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When the Light is Mine: Poetry for the People
When the Light is Mine, A Poetry Collection for People Searching for Meaning
In the quiet places of the heart, where emotions linger and memories echo, poetry becomes the language we finally understand.
When the Light is Mine invites readers into an intimate space, a place where love, loss, healing, and self-discovery meet in soft, honest lines.
Through thoughtful reflection and vivid emotional depth, this collection explores the beauty and difficulty of being human. These poems speak to anyone who has loved deeply, questioned their path, or searched for light during darker moments.
Inside this collection, you will
Poems exploring love, heartbreak, growth, and the truths we often keep hidden
Reflective verses that offer comfort, clarity, and emotional release
Gentle moments of healing and self-awareness
A lyrical journey through experiences we all feel but rarely express
Perfect for readers who
Contemporary poetry, emotional reflection, uplifting messages, and writing that feels like a heartfelt conversation with the soul.
If you’re seeking connection, understanding, or simply a moment of inner calm, When Light is Mine will meet you exactly where you are.
- GenresPoetry
128 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2025
About the author
Chaz Holesworth
4 books94 followersChaz Holesworth writes emotionally honest memoirs about survival, addiction, faith, memory, and growing up in Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood.
Raised in an environment shaped by poverty, struggle, and resilience, Chaz transforms deeply personal experiences into stories that connect with readers searching for truth, hope, and humanity. His writing blends raw vulnerability with humor, heart, and social awareness.
Readers of literary memoirs, working-class stories, and recovery narratives are drawn to his unflinching storytelling style and emotional authenticity.
When he’s not writing, Chaz enjoys live music, exploring new places, and advocating for workers’ rights and animal welfare. He currently lives in the suburbs with his wife and their dog, though Philadelphia remains at the center of his voice and perspective.
His memoir series, Life and How to Live It, explores the darker corners of memory while reminding readers that survival and meaning are still possible.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 2, 2026
Love and pain. Strife and pleasure. Overall some very good writing with deep meanings to ponder. One of the main reasons I enjoy poetry so much. Kudos! 👏👏
March 13, 2026
You can feel the passion and anger and chaos. Thank you for sharing your poetry, Chaz.
March 6, 2026
A collection of dark, emotional, thought provoking poems. The author explores themes such as poverty, religion, mental health and sex. You can feel that the author has poured their emotions into this book and it is a raw, honest account of their life. I particularly enjoyed ‘Out of Time’ and ‘Antichrists Prescribe Antidepressants’.
I found the blurb to be a little misleading though as it suggests that this book is a gentle space for healing, uplifting messages and emotional reflection. It gave me the impression that it would be a positive, calming and grounding book. However I found the book to be a dark, heavy read that is powerful and hard hitting. I’m sure many will relate to the author’s journey, it just felt like it had more a negative vibe to what I was expecting based on the blurb. It covers some dark themes and may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some of the poems weren’t for me and definitely differed from my own beliefs. I do think it would be helpful if there was a list of trigger warnings but unfortunately there was not.
The author writes free verse poems, voicing a ‘stream of consciousness’ and unfortunately I did not enjoy this style of writing. Due to this style I struggled with the flow and rhythm of the poems and didn’t feel that I connected to them. I also found that some were slightly repetitive as the author liked to use ‘blah blah blah’ in multiple poems.
Overall I rate this 2 stars. Unfortunately the style of writing was not my preference and some of the views within the poems clashed with my own beliefs. This was a personal conflict and I always encourage you to read the book yourself as I am sure many people will enjoy and relate to it.
I found the blurb to be a little misleading though as it suggests that this book is a gentle space for healing, uplifting messages and emotional reflection. It gave me the impression that it would be a positive, calming and grounding book. However I found the book to be a dark, heavy read that is powerful and hard hitting. I’m sure many will relate to the author’s journey, it just felt like it had more a negative vibe to what I was expecting based on the blurb. It covers some dark themes and may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some of the poems weren’t for me and definitely differed from my own beliefs. I do think it would be helpful if there was a list of trigger warnings but unfortunately there was not.
The author writes free verse poems, voicing a ‘stream of consciousness’ and unfortunately I did not enjoy this style of writing. Due to this style I struggled with the flow and rhythm of the poems and didn’t feel that I connected to them. I also found that some were slightly repetitive as the author liked to use ‘blah blah blah’ in multiple poems.
Overall I rate this 2 stars. Unfortunately the style of writing was not my preference and some of the views within the poems clashed with my own beliefs. This was a personal conflict and I always encourage you to read the book yourself as I am sure many people will enjoy and relate to it.
