Luminescence

by Javier Rhoden

“Show them why radiance projects from where shadows hide, and how to become brighter than sunlight.”

Luminescence, the official debut release by one of Instagram’s independent authors who’s favored by many, brings you on his visceral journey on self reflection and discovery through the human condition.
Javier has constructed a heavy yet enlightening poetry collection along with his wife, who brings visualization to his rawness.

156 pages, Paperback

Published July 29, 2021

About the author

Javier Rhoden is an accomplished Jamaican poet whose work embodies resilience, humility, and the expansive mystery of existence. Known for his distinctive use of lowercase letters and minimalist punctuation, Javier’s style strips language to its bare essence, inviting readers into a raw, immersive experience where every word carries weight beyond traditional rules. This approach reflects his own journey: rebuilding from profound loss and disability, reclaiming a legacy erased but never silenced.

Javier’s poetry explores the delicate tension between the vastness of the world and the smallness of the individual, offering a space for deep reflection on mental health, personal growth, and the quiet strength found in vulnerability. His work is a lifeline for those who feel unseen, a testament to the power of truth and creativity as tools of healing and transformation.

Through every line, Javier holds a mirror to the human spirit — fragile yet fiercely unbreakable — inspiring readers to find light even in the darkest shadows.

Reviews

[Noorie Hassan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful piece of art. All the poems are so nicely curated and compiled together. Some of the stanzas really impressed me. I’ve read many poetry books but this book is different - intense, exquisite and eye-opening. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[bookswithsakshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luminescence by Javier Rhoden is a Soulful poetry book that filled me with a lot of hope and optimism. It is very appropriate for today's generation as they are the ones dealing with pain the most. They fail to accept themselves and let their past define them and I believe that few poems from this book might give them the courage to love themselves with kindness and patience. Not just self-love and Self-esteem but the author has portrayed multiple phases of one's life that needs guidance and a little push because they have been numb for a while. It's about letting go of the wrong person and opening doors for the right one, being patient with your growth, setting boundaries, being rejected by the societal norms but continuing moving forward, having the mindset shift required to heal from past trauma and look beyond that, this book has covered it all. It is under 158 pages and I found the poetic style so appropriate for themes like these. Nothing romanticized or sugar coated but also not harsh or rude at the same time. It is simple to read and inspiring. Women should definitely check this book as it has so many poems for them about knowing their worth and maintaining boundaries. For the rest of the audience also, this book becomes a must read if you are going through a rough phase in your life. Lastly, some poems have illustrations, too, which adds more beauty to the book. Get this book now.

[Daniela Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is that this book is amazing.

I picked this up last night, wanting to read just one poem, but I ended up reading all of them, the entire book. AND I DON'T REGRET THAT!. I can’t explain how much Luminescense made me feel when I was reading. So many emotions! I am sure that very soon I’llread it again !!

So, Currently I’ve had some personal problems and I have felt a little demotivated, but some of those poems arrived at the exact moment that I needed them.

Here I found a collection of very inspiring poems, each one shone in its own way and some of them left you thinking about your life, how your feel, your future, your decisions. I was amazed by the depth and honesty of the poems. The author writes about sensitive topics with piercing imagination.

I will share one of my favorites:
“transformation”
each waking day is a blank opportunity
to transform yourself into someone new
not everyone will be able to keep pace
of whatever habits you decide to change
just ensure you’re becoming the person
you’ve always envisioned being
a change of heart could be your card of spade


This is the first work that I read by the author but I’m sure that it won’t be the last.
Do not miss the opportunity to read this incredible work. Highly recommended !!

[Mark Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allen Ginsburg wrote, “Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does.”
To me, poetry is often for late at night, when the world has quieted down. Before I fell asleep, I read one or two of Javier Rhoden’s poems. He does indeed “make the private world public.”
Each reading provoked a new idea or concept to ponder. Some were peaceful and contemplative. Some communicated although I didn’t consciously understand them. Some were emotional rawness and aching. Some were inspirational, encouraging, and hopeful.
They are beautiful.
My favorite quotes from this poetry collection are: “give more. you’re pure goodness in a world swift to take and slow to give,” and “she was abandoned in seas of tears with fear of deepest waters only to realize she was swimming.”
Hats off to poets in this modern age of technology and the habit of shallow racing through life.
Enjoy! 5 stars.

[Joseph Lenard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luminescence: Poetry book

Something for the whole Family, a great way to introduce Kids to Poetry...

When I first saw this book referenced it was mentioned as a "Children's book" but on Amazon it is listed as "Family Poetry (Books)" but I'm glad for the initial confusion because it is now going to be the key basis of my review. This is, IMO, an ideal book (perhaps not every poem therein, but many/most) an opportunity to share great content and positive values with Children (in a day and age where so many Children's books have "a completely different agenda") and perfect chance (if you believe your Child is age appropriate, ready for a bit more advanced English) to bring them into the world of Prose beyond the often/traditional Children's book's type rhyme functioning. AND IF NOT "CHILDREN" (depending on how we define the age ranges) certainly something to share with pre-teens/teens/young-adults.

Joseph M. Lenard (aka: JLenardDetroit)

[Ila Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second collection of poems I have read from Javier, with the previous one being Lamentations. So I can say with some certainty that they are a talented poet who's thought provoking writing should be taken seriously. This collection mostly consists of shorter poems that are easy but truly engaging to read.

