Book Review: Sunsets are Sonnets and Other Poems by Alvin B. Cruz

Have you experienced feeling empty, but you don't know what you are missing?

Was there a time that you feel down and alone but can't properly explain what is happening?

Are you someone who is silently grieving and lost?

This book, Sunsets are Sonnets and Other Poems will help you find the right words to express how you feel. The book features 30 poems – old and new that talk about the 3L's: life, love, and loss.

It was written by Alvin B. Cruz, a writer, professor, and communication consultant. He is an inveterate traveler and has lived and worked as an English teacher in the United States, Japan, and the Maldives. His earlier poems were published in The Philippine Graphic and more recently his poetry at Wales Haiku Journal.

Through the poems and the traditional Japanese haiku in the book, the author was able to paint a picture of the realities of life that teaches us a valuable lesson on dealing with loneliness and pain. Each poem is unique and rooted in different experiences of the author.

His haiku was beautifully written with illustrations that match perfectly, allowing the readers to enjoy the images described on each page. The use of the different elements of nature, allowed readers to realize that we are not alone with whatever problems we are dealing with right now that even our surroundings understand what we are going through. Just like one of my favorite lines and the title of the book “Sunsets are sonnets whose lines of light overshadow the hidden dangers that lurk in the deep recesses of this dark world.”

Overall, the book was an easy and light read with just over a hundred pages. This book is powerful and will bring out the deepest emotions within us through the author’s excellent wordplay and imagery.

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Title: Sunsets are Sonnets & Other Poems
Author: Alvin B. Cruz
Publisher: Central Book Supply, Inc.
ISBN: 978-621-02-1248-8
No. of Pages: 116
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Edition: 2020
Binding: Softbound

You may order your copy through Central Books

Disney Songs That Will Empower and Inspire Every Dreamer

Walt Disney is known as a pioneer of animated films. He is also the creator of famous cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse and the man behind Disneyland and Disney World which we consider to be the happiest place on earth.

His works represented imagination, optimism, and success inspiring individuals to dream and to work towards achieving that dream. He is someone who was creative and was constantly innovating. He was not scared to push the boundaries which has been one of the key factors to his success.

One of his famous quotes is something that I hold on to. I even have this written on our bedroom wall to remind me every day to pursue my dreams.

"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney

Throughout the years, Disney has been producing movies and songs that are aligned with these values as they continue to bring happiness and inspiration to individuals all over the world.  

Thus, let me share with you some of the Disney songs that will surely empower and inspire the dreamer in you. 

1. How Far I'll Go by Auli'i Cravalho from the movie, Moana (2016)

2. Try Everything by Shakira from the movie, Zootopia (2016)

3. Almost There by Anika Noni Rose from the movie, Princess and the Frog (2009)

4. Happily Ever After by Jordan Fisher & Angie Keilhauer from Magic Kingdom. 

The song Happily Ever After is a personal favorite and this is usually played in Disneyland during the fireworks display. This resonated with me so much that I cried during the first time I heard it and it still gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.  :) 

Anyway, do you have other favorite Disney songs that inspire the dreamer in you? Feel free to comment below.