Pacific Book Review 2020
WINNERS & FINALISTS (1 is winner, 2 is finalist for each category)
Best Inspirational
1. Just a Thought: Volume 2 – By: Richard Byrd
Book Reviewed by Ella Vincent
Richard Byrd’s Just a Thought Volume 2 is thoughtful collection of inspiring
observations. The collection of poems will enlighten readers.
Just a Thought Volume 2 is a collection of title-free observations about life and love.
Many of the poems are about reflection and being cautious about how to treat other
people: ”Be aware of how we treat others, regardless of what we may see, hear or
think/it’s always a reflection of self/just a thought.” Byrd also writes eloquently
about the importance of optimism during times of strife: “You may think that things
are falling apart instead of noticing them falling into place/just a thought.”
Byrd’s writing is very relatable and easy for readers to understand as well. His
writing is evocative and has messages that will resonate with readers. Just a Thought
Volume 2’s use of metaphors is also clever: “If you can’t save your money/then
maybe you should fix the leak in your budget/just a thought.” Byrd’s repetition of “
just a thought” at the end of every poem gives the text a memorable cadence.
Portions of the book could be read aloud as spoken word poetry because it has a
meaning which is individually interpretative as well as being a group message. His
writing also has a thought-provoking theme about hope and having faith: ”Having
faith is knowing that you don’t have to ask/for the same thing twice/just a thought.”
His positive outlook on life will resonate with readers as well. Just a Thought Volume 2
also has an important message about the importance of selflessness: “It would be
fruitless to step up and move forward/if you cannot reach back and help someone else
along the way/just a thought.”
Just a Thought Volume 2 would be best for readers who want to read inspirational
books like Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield. The book would also be best
for readers who to read a book to help them deal calmly with issues, like Don’t
Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. Just a Thought Volume 2 would also be
ideal for readers who want to read inspirational poetry like Heart Talk like Cleo Wade.
The book could be distributed to spiritual groups or to readers that need inspirational
advice. Readers can easily catch on the themes of Just a Thought Volume 2 even if
they missed the first volume.
Just a Thought Volume 2 is an insightful text that readers will love. Byrd has written a
book that will resonate with readers. The small collection of thoughts will have a big
impact on readers.