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Take Five
Take 5 is a powerful invitation to pause and rise. These poems confront life’s uphill battles and elephant-sized troubles with unflinching courage, while reflecting on the quiet strength found in prayer, meditation, and love.
Through vivid imagery of forests, storms, and the lotus blooming in mud, the collection inspires readers to see resilience not as survival alone, but as transformation. Each verse is both a rallying cry and a moment of stillness—a reminder that the heart remembers how to endure, and how to rise again.
Bold yet contemplative, Take 5 is a lyrical companion for anyone seeking hope in hardship and light in shadow.
Through vivid imagery of forests, storms, and the lotus blooming in mud, the collection inspires readers to see resilience not as survival alone, but as transformation. Each verse is both a rallying cry and a moment of stillness—a reminder that the heart remembers how to endure, and how to rise again.
Bold yet contemplative, Take 5 is a lyrical companion for anyone seeking hope in hardship and light in shadow.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 15, 2025
Rarely do I find a book that feels less like reading and more like being gently guided back to myself. All the Colors of the Heart by Rhonda Parsons is exactly that. It’s a reminder that healing and joy are not distant dreams, they’re right here, waiting for us if we choose to notice the miracles in everyday life.
Rhonda’s words carry a warmth that lingers, like sunlight after the rain. Her poems don’t just tell stories; they awaken something inside you, something hopeful, tender, and strong. Evan’s playful spirit adds an extra layer of innocence and resilience that makes this book shine even brighter.
If you’re searching for peace, inspiration, or simply a spark of happiness in the middle of a busy world, this book is a gift you’ll treasure. And when it touches you (because it will), I urge you to leave a review. Your voice could be the one that convinces someone else to pick it up and start their own journey toward joy and healing.
Some books are meant to be read. This one is meant to be shared.
Rhonda’s words carry a warmth that lingers, like sunlight after the rain. Her poems don’t just tell stories; they awaken something inside you, something hopeful, tender, and strong. Evan’s playful spirit adds an extra layer of innocence and resilience that makes this book shine even brighter.
If you’re searching for peace, inspiration, or simply a spark of happiness in the middle of a busy world, this book is a gift you’ll treasure. And when it touches you (because it will), I urge you to leave a review. Your voice could be the one that convinces someone else to pick it up and start their own journey toward joy and healing.
Some books are meant to be read. This one is meant to be shared.
May 22, 2026
Take Five' by Rhonda C. Parsons operates within the tradition of poetry as medicine, a lineage that includes the devotional and the therapeutic, the lyric and the instructive. What distinguishes this collection within that tradition is its structural self-awareness. The title is itself a directive, an imperative to pause that frames every poem which follows as an exercise in intentional stillness. Parsons is not simply writing about resilience; she is constructing an architecture of it, poem by poem.
The collection's thematic concerns cluster around three interlocking ideas: adversity as inevitable, endurance as transformative, and stillness as active rather than passive. This last point is the most interesting. In lesser hands, poems about meditation and inner peace can read as withdrawal from difficulty. Parsons resists this. Her stillness is muscular. It exists alongside the storm, not after it has safely passed.
Her central metaphorical system, drawing on forests, weather, and the lotus flower, is coherent and purposeful. The lotus, in particular, is employed not as ornamentation but as structural argument. Its roots in mud become a thesis: that beauty and strength are grown in difficulty, not despite it. Parsons returns to this idea across the collection with enough variation that it deepens rather than repeats.
The language throughout is deliberately accessible. There is no obscurantism here, no performance of difficulty for its own sake. Some readers of experimental or formally rigorous poetry may find this a limitation. But accessibility, when it is achieved with this degree of emotional precision, is its own craft. The poems communicate clearly because Parsons has thought clearly. The simplicity is earned.
For a reader seeking both emotional resonance and genuine craft, 'Take Five' rewards close attention. It is a collection that knows what it wants to do and does it with considerable skill.
The collection's thematic concerns cluster around three interlocking ideas: adversity as inevitable, endurance as transformative, and stillness as active rather than passive. This last point is the most interesting. In lesser hands, poems about meditation and inner peace can read as withdrawal from difficulty. Parsons resists this. Her stillness is muscular. It exists alongside the storm, not after it has safely passed.
