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Scribbles of the mind
This book is for all the people who found themselves unable to share their emotional burdens with the people they care about.
To the people that weren’t able to give justice to their feelings, and to the fire running through their veins.
To the ones that got so insecure, that the words of those around them became the bricks of the walls they built around themselves.
I hope my book will make anyone who reads it feel less alone, less isolated and okay that they are unable to set free the chaos going inside of them so it won’t cause any destruction to them, or to the other person.
It is okay if our feelings didn’t set foot where we want them to.
Don’t let anyone dim your light. Remember that what you are and who you are makes you beautiful.
To the people that weren’t able to give justice to their feelings, and to the fire running through their veins.
To the ones that got so insecure, that the words of those around them became the bricks of the walls they built around themselves.
I hope my book will make anyone who reads it feel less alone, less isolated and okay that they are unable to set free the chaos going inside of them so it won’t cause any destruction to them, or to the other person.
It is okay if our feelings didn’t set foot where we want them to.
Don’t let anyone dim your light. Remember that what you are and who you are makes you beautiful.
- GenresPoetry
93 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2020
27 people want to read
About the author
Elie N. Azar
1 book26 followersElie N. Azar has been writing since the age of six, jotting down emotions whenever life felt overwhelming.
His debut, Scribbles of the Mind, covers his journey from childhood to early adulthood, capturing moments of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Written spontaneously—in traffic, at the gym, or while just spending a normal day—his words found a surprising audience online.
Based in Lebanon, Elie writes to give voice to what we all feel but rarely say aloud.
His debut, Scribbles of the Mind, covers his journey from childhood to early adulthood, capturing moments of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Written spontaneously—in traffic, at the gym, or while just spending a normal day—his words found a surprising audience online.
Based in Lebanon, Elie writes to give voice to what we all feel but rarely say aloud.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 18, 2021
My rating 4.7
The collection of poetry "Scribbles of the Mind" by Elie N. Azar is visually excellently made, which contains a lot of beautiful short poems about love and existential attitudes about life. The poet through his verses writes about all aspects where love, life, sadness, despair, excitement, fascination, and desire run through his verses. Every poetry writer conveys his feelings on paper, and so Elie N. Azar as a poet leaves a part of his soul on paper, and through his poems, we can find a part of ourselves. Feelings sometimes invisible to others because they are hidden inside us, tell us only one thing we are all universally connected by some secret threads. Most of the poems in the collection are short and written in a freestyle, easy to read, and draw the reader to read. I read the whole collection, in one breath, and I would not separate a single poem because each one is beautiful in its way. Visually the collection is great done and I’m sure the set will appeal to fans of the written word. I would recommend the book to all lovers of poetry.
These are the poems I liked the most:
The Mirror of Broken Chains
The Music of a Brotherhood That Turned into a Memory
The Wish of a Burning Sky
SAZ
The Dawn of Fire and Ice
A Framed Ocean
It’s You
Wildfire
Bonfire of a Deserted Heart and many more poems
The collection of poetry "Scribbles of the Mind" by Elie N. Azar is visually excellently made, which contains a lot of beautiful short poems about love and existential attitudes about life. The poet through his verses writes about all aspects where love, life, sadness, despair, excitement, fascination, and desire run through his verses. Every poetry writer conveys his feelings on paper, and so Elie N. Azar as a poet leaves a part of his soul on paper, and through his poems, we can find a part of ourselves. Feelings sometimes invisible to others because they are hidden inside us, tell us only one thing we are all universally connected by some secret threads. Most of the poems in the collection are short and written in a freestyle, easy to read, and draw the reader to read. I read the whole collection, in one breath, and I would not separate a single poem because each one is beautiful in its way. Visually the collection is great done and I’m sure the set will appeal to fans of the written word. I would recommend the book to all lovers of poetry.
These are the poems I liked the most:
The Mirror of Broken Chains
The Music of a Brotherhood That Turned into a Memory
The Wish of a Burning Sky
SAZ
The Dawn of Fire and Ice
A Framed Ocean
It’s You
Wildfire
Bonfire of a Deserted Heart and many more poems
February 26, 2021
Scribbles of the Mind by Elie N. Azar is a poetry book with the main theme of love in its many forms. We see love that overcomes pain and endures in the midst of staggering heartbreak, love of family, love of self, love of friends, forever love, and more. Nature is often used to describe the many facets of love.
