Review of Conversations

[Harty Muli]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Conversations" by Toni K Williams.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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I remember how much I hurt when I lost my job. Suddenly, I wanted to return to being a little kid in the caring lap of my mom, playing with toys and caring for nothing about the whole wide world. That layoff changed my life, and I am still making changes to my existence some six years later. Of course, I can’t go back to being a child, but at least I spent a lot of time reflecting on the joys of my early years and appreciating my parents for providing a stable foundation for my life.

In her anthology Conversations, Toni K. Williams uses poems as a respite from the loss of yesteryear. Of the many things in her past, she seems to miss her beloved (before he changed) the most, judging from the number of poems she wrote on the subject. These poems are quite gloomy. In the poem Either/Or, she laments about how conversation has become outdated in her relationship. Elsewhere in the poem Truce, we learn that cell phones are responsible for killing some of her real-life interactions.

Like me, she distracts herself from her pain by narrating about childhood experiences, which are contained in an opening section entitled Seedlings. Of note, her most endearing childhood experiences are reserved for her grandmother, as aptly captured in a poem called Grandmother’s Chair. The welcoming arms and secret crevices of her grandma’s chair are a metaphor for the endearing and nurturing spirit of her grandma, who molded the poet into who she is today.

I enjoyed reading about the changing perspectives of the poems as they transitioned from one section to the other. The poems are arranged in four sections: the Seedlings, Saplings, Pruning, and Clearcut. I found myself attracted to the Clearcut section the most because of my previous experiences with loss.

I disliked nothing in this anthology. Furthermore, I only came across one editing error in the book. Therefore, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars for its exquisiteness.

It’s not an easy book because of the many instances of sadness in the book. Even so, the poet managed to reconcile herself with the loss in her life. I recommend it to any reader who is looking for solace in the written word. At the same time, the poems may be triggering for someone with unresolved loss in his or her life.

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Conversations
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[Lawrence Stein]

Wow! I like how you open this review with a compelling summary of the book. I felt the cover photo also depicts the theme that oozes from how you described the book. Great review you have there.

[Nneka Bridget]

Your review of "Conversations" is very insightful. I love how Toni K. Williams captures deep emotions and experiences in her poems. I appreciate how you highlighted the different sections and their meanings. This book seems like a meaningful read for anyone dealing with loss.

[Steeve Bowen]

Conversation are a vital part of relationships and when conversation becomes dead the relationship dies too. I appreciate the inclusion of pictures in this book. The poems capture the emotional pain and stress underwent by Toni.

[Steeve Bowen]

Conversations are a vital part of relationships and when conversation becomes dead the relationship dies too. I appreciate the inclusion of pictures in this book. The poems capture the emotional pain and stress underwent by Toni.

[Mary John 10]

In Conversations by Toni K. Williams, the poet reflects on the bittersweet nature of change and loss, particularly in relationships and personal connections. Her poems, filled with longing and nostalgia, often mourn the past and the emotional shifts that time brings. In pieces like Either/Or, she explores the erosion of meaningful communication, while in Truce, she critiques how technology, particularly cell phones, has disrupted authentic interactions. Williams' anthology serves as both a personal and poignant meditation on the fading connections that once shaped her world.

[Williams Jaden]

In Conversations by Toni K. Williams, the poet reflects on loss and change, using poems to navigate the challenges of her past. With themes of love, relationships, and the impact of technology, Williams mourns the transformation of meaningful conversations and connections. Her work captures a sense of longing, especially for a lost love, as she grapples with the shift in her world.