Poetry Changes Lives: Daily Thoughts on Poetry and History

by Christopher Burn

Poetry Changes Lives is a page-a-day of history, poetry and inspiration. My thanks to Professor Jonathan Chick for this review in Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford Journals): For each date in the calendar, the author offers a nugget from history or some happening, often poignant, sometimes quaint; gathers us to a beautiful place in a poem about the world we share; then returns us to earth with a short reflection for the day. The founder of Canongate Press, Stephanie Wolfe Murray, in her Foreword: thought this book 'a wonderful journey, reading about people and incidents both famous and infamous ... you might well think it to be superficial, but the author almost always leads us to explore further'. Addicts have not completely lost structure in their daily lives, in that their days are constructed around obtaining the next supply. Aiming for abstinence, they often flounder, especially if they have no employment to resume or living companion to give the day a form. This daily reader could be a little extra frame for their day. Burn's reflection on the day's poem leads to his tenet for the day. His 366 maxims (366 because he includes 29 February) weave into an immediately useful relapse-prevention framework. We can learn from history. Others have gone before us; but poets turn a lesson into music, bring out the universality, and help it stay in our memory. I did not find the word 'god' on any page; yet if you ever wondered what comprised spiritual recovery from alcoholism, you might get the gist by reading this compendium of fact and modest contemplation. Truly, a source for healing and restitution. The author also offers a daily website - poetrychangeslives.com Reprinted from Alcohol and Alcoholism (Oxford Journals - OUP) Poetry has long been a powerful therapy tool. It can help to change your life. The book informs the reader about the historical significance of that particular day, introduces new poems and encourages the practice of daily meditation. Poetry Changes Lives appeals to students, the literary minded, those in recovery or who are interested in little known historical facts (did you know that Wittgenstein went to school with Hitler?!) or anyone who likes to start the day with a short uplifting text. Each day we learn about a historical event that happened, gain understanding through a poem related in some way to the event, and insight from a linked meditation. Thus February 23rd (birth of Samuel Pepys) is linked to a poem by John Donne and a reflection on the need for us to appreciate life in all its ups and downs. Poetry changes the lives of many people. http: //www.poetrychangeslives.com

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

380 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2015

Reviews

[Manuela Boghian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several times and enjoyed it. I am not a native English speaker and I didn't grasp all the poems, some of them written in old English. But I found something interesting on each page. It's a book for those quiet moments, when you take a break from the outside world and you're looking for a bit of inspiration. I highly recommend it.

[Rae Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy history and literature then you will love this.

Poetry Changes Lives is a collection of facts and anecdotes about dates in history combined with a poem and followed by a personal affirmation from the author himself. The book itself is edited well and is it obvious from the first few pages that this has been a labour of love for its author Christopher Burn.

Particular favourites for me were; Jan 31 1649 the regicide of Charles 1, detailing the good grace with which Charles accepted his fate and Feb 14th Valentine’s Day. I loved the poem but it was Burn’s own personal affirmation which I found most touching.

This would make a great gift for anyone who has a lust for knowledge, great to dip into when you are in the mood to satisfy an appetite for learning, but to readers like myself who love the written word the book is a delightful find and one to be devoured!

For those who practice the art of mindfulness you will immediately understand the true meaning of the authors work and what he is trying to achieve, the daily personal affirmations were inspiring.

As a lover of poetry I found many unexpected gems within the pages and I would love to see a second volume with some contemporary poetry. Recommended.

[Annabel Burn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book - full of fascinating snippets of info laid out in a day by day formula. Perfect for a loo

[Robert Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poem a day with a reflection and a useful piece of history.

This is a book you can read day-by-day or dip into at random. A perfect book if you are travelling as I was.

Burns's selections are eclectic and short. And, if you follow him on Instagram, he reads a page a day with some gentle asides.

a very heart-warming and well written book.

[Kieran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really wonderful book. Each day, this book gives us a single page with beautiful poetry, which the author manages to connect to a historically significant event. This is a great book to keep on a coffee table, at your desk, or at work.

[Ritinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL book. Quite literally the loveliest collection of poetry I own, written by such an interesting and intellectual gentleman.

Highly recommend it! And if you’re into audiobooks, do check out his tiktok @burnpoet !!☺️

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heartwarming book. It invites you to take a break during your tumultuous life to reflect on meaningful history moments and on your own life.

[Ella Kool · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful poems