AustLit

'“Poetry as Les Murray suggests, is the way we think. Experiences crystallised to essence. The poems in this engaging anthology are drawn directly from the process of converting sensation to meaning, of taking the random detail of the world and making them something to live by, to take forward. There are so many surprises here, so much that shows us the relevance and the power of an art that remains at the heart of human existence. Silver Linings demonstrates the strength of the human spirit, the elegance of its incarnation in words. This effervescent anthology will reward many readings. ”               JOHN FOULCHER' (Publication summary)

'"I hope that ... " "We hope in ... "
To possess and express hope is intrinsic to our being human. Our hope, whether as noun or verb, opens to broad and diverse landscape: sun-basking peaks to darkening valleys. We have hope in someone or something, be that in - relationship; an idea; a way of life; creation's richness; a dream; a wish; an event; family; a place; a plan; the arts; and so on ... There is the 'sure and certain' hope of being in Christ through grace. To be hope-full is to be marked by - anticipation; optimism; desire; expectation; aspiration ... And, above all, a longing that whispers, (in CS.Lewis's words), that our real goal is elsewhere. In your hand is this anthology with poems that travel across this varying landscape. Different poems in style and subject, infused with hope. With a quietness and gentleness, they draw you in, invite you to read ... to look up ... and reflect ...
- lAN KEAST, poet and reviewer'  (Publication summary)

' 'Trumped by Grace' by Peter Stiles is a lyrical triumph. Readers will be moved by his wisdom and wit. Writing in the tradition of George Herbert and Gerard Manley Hopkins, Stiles discerns metaphysical truth in the everyday material world, effortlessly producing poetic pieces that speak of wonder, beauty and truth. Holly Faith Nelson (Professor and Chair of English, Trinity Western University, Canada)' (Publication summary)

'Maree Silver's poetry touches every sense. In Threshold - a miscellany, Maree creates imagery that is uniquely Australian. Talks lean rustily; corellas squabble; frogs croak challenges from the billabong; the citrus perfume of lemon-scented gums infuses nostrils while earthy ochres blur into cellophane sky. Raised in the Wimmera, Maree recalls childhood memoires of desert, plain and river. They come to glorious, descriptive life through her poetry and exquisite photography, and continue to live in harmony with poems of suburbia, family and adulthood. Threshold - a miscellany - poems of country and city will connect you to the Australia of the Dreamtime and the Australia of today.' (Publication summary)

'“Reading this collection of poems is rather like going on a journey. You will meet new characters – odd eccentric, recognisable, funny, tragic, family characters. Sounds and sights suffuse the poetry in ways to leave you smiling, thinking, just occasionally feeling sad – but always enjoying the power of the placement of words to complete the journey.”  Graham Leo.'  (Publication summary)

'Words do have sound, weight, shape, personality, and each one has a history all its own. You will love Jenny Macaffer for bringing this old truth back home with the very first poem in the book. And from there the words in these poems will probe their way through our usually dulled-by-routine minds to those moments of pleasurable shock when we come upon "a doona of clouds" (Janette Fernando), the "egg tooth" of Cameron Semmens, or bent nails "pointing to the beach" in a poem where we meet "a bumless old bloke" who pushes a vinyl shopping bag (John West), or we inhale "the strident sweetness of new leather" (Peter Stiles).

Yes, these words come home to us and it's like we are having the sweetest cup of Bushells with them in our own kitchen on our own chairs in our own time, talking deeply as if each word is a thing we can savour with awe. Better than biscuits, better than lamingtons on the lips and in the mouth. This book is full of beginnings. And the endings are mostly beginnings too. It is full of the seasons, of birth and death, suffering and small joys, of a Christianity that is rooted in the ordinary lives of ordinary saints, the ones that don't need to be canonized, the ones that know even an unfinished journey can be a miracle. Dip into it, swim through it, step across it, splash yourself with these poems or sip them as you would a steaming cup of the best brew you can find. In the words of Nan Good, let go, go slow, and enjoy yourself in this "good company"' Kevin Brophy (Publisher website).

'“It is not often that you find someone with an appreciation for life as Joy has and for it to be expressed in words so simple yet so powerful. Her poems give insight into the love that God has for humanity and the joy that humanity brings Him. This is good news in a world where there is so much bad news. You cannot read these poems and not be touched by a higher power, the creator of the universe, God Himself. I encourage you to read these poems over and over again and receive the encouragement, spiritual strength and joy that they bring. These are no ordinary poems because Joy Chellew is no ordinary person, so sit down and enjoy “In search of Joy”. You will not be disappointed.” Pastor Tom Inglis, Founder and Director of Psalmody International.' (Publication summary)