Review of Twisted mind

Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha · Post by **Chigozie Anuli Mbadugha** » 27 Sep 2021, 14:53

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Twisted mind" by Ellen m. Mckizzie.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Twisted Mind by Ellen m. McKizzie is a collection of ninety poems that explore a variety of themes such as autism, racism, grief, loss, love, broken relationships, hope, life, and death. These themes are universal, topical, and relevant. Readers from different cultural backgrounds can relate to them easily. The poems are largely free-verse with some rhyming in a few of them.

Reading these poems, it is easy to tell that the author writes from the heart about her experiences and perhaps those of others around her. Her yearning for strong family bonds comes across in “A Woman,” “A Broken Family,” and “Mama.” I like the fact that the poems are not grouped together by taking cognizance of the themes they explored. Therefore, I could turn to a new page and not have a foreknowledge of what the poem is about.

The book contains some black and white drawings or photos that enrich the presentation of the poems and can help keep readers engaged and attentive. My favorite poem was “A Woman.” The author defines a woman as someone whose family is number one on her list of priorities and whose family members know that when they are at their lowest points, they will never be judged. “Color Him Dad” evoked rich imagery and emotion for me. I found the depiction of the amazing love and care of a father for his child with cerebral palsy in that poem inspiring.

Domestic abuse is explored in a few poems. In the last verse of “The Curse,” the author suggests that abusive families with a generational history of abuse should stop breeding to kill out the source. This may sound harsh to some readers, but perhaps some, especially those who were victims of abuse, might agree with her. In my opinion, this may not stop the abuse because abuse is not limited to family members. Co-workers and friends can be victims and can perpetuate the abuse.

Even though these topics are explored in a sensitive manner the poems may be better appreciated by adults. They do not contain much profanity except the solitary mention of the word 'sex' in “Bipolar.” I found very few errors in the book, so I think it was professionally edited. There was nothing to dislike about Twisted Mind. Adults desirous of introspection and the exploration of a perspective or perception of life different from theirs will particularly enjoy reading Twisted Mind. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it was an enjoyable and inspiring read.

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Twisted mind
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