Review of Ambrosia: A Poetry Anthology

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
**** I give Ambrosia: A Poetry Anthology 4 stars. It’s hard to give a rating to an anthology because inevitably I find myself liking some of the works and not being crazy about others. So, how do you choose which way the scale falls? I also find that I’m pretty particular about poetry so even within one poet’s work, I’ll love one poem and find myself yawning through another. Rating this one was difficult.

What really pushed this one up into the four-star range is the pledge to donate royalties to a cause that is important to me: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I think it is amazing that all these artists – the poets, cover designer, editor, etc. – donated their time and talents to a meaningful cause. I thank them.

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What I Liked:

• This is a very diverse collection. There really is something for every taste. Some of it was more flowery and lighthearted, some gritty and straightforward, and some cerebral and dark. I’m sure everyone can find something they love in this book. Some of the poems I had to stop and read a second or third time. Some moved me to tears. Others I found predictable and dull. But I think the diversity makes it a more interesting read than a book of only one poet’s work.

 
What I Didn’t Like:

• Surprisingly, I found that the layout bothered me. I don’t think this would be an issue if I’d had a paperback copy that I could flip back and forth through. And I completely understand that the best way to showcase the poets was to introduce them with a bio and then have all their poems follow. However, I think I might have enjoyed them interspersed. This is just a quirky thing on my part.

 
Would I Recommend and To Whom:
If you’re interested in supporting a good cause and looking to find some new poets/authors to add to your reading list, give this one a look!
 
Favorite Poems:

• “Over,” “Fiona Baked Apple,” & “Grandfather” by Eric Keizer
• “Open Mic” by Alyssa Trevitt
• “Hungry for Success” & “What’s New(s)” by Sam DeLoach
• “Inner Demons” by Stacy Overby
• “When Beauty Falls” by Stephanie Ayers
• “The Falling,” “The Sadness Lies,” “Cage,” & “Ciccone’s” by Veronica Falletta