Her central metaphorical system, drawing on forests, weather, and the lotus flower, is coherent and purposeful. The lotus, in particular, is employed not as ornamentation but as structural argument. Its roots in mud become a thesis: that beauty and strength are grown in difficulty, not despite it. Parsons returns to this idea across the collection with enough variation that it deepens rather than repeats.
The language throughout is deliberately accessible. There is no obscurantism here, no performance of difficulty for its own sake. Some readers of experimental or formally rigorous poetry may find this a limitation. But accessibility, when it is achieved with this degree of emotional precision, is its own craft. The poems communicate clearly because Parsons has thought clearly. The simplicity is earned.
For a reader seeking both emotional resonance and genuine craft, 'Take Five' rewards close attention. It is a collection that knows what it wants to do and does it with considerable skill.
May 14, 2026
📖 Currently obsessed with this little poetry collection and I need to talk about it
TAKE FIVE by Rhonda C. Parsons
✦ What it is: A poetry collection about resilience, rising through hardship, and finding stillness when the world is loud
✦ The vibe: Sitting by a window during a thunderstorm with tea, feeling everything and somehow also feeling okay about it
✦ What it does differently: It does not pretend pain is beautiful. It says pain is real AND transformation is possible. Both things but at the same time.
✦ Standout imagery: The lotus blooming in mud. storms giving way to light. Forests that are dark before they open. Every metaphor lands.
✦ The spiritual element: Prayer and meditation appear throughout but never in a way that excludes you. It feels personal, not prescriptive. You bring your own meaning.
✦ The pacing: Alternates between rallying cry energy and deep stillness. It genuinely mirrors the experience of getting through something hard.
✦ Who needs this book:
• Anyone going through it right now.
• Anyone who has come out the other side and needs language for what they survived.
• Anyone who underlines poetry and photographs it at golden hour.
✦ Readability: Accessible and clear without being shallow. The simplicity of the language is a strength, not a limitation.
✦ Final verdict: This is a companion book. The kind you keep on your nightstand and open on the wrong days. The kind that reminds you the heart already knows how to endure, it just sometimes needs the words.
10/10 Would recommend to everyone in my life going through something quiet and heavy that they haven't named yet.
TAKE FIVE by Rhonda C. Parsons
✦ What it is: A poetry collection about resilience, rising through hardship, and finding stillness when the world is loud
✦ The vibe: Sitting by a window during a thunderstorm with tea, feeling everything and somehow also feeling okay about it
✦ What it does differently: It does not pretend pain is beautiful. It says pain is real AND transformation is possible. Both things but at the same time.
✦ Standout imagery: The lotus blooming in mud. storms giving way to light. Forests that are dark before they open. Every metaphor lands.
✦ The spiritual element: Prayer and meditation appear throughout but never in a way that excludes you. It feels personal, not prescriptive. You bring your own meaning.
✦ The pacing: Alternates between rallying cry energy and deep stillness. It genuinely mirrors the experience of getting through something hard.
✦ Who needs this book:
• Anyone going through it right now.
• Anyone who has come out the other side and needs language for what they survived.
• Anyone who underlines poetry and photographs it at golden hour.
✦ Readability: Accessible and clear without being shallow. The simplicity of the language is a strength, not a limitation.
✦ Final verdict: This is a companion book. The kind you keep on your nightstand and open on the wrong days. The kind that reminds you the heart already knows how to endure, it just sometimes needs the words.
10/10 Would recommend to everyone in my life going through something quiet and heavy that they haven't named yet.
May 14, 2026
Rhonda C. Parsons has written a particular kind of book with 'Take Five' that does not ask to be read so much as it asks to be breathed in, slowly, deliberately, the way one might sit with the smell of rain before it falls. What strikes the reader first is the title itself, that quiet command to stop, to count, to reclaim the breath that life so often steals away. And then the poems arrive, and they deliver on that promise magnificently.
Parsons writes about hardship without romanticising it into something palatable and false. The storms in these pages are real storms. The forests are genuinely dark. But she never allows her readers to be swallowed by the weight of difficulty. Instead, she reaches through the page with the lotus as her most potent symbol: something luminous rising not despite the mud, but because of it. That is the philosophical heartbeat of this collection, that transformation is not separate from suffering but is its most honest outcome.
