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Tea and Madness
“And when it falls into silence again the void it echoes fills me wonder. Wonder only because I no longer remember if this small entity isn’t real or if it whispers the truth.”
-Moonlight
C. Streetlight’s memoir, Tea & Madness, is a collection of prose and poetry separated into the seasons of her life. Each season is inspired by her experiences: grieving a lost baby, understanding depression, anger, betrayal, surviving rape and the acceptance that she cannot forgive. Balanced somehow within the darkness is the wonder in motherhood and empathetic relationships. As her seasons change, she continues trying to find the balance of existing between normalcy and madness.
-Moonlight
C. Streetlight’s memoir, Tea & Madness, is a collection of prose and poetry separated into the seasons of her life. Each season is inspired by her experiences: grieving a lost baby, understanding depression, anger, betrayal, surviving rape and the acceptance that she cannot forgive. Balanced somehow within the darkness is the wonder in motherhood and empathetic relationships. As her seasons change, she continues trying to find the balance of existing between normalcy and madness.
- GenresPoetry
100 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2015
5 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
C. Streetlights
10 books79 followersAs a child, C. Streetlights listened to birds pecking at her rooftop, but instead of fearing them, was convinced they would set her free and she’d someday see the stars.
Southern California sunshine never gave C. Streetlights the blonde hair or blue eyes she needed to fit in with her high school’s beach girls, her inability to smell like teen spirit kept her from the grunge movement, and she wasn’t peppy enough to cheer. She ebbed and flowed with the tide, not a misfit but not exactly fitting in, either.
C. Streetlights grew up, as people do, earned a few degrees and became a teacher. She spent her days discussing topics like essay writing, Romeo and Juliet, the difference between a paragraph and a sentence, and for God’s sake, please stop eating the glue sticks.
C. Streetlights now lives in the mountains with a husband, two miracle children, and a dog who eats Kleenex. She retired from teaching so she can raise her children to pick up their underwear from the bathroom floor, to write, and to slay windmills and dragons. She is happy to report that she can finally see the stars.
Southern California sunshine never gave C. Streetlights the blonde hair or blue eyes she needed to fit in with her high school’s beach girls, her inability to smell like teen spirit kept her from the grunge movement, and she wasn’t peppy enough to cheer. She ebbed and flowed with the tide, not a misfit but not exactly fitting in, either.
C. Streetlights grew up, as people do, earned a few degrees and became a teacher. She spent her days discussing topics like essay writing, Romeo and Juliet, the difference between a paragraph and a sentence, and for God’s sake, please stop eating the glue sticks.
C. Streetlights now lives in the mountains with a husband, two miracle children, and a dog who eats Kleenex. She retired from teaching so she can raise her children to pick up their underwear from the bathroom floor, to write, and to slay windmills and dragons. She is happy to report that she can finally see the stars.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 5, 2016
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
If there were 10 stars I would give them all to rate this beautiful little book. C. Streetlights memoir/instruction manual on the ins and outs of tea is one of the most heartfelt and haunting reads I've encountered in a long time.
First, about the tea. The warmth and comfort of a good cup of tea is discussed, and this leads the author to educate the reader in the basics of tea--types of tea, how to make a good cup of tea, etiquette when attending a tea party, and how to plan and give your own tea party. This may seem odd at first to put in a memoir, but it appears to me to be a way to not only connect the author to the reader, but to all other readers as well. This part of the book is interesting and informative.
Now, on to the memoir, which is all about the "madness" of being a woman. It consists of vignettes and poetry. There is something in these pieces for any woman to identify with--as a daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, victim, or champion. Streetlights opens up her heart and soul and shares them, both the light and the dark in these short pieces Some are joyous, some are humorous, some are heartbreaking, but all are heartaching beautiful.
Read this book. If you are a woman, it will resonate with you. If you are a man, it will give you incredible insight on what it means to be a woman.
If there were 10 stars I would give them all to rate this beautiful little book. C. Streetlights memoir/instruction manual on the ins and outs of tea is one of the most heartfelt and haunting reads I've encountered in a long time.
First, about the tea. The warmth and comfort of a good cup of tea is discussed, and this leads the author to educate the reader in the basics of tea--types of tea, how to make a good cup of tea, etiquette when attending a tea party, and how to plan and give your own tea party. This may seem odd at first to put in a memoir, but it appears to me to be a way to not only connect the author to the reader, but to all other readers as well. This part of the book is interesting and informative.