February 17, 2026
Thank you for sharing your poetry collection.
February 28, 2026
When the Light Is Mine is a raw, messy, and relatable collection of poems about growing up poor, tangled in fundamentalist religion, and tangled inside your own head. Chaz Holesworth moves through shame, faith, politics, love, self-loathing, and music, talking to God, to America, to exes, and to himself, often all at once. The book feels like a long late-night monologue where the speaker keeps circling the same wounds, trying to get them to finally bleed clean.
The poems lean into repetition, riffs, and a kind of rambling rhythm that feels very close to song lyrics. The intro even calls out that influence, and I could feel it in pieces that read like verses in a track that never quite resolves. The language is blunt and sometimes crude. Religion and American culture get hit hard, with jabs at whitewashed Jesus, televangelist greed, the KKK, and lazy patriotism. At the same time, the voice turns on itself just as sharply, poking at OCD habits, body image, sexual shame, and the urge to disappear. I liked that refusal to let anyone off the hook, including the speaker. It gave the collection an honest, slightly scorched tone that stuck with me.
I also found moments of softness peeking through all the yelling, and those were the ones that hit me the most. When the poems shift toward love and connection, the voice loosens, gets playful, even hopeful. The pieces about music and favorite songs feel like little altars, the one place where belief is allowed without sarcasm. I felt a real ache in the tension between wanting to burn everything down, and wanting to be held, to be seen as beautiful, to believe that there is a version of life that is not just trauma on repeat. Sometimes the book leans into rant and self-mockery that I felt the emotional impact blur under volume. But there are many lines and images that land hard, and when they do, they feel earned.
This is not a neat or balanced collection, and I don't think it wants to be. It's chaotic, angry, funny in a bitter way, and often uncomfortable, especially around faith and sex. If you live with religious trauma, class struggle, or obsessive self-talk, and you like work that spills its guts without cleaning the floor first, this book will likely feel familiar in a deep, strange way. I would recommend When the Light Is Mine to readers who love lyric, stream-of-consciousness poetry, who do not mind strong opinions about religion and politics, and who are looking for company in the darker corners of their own thoughts.
The poems lean into repetition, riffs, and a kind of rambling rhythm that feels very close to song lyrics. The intro even calls out that influence, and I could feel it in pieces that read like verses in a track that never quite resolves. The language is blunt and sometimes crude. Religion and American culture get hit hard, with jabs at whitewashed Jesus, televangelist greed, the KKK, and lazy patriotism. At the same time, the voice turns on itself just as sharply, poking at OCD habits, body image, sexual shame, and the urge to disappear. I liked that refusal to let anyone off the hook, including the speaker. It gave the collection an honest, slightly scorched tone that stuck with me.
I also found moments of softness peeking through all the yelling, and those were the ones that hit me the most. When the poems shift toward love and connection, the voice loosens, gets playful, even hopeful. The pieces about music and favorite songs feel like little altars, the one place where belief is allowed without sarcasm. I felt a real ache in the tension between wanting to burn everything down, and wanting to be held, to be seen as beautiful, to believe that there is a version of life that is not just trauma on repeat. Sometimes the book leans into rant and self-mockery that I felt the emotional impact blur under volume. But there are many lines and images that land hard, and when they do, they feel earned.
This is not a neat or balanced collection, and I don't think it wants to be. It's chaotic, angry, funny in a bitter way, and often uncomfortable, especially around faith and sex. If you live with religious trauma, class struggle, or obsessive self-talk, and you like work that spills its guts without cleaning the floor first, this book will likely feel familiar in a deep, strange way. I would recommend When the Light Is Mine to readers who love lyric, stream-of-consciousness poetry, who do not mind strong opinions about religion and politics, and who are looking for company in the darker corners of their own thoughts.
October 26, 2025
When the Light is Mine by Chaz Holesworth covers a variety of themes, but most of all, the lyrical poems speak to the injustices in our world. Each poem shows the deep passion of Holesworth; it’s clear that social injustice, hypocrisy in the church, and government overreach are highly important to Holesworth. Because of the visible passion and anger on each page, the reader can’t help but feel that emotion themselves. This makes When the Light is Mine an exceptional collection of poetry. When a poetry collection can impart a feeling to the reader, it has done its job successfully.
The poems generally follow a free verse style with some rhyming, though the rhymes are not always consistent; however, that does not take away from the style or reading experience. Holesworth himself mentions in the Introduction that he tends to lean toward lyrical poetry with a stream-of-consciousness style. The overall craft of each poem feels intentional, even if they do not follow traditional poetic conventions. The passion and themes are what propel these poems, and readers who wish to dig deeper into their own understanding of current events will appreciate that choice.
