RIP – Rejection, Inspiration, & Peace
Juanita Harris
Lulu Publishing
Reviewed By Gloria Ferris
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
"Like the life cycle of a butterfly,
Our lives are always changing…
It's never too late
To emerge into a better you"
Taken from "Metamorphosis," these few lines embody the essence of RIP – Rejection, Inspiration, & Peace. The debut collection of poetry by Juanita Harris, RIP
is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of a survivor's spirit, having
overcome illness, abuse, and heartbreak, yet still maintaining a
tender, untainted sensibility.
Pieces such as "November
Thirteenth" and "Mommy" rip at the heart strings with their unflinching
takes on the harsh realities of life. Moreover, "There was a Girl" will
serve as a strikingly powerful reminder to anyone that has ever been
betrayed by another. Perhaps the strongest take on the mercurial nature
of love, though, comes in this passage from "Make Believe":
"Romance
Is make-believe
Marriage
Is a fairytale
Trust and love
Are just wishes
That will never come true
And a kiss
Is just a reminder
Of the emptiness inside of you."
Such
poignant observations from such a young soul speak to the wisdom of a
seasoned spirit with many insightful stories to share.
In addition to serving refreshing commentary on love, RIP
shines for its inspirational brilliance. "Thanksgiving" and "Being a
Mom" are touching reminders that the simplest things in life often
bring the greatest satisfaction, and there is no denying the value of
this powerful affirmation from "When Your Dreams Fall":
"When all your dreams have fallen down
And the goals you've set just can't be found
Get down
Bow your head and pray
Ask the Lord to guide your way."
Juanita
Harris is a truly gifted scribe who will surely contribute greatly to
the world of literature in the coming years, but for now RIP will serve as a stirring introduction to a poet whose time has come. Lookout for more from this impressive young talent.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Juanita Harris (RIP - Rejection, Inspiration, & Peace)
Apex Reviews: Juanita, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking very much forward to learning more about your book.
Many of the pieces in the book are achingly personal in nature. Was it difficult for you to capture the depths of your emotions on paper?
Juanita Harris: Capturing my emotions on paper wasn't difficult at all. Many times I find that when I feel really strongly about something, it is easier for me to pick up a pen and write about it, as opposed to telling someone how I feel.
AR: In the same vein, is it difficult for you to share intimate details of your life with a mass audience?
JH: Yes, it is very difficult for me to share such intimate details about my life with so many people. I'm giving everyone who reads this book an inside look at me and what I feel. That worries because it is very personal. I'm concerned with how some people that I am close to might feel about some of the stuff I wrote.
AR: You delve very deeply into many difficult subjects, including abuse, illness, and depression. How does relating these issues come so naturally for you?
JH: I think it is the fact that I've been through these things. Having been through the experience makes it easier to write about it. It kind of gives me an inside advantage and helps me to express it better.
AR: Judging from some of the pieces in the book, you've had more than your fair share of heartbreak. Why do you think you've been so unlucky in love?
JH: I have no idea. I am right now, examining myself and trying to figure out how I can become a better person and make better decisions. But this whole love thing is still a mystery to me. All of my relationships seem to fail for one reason or another.
AR: On the other hand, you write glowing pieces about your love for your kids. Are they the primary inspiration for your efforts?
JH: Yes, my children inspire me on so many levels. They are so important to me and I want them to see me doing positive things and accomplishing goals that I've set. I want them to know that anything in life is possible. I want them to have hope for their futures and to accomplish many things in their own lives.
AR: RIP will be officially released in March (congratulations!). What has your experience been like in finally bringing your work to the light of day?
JH: At first it was frustrating. I sent my work to several publishers, journals, lit magazines and agents. I was rejected by everyone. So it kind of made me second myself. When I finally decided to self publish, I was nervous. But now it's all really exciting. I'm getting a lot of positive feedback and that feels good.
AR: What are your future publishing aspirations?
JH: I hope to eventually move into novels and children's books. I'm never going to stop writing poetry, and I intend to publish another collection of poetry in the far future, but I would like to do novels too. I am working on a horror novel right now and I have a children's book already completed, so my next goal is to get them published.
AR: What do you think of the fact that poetry doesn't tend to sell as well as other literary genres?
JH: I think that if you're doing this for money, then poetry is the wrong way to go. But I write because I have something to say. I'm publishing this book to reach out to people. I know I'm not the only person who has felt what I've felt and been through all this stuff. I just want people to know they are not alone. We all struggle. We all have our faults, but we learn and we grow. We pick our heads up and keep on going. If someone reads this book and can relate to me or if they can tell me that something I wrote made a difference, then I'm satisfied.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
JH: No, not really. Just read the book. A lot of my thoughts are in there. But I do want to thank my family, friends and Myspace pals for their encouragement and support.
AR: Thanks again, Juanita, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!