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Woman Strong: A Collection of Poems
Poetry, Divorce, Independence, Love, Aging, Empowerment, Abuse
- GenresPoetry
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2020
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1003 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 30, 2020
What exactly is it which makes the life experiences of a woman so unique and powerful? After all, men have their own series of life events do they not? When pondering such a weighty question, one merely needs to look at the history of human civilization and the female experience overall. While it has frequently been marred by abuse, polarization and disempowerment, it has also seen remarkable perseverance, unity and rising empowerment. Essentially, it is a study in confronting and overcoming seemingly impossible barriers. That in itself is a huge draw! In her poetry collection Woman Strong, author Anna Casamento Arrigo provides a lesson in just such resilience. A beautiful and powerful book which chronicles the life of a woman consistently battling to overcome the odds while still enjoying the sheer beauty of life.
The writing is simply beautiful and aptly allows the reader to formulate images within the mind which match the mood of the moment. This is backed up by the author’s ability to utilize literary devices which correspond to the emotions which virtually flood each page. For instance, the Slish Slosh! Slish Slosh contained in ” I Fight Dragons” uses Onomatopoeia to help make the contrast between the sweet innocence and imaginative tendencies of childhood with the pragmatic existence of adult life. The disappearance of youth. Another key example is the use of Personification and Pathetic Fallacy to describe human emotions. From the calm and cascading nature of “Upon the Comforting Sea“, to the melancholy feel of the nebulous clouds in ” My Mother’s Road.” In all, the author powerfully evokes emotions and spellbinds the reader.
While the poetic writing is indeed breathtaking, it is the overall message which wins the day. Presented as a series of life stages, the poems chronicle the female experience and show the strength and fortitude which is needed to overcome life’s traditional barriers. It is raw, provocative and inspiring. Love, abuse, resilience, sickness, happiness, innocence and aging. They are all a part of this journey. The poems are also accompanied by a series of related photographs and drawings that underscore the main points which are made in the various poems. They also add a distinct sense of class to the collection.
All in all I would highly recommend this book to all adult readers and in particular poetry lovers. The message is powerful and inspiring and is supported by captivating writing which will suck the reader right into an emotional vortex!
5 out of 5 Inspirational Stars for this one! *****
The writing is simply beautiful and aptly allows the reader to formulate images within the mind which match the mood of the moment. This is backed up by the author’s ability to utilize literary devices which correspond to the emotions which virtually flood each page. For instance, the Slish Slosh! Slish Slosh contained in ” I Fight Dragons” uses Onomatopoeia to help make the contrast between the sweet innocence and imaginative tendencies of childhood with the pragmatic existence of adult life. The disappearance of youth. Another key example is the use of Personification and Pathetic Fallacy to describe human emotions. From the calm and cascading nature of “Upon the Comforting Sea“, to the melancholy feel of the nebulous clouds in ” My Mother’s Road.” In all, the author powerfully evokes emotions and spellbinds the reader.
While the poetic writing is indeed breathtaking, it is the overall message which wins the day. Presented as a series of life stages, the poems chronicle the female experience and show the strength and fortitude which is needed to overcome life’s traditional barriers. It is raw, provocative and inspiring. Love, abuse, resilience, sickness, happiness, innocence and aging. They are all a part of this journey. The poems are also accompanied by a series of related photographs and drawings that underscore the main points which are made in the various poems. They also add a distinct sense of class to the collection.
All in all I would highly recommend this book to all adult readers and in particular poetry lovers. The message is powerful and inspiring and is supported by captivating writing which will suck the reader right into an emotional vortex!
5 out of 5 Inspirational Stars for this one! *****
February 20, 2020
Woman Strong was everything I thought it would be an assortment of sincere poems like choosing your favorite chocolate from a heart box. Anna Casamento Arrigo has written beautifully. I especially loved My White Pillow, My Baby’s Breath, and many more. These poems were written with such emotion; some will make you tear some will make you smile. There will be a poem for everyone. If you love poetry, you will adore this captivating book.
January 19, 2020
Having read and loved “Feathers and Stones” I already knew of the wonderful talents of Anna Casamento Arrigo. However, this beautiful collection is on another higher level entirely!