For readers who are looking for a lighter read, this is likely not the best choice—the intensity and raw emotion provoke profound contemplation. Holesworth explores explicit themes through powerful language and imagery. Sex, mental health, and religion are all discussed in tandem. For Holesworth and many others, these topics are closely intertwined; to address one subject, one usually must address the others. Each section in the collection covers aspects of these three motifs, and echoes of them are present throughout. I enjoyed the raw statements and comparisons made. The reading experience felt heavy, which seemed to be the intention.
To summarize, readers will appreciate the honesty, raw emotion, and passionate language present throughout When the Light is Mine. While the poems tended toward stream-of-consciousness, they were still impactful and poignant. The topics covered reveal insights into Holesworth’s inner world while maintaining relatability; there are many people who have faced injustice at the hands of the government, church, or society, and readers looking for some catharsis in that regard will thoroughly enjoy the poems in this collection.
The poems generally follow a free verse style with some rhyming, though the rhymes are not always consistent; however, that does not take away from the style or reading experience. Holesworth himself mentions in the Introduction that he tends to lean toward lyrical poetry with a stream-of-consciousness style. The overall craft of each poem feels intentional, even if they do not follow traditional poetic conventions. The passion and themes are what propel these poems, and readers who wish to dig deeper into their own understanding of current events will appreciate that choice.
For readers who are looking for a lighter read, this is likely not the best choice—the intensity and raw emotion provoke profound contemplation. Holesworth explores explicit themes through powerful language and imagery. Sex, mental health, and religion are all discussed in tandem. For Holesworth and many others, these topics are closely intertwined; to address one subject, one usually must address the others. Each section in the collection covers aspects of these three motifs, and echoes of them are present throughout. I enjoyed the raw statements and comparisons made. The reading experience felt heavy, which seemed to be the intention.
To summarize, readers will appreciate the honesty, raw emotion, and passionate language present throughout When the Light is Mine. While the poems tended toward stream-of-consciousness, they were still impactful and poignant. The topics covered reveal insights into Holesworth’s inner world while maintaining relatability; there are many people who have faced injustice at the hands of the government, church, or society, and readers looking for some catharsis in that regard will thoroughly enjoy the poems in this collection.
December 17, 2025
When the Light Is Mine is Chaz Holesworth’s debut poetry collection, presented in three sections. Holesworth presents a personal collection discussing love, life, loss, depression, religion, politics, and capitalism. It asks the reader to consider the reality of societal constructs under which the world has operated for centuries (even millennia) and to consider their impact and consequences on our world and on a personal level. When the Light is Mine is also a personal collection. We learn in the forward that it spans over a decade of time, including challenging times and struggles with depression.
I liked Holesworth’s style of writing the poems in the collection, using free verse and a “stream of consciousness” style of writing. I saw as well as the references to music, with stanzas in the poems having a lyrical structure and flow as well as references to specific musicians and songs, including R.E.M. I’ve seen other poets as well let go of the rules or conventions of poetry, creating their own structure for verse. It’s almost like a “no rules” approach to poetry. It’s something I’ve been enjoying as a reader of poetry. It enables poets to better show us as the reader their voice.
This collection takes readers on a journey, building to a hopeful conclusion. We see this shift in the third chapter of the collection. Finding love and hope in the midst of difficult times. I enjoyed thorough out this collection the questions posed to the reader - whether about the aforementioned societal constructs or in the description of the collection. How would you use light when hope is slowly presenting itself before you.
This collection emphasizes the power of love and the power of community. In times of feeling alone, seeking community and partnership can be quite healing and strengthening. I found this collection to be powerful, heartfelt, honest, and thought-provoking. Among the poems that resonated included “People need people,” “Into the arms of love,” “I saw the face of beauty and it made me shiver,” and “I wear my grin like an insecurity blanket.”
Congratulations, Chaz Holesworth on the debut collection & thank you for the gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review this collection for the Love Books Tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
I liked Holesworth’s style of writing the poems in the collection, using free verse and a “stream of consciousness” style of writing. I saw as well as the references to music, with stanzas in the poems having a lyrical structure and flow as well as references to specific musicians and songs, including R.E.M. I’ve seen other poets as well let go of the rules or conventions of poetry, creating their own structure for verse. It’s almost like a “no rules” approach to poetry. It’s something I’ve been enjoying as a reader of poetry. It enables poets to better show us as the reader their voice.