I enjoyed every one of these poems. Some of my favorites were The Oath of an Aching Soul, The Love That Hid in the Cracks of Their Home, The Dawn of a Sunset, and Changing Seasons of an Unchanged Love.
I must mention The Sunset Climb, Cracked Smile, and A Melting Fire. These three poems have only one line each, however, each line is very powerful. Authors search for these types of magical words when writing novels. Perhaps that’s next for Elie N. Azar.
I downloaded this book on Kindle Unlimited, where subscribers can borrow it for free. I highly recommend you check it out.
I enjoyed every one of these poems. Some of my favorites were The Oath of an Aching Soul, The Love That Hid in the Cracks of Their Home, The Dawn of a Sunset, and Changing Seasons of an Unchanged Love.
I must mention The Sunset Climb, Cracked Smile, and A Melting Fire. These three poems have only one line each, however, each line is very powerful. Authors search for these types of magical words when writing novels. Perhaps that’s next for Elie N. Azar.
I downloaded this book on Kindle Unlimited, where subscribers can borrow it for free. I highly recommend you check it out.
February 20, 2021
Something so personal and intimate as Scribbles of the Mind is hard and ungrateful to review. Yet, the purpose of these words that never made it to the pier of hearts is to experience them, to let them make to the pier of your heart and the hearts of others who will read them after you.
This is the poetry of love and memories; the poetry of nostalgia and longing. Those are the pieces of author’s life bound exquisitely into the work of art that gives the meaning to the empty moments of his past existence. Elie N. Azar’s feelings are genuine, and so is his poetry.
It would be so unfair not to mention the beautiful design by Elias Mitri, whose illustrations, together with the collection of Elie’s original photography, gave Scribbles of the Mind another dimension.
I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read and reflect on this book, and I invite all the lovers of poetry to do the same. Because Elie N. Azar writes with an open soul.
This is the poetry of love and memories; the poetry of nostalgia and longing. Those are the pieces of author’s life bound exquisitely into the work of art that gives the meaning to the empty moments of his past existence. Elie N. Azar’s feelings are genuine, and so is his poetry.
It would be so unfair not to mention the beautiful design by Elias Mitri, whose illustrations, together with the collection of Elie’s original photography, gave Scribbles of the Mind another dimension.
I am grateful to the author for the opportunity to read and reflect on this book, and I invite all the lovers of poetry to do the same. Because Elie N. Azar writes with an open soul.
March 12, 2021
Elie Azar gives us dozens of beautiful and uplifting poems with Scribbles of the Mind! Each poem is unique, even spaced in its own artistic way, complete with a gorgeous photograph. I loved all the insights into the human soul as Azar touches on everything from relationships to struggling to connect with others! This is a very emotional piece, but I especially appreciated its uplifting nature. There was a sense of optimism and spirituality woven throughout this one, and it left me feeling more enlightened! If you love poetry, photography, or inspiration, come dive into the beautiful prose of Scribble of the Mind!
February 15, 2021
I Wanna Thank The Author Who Reached Out To Me To Read This For A Honest Review
I Gave It 5 Stars Because These Poems Were Beautifully Written And I Have No Words To Describe How Gorgeous The Writing Was In This Poetry Collection
Some Of The Poems In Here Hit Me As Hard As A Boulder And Made Me Tear Up A Bit
I Can Really Sympathize With The Feeling Of Heartbreak Because It´s Something I´m Very Familiar With And I Think These Poems Really Did Justice For Me
I Think Elie Has the Potential To Be A Poet Because These Poems Were Just Amazing Not Just Amazing Astounding Very Groundbreaking And I Like When A Poetry Collection Makes Me Feel This Way
Now I Wanna Announce Something I Would Love To Collab With Elie Myself On A Poem Or Something So Let Me Know Elie
And Keep Up The Good Work
I Gave It 5 Stars Because These Poems Were Beautifully Written And I Have No Words To Describe How Gorgeous The Writing Was In This Poetry Collection
Some Of The Poems In Here Hit Me As Hard As A Boulder And Made Me Tear Up A Bit
I Can Really Sympathize With The Feeling Of Heartbreak Because It´s Something I´m Very Familiar With And I Think These Poems Really Did Justice For Me
I Think Elie Has the Potential To Be A Poet Because These Poems Were Just Amazing Not Just Amazing Astounding Very Groundbreaking And I Like When A Poetry Collection Makes Me Feel This Way
Now I Wanna Announce Something I Would Love To Collab With Elie Myself On A Poem Or Something So Let Me Know Elie
And Keep Up The Good Work
February 20, 2021
Beautiful collection of verse and illustrations brought together in a simple and lucid manner.
