I'll be perfectly honest: I'm picky about poetry. I always have been. I like most of it, but I sometimes feel like I don't "get" most of it.

Poems of Gratitude and Hope are fairly universal though, and I had no issues with the poetry in How to Love the World. Gratitude and hope did, indeed, abound; and we could all use a little more of that these days, right? Right.

The poems featured in this collection felt relevant, not to mention relatable. Interspersed throughout were meditation and writing prompts which, while I didn't take advantage of them, was a nice touch.

On a completely separate note...the book cover is pretty sweet too 😉

Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the ARC.

At a time of isolation, and a life lacking hope, I think this book is just what the doctor ordered.

Within the compilation of poems there is something for every heartache, reminding us to find joy in the little things. "Any Morning" by William Stafford struck me specifically as it reminds us that is "OK" to do nothing. Self-care is important, the pressures of society need to be alleviated sometimes. As the saying goes, "one cannot pour from an empty cup".
Another poem that has stuck with me is "In the Company of Women" by January Gill O’Neil. I loved this because it depicts exactly what I'm missing the most, reminding me how it feels to be carefree and enjoy a meeting with my friends, which during lockdown is an opportunity that is unfortunately not always possible!

I am grateful for the opportunity to read this collection of wonderful, heartbreaking and heartwarming poetry. I know I will be buying a hard copy to cherish and keep on my shelf for occasions when I need a little reflection on my life.

Some of the poems touched me and made me feel the hope, love, and gratitude I wished I’d find in this collection. Others, well, they upset me because they didn’t show respect and love for all of our fellow earthlings and made me feel hopeless for our future. It’s a well known fact that eating animals and their secretions is destroying our bodies and our world - why then, are there poems included about eating the flesh and secretions of non-humans? Of hunting fishes just trying to live their lives and then being hooked in the face? Disturbing and definitely not a way to demonstrate gratitude.

Had the editor caught these contradictions and not included them in an otherwise uplifting book it could be appreciated by a wider audience.

A few of my favorite poems include: Praise of Darkness by Francine Marie Tolf, Wondrous by Sarah Freligh, Goldfinches by Danusha Lameris, Winter Morning by James Crews, A Dervish of Leaves by Ted Kooser, and In Love With the World by Mark Nepo,

Thank you to James Crews, the other authors, Storey Publishing, and #NetGallery for an eARC of #HowtoLovetheWorld in return for an honest review. Review will be posted on NetGallery and Goodreads.

Name: How to love the world
Author: James Crews
Genre: Poetry, Anthology
Rating: 4/5
Review:
An anthology of poetries about hope, gratitude and forgiveness from well known poets. Each poetry is different from the other, unique in their own ways, in thoughts, in ideas, but they resonate to each other, like the different colour of light, so different, yet the same.This book gives the feeling of being whole, being complete. I found most of the poetries delightful and pleasing, some were heartbreaking like the poem "At the age of 18" by Amanda Gorman and "Forgiveness" by Marie McCue. I found the poem " In Gratitude" by Abigail Carroll.
It is perfect for all type of readers. This book contains all kinds of sentiments, pain, loss, hope, gratitude, forgiveness, and happiness. How To Love The World is definitely an amazing book and I would recommend it to all the readers.