Lines by Leon is a selection of poems, prose, and short stories that address the subjects of loss, struggle, and reflection. Inside these thoughtful contemplations are original observations about ego, behaviour, human relations, places, and the environment. Many of the pieces feature a lighthearted and even humorous take on a subject, and the author invites his readers to laugh, think, cry, and … and meditate on the wide variety of thoughts.
Scattered throughout the book are sketches of various subjects, many that relate to the poems and stories they illustrate; others speak for themselves.
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“My silence is not isolating
But contemplating,
invigorating,
rejuvenating
I’m not shying away
I’m keeping you at bay”
This year has been a great beginning to my reading journey into the poetry genre but Lines by Leon has been one of my favorites to read. Some poems truly resonated with me and I had some self-recognition moments, as well as some laughable moments throughout this collection. The works included in this collection will resonate with almost every reader at one point in their lives. I had so many favorites, in fact, more favorites than I have found in any collection thus far. The poetry was great but the illustrations and the short stories were an awesome addition and I love short stories, so I was beyond surprised to find a section dedicated to short stories at the end. Leon gives us lessons to live by, that explore the human condition on a personal level with a humble humor that allows the reader to relax, read, ponder, and laugh! I will be picking up a physical copy for my bookshelf soon
All time favorite from this collection (well parts of it, get the book if you want the rest…) 😉
“A granite orb
···
Passed to others
A covenant
···
Dropped
It cracks
Shatters
Never to be reassembled completely
To its previous state
Trust”
The truth found in this poem can stretch generations and our kids, our grandchildren can learn the unrelenting virtue of trust and the unrelenting consequences of forsaking this virtue by these words, in which, translation will never be lost
Some other favorites: Silence, My Response, How I See, Shadow, Cycle, Viva Las Nature, A Life Unknown, Book Cover, Ego, Paris, London, We All Know of One (Part 1 & 2), Just Say Yes, If (The Refugee), Why We?, Loss For Words, True Self, and Youth vs. Age
My favorite illustrations: Ok, I liked them all!
“…There is beauty and wonder about
Even if seemingly insignificant
A smell, a color, a sight, a feel
There is always something to appreciate”
[Thank you Leon Stevens for the free eARC]
I loved this poetry book. It has such feeling and it has great expressions. What is there to hate about this book?? Absolutely nothing. Poverty is with with feeling and the author did just that. Beautiful poetry, some funny and some that made you think. The little sketches were a nice touch and its beautiful just like the poetry. At the end were funny little stories that I could not help but laugh and smile. Beautifully written poerty. Loved the book to pieces.
I got a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review
This collection of poems is full of whit, dry humour, creativity, a great deal of wisdom and humanity. The poems made me think, have an emotional response and soak up the common sense wisdom. I liked the positive approach and the self confidence displayed. Each line was filled with insight, whit and wisdom. I know I will reread this book as I do most of my poem collection because the simple act of reading poetry makes me grow and change as a person, so each reading is an unique experience. To me that is the true power of poetry. I really liked this set of poems.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m trying to rack my brain around when was the last time I picked up a book a poems that I wasn’t forced to read in school. How did I forget that I enjoyed them so much? Lines by Leon felt like I was reading someone’s true organic thoughts. I’m not going to line I reread some lines over and over just to truly take in what they were saying. This isn’t a happy love sick book of poems this is a raw emotion, tell us like it really is boom of poems. As an adult who struggles with my own demons and went to school for psychology to better understand my inner workings I want more on the Author and found myself scanning the internet for more of their words to digest. I loved the little drawings that accompanied the words, it was like peering even more in-depth into the authors brain.
I really liked this collection of poetry by Leon Stevens. Many of the poems spoke to me in the sense that they put into words things that I have been feeling and have felt in the past. I also love Leon’s use of descriptive language in his poems; it really painted a picture in my mind, a sort of moving poetry. The poems definitely made me think; about love, heartbreak, and loss. Various topics were also discussed in Lines by Leon, which I appreciated.
This book is an inspiration for me. As a writer, I have a collection of poems and short stories , all scattered around . When I read this book, it was a sign . A sign to follow one’s heart (which is what the author did). Each short story and poem is heartfelt, the author touches on various topics which involve the environment and human emotions, which are so realistic. Every word you read, you feel, that it is written in such a simple well expressed language and you can connect easily to both the prose and poetry. I absolutely loved the book. And Leon Stevens, you are an inspiration.
So typically I’m not a huge fan of poetry, but I really enjoyed reading this short book of prose by Leon Stevens. Some of them I didn’t quite understand (and that’s fine, I’ve never been great with deciphering the meaning of poetry) and others completely resonated with me. I think the two sections The Human Condition and People and Places contained my favorite pieces. I give this book 4 1/2 stars but I’m going to round up and say 5. I really did enjoy these pieces, so a big thanks to Stevens for allowing us the opportunity to read them.
I can’t remember the last time I remember reading poems that weren’t for school. It was refreshing to get to sit down and just read something from someone’s soul. Take a few minutes, make a cup of tea, and have a read. You won’t be disappointed.
This is a compilation of poetry, a couple of short stories and some illustrations throughout which combine to make a thought provoking and interesting read, it deals with a lot of subjects in the current climate, as well as ways of looking at both the light and dark sides of life, this includes personality aspects, the environment, inanimate objects, places throughout the world, from big cities to small businesses and some light-hearted sketches deposited throughout to keep the separation, as well as tying it all together. It is a collection which varies in style and is written in a manner which leaves you in a state of anticipation, wanting to know what the next item will be.
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens
4 of 5 Stars
This inspirational book of poems, prose and pictures takes an observational and contemplative look at “ego, behaviour, human relations, places, and the environment”. Although the poems do address the subjects of loss, refelection, and struggle the writer has taken a more lighthearted and at times humorous take on these subjects. Each poem, prose or short story definitely makes you think and reading them can take you on an emotional rollercoaster, as the blurb says, “the author invites his readers to laugh, think, cry, and meditate on the wide variety of thoughts”. I particularly enjoyed the short stories and could have read more of them. I found the layout of the book a bit muddled, I was unsure at times where one poem ended and another started.
There were phrases and lines in the poems that really jumped out at me and resonated with me. However, some of the longer poems seemed to me to be a jumble of the authors thoughts which I did not understand. Unfortunately although I liked the inclusion of the hand drawn sketches in the book as I thought it made it feel more intimate and personal to the author, again many of them I just did not understand. I have given this book four stars because I did enjoy reading it and it has introduced me to a different genre, but as I’m not a usual poem reader I did feel that I just wasn’t ‘getting it’. However whilst reading ‘Lines by Leon’ I could see how others could get so much more out of the book than maybe I have.
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens
4 Stars
Lines by Leon was a really nice break from the heavier books I’ve been reading lately. I truly enjoyed it. It was refreshing, some made me giggle a bit, and some made me think a lot! I don’t normally read or pick up books like this but I’ll be honest, the cover drew me in but the words inside kept me reading. It was awesome and I read it in one sitting.
I will definitely read more by this author.
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens – Review by Krista Vaughan
A book of reflection and thought. Leon shares his views on different things in life and hopes you will appreciate his views and that they might make you think, just a little. Very light in most places with pictures to accompany some pieces. A wonderful collection of the inner workings of the human mind.
This book definitely took me by surprise! I am a huge fan of poetry but not knowing this poet left me reserved. However, Leon Stevens did not disappoint. He takes us through a journey of his mind and soul. We get an in depth look at how he feels about many aspects of life from the environment that surrounds us to people and places. I had to read this slowly and often put it down for a bit because it triggered some deep thoughts and emotions for me. Along with his beautiful poetry, Leon Stevens also blesses readers with some of his beautiful artwork. It helped the stories to come to life a little more. I will definitely read this again.
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens is a delightful compilation of images built with words. The author makes good use of all the senses, and I found myself stepping into these little “snapshots” of life and becoming fully immersed. It has been quite a while since I have found a collection that has rekindled my appreciation of good poetry. The poems are relatable and poignant, and yet there is an essence of light humor wound through. There are also sketches sprinkled purposefully throughout to add even more to this read. The structure the author uses makes the words flow seamlessly together; before I knew it, I was finished and left wanting much more. Lines by Leon is very easy to read, but stimulating to the mind, and I recommend picking this one up. 4 stars.
This is a lovely set of poems and thoughts that are by turns irreverent, melancholic, meditative, and funny. There is a theme of self in many of them, and how our identity is shaped in relation to others. In “The Human Condition” he writes of how people cluster together both for company and as a way of defining themselves: “Relying on a self portrait by others / To tell them who they are”. There are several poems that I love because of the last line. As in Trust On Sports, where he discusses the futility of getting emotionally invested in sports games, and then in the last line negates it by writing “Maybe someday it all might change/ Because I kinda miss the joy”. It’s hard to describe here how that last little sentence made me smile and feel wistful as the poem took a sharp turn I wasn’t expecting. Enough rambling from me, just read them and see!
4 Stars
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens
Lines by Leon is a collection of short stories, poems, prose and pictures by Leon Stevens. This collection is written from the heart and and touch on several topics like the Environment, Human Relations and behavior I truly enjoyed reading this book. Each one of the short stories and Poems you can feel the emotions in some and they were definitely written from the heart. I found myself lost in the pages and literally buzzed right through it in less than a hour. There’s something for everyone in this book and I highly recommend it. This is a new author to me but I definitely look forward to reading more from him.
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens is a great collection of work that touches on so many subjects. This isn’t the kind of book that I would usually read but I found myself really enjoying this one. It was easy to read and there genuinely seemed to be something for everyone in this. I liked how I could read this book in those few minutes that normally wouldn’t be long enough to read in – one of this collection was perfect for those snatches of time. I enjoyed this book much more than I expected and I will definitely check out more from this author in the future.
Leon writes a book full of poetry, prose, and short stories. This book is easy to read and touches on a variety of subjects such as “The Environment” “People and Places” “As I See It” and “The Human Condition.” Being a beginner with poetry, this was a great book to start with. It is well written and definitely heart felt. With such a great variety of poems, I believe there is a poem that will touch everyone in a way. The personal points of view which are portrayed are easily relatable and resonates with me on a personal level.
A couple of passages that called out to me:
“Bridges are a symbol of perseverance
Bridges may lead to something better
Opportunity, change…”
“Eyes tied down
Ears wired up
Thumbs otherwise occupied
Choosing images
A picture is worth a thousand words
But what will become all of these words
Without voices…”
Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures by Leon Stevens this emotive book is full of many thoughts and doodles and wanderings. It is certainly on book that will make you stop and think and more so at times because I lost my mother recently. It evokes memories of childhood and the wonders of youth whilst also injecting humour making me laugh. If you are up for something a little different then Leon’s book is just the thing.
This book of Poems, Prose, and Pictures was very enjoyable to read. Different sections are introduced which was perfect. “As I See It”, I enjoyed “Smiles” and “Trust on Sports” and I loved the “Environment” section as well. In between there are some just simple but perfect sketchings within some of the sections of the book. At the end are some short stories. This book is short but really made me think on some topics. Very well done!