The best part of this book is that it is so easy to relate to, making the reader feel as if he/she has lived these poems. This collection has the ability to touch the reader deeply and is powerful in both verse and in art.
Highly recommended
The best part of this book is that it is so easy to relate to, making the reader feel as if he/she has lived these poems. This collection has the ability to touch the reader deeply and is powerful in both verse and in art.
Highly recommended
February 15, 2021
A wonderful book with stories that pull your heart! He speaks so freely and every story is something we can relate to
March 2, 2022
*Disclaimer* the author did ask me to read this book, BUT that will not affect my review!
Wow!!! This book is amazing!! I am not normally one for poetry, but this was fabulous! The writing was beautiful, and the pictures with it! Perfection!!
Favorites:
Meant to Be
Memories
Unspoken
Not So Naked Body
The Maze of Broken Pieces
Just Like a Fish
Words that Didn't Want to be Written on Paper
More than Enough
Also, some of the poems could definitely be beautiful song verses!!
Wow!!! This book is amazing!! I am not normally one for poetry, but this was fabulous! The writing was beautiful, and the pictures with it! Perfection!!
Favorites:
Meant to Be
Memories
Unspoken
Not So Naked Body
The Maze of Broken Pieces
Just Like a Fish
Words that Didn't Want to be Written on Paper
More than Enough
Also, some of the poems could definitely be beautiful song verses!!
February 24, 2021
Scribbles of the Mind by Eli N. Azar I found to be a moving, interesting book to read. It was like reading a journal written in verse, not prose, a memoir of a romance the author wishes had not come to an end. The inclusion of photographs taken by the author and some fine drawings by Elias Mitri add a great deal to the enjoyment of reading the poems. I appreciated the poems for their clarity and directness. They read as lines that are authentic, truly felt and honestly mused over.
Words That Did'nt Want To Be Written On Paper is the title of one of the poems. It seems to me to sum up the regret the author feels that his fate led him to write about a romance that did not last. That he had wanted it to last is clear from the lines he wrote in his book. A book of poems on one theme is a good idea, I think. The Sunset Climb, a one line poem, stood out for me:
"She climbed the walls you built so she could see your horizon."
To write a memorable line is the mark of a true poet, I think.
I especially enjoyed reading the poem called The Love That Hid In The Cracks of Their Home:
"And when I stumbled onto the ruin of their home
I was able to hear
the sound of their immortal laugh
echo
in the dust of oblivion.
I was able to feel
the warmth of the love
that was once shared between these walls."
In those lines the poet reveals how alive he is in his heart, mind and spirit. He senses the love that was once in the ruined building when it was a home. Scribbles of the Mind is a book well worth reading by anyone who likes poetry and is moved by records of the true experience of the heart and spirit.
Words That Did'nt Want To Be Written On Paper is the title of one of the poems. It seems to me to sum up the regret the author feels that his fate led him to write about a romance that did not last. That he had wanted it to last is clear from the lines he wrote in his book. A book of poems on one theme is a good idea, I think. The Sunset Climb, a one line poem, stood out for me:
"She climbed the walls you built so she could see your horizon."
To write a memorable line is the mark of a true poet, I think.
I especially enjoyed reading the poem called The Love That Hid In The Cracks of Their Home:
"And when I stumbled onto the ruin of their home
I was able to hear
the sound of their immortal laugh
echo
in the dust of oblivion.
I was able to feel
the warmth of the love
that was once shared between these walls."
In those lines the poet reveals how alive he is in his heart, mind and spirit. He senses the love that was once in the ruined building when it was a home. Scribbles of the Mind is a book well worth reading by anyone who likes poetry and is moved by records of the true experience of the heart and spirit.
February 18, 2021
I don't usually read poetry, but this was a really great break from heavier reading.
The poems are very short, which is great to jump in and out of. Pick it up when you have a few minutes spare or devour it in a sitting or two. Great for those with a lot of time on their hands or those without.
The drawings are my favorite, I honestly enjoy them more than the pictures. They're so beautiful, elegant and thoughtful. They extend the poems and make you really think about them.
