This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots by Gloria D. Gonsalves is a mesmerizing collection of poems, essays, and short stories. This anthology contains some personable poems that shed light on the rich and colorful cultural heritage of East Africa, covering topics such as love, food, national pride, etc., and showcasing the abundant natural beauty and diversity of Tanzania. In "Chicken Soup Prayer," the narrator reveals the mystical healing properties of a hot bowl of chicken soup. "Remember Those Days" is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. In "Who Am I," the author explores her roots to figure out her own place in the world. The collection also includes some haikus that describe the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro as well as the inevitable necessity of household chores.
Gloria D. Gonsalves takes readers on a journey through the diverse terrain of East Africa with this marvelous poetry collection. Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots is poignant yet light-hearted, touching upon some relevant social issues while offering you a heartwarming sense of belonging to a place you've most likely never been to before. Gonsalves also shares parts of her own life in her verses. There's an essay on the Kiswahili-speaking East African community, a eulogy for the veteran Tanzanian journalist Gabriel Pereira Mgaya, and a thought-provoking short story about a young woman from a remote village in northeast Tanzania who becomes an international fashion model. This is one of the best collections I've read this year. If you're a poetry enthusiast, I can't recommend this book highly enough.
