Title: Courting Rejection
Author: B. Harlan Deemer
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 1664157468
Pages: 614
Genre: Poetry
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington
Pacific Book Review
Courting Rejection is a fascinating, engaging and intriguing poetry book which will have you reflect on the decisions you make, and simply enjoy the life that you live. The author knows how to make the reader connect with basic and simple things including emotions, trees, animals, fellow human beings and other things in life. Courting Rejection has many poems that are insightful, eye-opening and generally fun to read.
Some of the most notable elements in author B. Harlan Deemer‘s book are the life lessons in every poem. When talking about feelings and sensations, the reader fully understands why it is important to express self. When talking about nature, for example, the reader gets to learn why it is important to be a conservationist at heart. Every poem the author wrote has a lesson at the end, sometimes a life hack. I enjoyed reading every poem for these, and other reasons.
Some of the poems which spoke to me on a personal level include ‘One Whit’s Care,’ ‘Wednesday to Thursday,’ ‘Reflections,’ ‘In the Eyes of a Magpie,’ ‘The Hug Across The Bar,’ ‘En Route From CA to Chicago to … Here,’ ‘Investing in a Heart’s Wealth,’ and ‘An Opening Cell.’ These poems were special to me because the author touché on different aspects in my life; the path I’m taking, communication, lightening up, love for self, and living right. The author also uses a sociable tone and is inspiring. When reading this book, one realizes there are poems for everyone. There is a poem for every mood – and every situation. B. Harlan Deemer is excellent in what he does, which is why this book should be on every poetry lover’s must-read list.
You will appreciate B. Harlan Deemer as a poet because of his ability to connect with the readers. It does not matter what topic the poet is talking about; the reader will get the message and virtually feel the poet’s presence. This is what makes for a memorable read. Poetry is a special genre and involves more than just putting words together in stanzas. When you read Courting Rejection, you get to appreciate how writing and arranging poetry is a skill. Many poets can put out work – but not everyone will understand the deeper meaning of their work. That was not the case with B. Harlan Deemer ‘s work because every poem is clear and the reader can comprehend and internalize the messages being passed.
The choice of topics the author chose to focus on are commendable. In this book, you will get poems which touch on politics, love, religion, faith, human nature, fate and a variety of other topics. B. Harlan Deemer brings life to words by talking about societal issues. Courting Rejection is beautifully arranged; it is the kind of book which you read more than once because of how therapeutic the author’s words are.