the guilt gene: poems

Diana M. Raab
Plain View Press (2009)
ISBN 9781935514398
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (01/10)

Just as when I read Irene Watson’s book “The Sitting Swing,” I felt that the author must have been in my house and in my thoughts. This is a wonderful collection of poems that address how we see our lives as individuals. It is so easy to poke fun at yourself, and still maintain sanity.

As a reader I have always tried to figure out where I am going as a mom, teacher and individual. It is such a time-consuming ordeal; how do we please everyone, but please ourselves?

When we look at our memories of our lives, are they ours or someone else’s? We need to decide. I can remember so much from my life in my own mind, but when someone else adds their input, I am confused.

As a woman, where am I going? Am I happy? Is the grass greener on the other side? What about death, loss and love? How do we know if we have it all? Can we get it all?

The author relates her experiences in the notorious adventures and the impact on her life that led her to where she is today.

These poems really make the reader reflect on who they are and where they are going. This book is not about giving answers, but asking us to reflect on who we are. It was like having her in my own home talking to me about questions I have asked myself for years. I know that after I read this book, I can say I know who I am and what I want. It may not be what others want for me, but it is me and it is the author. No pretenses- no advice. Just giving her life experiences and questions she has asked herself.

Diana M. Raab’s “the guilt gene: poems” is a book that will make you reflect on who you are; who you are to others and where YOU want to go.

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