For me personally, however, I found myself more connected to the previous collection I read, there was something about Lamentations which just grabbed me in a way Luminescence has not. However I can definitely see how for some this might be the other way around, so I wholeheartedly recommend both this collection and the other to any lovers of poetry or anyone who enjoys thought provoking reading.

[Kyrie Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Javier's poetry! After reading Twilight, I was eager to grab another one of his books. Some of the poems are pithy statements about life expressed in creative metaphors, others more stream of consciousness about universal human experiences. I'm happy to say this book was a lighter read than Twilight, which expressed a lot of heartbreak.

in order to be meek on this earth
you must face darkness, bandage areas that hurt
to watch crystals harden from a life force within

life doesn’t have to make you salty, but with a little sprinkled
brings not only flavor, but preservation
in whoever you choose to become
be careful of what emotions you have entrapped inside

this is luminescence

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of poems if from a mind who has explored the world and has satiated their desire to be free of burden and bondage. If you read this book and you get angry, then you are angry. If you read this book and you are happy, then you are happy. It is a collection of zen poetry that does not tell you what to be but challenges you to think what the author could possibly have been going through in their life to want to share it with the world. Like a flower opening up, this author is showing us his feelings.

[Fatima Akram (wandering_reads_byfati) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luminesce is a poetry book consisting of many beautiful short poems. This book is a mixture of all kind of emotions we feel whether it's joy, sorrow and how elegantly the positivity combines with all the poems.
I just finished this book in a sitting. The author has done amazing work, I really like all the poems but I am gonna share one of my most favorite poem here

"imperfection.
you never claimed the title of perfection
but skin have wept in brightness of stars
so when hands caress those scars
you’ll remain beautiful in openness of nakedness, this
is what becomes permanent"

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Lamentations, I decided to pick up Luminescence. They’re not a series, but reading this lighter collection after the heaviness of grief in his previous work was a good choice. The poems in Luminescence encourage personal growth, embracing one's wisdom, and evolving into the best version of oneself. This message of self-acceptance and personal empowerment is a resonating and enduring one. The minimalist style might not be for everyone, but the simplicity gives the work a sort of rawness and honesty that I appreciate.

[Amelia Marriette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found Luminescence at the right time - Christmas always brings up memories that are not always helpful, and it's a difficult time for me as it is for many people. I am trying to unshackle myself from negative people and ideas. So when I found these simple lines at the end of the book, I felt lightened and less burdened:

exposure.
…in the end
i welcome the hate
it rides the same wave as love
you only hate the one exposing your demons (p 152)

The book is worth reading and worth re-reading, especially if you need uplifting or a heartbroken.

[Laurie Bowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Javier Rhoden is a talented poet whose work is engaging and captivating. Every poem is written in a unique style, with thought-provoking wording used in each one. Although this collection is mainly shorter poems, it is still a must-read for those who love unique, captivating and well-written poems.

Javier Rhoden is a rising star in the poetry world with his unique flair for using creative metaphors in his poems, particularly those based on life experiences.

[Daniel Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection is a stunning blend of raw emotion and beautifully crafted language, each poem resonating with depth and honesty. The author captures universal experiences—love, loss, hope, and resilience—in a way that feels deeply personal yet profoundly relatable. Every page offers a moment of reflection, a phrase that lingers, or a feeling that stays with you long after reading. I’ll be returning to these poems again and again for their wisdom, comfort, and inspiration.

[E.L. McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and meaningful!

What an outstanding group of poems Javier has put together. Combined with a positive message and elegant, simple artwork throughout, this book is an absolute joy. I look forward to more from this author. I think this would make an excellent gift for almost anyone, too. Well done, Javier!

[Jia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luminesce is a poetry book consisting of many short poems. All these poems revolve around different themes like love, patience, letting go, moving forward and choice etc.
It is a quick read and I've enjoyed reading it. Some of my favorite poems from the book are 'Smile', 'Greener sides' and 'Flower'. The author has done an amazing job in compiling these short poems into a single book.

[C. Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prose in this book is uplifting and supportive, and the author knows how to motivate someone through their words. Like in 'Lamentations' there is a clear line which brings the entire collection together.
While one has to get used to the style, it is consistent, and I liked the illustrations accompanying some of the prose.
My favourite prose in this book is 'candle light.'

[Lisa Towles · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. Collectively, these short poems form a worthy treatise on how to live as a fully conscious human being. My favorites were Imperfection and Nightfall, and the artwork just deepens the experience of these short gems. Highly recommended.

[Steven Specht · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Twilight Zone by the same author and wanted to read something else. Luminescence comes off as dour in comparison, BUT still quite good. I left Twilight Zone feeling quite good and this one slightly less so.

[Lulu James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging. Inspiring. Treat yourself well by reading this book. Self-love, self-compassion, and self-care are so underrated. Start the new year by loving yourself better.

[Emma Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems opens your heart. The are short but beautiful, motivational and inspiring, all together represent a piece of art. I think I have just discovered a new talented author.

[Bernadette Giacomazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply beautiful. i love this poetry book, and I'm quite happy I got it. It's stunning, in a very subtle and humble way.

[Daniel Wescott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice poetry, concisely written. No life-changing topics that make you wonder where you went wrong in life. The poet has a nice outlook on life.

[J. White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writing, interesting perspective.