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PRAISE & REVIEWS
Testimonial
Hear from Our Satisfied Readers The Joy Our Books Bring
Honorary Consul; Former President, Consular Corps Association of Philadelphia; Inductee, Hall of Fame, St. George’s College, Jamaica
“The language punches, the pigments vivid, the emotions raw… Staring Into My Soul delivers on every promise and lays my soul bare. Every inch of the Jamaican experience is explored in live and living color. As a screenwriter and filmmaker, I see the words flying from the page and transforming themselves into motion before my very eyes. From the tenement yard to politicians hustling; the remnants of grinding slave mills and the scorn of blackness to the pride of freedom and licking sixes; the ragga-ragga sound of a lead guitar to the silent prayer. I see it all so clearly. Rage, laughter, love, life coalescing into sacred pages adorned with the authenticity of the Jamaican tongue. What more could I have asked for? Take your time. Breathe deeply as you let the verses of a master wordsmith wash over you and invade your consciousness. Curtis Myrie – di book sweet. Yuh bad as yaws!”
author of The Silent Stones, a historical novel, and I Am No Poet, a poetry collection; filmmaker, The Gift Everlasting
“Staring Into My Soul by Curtis Myrie reflects his perspectives through clever verses, rhythms, and rhymes. His use of Jamaican Patwa revives the spirit of Miss Louise Bennett-Coverley, Jamaica’s preeminent wordsmith, telling stories in a vibrant and poignant way. From humble beginnings, Curtis has become a successful spoken word artist and poet, well known in Jamaican poetry circles. His time at the prestigious St. George’s College broadened his worldview, which shines through in his poetry. Drawing on his life experiences, Curtis explores a wide spectrum of themes, each timely and resonant, celebrating resilience, compassion, and the camaraderie that emerges from the shared human experiences. His poems highlight the determination and adaptability of people facing challenges, tapping into their inner strength to overcome adversity. Staring Into My Soul is a multifaceted collection where Curtis raises the bar with his profound lyrics and thought-provoking insights.”, rhythms, and rhymes. His use of Jamaican Patwa revives the spirit of Miss Louise Bennett-Coverley, Jamaica’s preeminent wordsmith, telling stories in a vibrant and poignant way. From humble beginnings, Curtis has become a successful spoken word artist and poet, well known in Jamaican poetry circles. His time at the prestigious St. George’s College broadened his worldview, which shines through in his poetry. Drawing on his life experiences, Curtis explores a wide spectrum of themes, each timely and resonant, celebrating resilience, compassion, and the camaraderie that emerges from the shared human experiences. His poems highlight the determination and adaptability of people facing challenges, tapping into their inner strength to overcome adversity. Staring Into My Soul is a multifaceted collection where Curtis raises the bar with his profound lyrics and thought-provoking insights.”
Commonwealth Short Story Prize Global 2023 Winner; Co-author of Amazon Bestseller Heart of a Black Man: Inspiring Stories of Triumph and Resilience; Ghostwriter and Book Mentor Strategist
“Curtis Myrie’s Staring Into My Soul blends intricate threads of poetry, harnessing the Jamaican language to create a vibrant and complex tapestry that mirrors the vibrancy of life in Kingston. Myrie’s poetic reflections illuminate the resilience and courage essential for navigating life in Kingston, depicting the strength required to confront daily challenges and systemic injustices. He holds up for our eyes the sacrifices made for loved ones and the deep bonds that sustain them through difficult times. This work resonates with my own explorations in Run to Freedom, echoing themes of determination, courage, love, and sacrifice in the quest for self-empowerment. Three hundred years after the initial struggle against colonials, social injustices are wielded by different hands. Still, the thirst for freedom—sometimes smoldering, sometimes raging—continues to burn in the hearts of the island’s people.
author of Run to Freedom and Run to Freedom: Hinterland
“A prolific writer who masterfully weaves language, political history, philosophical truths, revolution, and the human soul into every word. This collection radiates a warrior spirit, delivering a powerful emotional resonance that lingers, stirring conversations and self-discovery in its readers. Like a silent river, its waves wash the shores of our consciousness with the force of a thousand waterfalls, inspiring us to embrace authenticity in thought and character. The poet’s presence on stage mirrors the depth of this work. With unwavering confidence and a commanding voice, he draws the crowd into stillness, compelling them to listen. His delivery is both profound and magnetic, much like this collection. A highly recommended read for anyone seeking rhythm, truth, and the raw beauty of the spoken word.”
author of Pearls Among Stones
“A wonderful collection of poems weaved with a clean heart and a clear social conscience. Staring Into My Soul is to be savored and experienced in more than one sitting. It offers a mirror into each reader’s own heart and soul. Brilliant!”