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Review by Reviewer Magazine
I’m not usually into reviewing poetry books, but
somehow this one was sneaked into a pile of CDs and, well, here we are. Joanne Olivieri is a San Francisco-based poet and
writer; she slipped her slim volume of poems in with her girlfriend’s CD – Sony Holland, the blue-noted ingénue.
“Serenity” is chock full of short, introspective little verses that tell of a whimsical life, one filled with
ups and mediums. The meters are not too complex, the verses don’t get over-syllabified which makes for a clearer picture
and a smoother reading experience. Hey-ho/Let’s Go! If you like poetry then by all means go out and find this book.
I’m sure you can locate it if you go to the website of the publisher, http://www.shadowpoetry.com – KM.
Review by Phosphorescence
Magazine
San Francisco based poet and author, Joanne Olivieri, has
been writing for over 30 years. Her debut chapbook, entitled “Red Lanterns,” was published in August 2005, and
was named Poetry Chapbook of the Year 2005 by Muses Review Magazine. The following is a review of Joanne’s second chapbook,
“Serenity”, which debuted in March 2007:
What a gift it is to get to know a little about someone through
her thoughtful, expressive poetry. Joanne’s work implores the audience to use all of their senses, to journey into her
world.
“Nature’s Essence” as well as “Aquatic
Wanderlust” give a sense of the author’s own nature and what inspires her. Without a conscious decision, the reader
is instantly transported to the seashore and becomes enveloped in the atmosphere, with senses fully realizing the environment
that is so beautifully described. Similarly, Joanne touches upon the six senses using scrumptiously rich detail in “My
Love Sense.”
Several poems, such as “Beyond the call,” “You
remain inside,” and “Encore” speak of the sweet melancholy of remembrance for those who have been lost to
us in some way. “Unchanged Melody” also struck a chord, as a thought-provoking, meaningful metaphor for anyone
who has felt trapped by the circumstances of their life. “Averting Eyes” hints at secrets held close, never to
be revealed. These poems draw empathy and quiet speculation from the thoughtful reader.
“The families we make” is an ode to a friend,
and contains a favorite, standout line: “By your example I have learned to expect nothing and give more.” If only
we all had such a friend in our lives to inspire us in such a way as this…
Toward the end of the chapbook, a gem of a short story called
“4:00 a.m. madness” awaits discovery. This piece brought to mind the writing of Edgar Allen Poe because, using
powerful imagery, it leads you on a fear-gripping, suspenseful path of seemingly irrational thoughts that may be all too real.
The ending of this tale is unexpected, surprising, and wonderful. A real treat for the reader.
“Serenity” is the title of this chapbook, as well
as an uplifting and centering spiritual poem. We recommend savoring this collection, and when Joanne asks the question in
the poem “Do you know who I am?” readers can answer that while they may not know everything, they appreciate the
gifts she has set forth and wait for more to come.
Learn more about Joanne Olivieri at her
websites: joanneolivieri.tripod.com and
www.myspace.com/jodapoet
- Lily Emeralde and Emma Dyllan
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