I saw a lot of reviews saying most of the poems are romantic and about love/relationships, while that is partially true I think it also depends on who is reading the poems. I found a number of them could be talking about a current or ex partner, but they could also be talking about a loved one who has passed, which is really nice.
I liked that the book was in landscape as well because of the drawings and poems. That was a nice, unique touch.
I think this is great for someone who loves poetry, but also someone who is just curious about it and wants to put their toe in the pool.
The poems are very short, which is great to jump in and out of. Pick it up when you have a few minutes spare or devour it in a sitting or two. Great for those with a lot of time on their hands or those without.
The drawings are my favorite, I honestly enjoy them more than the pictures. They're so beautiful, elegant and thoughtful. They extend the poems and make you really think about them.
I saw a lot of reviews saying most of the poems are romantic and about love/relationships, while that is partially true I think it also depends on who is reading the poems. I found a number of them could be talking about a current or ex partner, but they could also be talking about a loved one who has passed, which is really nice.
I liked that the book was in landscape as well because of the drawings and poems. That was a nice, unique touch.
I think this is great for someone who loves poetry, but also someone who is just curious about it and wants to put their toe in the pool.
February 13, 2021
I thought Scribbles of the mind was a nice collection of poems. Mostly love poems or reflections on relationships, both good and bad. I liked the art that was displayed with the poetry as well. I'm not sure that the description gave the collection much justice. I don't know what I was expecting to read, because the description mentioned not being able to express feelings, and emotional burdens? But the poems were beautiful and I thought Elie did a great job of expressing their feelings and emotions through the poetry.
February 11, 2021
Great visuals!
I really enjoyed the look and feel of this book. Unlike most Kindle books it is laid out landscape in order to have more white space and room for illustrations.
The illustrations are wonderful and minimal, literally connecting poems together. The photos overall were good although some were random to me.
The poems themselves are solid and the poet places with form and space a lot. Very enjoyable visually.
My only critique is that I felt some poems were a bit repetitive (there’s an overall theme about love/relationships).
Very solid. If you’re interested in poetry that plays with visuals and white space this is definitely a book to check out.
I really enjoyed the look and feel of this book. Unlike most Kindle books it is laid out landscape in order to have more white space and room for illustrations.
The illustrations are wonderful and minimal, literally connecting poems together. The photos overall were good although some were random to me.
The poems themselves are solid and the poet places with form and space a lot. Very enjoyable visually.
My only critique is that I felt some poems were a bit repetitive (there’s an overall theme about love/relationships).
Very solid. If you’re interested in poetry that plays with visuals and white space this is definitely a book to check out.
April 10, 2021
Poem quality got much better halfway through.
March 5, 2021
Review copy provided by the poet/photographer in exchange for an honest review. Thank You Elie N.Azar
'I don't read poetry' is what I had told Elie when he first reached out to me with his coffee table book which is a collection of poems and photographs. He told me, the poems are simple and quite easy to comprehend and so, I shouldn't really have any issues. Behind the screen, I rolled my eyes. I was not sure. But, then I thought, even if I don't understand the poems, I can still see the photographs and comment on them. And thus I accepted the copy.
When I first sat down to read it, I saw that it's fairly short. Only around 100 pages, if not less. And so, I divided right into it. I read 50% of the poem in one day. YES! You read that right. The poems are simple and quite straightforward. But, just because it is simple and straightforward, don't be under the impression that they aren't good. The simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. There is something so very raw and innocent in Elie's poems and I enjoyed reading them. A lot of them are based on love and heartbreak, and I found myself enjoying them way more than those which were on other themes and topics.
Now coming to the photographs, I think they were really well placed. Even if some of them weren't really around the topic/theme of the poem, it still felt to weave a story of its own that interjected with the poem. Elie has kept his photographs simple too. But, there is a lot of depth and emotions that one can see if observed carefully.
I also liked the use of white space and the negative space in the layout. It was quite aesthetic to look at and definitely added up to the whole visual experience of reading this book.
Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys poetry, especially easy to read and easy to consume ones. One can also pick it up for the pictures if that's more your thing. And it definitely makes for a great addition as a coffee table book.
'I don't read poetry' is what I had told Elie when he first reached out to me with his coffee table book which is a collection of poems and photographs. He told me, the poems are simple and quite easy to comprehend and so, I shouldn't really have any issues. Behind the screen, I rolled my eyes. I was not sure. But, then I thought, even if I don't understand the poems, I can still see the photographs and comment on them. And thus I accepted the copy.
