First Drafts from the Brewery

by Rowena Carenen

First Drafts from the Brewery explores the ends, and beginnings, of relationships, the value of true-blue friends, and the delights of the seasons. Less a how-to guide to divorce, and more a long and lingering porch-chat complete with good beer or a strong whiskey, this collection embraces simplicity while staring down pain without flinching. But not to worry, there's plenty of cats, puppies, and cozy blankets

90 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2022

Reviews

[Denise Zendel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this collection of poetry because the author, Rowe Carenen, is a virtual friend of mine. I read it all the way through in one sitting because it spoke to my condition. She writes of universal themes like love, loss, friendship, redemption, cats, dogs, self-acceptance, divorce, and aging in a way that made me say “I have walked those halls, I have lived in those rooms, I have felt that exact same way.” She reminds me of my favorite poet, Merrit Malloy, but with a fresh perspective. I felt uplifted after reading Carenen’s work, and it’s something I will return to again and again.