What sets this collection apart from others in the reflective poetry genre is its tonal balance. Parsons moves between fierce urgency and meditative quiet without ever losing her footing. One poem may feel like a battle cry; the next settles into the hush of a candlelit room. The spiritual thread woven through the verses, prayer, stillness, intentional love, never becomes preachy. It remains personal, open, and honest.
'Take Five' is, at its core, an act of generosity. Parsons is not writing for herself here. She is writing for the reader who is tired, the one who needs someone to say: this is hard, and you are still here, and that is extraordinary. A rare and quietly essential collection.
Parsons writes about hardship without romanticising it into something palatable and false. The storms in these pages are real storms. The forests are genuinely dark. But she never allows her readers to be swallowed by the weight of difficulty. Instead, she reaches through the page with the lotus as her most potent symbol: something luminous rising not despite the mud, but because of it. That is the philosophical heartbeat of this collection, that transformation is not separate from suffering but is its most honest outcome.
What sets this collection apart from others in the reflective poetry genre is its tonal balance. Parsons moves between fierce urgency and meditative quiet without ever losing her footing. One poem may feel like a battle cry; the next settles into the hush of a candlelit room. The spiritual thread woven through the verses, prayer, stillness, intentional love, never becomes preachy. It remains personal, open, and honest.
'Take Five' is, at its core, an act of generosity. Parsons is not writing for herself here. She is writing for the reader who is tired, the one who needs someone to say: this is hard, and you are still here, and that is extraordinary. A rare and quietly essential collection.
May 14, 2026
Dear Reader,
I want to tell you about a small and powerful book I recently spent time with, one that I have been thinking about long after I set it down. It is called 'Take Five', and it is by Rhonda C. Parsons, and I think you should know about it.
I came to it expecting what poetry collections about resilience so often deliver: polished sentiment, neatly resolved struggle, a kind of hopeful cheerfulness that can feel, if one is honest, slightly untrue to life. What I found instead was something considerably more grounded. Parsons does not rush past difficulty. She sits with it. She names it plainly. The uphill battles she writes about are not softened for comfort. They are given their full weight. And this, curiously, is precisely what makes the collection so effective as an instrument of hope. When Parsons eventually points toward light, you believe her, because she has not pretended the darkness was small.
The imagery she favors is elemental: storms, forests, the famous lotus in the mud. These are not new symbols, but she uses them with such specificity and sincerity that they feel freshly inhabited. There is also a contemplative dimension to the work, a thread of prayer and meditation and quiet love that runs underneath the bolder verses, like a steady current beneath a river's surface.
I found myself reading slowly, which is not always my habit. The book seemed to require it. Perhaps that is the greatest compliment I can offer: 'Take Five' taught me to take five. To pause. To let the words arrive and settle before moving on.
I hope you find your way to it. I do not think you will regret the time.
Warmly,
A converted reader
I want to tell you about a small and powerful book I recently spent time with, one that I have been thinking about long after I set it down. It is called 'Take Five', and it is by Rhonda C. Parsons, and I think you should know about it.
I came to it expecting what poetry collections about resilience so often deliver: polished sentiment, neatly resolved struggle, a kind of hopeful cheerfulness that can feel, if one is honest, slightly untrue to life. What I found instead was something considerably more grounded. Parsons does not rush past difficulty. She sits with it. She names it plainly. The uphill battles she writes about are not softened for comfort. They are given their full weight. And this, curiously, is precisely what makes the collection so effective as an instrument of hope. When Parsons eventually points toward light, you believe her, because she has not pretended the darkness was small.
The imagery she favors is elemental: storms, forests, the famous lotus in the mud. These are not new symbols, but she uses them with such specificity and sincerity that they feel freshly inhabited. There is also a contemplative dimension to the work, a thread of prayer and meditation and quiet love that runs underneath the bolder verses, like a steady current beneath a river's surface.
I found myself reading slowly, which is not always my habit. The book seemed to require it. Perhaps that is the greatest compliment I can offer: 'Take Five' taught me to take five. To pause. To let the words arrive and settle before moving on.
I hope you find your way to it. I do not think you will regret the time.
Warmly,
A converted reader
May 22, 2026
I read 'Take Five' on a Tuesday afternoon when the week had already decided to be difficult. I had not planned to read poetry that day. I had planned to answer emails and be productive and feel like I had my life in reasonable order. Instead I sat down with Rhonda C. Parsons and did not get up for a long while.