When I first sat down to read it, I saw that it's fairly short. Only around 100 pages, if not less. And so, I divided right into it. I read 50% of the poem in one day. YES! You read that right. The poems are simple and quite straightforward. But, just because it is simple and straightforward, don't be under the impression that they aren't good. The simplicity is what makes it so beautiful. There is something so very raw and innocent in Elie's poems and I enjoyed reading them. A lot of them are based on love and heartbreak, and I found myself enjoying them way more than those which were on other themes and topics.
Now coming to the photographs, I think they were really well placed. Even if some of them weren't really around the topic/theme of the poem, it still felt to weave a story of its own that interjected with the poem. Elie has kept his photographs simple too. But, there is a lot of depth and emotions that one can see if observed carefully.
I also liked the use of white space and the negative space in the layout. It was quite aesthetic to look at and definitely added up to the whole visual experience of reading this book.
Would recommend it to anyone who enjoys poetry, especially easy to read and easy to consume ones. One can also pick it up for the pictures if that's more your thing. And it definitely makes for a great addition as a coffee table book.
March 1, 2021
“In a world of small infinities, You are my forever”
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.
I was approached by the author in order to read and review this book and without really knowing what this book was about I starting reading it, not aware that I was going to find one of the best books I have ever read.
Scribbles of the Mind is a collection of poems, pictures and sketches, combined all together to project a certain state of mind and give you a certain feel.
I was really moved by this collection, each poem made me feel something and I was able to relate to most of them. I was truly blown away by the depth and writing of each poem, each word served a purpose and I was very quickly emotionally invested in it. Moreover, what gave this collection that extra thing that makes it stand out are the photographs and the illustrations. Each photograph serves a purpose in telling a story and made the reading experience much more enjoyable.
This collection is a love letter to love itself, most of the poems are short and free style which allow the reader to be fully immerse in the writing and give each poem a personal meaning.
I am so grateful that the author allowed me to read and review this collection and I will definitely be on the lookout for everything that the author publishes next. Truly an outstanding, heartfelt and heartwarming poetry collection about what it is like to be in love and fall out of love.
“In the midst of this chaotic universe, I choose to love you”
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of the opinions are my own and this did not affect my review in any way.
I was approached by the author in order to read and review this book and without really knowing what this book was about I starting reading it, not aware that I was going to find one of the best books I have ever read.
Scribbles of the Mind is a collection of poems, pictures and sketches, combined all together to project a certain state of mind and give you a certain feel.
I was really moved by this collection, each poem made me feel something and I was able to relate to most of them. I was truly blown away by the depth and writing of each poem, each word served a purpose and I was very quickly emotionally invested in it. Moreover, what gave this collection that extra thing that makes it stand out are the photographs and the illustrations. Each photograph serves a purpose in telling a story and made the reading experience much more enjoyable.
This collection is a love letter to love itself, most of the poems are short and free style which allow the reader to be fully immerse in the writing and give each poem a personal meaning.
I am so grateful that the author allowed me to read and review this collection and I will definitely be on the lookout for everything that the author publishes next. Truly an outstanding, heartfelt and heartwarming poetry collection about what it is like to be in love and fall out of love.
“In the midst of this chaotic universe, I choose to love you”
March 7, 2021
I fell inlove with this collection instantly, from all the beautiful art tied to all the poetry.
" I suddenly found myself
fully dressed in your love"
This collection speaks about a deep rooted love, in all it's many shapes and forms. It feels intimate, like you are part of a private moment and that's one of my favourite aspects in poetry, feeling like a piece of you belongs in the words, this beautiful collection of art surpassed my expectations. Each word felt carefully woven to the picture that accompanied it. I. AM.INLOVE
" I suddenly found myself
fully dressed in your love"
This collection speaks about a deep rooted love, in all it's many shapes and forms. It feels intimate, like you are part of a private moment and that's one of my favourite aspects in poetry, feeling like a piece of you belongs in the words, this beautiful collection of art surpassed my expectations. Each word felt carefully woven to the picture that accompanied it. I. AM.INLOVE
February 25, 2021
To be honest, this book isn't one I would read if I wasn't asked to, but that's only because i have never seen it. If I saw it in a bookstore or something like that, I probably would have picked it up. My favorite poems were
-Forbidden
-A Road Trip to Light
-End Game
-The Dawn of Fire and Ice
-The Oath of a Breaking Soul
-Unspoken
-The Mirror of Broken Chains
-The Face that Traumatized Him
This book was a very soul-touching collection of poems, and this is definitely a book I will read again.
