Feedback
The Real Scoreboard
The last two weeks has been exciting and well nerve-wracking. My morning routine now has an extra module as I daily check the Amazon rankings for my book “The Quiet: Poems of Endurance” in paperback and Kindle versions. I then feed the overall ranking and category rankings into ChatGPT because it invariably finds the “bright side”. AI is like that one perpetually optimistic friend everyone has.
What I feel is more “real” has been the feedback from people who are now holding my book in their hands. Here in Tokyo, I still do not have a physical copy yet. The publisher seems to be sending my presentation copies via sea turtle.
The first review on Goodreads and Amazon reads,
The Quiet is a heartfelt outpouring of grief, hope, and faith in the midst of crisis. The author shares his thoughtful, honest, and encouraging thoughts during the worst year of his life. For anyone going through dark times of sorrow, loss, or doubt, these poems provide a unique comfort from someone who has been there. Keep a copy for yourself and have one ready to share when the need arises. I did not expect to connect with this book as much as I did. Although I am not typically a fan of poetry, The Quiet is a short yet powerful volume that I highly recommend and will read again.
This means a lot to me. The reviewer understood what this book is about and what it is for. I was thrilled that it connected with someone who is not really a poetry fan. It is poetry, but poetry was the “side door” that allowed me to access thoughts and feelings that were carefully secluded so that I could continue being strong for my family.
I’m going to purchase one for my Godfather. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor last September. He is currently in a veterans home regaining his strength. I’m not sure if he’ll be up to reading it fully himself, but I will ask.
Maybe we can read it together over the phone & I’ll review based on his feedback.
This message came from a friend. She was praying with us while my son had his two operations to remove his brain tumor last year. Truly, this little book (only 40 pages) would be perfect for someone who is battling with illness or someone caring for a loved one. It is not too long or difficult and yet it touches on what is going through everyone’s minds.
I am touched deeply by and - as a poet, Christian, lover of poetry - thoroughly enjoying The Quiet. Thank you for making yourself available to God - in yet this additional way - to bless others with the gifts He’s given, even as He blessed you in giving them to you to express what you were going through.
Your attention to form crystallized each poem as a precious work of art. Each wonderfully made.
What a wonderful way to strengthen and give life to our bonds of unity in Christ, the link of heart- felt and inspired sharing.
Another reader, a Christian poet, blessed me by recognizing the art of poetry. It was the craft of working in forms that allowed me to express emotions that were overwhelming me. It was the conversations with poets from the past that provided companionship in the midst of pain. My hope is that these would be a gift from the Lord to those who also need someone to walk alongside of them.
This little book is never going to be a NYT bestseller. ChatGPT is going to have its work cut out for it trying to stay optimistic once it passes the first 60 days and drops off the new releases charts. But for a small audience; those who are going through it, caring for those who are hurting, grieving the loss of someone special in their lives, this might be just the thing that allows them to hold it together.
The real scoreboard is ministry. How does this book help people and bring them closer to Christ.