There is something almost alarmingly well-timed about a book that asks you to pause when you most need to pause and least want to. The title alone functions like a hand placed gently on the shoulder. Stop. Count. Breathe. The poems that follow honour that invitation. They do not lecture you about resilience. They demonstrate it, through imagery of storms weathered and forests walked through and flowers that manage to bloom in places that seem entirely wrong for blooming.
I have a particular weakness for books that take difficult things seriously without tipping into heaviness, and this is precisely what Parsons has achieved here. The collection acknowledges the full scale of what life sometimes asks of us, those elephant-sized troubles the title page references, and then it sits with the reader in that difficulty rather than rushing past it toward a pre-packaged resolution. The hope in these poems is hard-won, which is the only kind of hope that feels real.
By the time I reached the final poems I had underlined more than I usually do and felt, unexpectedly, steadier than I had at the start of the afternoon. The emails could wait. The productivity could wait. Some books are worth the time they take from the day, and 'Take Five' is emphatically one of them. It is the sort of collection I will return to on the next difficult Tuesday, and the one after that.
There is something almost alarmingly well-timed about a book that asks you to pause when you most need to pause and least want to. The title alone functions like a hand placed gently on the shoulder. Stop. Count. Breathe. The poems that follow honour that invitation. They do not lecture you about resilience. They demonstrate it, through imagery of storms weathered and forests walked through and flowers that manage to bloom in places that seem entirely wrong for blooming.
I have a particular weakness for books that take difficult things seriously without tipping into heaviness, and this is precisely what Parsons has achieved here. The collection acknowledges the full scale of what life sometimes asks of us, those elephant-sized troubles the title page references, and then it sits with the reader in that difficulty rather than rushing past it toward a pre-packaged resolution. The hope in these poems is hard-won, which is the only kind of hope that feels real.
By the time I reached the final poems I had underlined more than I usually do and felt, unexpectedly, steadier than I had at the start of the afternoon. The emails could wait. The productivity could wait. Some books are worth the time they take from the day, and 'Take Five' is emphatically one of them. It is the sort of collection I will return to on the next difficult Tuesday, and the one after that.
April 11, 2026
Take Five is a poetry collection written by the author Rhonda Parsons, published in January 2025. Take Five is a thoughtfully composed poetry collection that encourages readers to pause and engage in quiet reflection. With a measured and contemplative tone, the book explores themes of resilience, emotional endurance, and personal transformation without resorting to excess sentimentality.
Parsons approaches adversity with sincerity, acknowledging life’s challenges while gradually guiding the reader toward a perspective of growth. The use of natural imagery—particularly storms, forests, and the lotus emerging from mud—serves as an effective metaphorical framework, reinforcing the idea that strength often develops through difficulty.
A subtle spiritual undercurrent runs throughout the collection, with references to prayer, meditation, and love presented in an inclusive and introspective manner. This dimension adds depth without becoming prescriptive, maintaining the book’s overall sense of balance.
While certain themes may feel familiar within the genre, the clarity of expression and emotional authenticity ensure that the work remains engaging. The simplicity of the language enhances its accessibility, allowing the core messages to resonate with a broad audience.
Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Composed, insightful, and quietly impactful.
Final Verdict: A well-balanced and reflective poetry collection that effectively combines emotional depth with accessible language.
Parsons approaches adversity with sincerity, acknowledging life’s challenges while gradually guiding the reader toward a perspective of growth. The use of natural imagery—particularly storms, forests, and the lotus emerging from mud—serves as an effective metaphorical framework, reinforcing the idea that strength often develops through difficulty.
A subtle spiritual undercurrent runs throughout the collection, with references to prayer, meditation, and love presented in an inclusive and introspective manner. This dimension adds depth without becoming prescriptive, maintaining the book’s overall sense of balance.
While certain themes may feel familiar within the genre, the clarity of expression and emotional authenticity ensure that the work remains engaging. The simplicity of the language enhances its accessibility, allowing the core messages to resonate with a broad audience.
Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Composed, insightful, and quietly impactful.
Final Verdict: A well-balanced and reflective poetry collection that effectively combines emotional depth with accessible language.