-Forbidden
-A Road Trip to Light
-End Game
-The Dawn of Fire and Ice
-The Oath of a Breaking Soul
-Unspoken
-The Mirror of Broken Chains
-The Face that Traumatized Him
This book was a very soul-touching collection of poems, and this is definitely a book I will read again.
February 21, 2021
As the title implies, this collection of thoughts flawlessly captures the vulnerability of the human soul, tinted with personal experiences and adventures. Azar's authentic touch and emotions are highly visible and endearing. A Must Read!
November 4, 2022
What a journey
A wonderful journey an beautifully written an illustrated novel. Highly recommed to everyone. For those of us that prize ourselves in being strong. We suffer our fears and heartbreak alone. This book opens that door to that shuttered room.
A wonderful journey an beautifully written an illustrated novel. Highly recommed to everyone. For those of us that prize ourselves in being strong. We suffer our fears and heartbreak alone. This book opens that door to that shuttered room.
February 22, 2021
Beautiful poems !!!!
May 3, 2021
Brilliant & Emotional
The words, the pictures, the illustrations all combine to make this a unique experience. I felt such a range of emotions. It was like getting a peek inside Azar's mind. If you're looking for a unique collection of poetry that is an art itself, then you'll want to grab this book.
The words, the pictures, the illustrations all combine to make this a unique experience. I felt such a range of emotions. It was like getting a peek inside Azar's mind. If you're looking for a unique collection of poetry that is an art itself, then you'll want to grab this book.
August 2, 2021
Scribbles of the Mind is not a linear narrative - it is, rather, a book of poetry, and given that it is my first opportunity to review a collection of verse, I was eager to get into it.
Each poem is presented with complimentary illustration in the form of simple, minimalist line drawings that mingle with or accentuate the text, helping to bring each short verse together. Also present (on their own pages, after the poem they relate to) are a number of color photographs; most of which provide a thoughtful visual aid for the reader to ruminate upon after experiencing the work in question. I found the simplistic format refreshing. A picture may indeed be worth a thousand words, but good words can stand on their own, and I feel that Scribbles of the Mind would have been done a disservice by adding too much distracting images. As it stands, I appreciate the emptiness – it’s just what my mind needs to clear up and think about what I’ve read.
Within these pages are a number of, to say the very least, heartfelt words, and I though I do not know the author personally, I feel that I have learned something intimate and touching about them through what they’ve allowed me to see. I felt generally uplifted by Elie Azar’s words on family, friends, love, and all the happiness and sorrows of life. Each of these poems is a small-relatable story, easily applied to daily living, and the entire book is, well…easy to just pick up and read, as opposed to a deeper narrative that requires a larger commitment. Need a daily affirmation? Pick this up off the shelf and peruse it with your morning beverage of choice!
It’s difficult to apply the technical criticisms of prose to a body of poetry, since, unless your plan is to stick to iambic petameter, there’s really no ‘wrong’ way to write a poem. Perhaps the author meant to convey a specific emotion. Perhaps to queue a certain school of thought. Perhaps neither. I can’t say for sure, and thus I can only gauge based on what I, in particular, got out of it. That said, I’ll point out that certain portions of Scribbles of the Mind were a tad confusing for me. Some of the images-for example, an image depicting a camera placed after a poem that had mostly to do with music-focused my thoughts on likely the wrong thing – I began to wonder what the significance of the camera is and how it relates to the piece (maybe I was supposed to think about that, but I doubt that was the intention). As I look back on it I consider that perhaps the camera had to do with ‘memories’, but that didn’t occur to me at the time, and as such the whole thing felt it a little jarring. Again, it was probably my own lack of understanding, so I can’t judge too harshly. Poetry is a lot like visual art in that way – we can compare a fresco of a beautiful sunset to other frescos of beautiful sunsets, and if the painter has declared a specific inspiration we can compare their work to that, but otherwise…who are we to judge, really?
The above said, I have pointed out in the past that the purpose of my reviews is not to simply bring glory (or infamy) to an author and their work. They’re intended to help readers find their next good read. And so, if you’re a fan of soft, simple, heartfelt verse, I think there’s something for you to enjoy here, and I suggest you give Scribbles of the Mind a try.
