Title: Love & Poems
Author: Sunny Monroe
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 979-8-8320-1395-6
Pages: 62
Genre: Poetry
Reviewer: Carol Davala

Read Book Review

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Sunny Monroe’s Love & Poems, a
collection of 60 verses with a central focus on love and the various feelings and
emotions it gives rise to, seems a timely and appropriate consideration.

Monroe’s free form style captures a variety of relatable sentiments. While most suggest
a relationship with a partner or soulmate, included are connections between loving
friendships, the unconditional love of a mother, and the memories of a father who left.
Deep feelings of faith and a belief in God are also clearly present in the poet’s life. In
“Oh God!” Monroe looks to a higher power for comfort and help, while in “Dear God”
she relates to him as “the light in the darkness”, and the one and only to believers.

Here poems are primarily written in a paragraph type format without any set pattern.
While there are instances of rhyming, some attempts seem a bit forced. Clearly it is not
Monroe’s primary aim, and the ultimate intentions of her words are easily recognized.
The work covers several love related themes. Though some sensibilities may seem a bit
cliche such as “Lead With Your Mind” which warns about following your heart and being
blinded by love, Monroe offers positive reinforcement that suggests keeping your eyes
wide open and looking for the truth in amorous situations. Her advice is solid and
genuine. In “Through The Fire” Monroe points out how relationships can change going
through life’s ups and downs, but ultimately you hope to grow old together. She speaks
of being apart from a loved one and the uncertainty of the future, but wisely she wants
the individual to realize they are not irreplaceable.

Some typical metaphors are used, i.e. “like a flower in a rose garden …” or “… stars in
the sky …”, and true love is defined as patient and kind, but Monroe always emphasizes
the importance of truth in any lasting relationship. She also reflects on the idea that
happiness must be found in oneself, and not merely in someone else.

While Monroe’s compilation considers both the good and bad aspects of love and
relationships, like a poetic string of conversational candy hearts, this small literary
confection is filled with thought-provoking intentions. Love & Poems is perfect for poetry
lovers, and those seeking spiritual encouragement. This collection of poetry is uplifting
and encourages believers to embrace God’s love more fully.