Review by Cheryl Antao-Xavier  |  The poems in Adebe D.A.’s aptly named Sea Change probe the depths of intimate relationships reflecting starkly on the vicissitudes of love, in the backwash of a reality check. Crashing illusions effuse self-revelations that surface as a new consciousness and understanding of oneself and one’s sense of self: “for me/it is in hopes that I evade/the traditional female destiny/of longing/for you/to take back the absence.”

A strong undertow of subliminal messaging tugs the reader along in a personal connection on a voyage to emotional maturity: “and do not call me with your old depths/for I am learning to sing a new song/learning to find/a new grammar of beauty/mornings where memories burn/and the poems return.”

The aqueous metaphor is carried through this collection of exquisitely-crafted gems of the deep. The poetry flows effortlessly, the verbal imagery captivates, the wisdom resonates: “that all poems/must be listened to with eyes/and all bodies are poems.”

Sea Change is a compelling read and an impressive first collection. Hopefully we will see a lot more from this young Canadian poet.

• Cheryl Antao-Xavier is a poet and publisher

By Samantha Kay »  When people think romance novel, the first thought that pops up may be 'eHarlequin.com" target="_blank">Harlequin Romance'. And why not? Harlequin romance novels have been around for decades and continue to be the leader in series romance in the world. Harlequin romance novels have definitely withstood the test of time, and are still going as strong today as they were in the 1960's.

Based in Toronto, Harlequin romance continues to publish over one hundred titles of serial romance every month. This publisher's books are printed in twenty-five different languages around the world and are written by over one thousand talented romance writers from around the world as well. Harlequin doesn't just offer office romance any more, however, but psychological thrillers, mysteries and historical romance genres as well.

Harlequin remains one of Canada's most successful book publishers, with sales of over one hundred and thirty million books a year. Harlequin Romance offices make their presence known around the world as well, with offices scattered from Toronto to New York to Tokyo and Warsaw. Because of the worldwide reputation of Harlequin Romance publishers, writers for Harlequin are able to be globally marketed, a bonus for those fortunate enough to be signed on with the huge publishing company.

[Get 2 FREE books and a FREE mystery gift from eHarlequin.com]

REVIEW  |  By Josie Di Sciascio-Andrews  »  In his debut collection of poems entitled Renderer of Words, Mauro Cappa has gathered together an eclectic summary of philosophical ponderings. Each poem is a glittering glimpse of meaning on the multifaceted surface of reality, as filtered through the poet's emotional landscape.

Through the thread of each poem we are taken on a sometimes whimsical, yet often barren journey of the paradoxical realities of existence. In Winter the Canadian lore of hockey and merciless competitive spirit is explored along with the season's bone-chilling sense of alienation.

REVIEW | By Frederick Rocque »  Think romance. And adventure. Let yourself discover long-tucked away memories and emotions. The title Calla & Édourd conjures up images of Love Story in a rural setting and, possibly an imagined link to Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. But once you’ve read the first few pages, there’s no doubt it is indeed more a love story and less a Shakespearean tragedy.

This love story is set in Eastern Ontario as author Kathryn MacDonald gently leads readers into the countryside and into the life and times of Calla & Édourd. 

If ever there was a book that totally reflects the romantic era of Thoroughbred horse racing, it is Canadian racing's best seller Ballads of the Turf and Other Doggerels.

Now in its third printing, Ballads of the Turf captures in verse and ballad form the real life stories of Damon Runyonesque-type characters like Bill the Reverend, Chatahoochee Smith and Sheepherder Bill, in a loving look back at their lives, their dreams, and most importantly, their partnerships with their horses.

REVIEW | By Sheniz Janmohamed » Reading a collection of plays may seem tedious or uninteresting to some, but Janice Goveas’s Margaret in Search of Herself and Other Plays is not one of those collections.

A fascinating, enjoyable read, Margaret in Search of Herself and Other Plays takes the reader on a journey inside the mindset of many a conflicted character. From Margaret, a confused and wonderfully defiant woman, to Akbar, a cultured intellectual blinded by the pain and tradition, Goveas manages to create nuanced, believable characters.

REVIEW | By The Chapter & Verse Team » Is our world being ruled by corporations, not politicians? Toronto poet Denis Fabro in his novel / poem The Corpocracy takes the reader into the underbelly of the world corporate elite where a nation state is built on a foundation of centralized wealth.

Fabro reveals how decisions are made by groups of secret corporate leaders who influence the world economy, politics and war on a grand scale. 

REVIEW | By Cheryl Antao-Xavier  »  Oneal Walters’ debut collection of poems The Age Begins touches on issues that are close to his heart. Many of his poems trace his troubled journey along the path to recognition and validation—in the search for publication of his work. A journey he shares with legions of emerging poets.

His angst is palpable, but through it Walters’ faith in his message and his skill as a craftsman of the written word remain insurmountable. He perseveres and soars above the obstacles, bearing witness with unashamed honesty to this oft lonely journey that writers must persevere through if they are to triumph in the end.

REVIEW | By Kumkum Ramchandani  »  A friend of mine hated Slumdog Millionaire. According to her, the film is neither here nor there - neither a comedy, nor a serious flick. It veers crazily between reality (slums) and improbability (a slum child winning the jackpot on the strength of his life experiences). 

Moreover, my friend says, her voice quivering in disgust, when are we going to stop portraying the negative side of India and show the progress? How long do we play up to the world's perception of its second most populous country as one of stark opposites, that is, extreme poverty and extreme wealth, extreme dirt and extreme beauty, saintly people versus the highly corrupt, etc., etc.