Each poem is presented with complimentary illustration in the form of simple, minimalist line drawings that mingle with or accentuate the text, helping to bring each short verse together. Also present (on their own pages, after the poem they relate to) are a number of color photographs; most of which provide a thoughtful visual aid for the reader to ruminate upon after experiencing the work in question. I found the simplistic format refreshing. A picture may indeed be worth a thousand words, but good words can stand on their own, and I feel that Scribbles of the Mind would have been done a disservice by adding too much distracting images. As it stands, I appreciate the emptiness – it’s just what my mind needs to clear up and think about what I’ve read.
Within these pages are a number of, to say the very least, heartfelt words, and I though I do not know the author personally, I feel that I have learned something intimate and touching about them through what they’ve allowed me to see. I felt generally uplifted by Elie Azar’s words on family, friends, love, and all the happiness and sorrows of life. Each of these poems is a small-relatable story, easily applied to daily living, and the entire book is, well…easy to just pick up and read, as opposed to a deeper narrative that requires a larger commitment. Need a daily affirmation? Pick this up off the shelf and peruse it with your morning beverage of choice!
It’s difficult to apply the technical criticisms of prose to a body of poetry, since, unless your plan is to stick to iambic petameter, there’s really no ‘wrong’ way to write a poem. Perhaps the author meant to convey a specific emotion. Perhaps to queue a certain school of thought. Perhaps neither. I can’t say for sure, and thus I can only gauge based on what I, in particular, got out of it. That said, I’ll point out that certain portions of Scribbles of the Mind were a tad confusing for me. Some of the images-for example, an image depicting a camera placed after a poem that had mostly to do with music-focused my thoughts on likely the wrong thing – I began to wonder what the significance of the camera is and how it relates to the piece (maybe I was supposed to think about that, but I doubt that was the intention). As I look back on it I consider that perhaps the camera had to do with ‘memories’, but that didn’t occur to me at the time, and as such the whole thing felt it a little jarring. Again, it was probably my own lack of understanding, so I can’t judge too harshly. Poetry is a lot like visual art in that way – we can compare a fresco of a beautiful sunset to other frescos of beautiful sunsets, and if the painter has declared a specific inspiration we can compare their work to that, but otherwise…who are we to judge, really?
The above said, I have pointed out in the past that the purpose of my reviews is not to simply bring glory (or infamy) to an author and their work. They’re intended to help readers find their next good read. And so, if you’re a fan of soft, simple, heartfelt verse, I think there’s something for you to enjoy here, and I suggest you give Scribbles of the Mind a try.
April 17, 2023
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
A collection of deeply emotional, heartfelt poetry that explores every facet of love: being in love; being loved; lost love; broken love and unrequited love.
Some of the emotions evoked are hot and some are cold, but all relatable and engaging, familiar to any reader. The language and imagery used is also simple and familiar, so accessible to everyone, including poetry beginners. There is a lot of weather, nature and landscape imagery used to represent our internal landscapes and human natures.
The poems are written in a blank verse style of rhythm, with no rhyming but with occasional assonance or alliteration for effect.
Direct and thought-provoking, these ‘love’ poems will resonate with anyone who loves or has been loved, whether they are new to poetry or established fans of the genre.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
A collection of deeply emotional, heartfelt poetry that explores every facet of love: being in love; being loved; lost love; broken love and unrequited love.
Some of the emotions evoked are hot and some are cold, but all relatable and engaging, familiar to any reader. The language and imagery used is also simple and familiar, so accessible to everyone, including poetry beginners. There is a lot of weather, nature and landscape imagery used to represent our internal landscapes and human natures.
The poems are written in a blank verse style of rhythm, with no rhyming but with occasional assonance or alliteration for effect.
Direct and thought-provoking, these ‘love’ poems will resonate with anyone who loves or has been loved, whether they are new to poetry or established fans of the genre.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
January 16, 2022
This was a nice little collection of poems that I enjoyed reading, but... that's about it. They were nice to read, and I knew that they were packed full of emotion and love for writing... but I just couldn't feel it. I don't think that is anything to do with the author because the poems are very pretty to read, but I think I enjoy poetry that's longer and gives me a bit more of an opportunity to really sit with it. The poems were very short, and I had a hard time connecting with most of them.
Thank you to the author and Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author and Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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