"Allison Grayhurst's poetry combines the depth and dark intensity of Sylvia Plath, the layered complex imagery of Dylan Thomas and the philosophical insights of Soren Kierkegaard, taking the reader on a fearless journey through the human condition, delving with honesty into death, grief, loss, faith, commitment, motherhood, and erotic love. Grayhurst intertwines a potent spirituality throughout her work so that each poem is not simply a statement or observation, but a revelation that demands the reader's personal involvement. Grayhurst's poetic genius is profound and evident. Her voice is uniquely authentic, undeniable in its dignified vulnerability as it is in its significance," Kyp Harness, singer/songwriter, author."Allison Grayhurst is the Queen of Catharsis. Allison Grayhurst's poems are like cathedrals witnessing and articulating in unflinching graphic detail the gritty angst and grief of life, while taking it to rare clarity, calm and comfort in an otherwise confusing world of deception, mediocrity and degradation. Allison Grayhurst takes the sludge of life, and with fearless sharpness of eye and heart she spins it free of maggots with the depth of honour and passion. Allison Grayhurst's work is haunting, majestic and cleansing, often leaving one breathless in the wake of its intelligence, hope, faith and love amidst the muck of life. Many of Allison Grayhurst's poems are simply masterpieces booming with thunderous insight begging to be in Bartlett's Quotations, lines such as "I drink necessity's authority." Nothing is wishy-washy in the realm of Allison Grayhurst. Allison Grayhurst's work is sustaining, enriching, and deepening for the soul to read... a light of sanity in the world. As a poet, Allison Grayhurst is a lighthouse of intelligent honour... indeed, intelligence rips through her work like white water, ? Taylor Jane Green BA, RIHR, CHT, Registered Spiritual Psychotherapist, and author of Swan Wheeler: A North American Mythology and The Rise of Eros
Emma, Jason, and Danny Hollen are just three ordinary kids living near the Everglades National Park in Florida, that is, until they find an unexpected visitor in their backyard. To their surprise, the trio come across an egg - the egg of an extraordinary alligator. Keeping the situation hidden from their parents, the kids work to nurture the alligator. And with trouble and danger lurking in every dark corner and twisted shadow of the Everglades, the Hollen kids must use all their skills and knowledge to protect and help their newfound friend survive and grow. ******************************* "Daniel Kim is a determined and talented young writer. We first met when he was in 5th grade, and I was his school's visiting author. I was impressed then because he was well into his first novel. Several years later, he has finished that novel with skillful rewrites, more developed characters, and enticing plot revisions yet keeping the appealing and authentic voice of a 5th grader. Allison: The Adventures of Three Ordinary Kids and an Extraordinary Alligator, Daniel Kim's first middle-grade novel, will delight, entertain, and inform his future readers, and they will eagerly await his next book." Trinka Hakes Noble Author/Illustrator of Children's Books ******************************* "Daniel Kim's first realistic fiction novel combines adventure, suspense, non-fiction facts, and an innate understanding of relationships among siblings. His novel, begun when he was at Brooks Crossing Elementary School, is a wonderful testimony to creative writers who take ownership of their writing and create wonderful stories while doing so. Daniel's novel will be a hit with young readers who will love the way he develops the adventure and the characters, who meet with danger and keep secrets from their parents. This is a fun, fast, and fabulous read " Jodi Mahoney Author/Principal of Brooks Crossing Elementary School
Allison is not your typical alligator. She's sophisticated and refined and prefers the finer things in life. The uncivilized reptiles of her swamp think she is foolish, but Allison will stop at nothing to convince them there is more to life than the murky waters of their swamp. Will her latest plan work?
