Review of Life's Games

[Jaituni Sanghavi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Life's Games" by Bethany Danielle Dennis Fulghum.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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I have always enjoyed reading poetry because of the depth it carries in just a few words. There are times when I don’t understand some of them; however, I re-read those poems and try to decode the profundity they carry. A similar thing happened to me when I read the poetry book Life's Games by Bethany Danielle Dennis Fulghum.

Bethany, through her profound poetry collection, has touched upon the complexities of various human emotions, life experiences, and personal reflections. I believe she has given an intimate glimpse into her soul through her heartfelt and evocative verses.

The collection opens with an author's note encouraging readers to derive personal meanings from the poems, emphasizing the subjective nature of poetry. This sets the right tone for a ride through various themes, including love, loss, hope, and self-discovery.

One of my favorite poems from the collection is ‘A Day in My Woods.’ I believe this poem stands out for its depiction of nature as a sanctuary for solace and reflection. It conveys a sense of peace and understanding that the protagonist finds amidst the trees, following a significant loss. This connection with nature and the comfort it brings resonated deeply with me.

Another two poems I liked were ‘Burden to Bear’ and ‘Controversial Twist on Terrorism.’ ‘Burden to Bear’ is a touching piece about enduring life's challenges and finding strength in difficult times. It reflects on the burdens we carry and the spirit required to navigate through the gloom, offering a universal message of perseverance. ‘Controversial Twist on Terrorism,' on the other hand, is a bold poem that addresses the harsh realities of societal issues and the deep-seated emotions surrounding them. Its raw and candid approach to controversial topics makes it thought-provoking and impactful, encouraging readers to reflect on their perspectives.

I also liked the poems ‘Candy Jewelry’ and ‘The Opposite of Punnery.’ I felt that ‘Candy Jewelry’ is a whimsical and nostalgic poem that brings to life the simplicity and joy of childhood memories. It is written in a light-hearted tone that evokes a sense of innocence and delight, making it a cherished piece. And I’d say that ‘The Opposite of Punnery’ is a clever poem that plays with language and wit, showcasing the author's skill in wordplay. It is a refreshing break from the more serious themes.

All the other poems in Life's Games explore a variety of themes, each with its own unique message and style. Some talk about love and relationships, while others talk about self-discovery and growth. Some are about nature and solitude, while others showcase struggles and resilience.

I had a good time reading these poems. It made me sit back and ponder them. I even made some notes that reflect my thoughts and understanding about these poems. I liked the way Bethany has written them, and her writing style clearly reflects that she has a good sense of poetry structure and a poetic flair. Some of the poems used Old English words like ‘thou’ ‘doust,’ or ‘whence.’ I felt it was a good touch and reminded me of Shakespeare. Considering my overall enjoyment of reading this poetry collection, I would give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason for deducting a star is the book's formatting. The font was too small and could not be zoomed as well. I had to keep my Kindle very close to my eyes to read it smoothly. Also, some poems have two line gaps after each line, while others are written in continuation. I believe this issue needs to be fixed. Other than this one issue, I have nothing to dislike at all.

I would recommend Life's Games to lovers of authentic poetry.

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Life's Games
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[Enkay Favour]

Bethany Danielle Dennis Fulghum’s Life’s Games promises a rich exploration of human emotions and experiences through its poetry. The collection, which spans themes from nature and personal struggle to societal issues, seems to offer both depth and variety. The mix of reflective and whimsical poems, alongside a unique use of language, could provide a thought-provoking read for those who enjoy delving into the nuances of poetry. Despite some formatting issues, it sounds like a compelling book worth exploring for its emotional and thematic range.

[Emmanuel olowolayemo]

You found *Life's Games* by Bethany Danielle Dennis Fulghum to be a profound poetry collection that delves into themes of love, loss, hope, and self-discovery. You particularly enjoyed poems like “A Day in My Woods” for its nature imagery, “Burden to Bear” for its message of resilience, and “Controversial Twist on Terrorism” for its bold social commentary. Although you appreciated the poetic quality and thematic depth, you noted issues with the book’s formatting, including small font and inconsistent spacing, which led you to rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

[Emmanuel Chima 3]

Bethany Danielle Dennis Fulghum's *Life's Games* is a collection of evocative poems that navigate a range of human experiences, from love and loss to hope and self-discovery. With a mix of reflective and playful tones, Fulghum's poetry offers readers a personal glimpse into her emotional world. While the content is engaging, the formatting issues might detract from the reading experience. Overall, it's a compelling read for poetry enthusiasts.

[Nuella Joseph]

*Life's Games* by Bethany Danielle Dennis Fulghum paints a vivid picture of the collection’s depth and variety. I appreciate how you highlighted specific poems and their themes, giving me a sense of the emotional journey the book offers. It's clear that this poetry collection resonates on many levels, despite the formatting issues you mentioned. I might have to check it out!

[Mercy Ndungu 9]

your review with Life's Games by Bethany Danielle Dennis Fulghum sounds like a thoughtful and engaging journey through the complexities of human emotions and life experiences.