April 16, 2026
Rhonda Parsons delivers a masterclass in emotional alchemy with Take Five, a collection that breathes life into the weary soul. This is not merely poetry but a rhythmic sanctuary designed for the modern spirit. Parsons navigates the treacherous terrain of life’s uphill battles with a voice that is simultaneously fierce and fragile. She possesses a rare ability to transform elephant sized troubles into catalysts for profound personal evolution.
The imagery within these pages is arresting. From the suffocating shadows of dense forests to the triumphant bloom of a lotus rising through mire, each metaphor serves as a roadmap for the heart. Her verses capture the exquisite tension between the roar of a rallying cry and the profound sanctity of stillness. By weaving themes of meditation and prayer into the fabric of human resilience, the author elevates survival into an art form.
Take Five acts as a lyrical lighthouse for those navigating the storms of hardship. It is a bold, contemplative journey that proves light is most brilliant when born from shadow. For any reader seeking a companion in the darkness, this collection offers more than hope. It provides the transformative power to endure and the undeniable courage to rise.
The imagery within these pages is arresting. From the suffocating shadows of dense forests to the triumphant bloom of a lotus rising through mire, each metaphor serves as a roadmap for the heart. Her verses capture the exquisite tension between the roar of a rallying cry and the profound sanctity of stillness. By weaving themes of meditation and prayer into the fabric of human resilience, the author elevates survival into an art form.
Take Five acts as a lyrical lighthouse for those navigating the storms of hardship. It is a bold, contemplative journey that proves light is most brilliant when born from shadow. For any reader seeking a companion in the darkness, this collection offers more than hope. It provides the transformative power to endure and the undeniable courage to rise.
September 15, 2025
This book is not just a collection of poems and reflection, it’s an invitation to live more fully, with joy, mindfulness, and resilience. Through the voice of young Evan Lovejoy and the heartfelt words of Rhonda Parsons, we are reminded that even in a chaotic world, miracles can be found if we stay open to them.
What touched me most is the spirit of hope that flows through every page. The imagery of “puddle-jumping” and “sliding down rainbows” beautifully captures what it means to hold on to wonder, even when life gets hard. Rhonda’s writing is infused with energy that heals, inspires, and uplifts, making this book a gift for anyone seeking inner peace, less suffering, and more joy.
If you’re looking for a book that speaks to both heart and soul, this one belongs on your shelf. And after you read it, I encourage you to share your own reflections in a review, because words like these are meant to ripple outward, touching others with their light.
Let’s read for joy, and let’s spread that joy by letting others know how this book has inspired us.
What touched me most is the spirit of hope that flows through every page. The imagery of “puddle-jumping” and “sliding down rainbows” beautifully captures what it means to hold on to wonder, even when life gets hard. Rhonda’s writing is infused with energy that heals, inspires, and uplifts, making this book a gift for anyone seeking inner peace, less suffering, and more joy.
If you’re looking for a book that speaks to both heart and soul, this one belongs on your shelf. And after you read it, I encourage you to share your own reflections in a review, because words like these are meant to ripple outward, touching others with their light.
Let’s read for joy, and let’s spread that joy by letting others know how this book has inspired us.
September 15, 2025
All the Colors of the Heart is the kind of book that stays with you long after you close it. Rhonda Parsons doesn’t just write poetry, she pours pure energy, healing, and joy into every word. Each page feels like a reminder that even in chaos, there is beauty… even in pain, there can be peace.
I found myself smiling, reflecting, and even tearing up at the simple but powerful truths woven throughout. Evan’s playful imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding made me feel like a child again, full of wonder, resilience, and hope.
This isn’t just a book you read, it’s a book you experience. And when you do, you’ll want to share your own feelings about it so others can discover the same light. If you’ve ever longed for healing, joy, or inner peace, let this book guide you there.
Don’t just read it. Live it. And then, please, leave a review so this message of love can reach even more hearts.
I found myself smiling, reflecting, and even tearing up at the simple but powerful truths woven throughout. Evan’s playful imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding made me feel like a child again, full of wonder, resilience, and hope.
This isn’t just a book you read, it’s a book you experience. And when you do, you’ll want to share your own feelings about it so others can discover the same light. If you’ve ever longed for healing, joy, or inner peace, let this book guide you there.
Don’t just read it. Live it. And then, please, leave a review so this message of love can reach even more hearts.