It has been said, over and over, that we mere males, do not have an inkling of what makes a woman tick. My belief is that there are layers to them. The first layer is what everyone sees. The second layer, mostly hidden, is where all the doubts, anxieties, insecurities, vulnerabilities and pains exists, that, for the most, are kept from view. Not wanting to be seen. The third level, which all women have, is the ‘woman strong’. Arrigo has this in spades, hers is the full-blown warrior that has refused to lie down and succumb to all these obstacles. Her strength, resilience and sheer will power to overcome all that life has thrown at her, is shown in every word in this powerful book. My favourite : Today Walk Tomorrow Climb a Tree.
This book, exudes strength and willpower in every page and for all women out there who are struggling, this book will help.
Five powerful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this courageous book.
It has been said, over and over, that we mere males, do not have an inkling of what makes a woman tick. My belief is that there are layers to them. The first layer is what everyone sees. The second layer, mostly hidden, is where all the doubts, anxieties, insecurities, vulnerabilities and pains exists, that, for the most, are kept from view. Not wanting to be seen. The third level, which all women have, is the ‘woman strong’. Arrigo has this in spades, hers is the full-blown warrior that has refused to lie down and succumb to all these obstacles. Her strength, resilience and sheer will power to overcome all that life has thrown at her, is shown in every word in this powerful book. My favourite : Today Walk Tomorrow Climb a Tree.
This book, exudes strength and willpower in every page and for all women out there who are struggling, this book will help.
Five powerful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars for this courageous book.
July 27, 2022
‘Woman Strong’ is my favorite of all the poetry collections of Anna Casamento Arrigo. It’s as if she is taking all that’s powerful and fiery within her and selflessly sharing it with her sisters across the world through this collection of poetry.
The poet says, “Do not let you fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not quite, the not-yet, the not-at –all.”
As always, Anna reaches within the inner scopes of her heart for feelings that are gentle, tough, heartbreaking, soothing at the same time. “I am a dragon. Fear me not. My flame has long since been- GONE. I am poison ivy. Clinging for life. To that dying willow That Weeps. NO-More I am an hourglass White sand. Dampened by the dew.”
The poetry encourages you to dream and to live your life to the optimum. “Take hold of your dreams. Capture moon beams. Breathe like it’s the last breath you’ll take. Create what you will…all else will be when you worry less. Spread your unicorn wings. “
For beautiful, powerful poetry pick up this collection of poems by Anna Casamento Arrigo , 'Woman Strong.'
The poet says, “Do not let you fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not quite, the not-yet, the not-at –all.”
As always, Anna reaches within the inner scopes of her heart for feelings that are gentle, tough, heartbreaking, soothing at the same time. “I am a dragon. Fear me not. My flame has long since been- GONE. I am poison ivy. Clinging for life. To that dying willow That Weeps. NO-More I am an hourglass White sand. Dampened by the dew.”
The poetry encourages you to dream and to live your life to the optimum. “Take hold of your dreams. Capture moon beams. Breathe like it’s the last breath you’ll take. Create what you will…all else will be when you worry less. Spread your unicorn wings. “
For beautiful, powerful poetry pick up this collection of poems by Anna Casamento Arrigo , 'Woman Strong.'
November 17, 2021
Goodreads Winner
I won this as a Kindle book through goodreads giveaway! It was very relatable at times and very emotional writing!
I won this as a Kindle book through goodreads giveaway! It was very relatable at times and very emotional writing!
May 23, 2023
(Red Butler on Amazon)
Red Butler
5.0 out of 5 stars The real strengths of women
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021
Review for Woman Strong by Anna Casamento Arrigo
This brief offering of “wisdom” poetry celebrates womanhood in all its shades and colors. Exploring themes of freedom, strength, erotic bliss and much more, this collection resonates as a banquet of recognition which common sense and grey hair seems to know these days---we don’t need contrivance of social engineering to herald the obvious of what has always been in the fullness of merely being a woman that fulfills her purpose. An early poem Love is, gives the key to all males for proper handling a woman they love. Bam. The downside of the book are the small smattering of poems that seem to have no reference, but this is typical of most poetry books. There is a deep understanding of childhood, how trials in life make life brighter post a difficult event, and knowing reflections of overcoming life threatening illnesses. There are cosmic wafts of love intimacy remembered, the passing of a parent, and aging with all its tempos. A key poem is Woman Warrior (a notion bandied about with ridiculous and cheap assignment by so many clueless these days), but Arrigo knows that youth is fleeting, in purpose one must take chances, make mistakes to become a stronger wiser woman with a true ability to TRULY touch and heal. Experience knows these are the forward women of love and compassion. Part of this attainment for some women will never be complete without the joys of responsible motherhood, and a lovely poem is devoted to this living depth of knowing. This endearing collection literally soars upward in its conclusion with a series of messages and nameless poems that propels women, as well any reader, to dwell upon all things lovely. This is the soul of woman. Arrigo also wisely utilizes photos of her beautiful friend schoolteacher Heydi Quezado to ably make the case for Woman Strong.
