This was such a tender read. It was rich, engaging and touching. I can relate to some of the turmoil shared in some of the poems and I selected quite a few that were my favourites.

I really enjoyed this book and it reminded me of my love for poetry. The honesty in the writing is important to be shared. So many of us can experience pain and sit alone with it. This is a benefit to all, showing that we are understood and seen, when we are brave enough to share.
Much love and gratitude to the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and all responsible for me to be able to have the pleasure to read this.

Looking Beyond the Surface: Baring My Soul Since 1985
(2nd Edition)
By JN Schildt
Brown Sparrow Books
Published 2/27/21

Looking Beyond the Surface is a collection of poems from over two decades, divided into five parts. I think the goal was to start pretty dark and heavy and go through kind of a metamorphosis, becoming more light and hopeful.

Themes such as death, depression, love and heartbreak, insecurity, rejection, being vulnerable, and even music were touched on and explored.

I found the poetry very basic and simple. I’m not a big fan of rhyming poetry, only here and there where it makes sense, and there was A LOT of rhyming going on here. While I found the topics and emotions they explored relatable, the poetry lacked complexity and depth.

Thanks to NetGalley, Brown Sparrow Books, and J.N. Schildt.

I just finished reading this poetry book. I loved it so much that I went ahead and bought a physical copy. The poet did a really good job transitioning from one mood to another as the book progressed. I love how the author went from being in the dark to coming out of it with a different perspective in life. I also appreciate the narrative poetry as it really does paint an interesting picture with a slight twist in the end, how it's tied to mental health. I highly recommend this book if you want more than just thoughts.

Thank you NetGalley and Brown Sparrow Books!

I loved the natural progression of life and emotions through this collection of short stories and poems.
What an excellent pallet cleanser and a good way to reset your mind. A few of these poems are now written out and sitting on my desk as a daily reminder.

Looking Beyond The Surface
Baring My Soul Since 1985 (SECOND EDITION)
by J.N. Schildt
Description
Looking Beyond the Surface is a collection of thought-provoking poems. This collection contains five sections that hold a theme of their own: Misery; Dreams and the Unknown; Love and Lust; Words of Comfort; and Inspirational and Rude awakening. The author starts the readers off with dark and heavy pieces; however, as the pages turn, the details become lighter and filled with an amalgam of colors.

I love this book. It has so much depth and realness. I just purchased this one. So much is covered, and the darkness becomes the light in this. Without darkness, we would never see light. Loved it.

An emotionally charged collection of poetry that is both thought-provoking and passionate.

With chapters or sections entitled:

* Misery
* Dreams and the Unknown
* Love & Lust
* Words of Comfort
* Inspirational & Rude Awakening

This collection covers a wide spectrum of emotions and life experiences that touched my heart and soul.

Wonderful read!