September 19, 2025
Reading Take Five by Rhonda Parsons on my own was powerful, but bringing it to our book club took the experience to another level. What stood out most was how the poems and reflections opened the door for honest conversations. People shared their own stories of resilience, healing, and even struggles they hadn’t talked about before. It felt like the book gave us permission to be more vulnerable and connected.
Personally, I was touched by the imagery of “puddle-jumping” and “sliding down rainbows.” It reminded me not to lose sight of joy, even during difficult times. Several others in our group said they underlined passages because they felt so personal and true.
This isn’t just a book to read, it’s a book to experience together. Take Five has a way of sparking discussion, reflection, and genuine connection. I’ll definitely be recommending it to other groups, because it’s the kind of book that lingers long after the meeting ends.
Personally, I was touched by the imagery of “puddle-jumping” and “sliding down rainbows.” It reminded me not to lose sight of joy, even during difficult times. Several others in our group said they underlined passages because they felt so personal and true.
This isn’t just a book to read, it’s a book to experience together. Take Five has a way of sparking discussion, reflection, and genuine connection. I’ll definitely be recommending it to other groups, because it’s the kind of book that lingers long after the meeting ends.
September 19, 2025
Our group chose Take Five by Rhonda Parsons, and it quickly became one of the most meaningful reads we’ve discussed together. What struck us all was how accessible the writing felt, simple yet full of depth. Rhonda’s reflections invited us to pause and look at our own lives, and many of us found ourselves relating to the themes of resilience, healing, and joy.
One member said the book reminded her to “slow down and notice the small miracles,” while another admitted that the words gave her comfort during a tough week. For me, the playful spirit of Evan’s voice, talking about puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding, was a highlight. It made serious truths feel hopeful rather than heavy.
Take Five doesn’t just give you something to read, it gives you something to talk about. It’s rare to find a book that feels so personal yet creates such shared connection. This is one we’ll be remembering and revisiting.
One member said the book reminded her to “slow down and notice the small miracles,” while another admitted that the words gave her comfort during a tough week. For me, the playful spirit of Evan’s voice, talking about puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding, was a highlight. It made serious truths feel hopeful rather than heavy.
Take Five doesn’t just give you something to read, it gives you something to talk about. It’s rare to find a book that feels so personal yet creates such shared connection. This is one we’ll be remembering and revisiting.
September 19, 2025
Take Five by Rhonda Parsons is one of those rare books that doesn’t just sit on the page, it lives in your heart. When our book club read it, the room filled with energy in a way we hadn’t experienced in a long time. People shared personal stories, admitted feelings they’d kept quiet, and connected deeply through the themes of healing, joy, and resilience. That kind of impact is what makes a book unforgettable.
For me, the imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding was pure magic. It reminded me that even in the middle of life’s chaos, there’s always room for wonder. Rhonda’s words carry warmth, honesty, and hope, the kind that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
This isn’t just a collection of reflections, it’s an invitation to live more fully, to see the miracles in everyday life, and to embrace joy no matter the circumstances. Take Five is a treasure, and I’ll be recommending it to every reader and book club I know.
For me, the imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding was pure magic. It reminded me that even in the middle of life’s chaos, there’s always room for wonder. Rhonda’s words carry warmth, honesty, and hope, the kind that stays with you long after you’ve closed the book.
This isn’t just a collection of reflections, it’s an invitation to live more fully, to see the miracles in everyday life, and to embrace joy no matter the circumstances. Take Five is a treasure, and I’ll be recommending it to every reader and book club I know.
September 19, 2025
I first came across Take Five by Rhonda Parsons when it was chosen for our book club, and I’m so glad I did. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect, but this book surprised me in the best way. It’s not just poetry and reflection, it feels like sitting down with a friend who gently reminds you that joy, healing, and peace are still possible, even when life feels overwhelming.
As I read, I found myself underlining passages and pausing to reflect. The imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding really stuck with me, it was playful, yet so powerful. During our discussion, I realized others felt the same, and it opened the door to conversations we might not have had otherwise.
Take Five is one of those books that sneaks into your heart and stays there. I’m grateful I discovered it through my club, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends outside the group too.
