A New Dish

The first thing that attracted me to this book is the cover. Yes, we do judge the book by its cover. The light summer feel and grace of the daisies in a field conveys the same feelings as reading "A New Dish." An accomplished author, Cherie Burbach recognizes the complexities and joys of life while giving the reader an opportunity to get in touch with their own inner being. Let Go Let go of your expectations the ones you've carried so far on this road holding them tight holding them high in the air asking me again to fulfill them.... Progressing through the book, Burbach takes the reader even deeper into the heart and mind, a place of contemplation. How Long Will I Stay Tell me you love me, whisper my name. Love me as I am, don't wish me to change. Unconditional love, My heart longs to feel.... And, a final realization that: This Is Who I Am This is who I am a girl, a smile. This is who I am with simple style..... This is who I am a spirit strong. This is who I've been all along. "A New Dish" was important for me to read, taking me into the inner reaches of my soul. I resonated immediately with Burbach's writing - it seemed that as I read each piece, it was my own experience that I was reading about. I had to stop and contemplate my own understanding of the moment. Of course, that catapulted me into reflection and either letting go of the past, or acknowledging, with gratitude, my growth. Do I endorse and recommend "A New Dish"? Yes, definitely. Burbach is a talented author that can hook the inner being of the reader and take her or him on a journey to self-reflection.

This is a delightful book of poetry. The title, "A New Dish," is from the last poem in the collection, where the author explains that words call out to her and beg her to get them onto paper (or put them in a pretty dish) before time passes and the words will be different. It beautifully wraps up this collection. Much of it is in the moment. There's observational poetry and story telling--how she once got on the wrong car of a train and begrudged the woman who took "her" seat--and vivid description of the world around her. There's an even mixture of angst and strength and many poems expressing love and gratitude. It's a portrait of growth. Mostly a collection of free verse poetry, I found a few of the more traditional (iambic pentameter) entries ("This is Who I Am") to be particularly strong. Also liked "On Trial" and "Words," and think my favorite was a little lesson called, "Worry." Worth the read. From the author of "I'm Living Your Dream Life," and "The Things I Wish I'd Said," McKenna Publishing Group.

I read this author's first book, The Difference Now, a few months ago and really enjoyed it. I saw a rare talent and have recommended the book to several friends. I really enjoyed this second work as well, the poems are not as dark as the first book and are collectively very strong. The author has branched out into new subject areas, and has incorporated a wide selection of rhythm and tone with each poem. The book has three sections dividing poems of a spiritual tone, relationships, and other subjects. I found the first section very inspirational, and especially liked "Father's Eyes" and "Yes." The second section has several break out poems, and one in particular that I recall is "Is That All There Is." I loved the story that this one told about two women who contemplate the choices they've made - one into a life of kids and housework, and one into a career. It shows two sides of a coin many other women will probably recognize as something they've dealt with themselves. The last section has a variety of subject matter, ranging from people at a train station, the act of writing poetry, the thought of having to send your dreams away because you've neglected them for so long, and finally recognizing the patterns of those who've abused or taken advantage of you. I liked the variety here and the voice of a matured writer.

It's not that I don't like poetry but usually when I read something I don't always get it. Or should I say, I don't usually like it and then other people tell me it's because I don't get it. Anyways... this poetry is different. I enjoyed it very much, and found it to be inspiring and genuine. There's one poem in particular called "Keep Going, Child" that was my personal favorite. As someone that struggled to get pregnant, I also enjoyed "The Test." There's a strong sense of female empowerment in this poetry, but when I gave the book to my husband he also enjoyed it. So I think it's something men or women could enjoy.