Book Review

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Title: While the Door is Open
Author: Julie Pisacane
Genre: Poetry
Publisher: Publish America
Publish America
ISBN: 1-4241-5497-9
Pages: 100
Reviewer: Tammy Varner Hornbeck

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I waited on pins and needles for this book to arrive, and I wasn't sorry. The cover is breathtaking. It has been an opinion of mine that the cover is just as important as the content of the book, and the cover on While the Door is Open not only fit the work itself perfectly, but welcomed the reader with open arms.

With my heart racing in anticipation, I opened my book. The first poem, Turn A Page touched my soul, not only as a Christian, but as an author too:


Seeds of faith are found on each page
Planted in souls throughout each age
Golden pages help us to see
The glory of eternity

The layout of the book is highly unique, yet it works. The book is separated into sections, all to a purpose from the writer. The whole book is well organized and arranged to benefit the reader, and it does. I especially like the fact that each section has a coordinating scripture; and each poem has a scripture that testifies to the inspiration of the author.

Other poems in the book show a different facet to the author's faith; for instance, the poem entitled Sorry Satan This Soul Is Taken highlights a Christian with an attitude! A perspective not often enough expressed. I loved this poem and couldn't wait to share it with my husband (a preacher).


Get back Satan try something new
My soul's reserved and not for you


Two of the poems were a bit harder for me to understand. The flow didn't seem right, and rhyming meter was sporadic. However, only the author knows the state of mind she was in when inspiration hit, and what makes sense to her wouldn't necessarily to everyone. As a writer and a poet, I understand this better than anyone. It is rare that every poem in a book of poetry is loved by the reader.

Overall, this is a book to add to my list of favorite contemporary poetry collections. It is a book that could be used to snatch a quick moment of wisdom, or as a nice leisurely read over a rainy weekend. I will enjoy reading this book again in the future and sharing particular poems with friends and family.
Julie Pisacane is an author I will be looking for more books from.