As I read, I found myself underlining passages and pausing to reflect. The imagery of puddle-jumping and rainbow-sliding really stuck with me, it was playful, yet so powerful. During our discussion, I realized others felt the same, and it opened the door to conversations we might not have had otherwise.
Take Five is one of those books that sneaks into your heart and stays there. I’m grateful I discovered it through my club, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends outside the group too.
November 7, 2025
Oh man, "Take Five" hit me right in the feels. Rhonda Parsons has this way of weaving stories and poems that feel like they're speaking directly to your soul. The opening story, "An Eternal Love," about Clarice and Carl's enduring marriage through Alzheimer's, had me tearing up especially the part where she retells their life as a Cinderella story to jog his memory. It's so tender and real. Parsons' poetry, like "Eagle Wings," lifts you up with its imagery of soaring above life's storms. If you're going through tough times, this book is a gentle reminder that love and spirit endure. Highly recommend!
September 10, 2025
Reading this book was like holding a mirror up to parts of my life I hadn’t looked at closely before. Rhonda Parsons writes with honesty and grace, and I found myself rereading passages just to let the words sink in deeper. This isn’t the kind of book you finish and forget; it’s one that lingers, reminding you of what matters most. I’ll be recommending it to anyone who loves writing that is heartfelt and genuine.
September 11, 2025
I didn’t expect to feel so many emotions while reading, but this book took me through them all. There were times I laughed at the little ironies she described, and other times I felt tears come to my eyes from the rawness of her experiences. What I appreciated most was that despite the struggles, Rhonda’s words always leaned toward hope. It’s the kind of book that fills you up instead of weighing you down.
September 10, 2025
I started this book not knowing just how much it would touch me. The way Rhonda shares her truths with such openness made me feel connected to her story in a very personal way. I laughed, I cried, and I reflected on my own life. By the time I finished, I felt grateful both for the book itself and for the courage it must have taken to write it.
September 10, 2025
This book took me on a journey I didn’t expect but truly needed. Rhonda’s writing is filled with warmth and sincerity, and it felt like I had a companion walking beside me through each chapter. I love books that leave you both reflective and hopeful, and this one did exactly that. It’s not often you come across a book that feels both intimate and universal but this one achieves it beautifully.
September 11, 2025
What impressed me most was how Rhonda doesn’t hold back. She shares her truth with such vulnerability that you can’t help but admire her strength. Reading it made me think about my own life differently, the choices I’ve made, the challenges I’ve faced, and the way I want to grow moving forward. It’s a book that makes you stop and feel, and that is a rare gift.
September 11, 2025
This book reminded me of the strength of the human spirit. Each chapter felt like a lesson, not in a didactic way, but in the sense of walking alongside someone who’s been through life’s ups and downs and emerged stronger. Rhonda’s ability to write with honesty and hope makes her a truly special author. I felt encouraged, uplifted, and deeply moved by the time I turned the last page.
September 11, 2025
Sometimes a book comes to you at just the right time. For me, this was one of those books. Rhonda’s voice felt like a steady hand guiding me through thoughts and feelings I hadn’t been able to articulate myself. Her courage in telling her story gave me courage to look at my own more openly. I’ll be carrying this one with me for a long time.
September 11, 2025
This book stood out from everything else I’ve read recently. The combination of storytelling and reflection made it unforgettable. I highlighted so many passages that I wanted to come back to, not because they were flashy, but because they were true. Rhonda Parsons has given us a gift in this book one that deserves a place in every thoughtful reader’s collection.
September 11, 2025
Every page of this book felt alive with meaning. Rhonda’s way of writing is simple yet powerful, the kind of writing that gets under your skin without you realizing it. I found myself slowing down, savoring her words, and feeling grateful for her openness. It’s not easy to share so much of yourself, but she did it with such grace that I couldn’t help but be inspired.
September 11, 2025
While reading, I often stopped just to think about my own life. That’s the kind of impact Rhonda’s writing has, it doesn’t just entertain you, it calls you to reflect. By the time I was finished, I felt like I had grown a little, simply by being exposed to her journey. That’s what makes this book stand out among so many others.
September 11, 2025
There’s something healing about the way this book is written. It acknowledges pain without getting lost in it and shines a light on resilience and hope. I felt comforted by Rhonda’s words, almost like sitting with someone who understands. It’s a book I’ll revisit when I need reminding of the strength we all carry.
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