Hugging This Rock
Poems of Earth & Sky, Love & War
Eric Chandler
BOOK REVIEW

Hugging This Rock: Poems of Earth & Sky, Love & War is a stirring collection by Eric Chandler that encapsulates the human experience in a way that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever pondered their place within the cosmos. Through his poignant verses, Chandler intertwines themes of nature and humanity, war and peace, love and loss, creating a tapestry of emotion that leaves readers grappling with the very essence of existence.
From the moment you dive into this 116-page anthology, Chandler's voice invites you into a world where the earth and sky are not just backdrops but living entities that shape our experiences. His ability to capture the raw beauty of nature alongside the havoc of human conflict is nothing short of mesmerizing. Each poem acts as a brushstroke on the canvas of our collective memory, expertly blending the serenity of a sunrise with the turmoil of war.
Chandler's words ignite a passionate fervor in the reader, compelling them to reflect on their own life-where love has thrived and where shadows of conflict have lingered. This is not just poetry; it's a call to consciousness. His verses evoke feelings that bubble to the surface-joy, sorrow, anger, and ultimately, hope. You can almost hear the whispers of the wind through the trees and feel the urgency of the struggle that many have faced throughout history and continue to face today.
The feedback from readers of Hugging This Rock paints a vivid picture. Critics are vocal about Chandler's intense imagery and evocative language, often applauding him for confronting complex emotions with a simplicity that resonates. Some express a sense of catharsis after engaging with his work, while others find themselves wrestling with darker themes that reflect the reality of life's dualities-love so deeply intertwined with loss and war. Yet, there are dissenting opinions; a few readers found his style too abstract at times, craving more concrete narratives instead of the flowing, impressionistic approach.
However, this is what makes Chandler's poetry remarkable-it refuses to be neatly categorized. Like life itself, it is messy, chaotic, yet undeniably beautiful. He forces you to confront your own vulnerabilities, inviting you to explore the depths of your emotions through his words. By weaving personal and universal experiences together, Chandler offers both a mirror in which we see ourselves and a window through which we glimpse the larger world.
Erasing the boundaries of genre, Hugging This Rock appeals broadly, resonating with poets, nature enthusiasts, war historians, and lovers alike. But it is not merely a book of poems; it is a reflection of our shared human saga. It challenges you to think: What does it mean to be part of this earth? What stories do we inherit when we engage with the conflicts that shape human history?
Chandler's work does not shy away from the past; instead, it embraces it, asks tough questions, and expresses what it means to feel so profoundly as a member of the human race. His poetry echoes the tumultuous cries of soldiers, the heartfelt whispers of lovers, and the quiet sighs of nature itself. 🌍💔
In the end, Hugging This Rock is not just a collection of poems; it's an experience that pulls you in, makes your heart race, and leaves you with questions that linger long after you've turned the last page. Don't miss your chance to get engulfed in this sea of emotion, as it is sure to spark your curiosity and deepen your understanding of love, war, and everything in between. ✨️
📖 Hugging This Rock: Poems of Earth & Sky, Love & War
✍ by Eric Chandler
🧾 116 pages
2017
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