Now, on to the memoir, which is all about the "madness" of being a woman. It consists of vignettes and poetry. There is something in these pieces for any woman to identify with--as a daughter, granddaughter, wife, mother, victim, or champion. Streetlights opens up her heart and soul and shares them, both the light and the dark in these short pieces Some are joyous, some are humorous, some are heartbreaking, but all are heartaching beautiful.
Read this book. If you are a woman, it will resonate with you. If you are a man, it will give you incredible insight on what it means to be a woman.
July 31, 2015
Firstly this has to be one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen which is what drew me to the book and then the book title "Tea and Madness" reminded me of Alice in Wonderland and I was intrigued. As I started reading, it became a memoir which kept me wanting to read more , it became a tale of madness with sadness and grief. Tea and Madness is a collection of events and seasons in the author's life. She has written the book in poetry verse to capture the imagery of the events from the grieving of a lost baby which sadly is something that is more common than we want it to be as having a discussion at work, nearly each woman I talked to has experienced a miscarrige or knew someone who had lost a baby, understanding the horrible emotions of depression, anger and betrayal. I have to admit in parts this book made me tear up and eyes water as you really do go on an emotional rollercoaster with the author and what she has shared. The author has been through so much as she also talks about surviving rape. What I did love about this book though was that I am a tea drinker and throughout the book scattered are little facts and tidbits about teas and different kinds and the history. If you are one who can stomach reading about someone's tragedy and needing a book to show you that even in the darkest moments of life, there is a light at the end of the tunnel - not to sound cliched but in darkness there is light and that though you may not feel that there is a way out or if you feel like the darkness is slipping you under, remember life can get better and that you are not alone.
Tea and Madness - A Memoir by C.Streetlights is a powerful, emotionally charged and inspirational book that will leave it tugging on your heartstrings as you flip through the pages.
Tea and Madness - A Memoir by C.Streetlights is a powerful, emotionally charged and inspirational book that will leave it tugging on your heartstrings as you flip through the pages.
October 9, 2015
Tea and Madness is a lovely and touching book about a woman's triumph over trials both physical and emotional. For those who have experienced profound loss or grief, this book will be a comfort to you. For those struggling past abuse, C. Streetlights illuminates the topic with clarity, exposing the ugliness of abusers and the healing nature of letting go. Both poetry and memoir, this book has a musical quality, some of the lines need to be read and re-read, a five star experience in a handful of full, emotionally appealing small paragraphs. I found myself whispering lines aloud and smiling at the way they lightened my heart. Thank you, C, for this spiritual experience.
October 7, 2015
Tea & Madness is a combination of poetry and prose that takes the reader into the deepest emotions of the author which are separated (compartmentalised) as the four seasons. I was impressed by the simple quotes she used in the beginning which was then followed by "Genesis." Streetlights is honest about her lost baby and this made me cry. The loss she felt is a heavyweight for the reader throughout the book. It's not all sad but still the thought of losing a child seems unbearable.
Despite the 'madness' the author indicates that she flourished, and survived. I cannot pretend to understand what the author has endured but I can say that I honestly applaud her for sharing her scars. A book that is not to be missed by any woman who is at a difficult point in her life.
Reviewer Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Despite the 'madness' the author indicates that she flourished, and survived. I cannot pretend to understand what the author has endured but I can say that I honestly applaud her for sharing her scars. A book that is not to be missed by any woman who is at a difficult point in her life.
Reviewer Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
July 27, 2015
Poignant, evocative and emotional. This book was beautiful and I enjoyed it immensely.
Tea and Madness is a memoir; a poignant collection of short stories and poetry by the amazing C. Streetlights. It's a journey through life, abuse, pain, healing and learning. It's beautiful and I thought the tidbits about different teas and tea services and the like at the end was a lot of fun, a wonderful addition to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this volume and will definitely be looking for more from this author.
Tea and Madness is a memoir; a poignant collection of short stories and poetry by the amazing C. Streetlights. It's a journey through life, abuse, pain, healing and learning. It's beautiful and I thought the tidbits about different teas and tea services and the like at the end was a lot of fun, a wonderful addition to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this volume and will definitely be looking for more from this author.
March 27, 2016
Beautifully Wrought Prose
C. Streetlights' Tea and Madness is brilliantly crafted writing. I shy away from psychological memoirs when reading for pleasure, for I spend so much time with mental health advocacy and caring for myself, my family and my aging parents that I'm simply spent. But these words are well-worth reading, for they are beautiful. I appreciate Streetlights' collection of prose and poetry as art -- stunning, moving, awe-inspiring art -- whether or not the content draws from her life experience and memories. The result she has gleaned and shares is wisdom.
C. Streetlights' Tea and Madness is brilliantly crafted writing. I shy away from psychological memoirs when reading for pleasure, for I spend so much time with mental health advocacy and caring for myself, my family and my aging parents that I'm simply spent. But these words are well-worth reading, for they are beautiful. I appreciate Streetlights' collection of prose and poetry as art -- stunning, moving, awe-inspiring art -- whether or not the content draws from her life experience and memories. The result she has gleaned and shares is wisdom.
May 25, 2018
Tea and Madness was recommended to me by a friend. What a find! This book is very unique and much different than books I usually read. I was immediately captured by the format of small chapters of intriguing prose telling layered, and although different, related stories from the author's life. It's difficult for me to read about serious subjects of abuse or rape, but sometimes the best reads are the hard reads. At about midpoint through the book, I found myself reading slower, as I do with books I love, to savor every detail, and linger on the chapters I related to my own life. On a light note, the tea references are delightful and a nice treat. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves nonfiction reads about life experiences told in a uniquely poetic way. Can't wait to hear more from C Streetlights!
August 27, 2016
The best writings come when you need them the most. Tea and Madness is a collection of essays about the seasons, and about the writer's observances of life. My favorite essay is when she describes being sent to her room as punishment for not performing at a school event, and then finding a way to turn her "punishment" into a pleasure. She also takes the time to describe the different types of tea rituals (which makes me wish that we had those customs observed in the United States) and how to perfect one. I'm going to be rereading Tea & Madness for comfort, and for the hope within the pages.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, so I could give an honest review.
April 8, 2017
This book was very well written. Though it alluded to hardship and brokenness, it still had an air of light and hope about it. I do wish wish some experiences were shared in more detail. I didn't feel completely pulled into the book. Nevertheless, it was a beautiful read of a woman who suffered much loss and still came out a conqueror. Though I cannot relate to her loss, I could at some points the depth of her pain and how she was able to regain herself after several seasons passed. I read this book almost in one sitting. It's definitely worth the read. :)
September 11, 2016
Highly recommend
Beautifully written. The reader takes a hard journey with the author - you feel her pain and sorrow, but also her triumph and hope. Much respect to the author for baring her soul so completely.
Beautifully written. The reader takes a hard journey with the author - you feel her pain and sorrow, but also her triumph and hope. Much respect to the author for baring her soul so completely.
January 30, 2017
My rating would be even more than 5 star if it could be possible to give more. I really enjoyed reading this little book, beautifully written. I read some of the lines more times as they have a musical quality that I so appreciated and it really lightened my heart.
March 26, 2017
C. Streetlights is the sassy, whimsical, courageous aunt/big sister/godmother who pours us all a cup of tea and reminds us that NO ONE gets to tell us how big, how strong, or how beautiful we are allowed to be.
Seriously, this book made me feel as though I was spending an afternoon with an old and cherished friend. The entries are comprised of both poetry and confessional style essays (which have their own brand of lush prose.) Equal parts sharp wit and brazen vulnerability, this book is the kind of candid gem that I so often hope for when I pick up a poetry collection. Upon finishing this, I immediately bought Streetlight's other book, Black Sheep Rising, and cannot wait to delve into it.
Thank you, C. Streetlights, for bleeding yourself out so bravely, so we can all stand a bit taller for hearing your story!
Seriously, this book made me feel as though I was spending an afternoon with an old and cherished friend. The entries are comprised of both poetry and confessional style essays (which have their own brand of lush prose.) Equal parts sharp wit and brazen vulnerability, this book is the kind of candid gem that I so often hope for when I pick up a poetry collection. Upon finishing this, I immediately bought Streetlight's other book, Black Sheep Rising, and cannot wait to delve into it.
Thank you, C. Streetlights, for bleeding yourself out so bravely, so we can all stand a bit taller for hearing your story!
December 26, 2016
What drew me to this book was the title.
It did not disappoint. If you like madness clustered into a book, this is for you.
It did not disappoint. If you like madness clustered into a book, this is for you.
September 8, 2021
This is profoundly powerful.
Streetlights has such a way with words; I couldn’t begin to find words that do justice to this book. I will say it’s brave and soul-baring. It may even inspire some soul-searching.
The reader is treated to glimpses into and anecdotes of Streetlights’ life during various times; these are simple yet paint a prominent picture. There are fascinating bits of history and glimpses into daily life and heartbreaking revelations of dark times.
Despite the anger and sadness some of these darker moments prompt, there is power in them. It seems she’s managed to overcome so much, refusing to let anyone else maintain any power or control ultimately. Personally, I found her strength and obvious self-awareness inspirational, repeatedly. So simply, yet so forcefully she reminds the reader that she won’t be kept down.
If you’re going through something, if you’ve ever gone through anything or wanted to change anything in yourself, read this. Streetlights’ words could actually motivate the severed pieces of one’s soul to begin mending themselves.
The book is professionally presented, reading clean overall and with a beautiful cover and neat formatting. Oh and the tea! So much information that I think I’ll revisit! A really nice touch.
5 stars. (less)
Streetlights has such a way with words; I couldn’t begin to find words that do justice to this book. I will say it’s brave and soul-baring. It may even inspire some soul-searching.
The reader is treated to glimpses into and anecdotes of Streetlights’ life during various times; these are simple yet paint a prominent picture. There are fascinating bits of history and glimpses into daily life and heartbreaking revelations of dark times.
Despite the anger and sadness some of these darker moments prompt, there is power in them. It seems she’s managed to overcome so much, refusing to let anyone else maintain any power or control ultimately. Personally, I found her strength and obvious self-awareness inspirational, repeatedly. So simply, yet so forcefully she reminds the reader that she won’t be kept down.
If you’re going through something, if you’ve ever gone through anything or wanted to change anything in yourself, read this. Streetlights’ words could actually motivate the severed pieces of one’s soul to begin mending themselves.
The book is professionally presented, reading clean overall and with a beautiful cover and neat formatting. Oh and the tea! So much information that I think I’ll revisit! A really nice touch.
5 stars. (less)
December 23, 2018
This is profoundly powerful.
Streetlights has such a way with words; I couldn’t begin to find words that do justice to this book. I will say it’s brave and soul-baring. It may even inspire some soul-searching.
The reader is treated to glimpses into and anecdotes of Streetlights’ life during various times; these are simple yet paint a prominent picture. There are fascinating bits of history and glimpses into daily life and heartbreaking revelations of dark times.
Despite the anger and sadness some of these darker moments prompt, there is power in them. It seems she’s managed to overcome so much, refusing to let anyone else maintain any power or control ultimately. Personally, I found her strength and obvious self-awareness inspirational, repeatedly. So simply, yet so forcefully she reminds the reader that she won’t be kept down.
If you’re going through something, if you’ve ever gone through anything or wanted to change anything in yourself, read this. Streetlights’ words could actually motivate the severed pieces of one’s soul to begin mending themselves.
The book is professionally presented, reading clean overall and with a beautiful cover and neat formatting. Oh and the tea! So much information that I think I’ll revisit! A really nice touch.
5 stars.
Streetlights has such a way with words; I couldn’t begin to find words that do justice to this book. I will say it’s brave and soul-baring. It may even inspire some soul-searching.
The reader is treated to glimpses into and anecdotes of Streetlights’ life during various times; these are simple yet paint a prominent picture. There are fascinating bits of history and glimpses into daily life and heartbreaking revelations of dark times.
Despite the anger and sadness some of these darker moments prompt, there is power in them. It seems she’s managed to overcome so much, refusing to let anyone else maintain any power or control ultimately. Personally, I found her strength and obvious self-awareness inspirational, repeatedly. So simply, yet so forcefully she reminds the reader that she won’t be kept down.
If you’re going through something, if you’ve ever gone through anything or wanted to change anything in yourself, read this. Streetlights’ words could actually motivate the severed pieces of one’s soul to begin mending themselves.
The book is professionally presented, reading clean overall and with a beautiful cover and neat formatting. Oh and the tea! So much information that I think I’ll revisit! A really nice touch.
5 stars.
September 28, 2016
From the moment I read the description of this book, it spoke to me. I felt a kindred connection with the poet. Although my own pain and suffering has been different, still her eloquence describing her experience resonates. I still think of her and this book whenever I see tulips, for instance. And I love that she included the sections on tea. It is a neat juxtaposition. The whole experience of reading this work is completely satisfying. It pulls at my heartstrings, and offers hope. This is why I read. For within another's experiences, I may find a little bit of myself.
May 14, 2016
I think the metaphors lost me...
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews