MANAO PUBLSHING

Reviews and Published Works

All works of literature posted herein are copyrighted and may not be used or reproduced in part

or in whole, either in print or electronically without written permission of the author and publisher.

Please be advised that works by Branch Isole are written for adults, containing adult material and

language, some of which is sexual in nature. All works are intended for mature audiences only.           

 

SITE DESIGNED AND MAINTAINED BY MANAO PUBLISHING ©  2006-2009

GOD...i believe

“The attractive, colorful front cover graphic, title and subtitle are complimentary and appealing.  Your writing is crisp, clear and passionate.  God...i believe offers educational, encouraging, promising, and truthful words.”

 

                                                                              ~Writer’s Digest Magazine

 

Reflections on Chrome

“This book is handsome and was obviously the product of great care and attention. The material make-up is professional and attractive. It gives the writer jurisdiction over a book's quality and particular artistic goals.  I enjoyed the poetry and enjoyed holding a book in which the poems were so well illuminated and contained.  There were moments of strong imagery and detail and those were always a delight to encounter.  The content seemed thoughtful and carefully rendered.”

                                                                              ~Writer’s Digest Magazine

 

 

Postcards from the Line of Demarcation

“Perhaps the mantra for this collection comes from "Restful Season" - "If you don't want to be here/then be somewhere else." If one of the poems in this book doesn't appeal, then keep reading, for you will soon "be somewhere else." The range of subjects concerned is limited only by the possible experiences of an adult. Indeed, the choice of "Postcards" is appropriate, for these works give glimpses into the possibilities of experience, and they invite the reader to share in its creation. As "Tripping" concludes, "the truth/the choice/of a heaven/or hell/ is yours/is in your hands."“

 

                                                                  ~Writer’s Digest Magazine

 

Barking Geckos

“This book is attractive both inside and out. The layout of the poems is very professional, as are the fonts and cover images.  That said, I enjoyed the way the poet used the same good sense approach in the poems themselves, employing a colloquial style and a simple direct address. In a poem like "Cafe Queen" the poet creates a set of characters within the intimate, known-world of the coffee shop. Upon setting the scene and populating it, the poet includes some nice, specific sensory details. I admire, in poems such as this one, the poet's ability to select certain concrete images and use them to make the poem richer. Additionally, though the language seems a bit short handed at times, it does not resort to the cliché or near cliché. Overall, a strong voice here.”

            

                                                                              ~Writer’s Digest Magazine

 

Seeds of Manao

“This book is handsome and was obviously the product of great care and attention. My favorite moments were those that seemed not only crucial, but crucial to be told by this writer and this writer only. I love when I felt a specific way of seeing (in Henry James' word "one on whom nothing is lost"). I think this poet pays attention in every sense and that attention paid is time and writing well-spent. Some loveliness throughout this.”

                                                                             

                                                                              ~Writer’s Digest Magazine

 

 

Messages in a Bottle

“This collection gives evidence of a range of tones and techniques. Indeed it is an "eclectic blend" of different voices, styles, and moods. Here are some examples:

The ability to handle a long narrative story - "Carl's Bad Kid"
Work that is pithy and succinct -"Dementia"
A philosophical musing, food for thought - "In the Wake"
Religious contemplation, exploration of faith -”Tempered Temptation”

Commentary on contemporary society - “Paradise Portals”

Tough talk, a ‘bad ass’ riff - “It’s a Crime”

Sexual fantasy or ‘adult’ material - “Beast with Two Backs”

The poet on poetry - “Muse”

A tender and sweet poem - “Father and Son””

 

                                                                              ~Writer’s Digest Magazine