Post #231
July 25, 2020
Saturday is for SHARING
A Book Review
by Lynda McKinney Lambert
Christ Crush: Poems & a Story
By Shelley J. Alongi
Find this book on AMAZON
Paperback $6.50
Kindle –$2.99 or Free with Unlimited
Book Design:
Size: 9 ½ x 7 ½ inches
Front Cover:
bold and memorable
There is a large pink flower in full bloom in the center. The tips of the flower touch the right and left side of the cover—it stans alone on a dark marble background of black and deep brown.
BACK COVER
features a photo of the author playing the piano, and the turquoise colored text is on a light pink background. Information about the author is on the back cover.
Book Details:
This book is more abundant than expected for a short collection of poems, which was a pleasant surprise. Shelley dedicated her book “To Christ, my crush.”
The most unusual discovery that I quickly saw is that the book does not have page numbers. There is a chronological list of 10 writings in the “Contents” beneath the Dedication. No page numbers are listed. This is unusual but the lack of page numbers really gives a sense of timelessness and space, which I liked.
The first poem of this collection asks, “Who are you?” The poem is a listing of attributes and a variety of circumstances in the life of Christ.
In the long poem, “Creator of Time,” we are taken step by step on a journey not only of Christ’s life but also into Shelley’s life of redemption and anticipation of the future with Christ. The poem explores the many nuances of time.
In the poem, “Christ Crush,” we have an intimate view of the relationship she has with Christ.
No place to lay your head,
Birds have nests,
Lay your head here,
In my heart…
I am content,
where you are,
You are with me.”
In Resurrection, the poet is standing as a witness at the empty tomb of Jesus. She listens as Mary Magdalene does not recognize Jesus as he walked up to ask,
“Why are you weeping?”
This is a stunning moment. I felt like I stood there, too, exploring my own emotions. Mary’s eyes were opened. She saw Jesus indeed rose from the grave and standing in our presence.
Through Shelley Alongi’s poems, we are taken on an intensely intimate journey through her reflections and personal responses to the ancient texts. Shelley tells the significant details so that we are there with her as she goes through the historic and world-changing stories.
I highly recommend this little book of enormous poems and a story. I think that each piece in the book could be used as a daily devotion, thus, reading through the book slowly and savoring the experience. I wanted to stop and ponder the experiences in each poem.
She explores other memorable references: the heavens, the Brightest Star, betrayal, pain, forgiveness, death, Resurrection, history, and redemption.
The selections of poems end like a victory dance with God, as he says to Jesus,
“You’ve got this!”
After the poems, there is the story “The Tree.”
I will leave this remarkable story a mystery. You will have to read it yourself and see what you discover.
My recommendation is to buy several copies of this little book, and give them to friends or family members for a birthday or holiday gift. The beauty of the book’s cover make it particularly appealing for gifting. And, the poems and story are excellent. You do not have to be a poetry expert to appreciate and enjoy this book. It’s a good read!
Visit a previous Saturday is for Sharing story about Shelley Alongi and her 4 published books – from 2018. I recommend her books to you – you will be very pleased with any of them.
Tell me what you think about this book!
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More…
Gifts of the Spirit Blog, by Lynda McKinney Lambert. Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.
Lynda is the author of 4 books:
* Concerti: Psalms for the Pilgrimage Buy it!
Lynda’s first collection of stories, poems, and journal reflections. Kota Press, January 1, 2003.
* Walking by Inner Vision: Stories & Poems Buy it!
Lynda’s 2nd book. Publication DLD Books, 2017.
*Star Signs: New & Selected Poems See it here!
54 poems 145 pages. DLD Books, 2019.
AND… her FIRST CHAPBOOK
Poems with a Wintry Theme. Published by Finishing Line Press, January 2020.
Thank you for visiting today.
Miss Opal and Lynda McKinney Lambert
Contact Miss Opal and Lynda at: riverwoman@zoominternet.net
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