Rewritten Lives, Review

My first signs of intrigue with J. Elliot Howard’s Rewritten Lives occurred when reading the Notes from the Author.  Elliot sums challenges, heartache, loss, changes, and learning as classes in which necessary lessons are learned.  I agree with the author.  Progress does not happen in settled and monotonous ruts; people need movement and the occasional shake down to grow.

The second part of this poetry anthology to catch my attention is the dedication to grandma’s and the first section title “Days for Evadean.” During my first Blog Talk Radio (BTR) show with J. Elliot Howard, Elliot mentioned that no one “can see him without seeing her.” His grandmother, Marjorie Evadean Coker, was a vital part of his inspiration to write, grow, to live, and love.

The first poem “Do You Remember?” is about his grandma Majorie Evadean Coker. Elliot poses questions that only his grandma can answer, but I believe any reader can sense the strong bond that holds these two together. Without giving the entire poem away, I would like to recite just a few lines that stood out to me -

This is the truth without

end,

You are more than my

Grandma,

you are my friend.

During the BTR interview and while reading this book of poems, I realized, yes, Elliot writes about a myriad of themes and topics, but the most important part of his life, the ones he was most sincere in his writing, is his family. For instance, “My Rose” is about Elliot’s mother. Her support for him as a child and now as a man gave him a lot of strength and courage as a person and a writer.

I also noticed that Elliot’s voice seems to evolve. It is apparent that these poems were written at different stages of his life. He becomes more direct and concise in his later works, but in all of his poetry he carries much weight in his feelings. This is the type of book you feel as you read it.

Another poem that I like is “My Turn Now.” This is an elegant poem about Elliot’s grandmother, who had a rare form of breast cancer that was discovered too late. Another personable poem is “Forever is Not Enough.” In this piece, the author writes about dealing with the loss of a loved one, his grandma.

And I could thank God,

but that is not enough.

Thanking time for

the moments,

But that is not enough.

Because having forever

is not enough

All of the poems in this book can stand by themselves, but they are powerful as a group. J. Elliot Howard discovered a way to share inspiration from pain with written word. The rewritten realizations that must be reached for life to evolve are in this book of poetry.

Learn more about the author and his work by visiting his website www.rewrittenlives.com. You may also listen to the Works Cited Engage in Book Talk radio show, www.blogtalkradio.com/works-cited. Elliot will be on the show for another interview on December 20^th at 1 p.m. EST.

J. Elliot Howard will visit Works Cited, LLC on December 17^th as part of his winter book signing tour. Works Cited is located on 215 S Adams St, downtown Marion. For information call the bookstore 765-662-3447 or email info@works-cited.com.

-Loretta Walker

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