This was not an easy one for me but it had a few memorable lines. Quite a few metaphors too many. Some poems are much longer than others. The descriptiveness is present for you to feel. Some poems, few, were strong in the connection of feelings. People who enjoy the world of poetry can direct and enjoy these meditations.
I just reviewed Meditations at Midnight by Gary Jansen. #MeditationsatMidnight #NetGalley

Thoughtful, beautiful, graceful poetry and prose that sparks emotions and deep thinking about things we think about at night, life and love.

This collection of words easily portrayed emotions and I can appreciate that the writing was beautiful, raw, and genuine.

However, I agree with fellow reviewers that I was not expecting this to be based so much in religion, and I think having a mention of that in the summary would have been nice. I also fear that I am just not a deep enough thinker to understand these poems. I was overwhelmed with most of the poems trying to decipher what they mean.

I think there should have been a much bigger emphasis in the description of this book letting the readers know how deeply religiously focused this collection of poems was. I don’t read books pertaining to Christianity of my own volition, however I wasn’t expecting to walk into that so I finished the collect anyway. I did enjoy the prose for the most part and it was definitely a quick and short read!

The writing and prose of this did not capture me, it was hard to understand and follow through to gain an idea of what it was meant to be about. This one was just not for me.

This is a nice collection of poetry and a very quick read. Some of the poems are nice and others you will need to dwell on for a moment to know the meaning. I really don’t read any books based on religion and many of the poems were based around this. I do like the cover. I give the book at 3.5. Even with a lower rating, I would read these to my older students to see how they interpret the meanings of the poems and to teach them that everyone will read and view the text in their own way.

Thank you #netgalley for allowing me to read this nice little book

I quickly devoured this lovely collection…then immediately started over, highlighting the many phrases that spoke to me. A reader could thoroughly enjoy this, without much thought to the deeper meaning, simply because the language and imagery is so beautiful.

This book was written beautifully. The only thing that was hard for me was trying to fully grasp what was going on when the poems were so short. There could have been more detail added, however the book was enjoyable. :)

Gary Jansen writes like no other author I have read and while I found it interesting and thought provoking it wasn’t my cup of tea. From deep poems that truly made me think to the short vignettes that sort of lost me II did not realize there would be such a religious aspect to this book. For a certain reader this book will be inspiring. Thank you to #NetGalley and #MeditationsatMidnight for providing me with the ARC.

Meditations at Midnight by Gary Jansen is a captivating exploration of spirituality and self-discovery, delving into the profound moments that emerge in the stillness of night. Jansen weaves together personal anecdotes, mystical insights, and timeless wisdom to create a book that resonates deeply with seekers of inner peace.

At its core, Meditations at Midnight invites readers to embrace the quiet moments of darkness as opportunities for reflection and transformation. Jansen skillfully intertwines his own experiences with spiritual teachings from various traditions, offering a holistic perspective on navigating life's challenges and finding meaning in the midst of chaos.

What I found most compelling about this book is its authenticity. Jansen's writing is sincere and heartfelt, making it easy for readers to connect with his journey. Each chapter unfolds like a meditation, guiding us through themes of faith, doubt, solitude, and renewal. Whether you're a seasoned spiritual seeker or someone simply seeking solace in a hectic world, there's much to glean from the gentle wisdom within these pages.

Jansen's approach is accessible yet profound, making Meditations at Midnight a valuable companion for anyone seeking deeper spiritual insights. The book encourages us to embrace vulnerability and uncertainty, urging us to confront our fears and embrace the mysteries of existence.

Overall, Meditations at Midnight is a thought-provoking read that encourages us to find light in the darkest hours. It's a book that invites contemplation and offers practical wisdom for navigating life's challenges with grace and resilience. Highly recommended for those on a spiritual journey or anyone looking to deepen their connection to the divine.

I really enjoyed this book. I've been looking for something similar to help expand my skills and this was absolutely perfect to achieve my goals.

Some eloquent phrases, including these two (from different poems) that seem to bookend a single day quite nicely:
"In the distance, the crowing of early dawn."
"This desert sunset turns the sea to wine."