This collection takes readers on a journey, building to a hopeful conclusion. We see this shift in the third chapter of the collection. Finding love and hope in the midst of difficult times. I enjoyed thorough out this collection the questions posed to the reader - whether about the aforementioned societal constructs or in the description of the collection. How would you use light when hope is slowly presenting itself before you.
This collection emphasizes the power of love and the power of community. In times of feeling alone, seeking community and partnership can be quite healing and strengthening. I found this collection to be powerful, heartfelt, honest, and thought-provoking. Among the poems that resonated included “People need people,” “Into the arms of love,” “I saw the face of beauty and it made me shiver,” and “I wear my grin like an insecurity blanket.”
Congratulations, Chaz Holesworth on the debut collection & thank you for the gifted copy of this book and the opportunity to read and review this collection for the Love Books Tour! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.
May 23, 2026
‘I can’t remember myself when I was me.’ Valuable moments from a poet
Pennsylvania author Chaz Holesworth has gained well deserved attention as an important American poet with his three volume collection – LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT – a memoir of his own life that began in the slums of Philadelphia with a heroin addict father and a religious mother, and his first poetry collection - WHEN THE LIGHT IS MINE, poems that encourage introspection, consideration of all aspects of living, and supportive thoughts on coping and adjusting to such moments of growth.
Chaz quite adroitly addresses the reader in the Introduction: ‘The themes of this collection come from my struggles with poverty, a dysfunctional family, an extreme Christian fundamentalist upbringing, society’s faults, my distaste for the government, and love (or lack of it).’ The pungency of his poems is suggested in this brief excerpt: ‘Nurture over nature, poverty means peers/are the law. They’re choking on silver spoons/while we fight for a plastic fork./ Be all that you can be, as long as your/ wealth is absolutely filthy.’ His thoughts on love are also particularly enlightening. Chaz Holesworth provides avenues for understanding life’s vagaries, opening a window for introspection and coping. Immensely interesting!
Pennsylvania author Chaz Holesworth has gained well deserved attention as an important American poet with his three volume collection – LIFE AND HOW TO LIVE IT – a memoir of his own life that began in the slums of Philadelphia with a heroin addict father and a religious mother, and his first poetry collection - WHEN THE LIGHT IS MINE, poems that encourage introspection, consideration of all aspects of living, and supportive thoughts on coping and adjusting to such moments of growth.
Chaz quite adroitly addresses the reader in the Introduction: ‘The themes of this collection come from my struggles with poverty, a dysfunctional family, an extreme Christian fundamentalist upbringing, society’s faults, my distaste for the government, and love (or lack of it).’ The pungency of his poems is suggested in this brief excerpt: ‘Nurture over nature, poverty means peers/are the law. They’re choking on silver spoons/while we fight for a plastic fork./ Be all that you can be, as long as your/ wealth is absolutely filthy.’ His thoughts on love are also particularly enlightening. Chaz Holesworth provides avenues for understanding life’s vagaries, opening a window for introspection and coping. Immensely interesting!
April 24, 2026
When the light is mine is an introspective poetry collection that explores themes of love, loss and personal growth. What stood out most to me was the honesty in the poems, there's a clear sense of emotional sincerity throughout and it feels like the author is writing from a very real place.
While I appreciated that openness, the writing style wasn't entirely for me. The simplicity makes the collection accessible, but I sometimes found it difficult to fully connect with the flow and some poems didn't leave a strong or lasting impression. I would have liked a bit more variation or a more distinctive voice to make certain pieces stand out.
Overall, this was a solid and sincere collection, even if it didn't completely resonate with me on a stylistic level. I think readers who enjoy straightforward, emotionally reflective poetry will likely find more to connect with here.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
While I appreciated that openness, the writing style wasn't entirely for me. The simplicity makes the collection accessible, but I sometimes found it difficult to fully connect with the flow and some poems didn't leave a strong or lasting impression. I would have liked a bit more variation or a more distinctive voice to make certain pieces stand out.
Overall, this was a solid and sincere collection, even if it didn't completely resonate with me on a stylistic level. I think readers who enjoy straightforward, emotionally reflective poetry will likely find more to connect with here.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review
May 19, 2026
A Thoughtful and Emotionally Rich Story About Healing and Hope
When the Light Is Mine feels like the kind of book that slowly draws you in through emotion rather than constant action. The story balances vulnerability, personal growth, and human connection in a way that feels sincere and relatable. What stood out most to me was how the characters carried emotional weight without becoming overly dramatic. Their struggles, doubts, and moments of hope felt believable, which made it easier to stay invested in their journey.
