BOOK REVIEWS
Rev. Haywood Gray
Congratulations on your publication of A Guiding Light: Poems and Reflections! I am delighted to have purchased a copy and am enjoying the book. Thank you for making this important contribution to the body of faithful and faith-inspiring books. I am proud of you and your work across the years to lift and enlighten communities and institutions.
Rev. Jon Speed
Your inspired words were shared in such a way that the reader is touched regardless of their position in life. You share words of inspiration that encourage those that are experiencing uncertainty and doubt about life experiences. They serve as an array of, hope for those in despair, and joy for those that need affirmation and confirmation that they are loved by an Awesome God. I was particularly moved by inclusion of a scriptural reference for each of the inspirational/reflective thought. I feel that the author shared her thoughts in an open and authentic manner particularly in her acknowledgement and recognition of those that she knew personally and struggled with cancer and other debilitating illnesses.
Deborah Clark
Awesome! I thank God that her gift of putting what was in her heart in a book has made room for her. If you are looking to be encouraged and blessed, I highly recommend it!
GWM
ENLIGHTENING!! Truly an inspiring compilation of the author's life's journey. Simply goes to show that wisdom has nothing to do with age, but everything to do with our life experiences; how we go through those experiences; and what we learn from them. "I Am" for me is a realization that regardless of what you face, you can make it with God--even in the bleakest situations. Encourages us all to know and understand that I am because HE IS!!
Tracy BC
Thanks for sharing.....truly Love Throughout the book! I write this review today, as I normally do not write reviews, because the LOVE is REAL. I keep "A Guiding Light: Poems and Reflections by my bedside. I read from it most days as I derive comfort, direction, strength and love from each and every word on the authors pages. When I started reading this book, I started from page one. After months of having this jewel, I read and reread wherever my fingers lead me. What the author does for my soul, my heart, my perspective for the start of my day, to my perspective at the end of my day, is real. It is like she is there for me, next to me, with me as God is with her GUIDING us all in LOVE. May Ms. Udoema be blessed with much love as she has blessed her readers. "Every Burden is a Blessing", "He has a Plan and Purpose for my life and it is good", "Corn on the Cob" all loving and insightful messages from Ms. Udoema that will resonate with the reader.
Thank you for this treasure. I have purchased this book as a special gift for several friends and family members.
DM
Very inspirational and uplifting...thoughts are interwoven with Scripture. Easy read and gives hope as you navigate through life’s journey. A refreshing picture for believers to see the hope in the Gospel.
Michelle Austin
This book has been such a blessing!!! I have fallen in LOVE with this book. I have added it to my daily devotion and most days I am in tears! My tears are of joy and of feeling so blessed and renewed! I know the author and I would not have posted a review if I didn't truly enjoy reading A Guiding Light. This book will definitely uplift your heart, your soul and your spirit!!!!!
MEG, Esq.
Beautifully written reflections of the heart. This book is inspirational and can even be used as a devotional; I would recommend this book to anyone seeking a word of encouragement and upliftment.
Brazel
Great Book, thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very timely and applicable for me. Inspirational and uplifting. A daily read that i have passed on to family members and friends. Good job Corliss!
Isaac Sogunro
What a great book the author has put together with love, time and care. Someone once said, "While it is wise to learn from experience, it is wiser to learn from the experience of others." Ms. Udoema's experiences has molded this book into what it is. A book that others can learn and draw inspiration from as we go on a journey of the life experiences of Ms. Udoema through brief stories and powerful poems. My favorite poem so far is, “Fight for your destiny”. Here are two of my favorite excerpts in that poem.
Fighting the good fight of faith
Is impossible for you to do
If you leave all your faith
And power on the church pew
It’s time to walk in power
And fight for your destiny
The victory is won
Every time you go down on your knee
WOW! Puts things in perspective of who you really need at your side in that fight for your destiny.
Carrie
I just opened up this book - A Guiding Light; Poems and Reflections - and started reading from page 1; I could not stop reading! Within a day and a half I had read and enjoyed this entire book beginning to end! The writing style is easy to read, easy to understand and it is certainly easy to relate to the lessons being taught. The author's love of the Lord shows through. This book feels like it connects from one heart to another heart! I purchased 3 books and have 3 special ladies in mind that I know will benefit from the teachings and love that flow so smoothly from this author's hand. Hallelujah!
Donna Brandveen
Beautiful and heart warming poems, complimented by the stories that inspired the poems. A must read.
Maryland P. Jones
A Guiding Light, Poems and Reflections: What a wonderful collection of the author's experiences. Every page leaves the reader in splendid expectation of the revelation of the next page.
I was captured in awe to read and feel what the author felt with each new rendering, WOW! This is a "Must Read" for those of us who know this experience and for those who wish to learn. Thank you Sister Udoema.
May God continue to bless you to be His "Mouthpiece'.
