This volume reads like a children's book; each poem is made up of short little rhymes that feel very juvenile to me. I do not know what the focus group for this book is. If it is adolescents beginning an exploration of the Pagan or Wiccan path it may be a good introduction. For adults, it is too childish and saccharine.

The poetry collection “Bookends of Life” is special, as it requires the reader to approach the book with an open mind, open heart, and no Ego. The book has a structure of its own, the reader becomes a traveler through its world, but only if they allow themselves to embark on this journey.

The authors, Koch and Finzgar, draw on their experiences and insights, the former as a writer and grandmother and the later as a blossoming pre-teen, to create poetry that resonates with both the innocence of youth and the wisdom of age. Koch’s guiding inspiration stems from a deep connection to nature, mysticism, and the transformative power of storytelling. As a poet, she blends personal reflections with universal themes, inviting readers to explore their own journeys of growth and self-discovery. Koch’s work is influenced by her appreciation for the beauty found in the world around her, as well as her desire to convey meaningful lessons about life.

Her writing style is blending vivid imagery with thoughtful introspection, employing techniques such as metaphor, personification, and sensory details to create immersive experiences for the reader. The reader is not only invited, but encouraged to let go of their Ego and experience the poetry with an open mind and wander through the seasons of the book. Koch’s use of nature as a guiding theme allows for a rich exploration of emotions and ideas, while the dual perspectives of the Maiden and Crone add depth and contrast to her poetry. The rhythmic flow of her verses invites readers to engage with the text on both an intellectual and emotional level, making her work both accessible and profound, a challenge to some and a guide to others.

The Bookends of Life is not just a collection of poems — it is a tapestry woven between generations, a conversation across time between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Each page holds more than words; it carries the rhythm of memory, love, and wisdom that will ripple through their family forever.

I don’t read this book straight through. Instead, I open it as one might open a window, randomly each night before bed, and let a single poem drift into my evening. It has become a ritual I look forward to — a quiet moment to reflect, to breathe, to feel both grounded and lifted. Some nights, I find tenderness. Other nights, strength. Always, I find connection.

What makes this book extraordinary is its legacy. Long after the final poem is read, the granddaughter will carry this gift — not only the verses themselves, but the experience of having created them side by side with her grandmother. That bond is now preserved in ink, something eternal and unshakable, a lighthouse she can return to all her life.

The Bookends of Life reminds us that poetry is not just about language, but about lineage. It is proof that love and creativity, when shared, become timeless.

I have been excited to read this book since I first found out about it's publication. The connection of generations, love, and human understanding really called to me.
The Bookends of Life is close to my heart for more than one reason. There are verses in this book written about someone very important in my life, it is a balm to my soul to read these words and to know they experienced the beauty before they were taken from us.
Everytime I open this book I feel a wave of calmness, whether I read from the first page to the last, or by random choice of page, I have found strength in these words. Sonja and Dalys write from their heart and their lived experience. I have found these words to be healing and validating as they have reaffirmed many of the lessons I have been learning as I grow as a person on this earth. Their words validate the human experience and beyond.
I will recommend this book to everyone I know. If you are reading this review and would like to experience peace, reflection and introspection then please read the Bookends of Life.

The themes of empowerment and growth in this collection are beautifully interwoven, encouraging readers to embrace their uniqueness and cultivate a deeper connection with themselves. The Crone’s wisdom inspires self-honor and resilience, urging you to trust your intuition and find strength in nature. The Maiden’s playful spirit reminds you to nurture your inner child and find joy in the journey, reinforcing the idea that growth can be both profound and delightful. Together, these voices create a comfortable narrative that celebrates transformation and encourages you to step into your own power.

I love the fact that you are reminded to be kind to yourself and cherish life’s little things!

Bookends of Life is a tender and inspiring collection of poems (and stories) that gently carries the reader through life’s ups and downs. I loved how the poems touched on themes of growth, resilience, and connection in a relatable way. Many of the verses read like little sparks of encouragement, while others opened up more intimate reflections that made me pause and think about my own journey. It’s a book I could go back to over and over and have a new perspective on every time I pick it up.

What I appreciated most was the sincerity that runs through the writing. It felt like the authors were opening their hearts and inviting the reader to walk alongside them. The blend of affirmations and personal insights gave the book a rhythm that was both uplifting and grounding.

This book left me with a sense of calm, and I believe it will resonate with readers who are looking for encouragement, hope, gentle reminders about cherishing life’s seasons and a little bit of magic.

The key to truly grasping this book lies in the guidance offered on the Welcome page. It invites us to embark on a “grand adventure” and to set our egos aside. Initially, I approached the text as a book reviewer, which made me judgmental about the content and where it was leading me. I recognized this halfway through the first chapter and decided to start anew. This time, I opened myself up to the poems, embracing whatever emotions arose, even if they were uncomfortable or confusing. This shift in mindset made a significant difference!


Rather than trying to categorize each poem within the seasons—spring, summer, fall, winter—I allowed myself to experience the themes of innocence, awakening, letting go, and contemplation concerning my own life and feelings. This approach was unlike anything I had done before while reading, and it altered my perspective on numerous aspects of my life. I am grateful to the authors for providing me with this transformative experience.



Creatively written and presented!

I was drawn into this book by the synopsis and thought it was going to be a new favorite poetry collection. Most of the poems felt like affirmations you would find on the wall in a classroom. They're ones meant to motivate you. These types of poems are fine but they were not something I wanted an entire book of.

There were a few poems I highly enjoyed from the collection that stood out from the others. They were the ones where the poets spoke on their lives. I wish more of the poems were like those.

** Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for providing this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review **

I found the description for this really intriguing and it was what drew me to this poetry book. However, I sadly didn't really resonate with the poems here.

Having read Bookends of Life, I can't help but feel like the book has an identity problem; many of the poems give me the impression that they're attempting to impart wisdom upon the reader, while others appear to be musings on the life experiences of the authors. It all ends up feeling a bit disconnected, and while I always appreciate beautiful lines about cherishing and embracing nature, it was the poems that spoke of the authors' lives that I found more enjoyable here.

All in all, a nice little read, but I sadly couldn't really connect with it.

While it is a personal policy of mine to not rate poetry under three stars, as it is wholly subjective to the reader and their mindset, this felt contrived and a bit privileged. There was an odd lack of theme and while there were a few poems and lines I connected with I believe the synopsis to be inflated at best. Worth the read! I simply failed to connect.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atmosphere Press for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review!