The writing has a reflective, almost comforting quality at times, especially in the quieter scenes where relationships and emotions take center stage. I also appreciated that the story doesn’t rush its emotional development, allowing important moments to land naturally. Overall, it’s a heartfelt read about resilience, self-discovery, and finding light during difficult seasons of life.
When the Light Is Mine feels like the kind of book that slowly draws you in through emotion rather than constant action. The story balances vulnerability, personal growth, and human connection in a way that feels sincere and relatable. What stood out most to me was how the characters carried emotional weight without becoming overly dramatic. Their struggles, doubts, and moments of hope felt believable, which made it easier to stay invested in their journey.
The writing has a reflective, almost comforting quality at times, especially in the quieter scenes where relationships and emotions take center stage. I also appreciated that the story doesn’t rush its emotional development, allowing important moments to land naturally. Overall, it’s a heartfelt read about resilience, self-discovery, and finding light during difficult seasons of life.
November 20, 2025
It feels real and necessary to read.
Chaz Holesworth writes with a voice that doesn't try to sugarcoat anything: he questions the system, confronts his own fears, and exposes emotions that many feel but few dare to name. His poems combine social criticism with personal confessions, achieving a balance that feels real and necessary. What is most striking is how the author transforms difficult experiences such as depression, exhaustion with capitalism, or doubts about faith into clear and sensitive reflections. Even in the darkest moments, he leaves room for hope, tenderness, and the possibility of finding light amid the chaos. It is a book that invites you to think, feel, and question. Perfect for those looking for contemporary poetry that says something, that makes you a little uncomfortable, and that, in the end, leaves you with a feeling of companionship and authenticity.
Chaz Holesworth writes with a voice that doesn't try to sugarcoat anything: he questions the system, confronts his own fears, and exposes emotions that many feel but few dare to name. His poems combine social criticism with personal confessions, achieving a balance that feels real and necessary. What is most striking is how the author transforms difficult experiences such as depression, exhaustion with capitalism, or doubts about faith into clear and sensitive reflections. Even in the darkest moments, he leaves room for hope, tenderness, and the possibility of finding light amid the chaos. It is a book that invites you to think, feel, and question. Perfect for those looking for contemporary poetry that says something, that makes you a little uncomfortable, and that, in the end, leaves you with a feeling of companionship and authenticity.
March 31, 2026
A poetry book that shouts out to be heard!
This poetry book by Chaz Holesworth is honest and gritty; filled with raw emotion and true feelings that definitely support the dark period of the authors life. He states that these poems were written at a dark time in the beginning of the book and warns readers of the graphic and defining nature of his words. I appreciated that he wrote in that state of mind and was able to present a true picture of how writing no matter what it is about: can be healing, expressive and if a person is able to vent and rid themselves of a "trigger" response, writing can be a cathartic skill to help a person process their anger, or find what is taking them to the dark place. I have written in dark times as well, and this book has given me confidence to share my written words.
This poetry book by Chaz Holesworth is honest and gritty; filled with raw emotion and true feelings that definitely support the dark period of the authors life. He states that these poems were written at a dark time in the beginning of the book and warns readers of the graphic and defining nature of his words. I appreciated that he wrote in that state of mind and was able to present a true picture of how writing no matter what it is about: can be healing, expressive and if a person is able to vent and rid themselves of a "trigger" response, writing can be a cathartic skill to help a person process their anger, or find what is taking them to the dark place. I have written in dark times as well, and this book has given me confidence to share my written words.
November 19, 2025
When the Light is Mine by Chaz Holesworth is a promising debut poetry collection. Poetry fans will enjoy the real, raw voice and the current socioeconomic and personal topics the author engages with. The book covers everything from the challenges of capitalism, organised religion, and toxic societal expectations, to personal struggles with depression and love. I felt like I was able to connect with and explore these often challenging topics with the author. At the same time, the poems aren’t all doom and gloom. There is a thread of hope that balances the darker themes and leaves readers with a sense of optimism. If you are a lover of poetry looking to discover a new author, then you should definitely give this volume a try!
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December 18, 2025I will preface with this is outside my genre read, but i am trying to grow in appreciation of poetry.
It speaks to themes of love, loss, religion and the overall mood political forward.
It is not rhyme-y or haiku, I believe the author indicates more stream of consciousness, free verse maybe. The first poem had a line that really stood out for me “their lack of empathy has endangered trust”.
I always think poetry is a smart read, or maybe deep is the word and I feel like I am still in the shallow end! The metaphors were well written but I feel like I didn’t always get them or appreciate them.