Red Butler
5.0 out of 5 stars The real strengths of women
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2021
Review for Woman Strong by Anna Casamento Arrigo
This brief offering of “wisdom” poetry celebrates womanhood in all its shades and colors. Exploring themes of freedom, strength, erotic bliss and much more, this collection resonates as a banquet of recognition which common sense and grey hair seems to know these days---we don’t need contrivance of social engineering to herald the obvious of what has always been in the fullness of merely being a woman that fulfills her purpose. An early poem Love is, gives the key to all males for proper handling a woman they love. Bam. The downside of the book are the small smattering of poems that seem to have no reference, but this is typical of most poetry books. There is a deep understanding of childhood, how trials in life make life brighter post a difficult event, and knowing reflections of overcoming life threatening illnesses. There are cosmic wafts of love intimacy remembered, the passing of a parent, and aging with all its tempos. A key poem is Woman Warrior (a notion bandied about with ridiculous and cheap assignment by so many clueless these days), but Arrigo knows that youth is fleeting, in purpose one must take chances, make mistakes to become a stronger wiser woman with a true ability to TRULY touch and heal. Experience knows these are the forward women of love and compassion. Part of this attainment for some women will never be complete without the joys of responsible motherhood, and a lovely poem is devoted to this living depth of knowing. This endearing collection literally soars upward in its conclusion with a series of messages and nameless poems that propels women, as well any reader, to dwell upon all things lovely. This is the soul of woman. Arrigo also wisely utilizes photos of her beautiful friend schoolteacher Heydi Quezado to ably make the case for Woman Strong.
May 4, 2020
Woman Strong by Anna Casamento Arrigo is a compilation of poetry, photography, and artwork that showcases the resilience of womanhood. Arrigo pens the poems in free verse, with varied rhythm and meters, frequently within even the same stanza—although the fluidity of the latter are beautifully punctuated with a distinct poetic diction, similar to an ode. An example of this is in Arrigo's poem Escaping, where she begins with:
“Hold me closer
Weave caustically
In need
obnoxious
Greed”
Sprinkled throughout are photographs, primarily of model Heydi Quezada, in a variety of poses that range from soft lounging to bodybuilding. These are surrounded by a light form of ekphrastic poetry, with either the photo reflecting the poem or vice-versa. The poem Just Ice is a ballad told as a story but still in free verse. The compilation closes with an assortment of quotable epigrams; sound bites that reflect expressions of tolerance, freedom, and peace.
Poetry can be tricky to review as it is so incredibly personal and there aren't any hard and fast rules to it, which makes it wholly subjective. There were definitely poems within Anna Casamento Arrigo's anthology that leapt out at me in Woman Strong. The most poignant to me is The Desert Boot, an allegory that takes its reader through the Sahara with vivid detail and some of the best use of metaphors I've seen. There were a few times than lines went to a place that felt a little cliché, but Arrigo does such a spectacular job in capturing the many layers of being a woman that it doesn't detract.
I loved this book and the way it is pulled together and would recommend it to any who are interested in honest, thought provoking work on the female soul.
Review written for Readers' Favorite
“Hold me closer
Weave caustically
In need
obnoxious
Greed”
Sprinkled throughout are photographs, primarily of model Heydi Quezada, in a variety of poses that range from soft lounging to bodybuilding. These are surrounded by a light form of ekphrastic poetry, with either the photo reflecting the poem or vice-versa. The poem Just Ice is a ballad told as a story but still in free verse. The compilation closes with an assortment of quotable epigrams; sound bites that reflect expressions of tolerance, freedom, and peace.
Poetry can be tricky to review as it is so incredibly personal and there aren't any hard and fast rules to it, which makes it wholly subjective. There were definitely poems within Anna Casamento Arrigo's anthology that leapt out at me in Woman Strong. The most poignant to me is The Desert Boot, an allegory that takes its reader through the Sahara with vivid detail and some of the best use of metaphors I've seen. There were a few times than lines went to a place that felt a little cliché, but Arrigo does such a spectacular job in capturing the many layers of being a woman that it doesn't detract.
