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Review of Harmony

Posted: 29 Jul 2024, 01:17
by Priya Murugesan
[Following is a volunteer review of "Harmony" by Apala Banerjee.]
Book Cover
5 out of 5 stars
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The author, Apala Banerjee, is a young girl whose deep passion for nature led her to write the poetry book 'Harmony'. She loves immersing herself in the marvels of nature and is deeply concerned about our detrimental impact on the planet's beauty. Saddened by it, the author has penned her thoughts into poems and illustrations. I deeply resonate with the author's feelings, as I am, like her, fascinated by nature and enthralled by its beauty and mystery, and I believe that her poems would help raise awareness about the urgency of our environmental situation. 

The book contains thirty poems that are divided into three chapters: Gifts of Nature and Seasons, I Love Georgia, and Environmental Crises. The first chapter highlights the beauty of nature; the second chapter focuses on Georgia, where the author grew up; and the third chapter addresses major environmental issues. 

The first poem, 'Contemplate', reflects on our relationship with the Earth and urges us to consider our actions towards our planet. The author encourages us to speak out against the killing of innocent animals for human benefit. The poems about the different seasons are particularly captivating, and I found the descriptions of autumn and winter to be especially enjoyable. Lines like 'to celebrate the trees' designer gowns of reds, oranges, golds, and brown' and 'The evergreen were ever-green and watched with envy' are particularly striking. As I read this on a rainy day, I felt connected to 'Nature's Nourishment', a poem about rain. I really enjoy fresh fruits, and the poem 'Ode to Fruits' made me desire to indulge in one. The author highlights the importance of appreciating Mother Nature for providing us with nutritious and delicious fruits. The poem 'Web of Life' stresses the significance of biodiversity in our environment. I was captivated by the poem 'Beaches Beautiful', in which the author beautifully depicts the allure of the beach and vividly describes the impetuous wind. The poem 'A Blink: Extinct' brought tears to my eyes, as I strongly believe that no animal should be harmed, and every animal has a right to exist on our planet. The poem about endangered species provided me with some comfort, showing that this crisis can potentially be resolved. In the poem 'Cruel Cuisine', the author discusses the cruel treatment of animals for our food, especially in luxury cuisine. This deeply resonates with me, as seeing caged animals always leaves me feeling sad and helpless. The "Thaw, Melt, and Gone" poem provides various scientific facts about warming lakes. The "Loss of Use and Toss" poem raises valid concerns and alarming facts about plastic pollution, highlighting our recognition of the issue and the lack of action taken to address it. It also proposes potential solutions to remedy it. "Too Bright Poem" is thought-provoking. In the "Cacophony" poem, the author urges individuals to reduce noise pollution, reconnect with the planet, and embrace silence. War destroys lives and things and I never understood the importance of war. In the war poem, the author reflects on the situation in Ukraine, and it was saddening to learn about the people's plight there. She urges the people of Ukraine to persevere and maintain hope that the war will come to an end. It made me feel grateful for what we have. 

The author prompts us to contemplate the havoc we have created on our planet. She encourages us to reflect on our mistakes and to use our technology and knowledge to correct them. She firmly believes that we can resolve the situation and restore the glory of our planet. She urges us to listen to our inner voice of hope and to hold onto it tightly. She calls on everyone to contribute and make the wrong right. I sincerely hope that this message reaches everyone and that our earth can be ameliorated.

The illustrations by the author are colorful and soulful, depicting the love the author has for our earth. I highly recommend this book to readers who admire nature and are concerned about the environmental crisis. Readers who love poetry will surely enjoy this beautifully written book. The book is an entertaining read for young adults, and it will also instill care for nature in them. This will help the future generation to have gratitude for our Earth, appreciate its beauty, and feel the urge to take care of it. I noticed only one error. Other than that, the editing is incredible. I didn't dislike anything in this book. So I rate it 5 out of 5 stars

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Harmony
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Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 05 Aug 2024, 04:44
by Anu Anand
This book is a great reminder of how important it is to appreciate and take care of our Earth. Thank you for sharing this wonderful review!

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 05 Aug 2024, 21:31
by Priya Murugesan
Anu Anand wrote: 05 Aug 2024, 04:44 This book is a great reminder of how important it is to appreciate and take care of our Earth. Thank you for sharing this wonderful review!
Thanks a lot!

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 07 Aug 2024, 08:54
by Gerry Steen
I find poetry inspiring and thought-provoking. "Harmony", according to your review, is just that. I like how you pointed out the different poems and their themes. Care for the environment is an urgent need and we sometimes forget to reap its benefits and allow it to take care of us. I enjoy nature, as much as I can, every day. This is good for my soul. Great review!

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 07 Aug 2024, 09:55
by Priya Murugesan
Gerry Steen wrote: 07 Aug 2024, 08:54 I find poetry inspiring and thought-provoking. "Harmony", according to your review, is just that. I like how you pointed out the different poems and their themes. Care for the environment is an urgent need and we sometimes forget to reap its benefits and allow it to take care of us. I enjoy nature, as much as I can, every day. This is good for my soul. Great review!
Thanks for sharing your views!

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 08 Aug 2024, 02:34
by David Awunor
I enjoy nature and I am currently reading this poem, The review was beautifully written by the way.

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 08 Aug 2024, 03:03
by Priya Murugesan
David Awunor wrote: 08 Aug 2024, 02:34 I enjoy nature and I am currently reading this poem, The review was beautifully written by the way.
Hope you love the poems! Thanks for your appreciation!

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 08 Aug 2024, 09:17
by Kutloano Makhuvhela
Wow! The cover of the book is stunning. I think this shows that the illustrations are just as good, as you have mentioned above. Good job writing this review.

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 08 Aug 2024, 09:29
by Priya Murugesan
Kutloano Makhuvhela wrote: 08 Aug 2024, 09:17 Wow! The cover of the book is stunning. I think this shows that the illustrations are just as good, as you have mentioned above. Good job writing this review.
Thanks a lot!

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 08 Aug 2024, 21:18
by Stephen Christopher 1
This is the first time you've reviewed a book that I wouldn't be able to read. See, poetry just isn't my thing, it's the one unit at college I failed, and I just don't seem to connect with it. The concept of the book is lovely, but not for me.

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 09 Aug 2024, 06:04
by Priya Murugesan
Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: 08 Aug 2024, 21:18 This is the first time you've reviewed a book that I wouldn't be able to read. See, poetry just isn't my thing, it's the one unit at college I failed, and I just don't seem to connect with it. The concept of the book is lovely, but not for me.
That's so sad, Stephen! :(

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 09 Aug 2024, 06:55
by Anshika Kanan
Your review is very informative but I am not intrigued by the summary of the book, so I'll pass on reading it.

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 09 Aug 2024, 07:05
by Priya Murugesan
Anshika Kanan wrote: 09 Aug 2024, 06:55 Your review is very informative but I am not intrigued by the summary of the book, so I'll pass on reading it.
Thanks!

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 09 Aug 2024, 07:27
by _Rhea Jacob
Wonderful review! As a fan of poetry, I look forward to reading this book. I think I will be able to resonate with the author and enjoy the book.

Re: Review of Harmony

Posted: 09 Aug 2024, 07:38
by Priya Murugesan
_Rhea Jacob wrote: 09 Aug 2024, 07:27 Wonderful review! As a fan of poetry, I look forward to reading this book. I think I will be able to resonate with the author and enjoy the book.
Thanks a lot!