THIS HAD ME IN TEARS...

[Bernice Angoh]

Lemonade Street

Bernice Angoh

ISBN: 1-4241-9667-1

Publish America, 2007

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com

Many facets of love…

5 Stars

In the introduction to Lemonade Street, Bernice Angoh describes the myth of fairytale love with a happy every after ending. Love, like all of life has its ups and down; too many people cling to the make-believe form of love. They do not know or ignore the fact that love brings exhilaration, pain, satisfaction, and sadly disenchantment. Prince Charming and his white horse does not come riding to the rescue, to sweep us off our feet and carry us into never-never-land. There is only one unconditional love, the love a parent has for a child, as demonstrated through the love the Father has for His children.

Much of this charming work seems to revolve around a stunning little girl, whose photos add sentiment to the prose. "Now I Lay Me Down" speaks of a love that lasts through eternity. "Follow Me" spoke to me of the delight of holding my lover in my arms and reaching new heights with him. "Secrets" sorrowfully spoke of an adulterous affair. "23rd Psalm Revisited" is a beautiful interpretation of the beloved scripture. This book ends with a few quotes, my favorite is ‘Success is putting your prayers and dreams in action, with no excuses and no room for quitting,’ Bernice Angoh.

I must be honest; poetry is not my favorite form of literature. Too many times the meaning is so obscure that only the author truly knows the deep meaning of the verse, not so in Lemonade Street by Bernice Angoh. The prose is simple, original, and easy to understand, the emotions are genuine and heartfelt. Lemonade Street is a beautiful interpretation and celebration of the many facets of love. The love a parent has for a child, the love of a man and a woman, and the love that God has for us. It would be hard to chose a favorite, so many of these touched my soul. Some of these brought tears and some laughter ("Your Fly Is Open"). Well done MS Angoh! I highly recommend Lemonade Street to fans of poetry and to women everywhere. There is a message in this book that will touch the hearts of women.