LD
I will preface my review by saying that I know this author personally. To paraphrase a line from "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe," there are angels masquerading as people walking around this planet, and Ms. Corliss Udoema ("Miss Corliss") is one of them. This book provides not only the spiritual lessons learned by Miss Corliss through her life that she has generously passed on to others, but uniquely, also provides a forward regarding the inspiration for each of the poems contained with the book. Miss Corliss is a woman of God who shares her personal, unshakable relationship with God and how that relationship has affected her life and the lives of those around her. Reading this book will provide you with spiritual guidance. It will also warm your heart, make you laugh, make you cry, and give you a snapshot of what Miss Corliss is really like: an angel, a giver, the mama everyone wants, a woman who turns her ideas into action, and a force of nature!
Charlet Lewis
A Guiding Light: Poems and Reflections has truly been a wonderful addition to my daily devotional time
Each reflection and poem sheds light on the vast attributes of the Holy Spirit and showers you with encouragement and peace. No matter where you may be in your walk with Christ this is a book that will lead you closer to Him and challenge you to do and be better. I recommend this to anyone who loves to hear the whispers of the Holy Spirit. It's not a book you read cover to cover but a web of stories that meet you exactly where you are. I Love it and will continue to recommend it to others as well as add it to my books to gift for special occasions.
Bishop Robert Lewis Taylor
A fantastic and blessed read! A Guiding Light is a fantastic read. An insightful revelation concerning life's journey. Corliss touches on areas each of us have experienced, are presently going through as well as experiences which awaits us all. As revealed in the title, her poems and reflections are Guiding Lights. Thank you!
Renee Harriell
Well written book, truly inspirational!
Daisy
A Guiding Light: Poems and Reflections by Corliss A. Udoema is not just a collection of poems and reflections, but a real life narrative that we all have experienced in some form or fashion. This book is insightful, informative and provides real events that involved the author. Events that you can actually relate to and be encouraged that situations are not always as bad as they seemed.
I recommend this book to those seeking a rainbow on a cloudy day or the joy that a rainbow brings to one’s heart!
I appreciate the continuous efforts of the author to enrich its readers with love and hope for the future!
Mary Ray
A MUST READ! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book nonstop cover-to-cover. It touched my heart, brought tears to my eyes, witnessed to my soul and giddiness to my spirit. Her reflections as stated were eye opening and her poems were inspiring. This is a book that a person can give as a gift to anyone. It will definitely lift their spirits and provide message of salvation. Thank You Corliss
Roshon Bennett
Very enlightening book. I was really encouraged after reading it.
DJones
This is an excellent inspirational book of poems and reflections. It can be used for a devotional, praise and worship and for daily reading. The book is very easy to read. It is also a good book to give to someone as a gift. I just purchased it and I am very excited about reading it.
Paul B.
Anointed and Inspiring! From the beginning to the end I hear God speaking to me, encouraging me, teaching me and guiding me. I cried and I laughed. I related also to the author's reflections and started using the book as a daily devotional and now have my own reflections. I plan to buy this book as a gift for several of my friends.
Fitness3431
Soul Touching Reflections! This book is amazing and just what I need to calm my spirit. The stories and Biblical reflections help to guide me in my day to day journal. I loved this book so much I ordered a copy for six other people. The title of the book is so adequate; it is indeed a guiding light. Whether you need words or encourage, or just want to share words of motivation with others, I highly recommend sharing this book. – DRV
Dee Dee
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "A Guiding Light: Poems and Reflections". So many of the passages resonate with me. I was immediately drawn to "Write it Down" which talks to documenting things to serve as a reminder of what God has seen you through. Another reflection, "You gotta make room for your blessings" speaks volumes as it talks to making room in your life for the blessings God has in store for you. This is a great read from first time author, Corliss Udoema and it is evident the author speaks from the heart and life experience. You will definitely be inspired.
Sally E Smith
An excellent book. I enjoyed reading it.
Iqhope
Beautiful stories and poetry are the hallmark of this first book by the author - highly recommended!
In reading this book, the poems and the stories brought back a rush of memories of my own childhood and life, as the author talked about her father, made me giggle with the poem about being a Christian but overlooking what it really means to be a true Christian, and provided her experiences, wisdom, and gratitude about being a follower of her faith. While this book is geared towards Christian reflection, secularists would enjoy the stories themselves as she tells what inspired her to write her poems. Some of the poetry has 'hints' of Maya Angelou in them and are richly written. Her tone of voice is homey and hints of her childhood and upbringing in the southern part of the United States, but also provides a level of mentorship that comes from being a world traveler. I would highly recommend this book.
Bill Horner III
Reading this beautiful book of poems (along with the stories of their inspiration) by my dear friend and "second mom" Corliss Udoema. Corliss wisely encouraged me to read the book of Nehemiah years ago at a critical time in my work life. (LOVE the Nehemiah story/poem, Corliss!) These are truly words of comfort, encouragement and instruction. I was extremely touched that she mentions me in her dedications & acknowledgements. Get the book and be blessed by this woman who is such a treasure to all who know her...
Margaret B Murchison
Your book is great. A lot of thought was put into it. I'm certain it will do well on the market. Congratulations!
Erlaine Harris
PLEASE read this great book you will not be able to stop reading it. This book is written by a great woman of God. Much, much love always my sister.