I loved this book and the way it is pulled together and would recommend it to any who are interested in honest, thought provoking work on the female soul.
Review written for Readers' Favorite
March 16, 2022
I just finished reading Anna Casamento Arrigo 's Woman Strong and was blown away by the poetry, art work, and photos, a time well spent reflecting and savoring. She wrote of powerful emotions, moving me with a minimum of words what it takes me an entire novel to say. Poems like "Sated", "Exorcizing the Monster", "Rise After the Fall", "Love Is", and, oh, so many more elicit our compassion, our vulnerability, our ability to love, and our resilience after despair. Bravo, Ms. Arrigo!
October 28, 2021
A gorgeous collection of powerful poems, photos and art.
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads
My copy was a gift through Goodreads First Reads
December 30, 2022
Author Anna Casamento Arrigo brings us a book of poems and prose that take us from one part of human existence to another. Inter cut in the book are pictures of women and they drive home the point of the book. This is a great book of poems and like R.B. O'Brien's I highly recommend it.
April 17, 2023
A Soulful Collection of Poetry
A Soulful Collection of Poetry
I believe poetry comes from the heart. A Poet lays themself bare for the world exposing all that they are. Anna has secured that belief for me with this soulful collection of poems.
She made me think. I appreciate that. I ran through a catalog of emotions as I read. I was touched on a personal level as a woman, a lover, a mother, and a survivor.
I approach poetry like a sweet treat, doling out a few pieces at a time so I can savor them. It was a challenge for me not to give into greed and devour them all in one sitting.
Beautiful photo add the finishing touch to this wonderful book. I will return to and reread.
Thank you Anna for sharing your gift.
A Soulful Collection of Poetry
I believe poetry comes from the heart. A Poet lays themself bare for the world exposing all that they are. Anna has secured that belief for me with this soulful collection of poems.
She made me think. I appreciate that. I ran through a catalog of emotions as I read. I was touched on a personal level as a woman, a lover, a mother, and a survivor.
I approach poetry like a sweet treat, doling out a few pieces at a time so I can savor them. It was a challenge for me not to give into greed and devour them all in one sitting.
Beautiful photo add the finishing touch to this wonderful book. I will return to and reread.
Thank you Anna for sharing your gift.
April 18, 2020
I woke up early to enjoy the freshness of the morning. I chose to read Anna's book as the start to my day. Her voice is wonderfully unique and passionate. As I read, I felt a connection to and understood the sorrows, the pains, the delights, the yearnings. It was calming, it was refreshing, it was sensual, it was passionate. Woman Strong will be a book I will pick up and read again and again to enjoy the freshness and the passion, and the reminder that we are Woman Strong. Thank you, Anna.
June 3, 2024
I won this as a Kindle edition on Giveaways. I'm not a fan of poetry, but the reason I like Giveaways is because I can be introduced to authors and genres I usually don't gravitate towards.
I'm glad I read it and I enjoyed the strong female voice.
I'm glad I read it and I enjoyed the strong female voice.
October 16, 2023
Women Strong : A Collection of Poems by Anna Casamento Arrigo is a deeply moving examination of love found, love lost, motherhood, childhood and surviving a stroke. The poems are honest and powerful, each written with passion. The poet exposes her fears, desires, disappointments and dreams in intimate detail. Within the text are black & white photographs that illustrate the moods of the poems. I have worked in black & white, which is actually a myriad of shades, for decades and love the medium that cuts through the distraction sometimes found in color to express emotions with clarity and impact. Ms. Arrigo has written children’s books, a romantic thriller and a memoir as well as volumes of poems. Eight years after a stroke she continues on a healing journey and quotes Robert Frost, “I have miles to go before I sleep.” Women Strong is a journal of that healing process both women and men will identify with.
March 26, 2023
A Heartfelt Poetry Collection
Aptly titled, ‘Woman Strong,’ author/poet Anna Casamento Arrigo’s poetry collection taps into the strength and resilience of women as survivors. Her words resonate in each heartfelt poem whose themes run the gamut of: innocence lost, betrayal in love, coming to terms with death, empowerment, and lush erotica.
Anna’s poetic brushstrokes are bold and vibrant:
“Freedom Knows My Name” – Reaching toward the limitless sky/Dare to dream
“Woman Warrior” – Stronger those who/Have taken chances/Made mistakes/Wisdom their trophy
Especially endearing to me, the trilogy, “Just Ice” which attempts to make sense out of knowing and accepting.