The book is broken into sections by themes which was helpful in setting what stage you were at. There were definitely times that the poet was in darker stages of life and experiences that could be felt in the poems. Overall, a thought triggering work.
I received a copy from @lovebooktours to review in exchange for my review.
It speaks to themes of love, loss, religion and the overall mood political forward.
It is not rhyme-y or haiku, I believe the author indicates more stream of consciousness, free verse maybe. The first poem had a line that really stood out for me “their lack of empathy has endangered trust”.
I always think poetry is a smart read, or maybe deep is the word and I feel like I am still in the shallow end! The metaphors were well written but I feel like I didn’t always get them or appreciate them.
The book is broken into sections by themes which was helpful in setting what stage you were at. There were definitely times that the poet was in darker stages of life and experiences that could be felt in the poems. Overall, a thought triggering work.
I received a copy from @lovebooktours to review in exchange for my review.
December 18, 2025
Thank you to the author and Love Books tour for providing me with a copy.
I have always been a lover of poetry for as long as I can remember, so whenever I see a new poetry book I’ll be picking it up.
When The Light Is Mine is a collection of love, loss, religion, politics and healing. All the poems are written well, along with free versing that’s well descriptive.
As I was reading, I like to take my time reading each poem to understand the depth of the real meaning behind it. As you are reading you can feel and understand the emotions, which is powerful work from the author. This is not a light read, as it may be triggering to some. Mentions of religion, mental health, and the government system. it’s real and raw and something that others can enjoy and relate to if they like reading poetry.
I have always been a lover of poetry for as long as I can remember, so whenever I see a new poetry book I’ll be picking it up.
When The Light Is Mine is a collection of love, loss, religion, politics and healing. All the poems are written well, along with free versing that’s well descriptive.
As I was reading, I like to take my time reading each poem to understand the depth of the real meaning behind it. As you are reading you can feel and understand the emotions, which is powerful work from the author. This is not a light read, as it may be triggering to some. Mentions of religion, mental health, and the government system. it’s real and raw and something that others can enjoy and relate to if they like reading poetry.
March 25, 2026
Some experiences feel so personal that it is easy to assume no one else understands them, but this book makes it clear that is not true. Through different moments of life, the poems show how emotions repeat across people, even when their lives look completely different. All the love in my heart stood out because it describes love without exaggeration, more like something lived than imagined, the kind of feeling you recognize because you have been there. The introduction puts everything into perspective, explaining why these emotions connect across people. It pushed me to look at my own life differently, not just focusing on what is missing, but recognizing what is already there and what I tend to overlook when I am too caught up in my own thoughts.
March 25, 2026
When the Light is Mine: Poetry for the People by Chaz Holesworth is a very emotional and powerful book. It is not an easy book to read, but it feels very real and honest. What I liked the most is how open the poems are. They talk about difficult topics like pain, identity, and mental struggles in a very direct way. Sometimes it felt uncomfortable, but also very true. It made me think about how many people carry things inside that they don’t always show.
Some poems talk about difficult social situations, like inequality and people living in hard conditions. I connected with this because in real life we can also see these differences, and sometimes we don’t stop to think about them deeply. Reading this made me feel more aware and more sensitive to what other people may be going through.
Some poems talk about difficult social situations, like inequality and people living in hard conditions. I connected with this because in real life we can also see these differences, and sometimes we don’t stop to think about them deeply. Reading this made me feel more aware and more sensitive to what other people may be going through.
May 6, 2026
A poetry collection that is very appropriate right now. It's political, it's filled with rage and dispair about our society and human relationships. It touches on poverty, oligarchy, the misuse of religion, and the heartbreak of love.
This collection is an insight into a young, leftist, us american mind. And despite the clear despair and anger, it's beautifully written.
I was less of a fan of the latest poems, which touch on love, but I really liked the more political ones.
In years, when people will wonder "what was it like to be young in the 2020's?" this poem will offer a great pespective into our inner turmoil.
Thank you, Chaz Holesworth, for sharing your words with us.
I copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This collection is an insight into a young, leftist, us american mind. And despite the clear despair and anger, it's beautifully written.
I was less of a fan of the latest poems, which touch on love, but I really liked the more political ones.
In years, when people will wonder "what was it like to be young in the 2020's?" this poem will offer a great pespective into our inner turmoil.
Thank you, Chaz Holesworth, for sharing your words with us.
I copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 19, 2025
I love finding poetry books where diverse themes emerge and resonate with me. This time, I read "When the Light is Mine" by Holesworth, and I must say I enjoyed it immensely. One of the things I liked most is that this author uses poems as a tool for social protest. This book undoubtedly explores countless themes, combining traditional and modern poetry.
Page after page, readers explore well-written poems on a variety of themes, making it impossible to put them down. I think the words were very well thought out and selected by this author. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys literature, and especially poetry.
Page after page, readers explore well-written poems on a variety of themes, making it impossible to put them down. I think the words were very well thought out and selected by this author. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys literature, and especially poetry.
November 22, 2025
The cover of this book was the first thing that caught my attention and motivated me to read it. It’s very simple but at the same time mysterious, so it captivates anyone who lays eyes on it. Second, it’s a short masterpiece, which is a great advantage for those of us who have little free time.
Once I started reading it, there were several elements that I liked: its inspirational content, the fact that each poem takes up a whole page, which gives me visual peace, and last but not least, each page exudes faith.
I’m so blessed and grateful to have found this title! I’ll keep reading it again and again.
Once I started reading it, there were several elements that I liked: its inspirational content, the fact that each poem takes up a whole page, which gives me visual peace, and last but not least, each page exudes faith.
I’m so blessed and grateful to have found this title! I’ll keep reading it again and again.
January 7, 2026
When the Light is Mine is a sincere and emotionally grounded poetry collection that explores love, healing, and self discovery with quiet honesty. Many of the poems feel comforting and reflective, offering moments of clarity and emotional connection.
I’m giving this book four stars instead of five because some poems felt very similar in tone, and I found myself wishing for a bit more variation in pacing and structure. Still, the emotional sincerity and gentle message throughout the collection made it a meaningful and enjoyable read overall.
A strong choice for readers who appreciate reflective, heart centered poetry.
I’m giving this book four stars instead of five because some poems felt very similar in tone, and I found myself wishing for a bit more variation in pacing and structure. Still, the emotional sincerity and gentle message throughout the collection made it a meaningful and enjoyable read overall.
A strong choice for readers who appreciate reflective, heart centered poetry.
January 7, 2026
When the Light is Mine is a sincere and emotionally grounded poetry collection that explores love, healing, and self-discovery with quiet honesty. Many of the poems feel comforting and reflective, offering moments of clarity and emotional connection.
I’m giving this book four stars instead of five because some poems felt very similar in tone, and I found myself wishing for a bit more variation in pacing and structure. Still, the emotional sincerity and gentle message throughout the collection made it a meaningful and enjoyable read overall.
A strong choice for readers who appreciate reflective, heart-centered poetry.
I’m giving this book four stars instead of five because some poems felt very similar in tone, and I found myself wishing for a bit more variation in pacing and structure. Still, the emotional sincerity and gentle message throughout the collection made it a meaningful and enjoyable read overall.
A strong choice for readers who appreciate reflective, heart-centered poetry.
February 24, 2026
Authentic and Enjoyable
When the Light is Mine is one of those poetry collections that feels like a quiet conversation. From the first few poems, I felt a sense of calm honesty in the writing. There’s no overcomplication; just real emotion expressed in a way that feels accessible and sincere.
I loved how the poems explore light and shadow. Love and heartbreak, growth and doubt, healing and reflection, they all coexist here. Some verses are soft and comforting, while others gently confront uncomfortable truths. That balance makes the collection authentic rather than overly sentimental.
When the Light is Mine is one of those poetry collections that feels like a quiet conversation. From the first few poems, I felt a sense of calm honesty in the writing. There’s no overcomplication; just real emotion expressed in a way that feels accessible and sincere.
I loved how the poems explore light and shadow. Love and heartbreak, growth and doubt, healing and reflection, they all coexist here. Some verses are soft and comforting, while others gently confront uncomfortable truths. That balance makes the collection authentic rather than overly sentimental.
March 29, 2026
“I’ll be watching you, and I’ll be stalking you, and I’ll never be alone again.”
An interesting collection of writings and musings, a wonderful way to express oneself. The author did not hesitate to throw any punches and wrote as Chaz sees it. I found a few of them so amusing, like "Entropy," which is something I would say to my family on holidays. It made me smile when I read the lines" Do me a favor and explain it in sign language." And the collections in Bored in the USA were thought-provoking, as the author holds some controversial viewpoints. And the whole collection about love was good too. This author has a lot to say and is not afraid to say it out loud and publish it.
An interesting collection of writings and musings, a wonderful way to express oneself. The author did not hesitate to throw any punches and wrote as Chaz sees it. I found a few of them so amusing, like "Entropy," which is something I would say to my family on holidays. It made me smile when I read the lines" Do me a favor and explain it in sign language." And the collections in Bored in the USA were thought-provoking, as the author holds some controversial viewpoints. And the whole collection about love was good too. This author has a lot to say and is not afraid to say it out loud and publish it.
April 23, 2026
When the Light is Mine is the kind of poetry collection that doesn’t just ask to be read, it asks to be felt, sat with, and sometimes even wrestled through. Moving between raw confession and sharp social observation, the poems trace a deeply personal landscape shaped by self-doubt, longing, anger, and the constant search for meaning, often blurring the line between inner turmoil and the outside world . I loved the unfiltered honesty, lines that feel spontaneous yet cutting, chaotic yet strangely precise It’s not polished comfort; it’s real, restless, and emotionally charged, offering moments of connection that hit when you least expect them.
May 20, 2026
An Emotional Story About Healing and Strength
The novel follows characters carrying emotional pain while searching for hope, connection, and a sense of belonging. The characters feel vulnerable and human, with relationships that develop naturally through quiet emotional moments rather than dramatic twists. The writing style is reflective and heartfelt, using gentle descriptions and emotional dialogue to build a strong atmosphere. What makes the story engaging is the balance between sadness and resilience, allowing the characters to grow in believable ways. The pacing is calm and thoughtful, giving readers time to connect with the emotions behind the story.
The novel follows characters carrying emotional pain while searching for hope, connection, and a sense of belonging. The characters feel vulnerable and human, with relationships that develop naturally through quiet emotional moments rather than dramatic twists. The writing style is reflective and heartfelt, using gentle descriptions and emotional dialogue to build a strong atmosphere. What makes the story engaging is the balance between sadness and resilience, allowing the characters to grow in believable ways. The pacing is calm and thoughtful, giving readers time to connect with the emotions behind the story.
December 18, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up.
This is a thoughtful, emotionally raw poetry collection. The collection is organized into sections based on themes of loss, religion, politics and love. I love the style in which this poetry is written. It doesn't feel gimmicky or confined by structure rules. It feels free, flowing, and expressive.
The religion and love themes spoke the most, or perhaps the loudest, to me. A really beautiful and thought provoking collection.
💜 Thank you so much to Chaz Holesworth and Love Books Tours for this #gifted review copy of When the Light is Mine!
This is a thoughtful, emotionally raw poetry collection. The collection is organized into sections based on themes of loss, religion, politics and love. I love the style in which this poetry is written. It doesn't feel gimmicky or confined by structure rules. It feels free, flowing, and expressive.
The religion and love themes spoke the most, or perhaps the loudest, to me. A really beautiful and thought provoking collection.
💜 Thank you so much to Chaz Holesworth and Love Books Tours for this #gifted review copy of When the Light is Mine!
December 19, 2025
I won’t pretend to be any kind of expert on poetry as it’s something I’ve only become more interested in recently, but when reading When the Light is Mine, I could feel the emotion behind the words on the page. The poems speak to the climate of today and the social, economic, religious, and political divide. However, not only are there themes of loss, despair, and hopelessness, there are also ones of love, happiness, and hope. I believe that even if you don’t always understand what is being said, you can understand the heart and emotion behind it which can be more beautiful than the words.
January 8, 2026
These short poems really spoke to me! I'm someone who has battled with depression, which often comes out as anger, so I really connected on a personal level.
My favourite line was "I can't remember myself when I was me. So, onward it is with the pretending" which is from the poem 'Short Term Memory Something'. I definitely have periods where I forget who I really am, although this is also because we are constantly changing and evolving.
This book also served as a reminder to look for the glimmers in life. The Light always overcomes the darkness.
My favourite line was "I can't remember myself when I was me. So, onward it is with the pretending" which is from the poem 'Short Term Memory Something'. I definitely have periods where I forget who I really am, although this is also because we are constantly changing and evolving.
This book also served as a reminder to look for the glimmers in life. The Light always overcomes the darkness.
March 25, 2026
I think every once in a while it’s nice to read poetry. Sometimes it can be hard to get the hang of it, but this one in particular is very approachable, very open. I like the reflections it leaves on everyday emotions we have. I like the mix of themes, it has love, growth, a lot of the things we go through in real life.
Personally, this one about searching for light in hard moments, really stuck with me. It was easy for me to connect with every poem, that's why I think it is not only for poetry lovers, but any curious reader out there.
Personally, this one about searching for light in hard moments, really stuck with me. It was easy for me to connect with every poem, that's why I think it is not only for poetry lovers, but any curious reader out there.
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