Recent Reviews for C. J. wadecjs@yahoo.com
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The Miracle of Bryan Pearce (Book) - 12/11/2007 1:39:58 PM
It is with a kinred spirit that I can relate to his beautiful told tale of PKU family. No one may never feel the pain or know the answer to " Why my child ? " Phenylketorunia has little information about the personal side of tis disorder. You speak to medical professionals that say " We don't know enought about PKU." However, when you leave and go home to he heart break---it's books like this that get you pass another day. Yes, this book is worth more than the asking price. We are lucky to have such a talented author apply his skills to pass on the message of hope to the worlds PKU community.
Bless you Mr. Stevens for your good deed and this lovely special book. Carole Anne Murphy ( A study Into PKU ) Canada
Poems from Holland and Belgium (Book) - 11/16/2007 7:05:13 AM
What a delight to pick up this superb book of poetry at my local library. I commend Mr. Stevens on his excellent work and for bring to light this often unknown to contemperary readers of English.
I commend him for this true poetic delight.
Collected Poems (1962-2002) (Book) - 5/22/2005 8:40:50 AM
I discovered CJ Stevens' work through the poetry he posted on his website. I found myself hungry to read more and more. This is a volume that doesn't disappoint the reader for a moment. It's a beautiful, sensitive collection that takes note of the simplest details often overlooked by the human eye, and brings them to a place of importance. It was a privilege to read. Michelle Close Mills
Poems from Holland and Belgium (Book) - 5/22/2005 8:37:51 AM
Being bi-lingual myself, I know what a difficult task it can be to translate mere conversation,let alone poetry written by talented poets in their native tongue. I was delighted and amazed by their work, as well as the amazing translation ability shown by Cj Stevens. I'll be reading this volume again and again. Michelle Close Mills
The Miracle of Bryan Pearce (Book) - 5/22/2005 8:35:10 AM
This is one of the best books I've ever read, bar none. It reveals the very private side of one of the world's most amazing primitive artists, but gives us a great appreciation for his life, the tragedy his family has known, his mother's sacrifices for him, and reveals his tremendous talent to the world. I only wish I could obtain one of his works for my home. Michelle Close Mills
The Supernatural Side of Maine (Book) - 5/22/2005 8:31:33 AM
This is one of the most all encompassing books I've ever read on the supernatural. It combines history with fact, folklore, and stretches the reader from UFO's to hauntings. All takes place within a fascinating backdrop that the writer knows a great deal about...Maine. I enjoyed every page. Michelle Close Mills
The Next Bend in the River - Gold Mining in Maine (Book) - 10/24/2004 9:30:43 AM
R. Leland Waldrip Book Review
The Next Bend In The River, Gold Mining In Maine — by C. J. Stevens
John Wade, Publisher, Phillips, Maine
ISBN 0-9623934-1-X Paperback 181 pages 5.5” X 8.5”
Gold Fever! All the characters in this riveting and remarkably detailed outing of the gold mining scene in Maine have it — including author C. J. and wife Stella. It even comes through the printed page right into the mind of the reader, like some live thing that gets into the blood. One gets the urge to grab a frying pan and hip waders and head for the East branch of the Swift River without stopping for lunch.
Who thought there was gold at the bottom of those fast-flowing rivers and streams that meander out of the cold hills of our second most northern state? Apparently a sizeable chunk of the population in the northeast quadrant of the U.S., at least that’s how it seems when you read this fascinating history and commentary. The author’s penchant for exhaustively researching his subject is flawlessly exemplified by the full-flavored golden nuggets of unearthed characters he’s dug from Maine’s hidden past. They tumble across the graveled pages of the book like precious metal from his beloved streams.
There are the gentle souls whose vision extends only as far as the bottom of a gold pan, and the sophisticated, talented, inventive miners who think of little other than finding the “Mother Lode,” ferreting through every pocket in the river. Then there are those who would rather invent schemes to find gold already in the pockets of their fellow man. The stories of their efforts to separate successful miners and investors from their booty provide a truly fascinating study of the gullibility that a gold haze induces in so many people. It reminds one of Mark Twain’s definition — Gold mine: a hole in the ground ringed with liars.
Read “The Next Bend In The River.” If you don’t get gold fever, at least you will get the flavor of those hardy Maine folk who have been hell-bent to find the yellow metal for a century and a half. And if you do get the fever, author Stevens gives you a blueprint for how to scratch that itch. A highly recommended read.
(This review is also posted as an article.)
Collected Poems (1962-2002) (Book) - 7/22/2004 6:29:50 AM
C. J. Stevens Collected Poems
Book Review
Library Journal, Booklist, Canadian Forum, Mississippi Review, and numerous noteworthy individuals on the literary scene have praised C. J. Stevens Collected Poems in elegant words and phrases that reflect their deep admiration of his work. I won’t attempt to compete with these exemplary wordsmiths. I will just say that when this book arrived at my home, I sat down with it, and except for a few very necessary and very short breaks, I didn’t leave it until I had read every one of its 222 pages.
I found his style to be very different from my own poetic endeavors, yet completely absorbing. Rhyme isn’t a characteristic of his poetry, just exquisite word choices that silkily spin a unique animated blend of anthropomorphism and its inverse. When he turns his pen to interesting characters of his childhood, we get pictures painted with objects:
“And there was
Hattie Farrington — a feather
drifting with the breeze;
drifting through the ironwork
of another battered day,
Now when a songbird
huddles on an bough,
and the immigrant wind
with its alien tongue coaxes
the bird to drop
a feather,
we think of
Hattie Farrington and say:
the softness of a feather
on the new snow was truly
Hattie’s way. Bless
the shape of this morning.”
When he turns his eye towards objects of the earth — barns, cups, fingers, cornstalks, hills, parsnips — a parade of people go marching by. Not just any people, but those with compellingly arresting features and character. Consider his take on cabbages:
“These are the hard-
headed sentries of Gurney’s
militia—a squad
of ruffians in bivouac
all summer.
Though they
meet the reveille of
the sun with their britches
rumpled and with the smell
of sauerkraut upon
their breath, they are
more soldierly than radish
or cauliflower.
They won’t
be softened by the first
white thrust of bayoneting frost.
But they are vulnerable
In the war of hunger.
Too easily outflanked and gnawed
by marauders, they still
carry on. Heroes
every one. And versatile
as Swiss chard.”
C. J. has an incisively sensitive eye for the details that would never be cataloged by most of us. He has a deft way of bringing them to our attention that is pleasing and intriguing, reflecting a delightful mix of the New England provincial and European erudition. I am happy to recommend this work to anyone who would like to enjoy an evening — or years — of very remarkable poetic accomplishment.
© 2004 R. Leland Waldrip
Some Kind of Record (Short Story) - 7/30/2008 4:29:53 PM
Ouch! Poor kid, it seems his family was half nuts and my teeth hurt so you have really painted this picture well my friend. ;)
Janet xoxoxo
Cunningham (Short Story) - 2/15/2006 8:09:47 AM
What a refreshing but sad story. An excellent piece of writing. I could vividly see everything :)
Some Kind of Record (Short Story) - 2/10/2006 10:23:47 AM
I again with Michelle. Excellent writing. Enjoy it.
Some Kind of Record (Short Story) - 2/6/2006 12:16:19 PM
Mercy! I'll bet that poor little boy was spooked away from dentists forever after Dr Gould pulled his tooth! I was clenching my teeth in sympathy for Clyde with every twinge and jolt of pain! Wow, what a story...you have done it again CJ. You are a true master of the written word. Blessings, Michelle
Cunningham (Short Story) - 7/21/2005 9:27:20 AM
This was so sad to read. I could never live on a farm becuz of my intense love for animals, even realizing that WITHOUT these animals I would not be eating! You've captured the emotion so perfectly. Thanks for sharing! April
Cunningham (Short Story) - 7/21/2005 8:36:39 AM
excellent story, c.j.; very well done! bravo!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in tx., karen lynn. :D
Cunningham (Short Story) - 7/21/2005 7:35:34 AM
Well you know I have a soft spot in my heart for pigs CJ. This is a fine piece of work, with extra attention to the everyday details surrounding farm life. I found it fascinating...great work, and a treat to read. You have such a gift. Blessings, Michelle
A Shot in the Dark (Short Story) - 6/1/2005 7:47:34 AM
This story kept me riveted to the screen! I'm dying to know what comes next! :-) April
A Shot in the Dark (Short Story) - 5/30/2005 11:59:08 AM
I'm waiting for the next installment CJ! WOW! Such tremendous detail, and I could feel the nervous anxiety in this man's heart. Great job! Blessings, Michelle
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 8/6/2009 6:54:50 PM
Much is said in the simplicity of the words. Well done
Thinking of my father (Poetry) - 8/21/2008 8:48:00 AM
As I read this poem, I found myself thinking 'I've wrestled with emotions like this before'. The inner life is often hidden and suffered in silence by so many, and you have well put into words what so many either cannot or will not. Thankyou for taking the time to clarify an area many struggle with- Zach
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 8/21/2008 8:38:15 AM
Wow! ... profound depth to the most common things for those with eyes see! Mr. Stevens I felt this poem in my soul . Thanks for helping me to see.
-Zach
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 7/28/2008 10:17:37 AM
This touches the heart and senses
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 6/19/2008 10:17:22 AM
I love the nostalgic feel to this write. It reminds me of my grandmother, known for her homemade bread - dough needed with aged, tiring, rheumatic hands.
Thinking of my father (Poetry) - 6/8/2008 11:21:14 AM
Wow, the gut wrenching pain and honesty is to be applauded. I've had my own guilt over my 'parents' and things written. I have finally forgiven them and myself. At the time, I needed to write it and I don't feel guilty anymore. This had me with a knot in my throat. Really good C.J., thank you for this.
Janet xoxoxo
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 5/25/2008 11:40:55 AM
Beautiful eulogy and remembering your Mother's warm bread should comfort you. I know many of the things my mother baked and cooked cannot be duplicated and taste as well as hers did. So she is with God in heaven and eating of the leaven.
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 6/10/2007 3:39:23 PM
Oh Sweetie, I do love this and I know that your Mom knows how much you love her. Very nice.
Janet xoxoxo
Old Song (Poetry) - 11/3/2006 1:02:35 AM
Respected Poet,
An wonder of words.
So soft to read your words...
I love to read your poems, again and again...
God Bless you,
Thanking you,
Yours truly,
N.K.OSHO
Cornstalks (Poetry) - 9/30/2006 8:24:35 PM
Being an Indiana boy, transplanted to Virginia, this touched a deep chord inside of me. Sorry for the plagiarism, Michelle, I felt the same. Nice, Americana imagery.
JohnB
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 8/28/2006 5:03:03 AM
Indeed mothers are etched into our very souls..never forgotten but sorely missed..
vesna:)
Thinking of my father (Poetry) - 5/12/2006 8:45:56 PM
I watched my father die for over five years and your sentiments hit the depth of my soul. Thank you for sharing this honest and moving offering. Love and peace to you,
Regis
The Long-Ago People (Poetry) - 2/7/2006 12:07:51 PM
The remembrances are there alright. Thanks.
Leland
You don't go to Nature (Poetry) - 2/7/2006 12:04:09 PM
And we are only a ripple, soon smoothed into the great mother.
Best regards,
Leland
House of Hang-ups (Poetry) - 2/7/2006 11:59:34 AM
Superb empathy of vanished happiness. Best regards,
Leland
Skin (Poetry) - 2/7/2006 11:46:20 AM
Well, here we are, all sacked up and ready to go. Super perspective, C.J..
Best regards,
Leland
Thinking of my father (Poetry) - 2/7/2006 11:42:03 AM
An emotional juggernaut, C.J. I envy no one for having to write this, but I know whereof you speak.
Best,
Leland
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 2/7/2006 11:37:23 AM
Warm words, C.J. Thanks.
Leland
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 12/31/2005 11:01:26 PM
This says so much to me. Thanks. Happy New Year!
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 8/31/2005 10:47:05 AM
Wow, you've really got a handle on the power of sparse imagery.
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 6/6/2005 2:33:07 PM
YES John,
I relate well to this great poem.
I long to say things to one so wonderful but is
no longer physically here.
Her spirit, my sister Sylvia's, is never far though
and at times she's very near!
Thank you for a great write!!
ALL THE BEST TO YOU'',
Rich CRISO Suarez
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 4/26/2005 3:12:57 PM
This left me conforted- just like warm bread on a Cold day. Beautiful piece writting with ease. Thank you 4 sharing... She knows your feelings, you spoke them into the universe. Lady,Sheee
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 3/10/2005 7:01:43 AM
wow...very very good write...simple but excellent!!!!
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 2/18/2005 3:55:22 AM
This is warm and nice and full of the realization that so often we allow the good in our life to go unnoticed and unappreciated. Of course, there is also the other side to this coin, some aren't able to look back all that fondly. Good, very good poem.
Warm Bread (Poetry) - 2/5/2005 1:07:46 PM
It is incredible how something so simple can elicit so much and you express that most effecitively in this poem. Thank you. Love and peace. Regis
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