The photos interspersed throughout the collection reinforce the concept of “woman strong”.
I highly recommend this emotionally-charged collection.
Aptly titled, ‘Woman Strong,’ author/poet Anna Casamento Arrigo’s poetry collection taps into the strength and resilience of women as survivors. Her words resonate in each heartfelt poem whose themes run the gamut of: innocence lost, betrayal in love, coming to terms with death, empowerment, and lush erotica.
Anna’s poetic brushstrokes are bold and vibrant:
“Freedom Knows My Name” – Reaching toward the limitless sky/Dare to dream
“Woman Warrior” – Stronger those who/Have taken chances/Made mistakes/Wisdom their trophy
Especially endearing to me, the trilogy, “Just Ice” which attempts to make sense out of knowing and accepting.
The photos interspersed throughout the collection reinforce the concept of “woman strong”.
I highly recommend this emotionally-charged collection.
July 10, 2023
Nourishing. Enlightening. Motivating.
Nourish your soul, enlighten your mind, and motivate your being with Woman Strong a collection of poems by Anna Casamento Arrigo. The passion and conviction of the poet’s words made me laugh (at my own naivety), cry (at the loss of my own loved ones) and ponder (my own plans- past and present). I love how Anna dares all of us to dream, conquer our fears, and “live in the now.” She can look back on the past with a renewed resiliency and empowerment, which I felt so strongly to the point of picturing what’s in the rearview mirror (of my own life), learn from it, don’t dwell on it, and move on. I found the poems at the end of the book especially inspiring.
Nourish your soul, enlighten your mind, and motivate your being with Woman Strong a collection of poems by Anna Casamento Arrigo. The passion and conviction of the poet’s words made me laugh (at my own naivety), cry (at the loss of my own loved ones) and ponder (my own plans- past and present). I love how Anna dares all of us to dream, conquer our fears, and “live in the now.” She can look back on the past with a renewed resiliency and empowerment, which I felt so strongly to the point of picturing what’s in the rearview mirror (of my own life), learn from it, don’t dwell on it, and move on. I found the poems at the end of the book especially inspiring.
April 14, 2023
I loved this book! I grew up with a strong mother that conquered her combat through any situation that she ran into and came out focused. This book reminds me of my past and how I grew up to be a Strong Woman like my mother. We can get through anything with hope, faith, and by being focused on our higher power! So put on your combat boots and carry the fire within to reach your glory! Women can lead and hold the fort down! Love this!
I highly recommend this book to any woman! Thank you, Anna, for your hard work, beautifully told stories, poetry, and everything you do! God bless you!
I highly recommend this book to any woman! Thank you, Anna, for your hard work, beautifully told stories, poetry, and everything you do! God bless you!
December 5, 2021
Anna Casamento Arrigo has a powerful poetic voice. Woman Strong: A Collection of poems is beautiful poetry that speaks from the feminine perspective about resilience, passion, childhood, love, and healing. Her poetry is full of tenderness and sensuality. Her poetic imagery is gorgeous. Some of her poems read like a beautiful short story.
I am thrilled to have discovered Anna Casamento Arrigo's writing!!
I am thrilled to have discovered Anna Casamento Arrigo's writing!!
October 10, 2022
As a woman going through a divorce, several of these poems really resonated with me. Each poem evoked an emotion in me that has been dormant for far too long. I also really enjoyed the portraits that were spaced throughout the book. Overall, this is a collection of heartfelt poetry that I am so happy I had the pleasure to read.
June 20, 2025
A memoir in poetry
A life journey in prose, some pages filled with exquisite pain, grit and the depth of living that frees ones soul of heaviness in order to hold joy. A must read for anyone willing to explore the depths of the human spirit and meeting ourselves and each other just where we are in each moment.
A life journey in prose, some pages filled with exquisite pain, grit and the depth of living that frees ones soul of heaviness in order to hold joy. A must read for anyone willing to explore the depths of the human spirit and meeting ourselves and each other just where we are in each moment.
February 8, 2024
I won this book in a Good Reads drawing. As much as I wanted to like it, love it because it was written by a woman for women, I did not. Poetry was a little off, I found myself skimming pages and forcing myself to read it.
November 24, 2022
This was a GoodReads giveaway book. This was not necessarily my cup of tea, poetry wise. That being said, the poems are well written. The imagery in the poems is very good as well. No insult intended, but it reminds me of the stereotypical "open mic poetry night". All in all, good job.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews