Sahara Sunday Spain
1 Profundity for idiots
I recieved this book as a present, and was skeptical about poetry written by a 9 year old girl. Unfortunately, I had every write to be skeptical, as this is the stupidest book I have ever read. These are the kind of poems kids can churn out, which, in fact, one has. The only thing is that children's poetry shouldn't be published. Sahara Sunday Spain hasn't looked into her soul and given a profound statement one what it is to be human, she's just written down junk and doodled a little, and got it sold. If you want to read real poetry, buy a book of poems by Emily Dickinson, or Sylvia Plath, or someone with talent. Please, don't waste your money.
2 Not worth it
I'm sorry, but I just cannot bring myself to believe or enjoy this blatant attempt for Sahara Sunday Spain to get into Harvard. Not only is the poetry weak, but it's formulaic and not particularly insightful. Why anyone would want to read poems by a nine year old girl that aren't any good is beyond me. This girl is clearly one of those "helping orphans in Mozambique" community-serivce college-application driven little putzes with a good PR agent. Don't waste your money or buy advertising spiel, this book is strictly not worth it, unless you are someone who thinks that Yoko Ono is a talented singer and Al Gore invented the internet. It's fine if her family thinks she's talented, but they could keep it to the refrigerator. This book of Saharah's mother's poetry is passable on any shopping agenda.
Thanx! :-)
3 A talented poet and loving human being
Experiencing Sahara's book is a gift you give to yourself. It's also a gentle yet strong reminder that we each have the power to create our own unique world, and that our view of the world depends on how we view ourselves. Sahara has clearly learned that love awakens one's senses and spirit. Her keen ability to express those feelings through simple words and intricate illustrations will warm the hearts and stimulate creative minds of both young and old. Her mature wisdom and beautiful view of the world has obviously been stronly influenced by the loving support, nurturing, and artistic photographic skills of her mother. We congratulate mother and daughter, both of whom are great role models. We look forward to purchasing Sahara's next book and have reserved a spot for her in The Kids Hall of Fame.
4 Hi!
I am a "child" who writes poetry. I should be "inspired" right? No! This girl's poetry is nothing special, nothing origional, and nothing that would hold my attention. It's painful to see someone so young fall into the generic rut of writing poetry. Her poems are way too short, and offer no opinions or insight, very "safe", boring ideas. It also seems like it's not really poetry, since most of it is restating facts and emotionless sentences (I don't think she spent much time writing her poems) If you want good poetry I reccomend Poe and Slam! by Alloy.
5 Pure Magic
This is a book that you will want to give as a gift to someone you really like, or love. Sahara Sunday Spain, (If you can believe that name), is a divine child who has expressed herself eloquently in writing and illustrations with her simple straight foreword point of view. Her poems are a balm to the soul, her black and white drawings are exquisite. Every time I open this book I am delighted! I am always giving it away, and don't want to be without it in my library.
6 From The Mouths Of Babes
I have the pleasure of reading many books, preferably children's books, since I run a book store and I am a Sunday School teacher. This book may not be for my 4 year old Sunday Schoolers, but it is definitely a wonderful book. I find this child's words and expression very refreshing. I do not get the impression this child is regurgitating the views of the adults around her, rather developing her own philosophies and views based on her 9 years on this earth.
Miss Spain is very unique and very refreshing. This talented young lady has a great and bright future ahead of her.
7 The Emperor's New Clothes (Sahara's new clothes)
I bought this book based on the reviews, and I was excited about a published child author. As an elementary school language and writing teacher, I was hoping to inspire some of my students. I found it disappointing, and almost offensive from a child. It seems to be an immature regurgitation of some adult's philosophy of life. I'm not even going to resell it - it's going into the garbage to make room for more worthy material on my classroom shelf.
Despite the hoo-ha, it's a loser (just my opinion of course).
8 disappointing
As a poet, poetry lover and children's librarian I found neither originality of thought nor beauty of language here although I do give Sahara Sunday Spain credit for taking the initiative to draw and write so prolifically. These "poems" seem to have come from a little girl who has listened to the sophisticated adults around her rather than from the heart of a child. They are chock full of "new age" cliches.
Poems by a Little Girl by Hilda Conkling (op) is an example of exquisite and original poems that are truly reflections of a child's perspective.
9 Inspiring for Adults and Children
This is a great book to read slowly in bed before you get up on a weekend morning, a quiet time when you can look carefully at the wonderful drawings that illustrate the poems. It is the world through a child's eyes, simple and direct and loving. Both adults and children would enjoy If There Would Be No Light, and it would be a great book to read aloud together. I found the poems reminded me of Rumi. Reading this book renewed my spirit. "You give me wings, like a butterfly, dancing with you, upon two hearts, together, " Sahara Sunday Spain writes in her poem "Wings of a Butterfly." Her gift to the reader is like that, it makes you want to go out and hug someone you love, or to draw something, write something for the love of it.
10 A Blessing
To read "There Would Be no Light" is to read a work that is connected directly and undeniably with Spirit! It is a stunning display of a child in touch with her 'damon'; her purpose.
It is wise,wonderful and inspiring!
11 "If there would be no light"
Poetry at it's best. This young author should be an inspiration to all young students to write. I work in a school and plan to get an additional copy for our library in hopes of inspiring others. This author shows maturity beyond her years. She was interviewed on MSNBC weekend today and showed an enormous amount of poise and courage. When ask if it was hard for her to share her private thoughts, she responded very graciously that it was her gift to share. A gift indeed! You will also love the way the pictures illustrate her words. I look forward to more books by this young author. Her poetry will give joy to all ages. I hope others will be encouraged to purchase one for their favorite library.
