautifully.
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I love reading her blog and put her book on my Amazon wish list.
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Thank you, Colline. I also like Christy’s entertaining blog.
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A fantastic review Robbie and I love the excerpts you chose, they actually stir many emotions. Thanks for sharing.
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It is a really good book of poetry, Balroop.
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Congratulations to Christy Birmingham and congratulations to you for honoring her poetry by writing such a detailed and informative review, Robbie.
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Thank you, Rob. I appreciate your share and kind words.
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Reblogged this on Art by Rob Goldstein and commented:
This is a well crafted review by Robbie Cheadle with congratulations to Christy Birmingham!
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Lovely review of Christy’s poetry. 🙂
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Thank you, Marje. I really liked Christy’s style of writing.
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Lies melting on your tongue
Strong image
Congrats
I’ve been under a rock you’ll have to excuse me
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Thank you, Sheldon
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You are most welcom
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Lovely review and excerpt…
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Thank you, Bette. Lovely poetry by Christy.
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I agree, Robbie. I thoroughly enjoyed Versions of the Self by Christy Birmingham.
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Her poetry is deeply meaningful, Norah. Thanks for your kind comment.
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this review of Versions of the self by Christy Birmingham as featured on Robbie’s Inspiration blog.
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Thank you for sharing, Don.
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You’re welcome.
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A wonderful review for Christy’s beautiful book Robbie 🙂
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Thank you, Debby. It is beautiful.
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Lovely review Robbie.. congratulations Christy..
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Thank you, Sally. Christy is very talented.
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