This book contains poetry, but also a section of short stories seemingly intended as parables, and another section of autobiographical anecdotes. I didn't see much connection between the sections, so they ended up feeling disjointed. I feel the author would have been better served by turning these into three separate books, and then expanding on each. The poetry resonated the most with me. There is a strong religious thread through much of the book, particularly in the poetry segment. I found this interesting to watch for and consider as I read through the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this eARC for unbiased review.

This was an enjoyable collection to me because it felt really personal. I felt as though I had a window into some of the author's truly intimate moments. The poetry was smooth and the prose was really interesting because it took me to specific locations I've never been, and I felt as though I got to visit too. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Thank you, NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book and give others my input ✨️

This collection of poetry and prose is a work of art. Like most poetry books or artwork on canvas, it can be great to some and not so much to others.
For me personally, nothing in Gary's book really stood out. There aren't any lines that I highlighted that I would remember and quote forever.
However, there wasn't anything in the book that I didn't like either. The flow of each paragraph that I read had beauty to it. Like I said, work of art, art's just different for everyone.

Solid three stars for Meditations at Midnight ⭐️⭐️⭐️

”𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴, 𝘴𝘰𝘰𝘵-𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴,
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦
𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵.“

There was little that stood out about this book, however I felt calm while reading this…

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘸-𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵.”

"Mediations at Midnight" by Gary Jansen invites readers into a realm where silence speaks volumes and the mind finds solace in the depths of the night. Jansen's book is a poignant exploration of the transformative power of meditation, particularly when practiced during the stillness of midnight.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is its ability to transport readers to a place of introspection and contemplation. Through beautifully crafted prose, Jansen guides us through various meditative practices, encouraging us to embrace the quietude of midnight as a gateway to profound self-discovery. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to meditation, Jansen's gentle guidance makes this journey accessible to all.

Each chapter of "Meditations at Midnight" is imbued with wisdom drawn from a diverse range of spiritual traditions, from Christian mysticism to Eastern philosophy. Jansen skillfully weaves together these insights, creating a tapestry of spiritual wisdom that transcends any single tradition. As a result, readers are invited to explore meditation from a holistic perspective, free from dogma or rigid doctrine.

Furthermore, Jansen's personal anecdotes and reflections add depth and authenticity to the text, making it feel like a heartfelt conversation with a trusted friend. His vulnerability and honesty create a sense of intimacy that allows readers to connect with the material on a deeply personal level.

Overall, "Meditations at Midnight" is a profound and illuminating book that offers invaluable guidance for anyone seeking to deepen their meditation practice or explore the mysteries of the inner self. It is a testament to the transformative power of silence and a reminder that, even in the darkest hours, the light of awareness shines brightly for those who seek it.

This is a beautiful collection of poetry and prose that you can tell came straight from the heart of the author!

I found this a balance of both prose and snippets on the mysteries of life.
It makes a great read that requires a bit of reflection and you cannot help but want to read more.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

thank you for allowing me to review this book!

unfortunately, the writing wasn't engaging to me and i didn't quite understand the meaning behind all the metaphors, which made it hard to enjoy.

Meditations at Midnight: Poetry & Prose is an exquisite collection that transcends the boundaries of ordinary literature, inviting readers on a profound journey of self-discovery and introspection. Jansen skillfully navigates the depths of the human experience, illuminating the beauty found within life’s darkest moments. From the very first page, Jansen’s language captivates the imagination. Each poem is a gem, shimmering with raw honesty and unfiltered emotion. It inviting readers to delve into the complexities of love, loss, and the human condition. Jansen’s words have the ability to speak directly to the soul. Whether exploring themes of longing and desire or delving into the mysteries of faith and spirituality, his writing is both profound and accessible, offering solace and inspiration to readers from all walks of life. Meditations at Midnight: Poetry & Prose is a masterpiece of modern literature, destined to become a timeless classic. Gary Jansen’s magnificent talent shines brightly in this collection, offering readers a glimpse into the depths of the soul and reminding us all of the transformative power of art and language.