Constructed of Magic

Editorial Review

5.0 out 5.0 stars Worthwhile reading here... June 8, 2015

By Bill Johonnesson - Format: Paperback

Reading through the poems and prose in this book was indeed a spiritual experience. Mr. Swartz is quite adept at using just the right words to convey his view of life and the universe (a spiritual view to be sure), from his heart to yours. I admire the simplicity of it. It created a welcome and wonderful emotional impact. The magic is that it brightens the world. Worthwhile reading, indeed.

4.0 out 5.0 stars Beauty in verse!, May 26, 2015

By Kelly Smith Reviews - Format: Kindle Edition

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

“Okay, let's forget the realistic components that might go against some of the religious beliefs (or lack thereof) of my readers. As you read above, you can see what Mr. Swartz is trying to do here and in many cases I am sure he succeeded.
But, like me, let's say you already know death isn't the end. Or, like others, you think the idea of life after death is hocum. That's fine and you don't need to alter your worldview whatsoever to read this book. It is filled with beauty. The poetry is simple and easy to understand, covering many topics relating to the human soul.
I read it in an hour, sometimes reading a poem a few times over because they were just that good. I have to keep this short here, because I believe everyone needs to come to their own conclusions when it comes to poetry, but I will say that it has been a very long time since I read something so sincere.
Mr. Swartz has a true gift!”

5.0 out of 5 stars Transition into immortality, April 18, 2015

By JAYASREE ROY - Format: Kindle Edition

“There was darkness everywhere.
And then the creator has commanded-let there be light!
And light it was-darkness was evaporated! From then on human species is afraid of darkness- and all through the life Homo sapiens makes relentless quest for light- from darkness…
Or rather the human conscience tells the soul to strive for the light!
Sometimes it remains unheard- sometimes it is heard-but the whisper is relentless-deep within the soul! It is the eternal journey that had prompted Orpheus to fight with death for the life of Eurydice- it is the eternal journey that had propelled Jesus Christ to be crucified for the human soul- it is the eternal journey that had empowered Mother Teresa to live a lie for the cause of others.
It is the greatness of eternal human soul that on the face of dying of thirst amid a desert, donates his last drop of water to his thirsty foe, saying-‘Thy need is greater than mine.’
This may be an anthology of poems-but it is also the manifestation of life- the beautiful journey of life-from all perspectives and from all angles.
It is a saga of that immortal soul.
The book is divided into eleven parts-deaths, grandmothers, spirits, love and marriage, children, America, sanctity, angels and monsters, aesthetics, immortality and hope.
to him, death is not an object of fear- rather death, when coming in his silent feet- will rest the tired soul into rest and make a transition from the life of grief, despair and pain. Only the creation will remain and will help him memorise-
“When I finished playing
I felt personally utterly free,
Devoid of any grief
Loss of mystery.
I now fully comprehend
The things he left behind.”
A new perspective- a new dimension has been imparted to every object around us- and narrated with utter simplicity.”

4.0 out 5.0 stars Nice collection, April 17, 2015

By Madam Librarian "Erin" - Format: Paperback

“I felt that I couldn't celebrate National Poetry Month without reading at least one collection of poem so it was very fortuitous that this came in the mail for me to review this month. It was meant to be! Constructed of Magic is a collection of poems that illustrate the immorality and beauty of the human spirit. It's broken into eleven sections: death, grandmothers, spirits, love, children, America, sanctity, angels and monsters, aesthetics, immorality, and hope. Throughout the collection there are also sketches and drawings dispersed (I'm assuming they're done by the author) that help visually impart the message and tone that Louis Alan Swartz is trying to impart. The poems range from light and cheerful, to thoughtful , and remorseful. They follow no particular style or set length, which makes it a quick and meaningful read. Below is a sample from one of the poems that I really enjoyed from the children section, "Pajamas with Feet":

"Unto himself
Harmoniously complete.
Standing on the bed
In his pajamas with feet."

It's a cute poem that sticks with you. I enjoyed this collection, some poems more than others. The only thing I didn't like is that the author (poet) put asterisks by "big" words and defined them at the end of each poem. If this was a poetry collection intended for kids I could understand, but as an adult I could have done without that. Overall, a nice rounded collection.”

I received this book for free from the author in return for my honest, unbiased review.

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing and Inspirational, March 27, 2015

By D A Hulthen - Format: Paperback

“If you are tired of the rat race and want to spend a few quiet, well-chosen hours reconnecting with the best in yourself, then this is the book for you. Louis Swartz reminds us of the personal magic we invested to achieve our finest moments and helps us to recover its source, a welcome relief from the materialistic mantras of our times. It is spirituality connected to reality, illuminating the truly important things in life, refreshing, original, and inspirational.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, March 19, 2015

By violet - Format: Kindle Edition

“Very touching.” Violet Garrity

5.0 out of 5 stars Spiritual, March 15, 2015

By catherine - Format: Kindle Edition

“This transcendent book uplifts and inspires in a way that I haven't seen in a poetry compilation before. It faces death head-on, and makes us think, "What if that isn't really the end? What if it's just a way-stop in an eternal spiritual adventure?" Simple and beautifully arranged, the author's words hit their mark.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Take a journey into your own construction of Magic, March 2, 2015

By marc - Format: Kindle Edition

“Louis has given us a wonderful and inspirational collection of his poetry He reminds us that we are not flesh, this is just the cloak we wear-- we transcend that as spiritual beings.

Louis is an artist who paints his images with words-- and so well he paints! I visualize his poems so easily that he has taken me back to old memories -- like "To Whom do these boots belong" about JFK's funeral. Or "Res" where he quietly tells us "Sleep rest the body. Art rests the soul."

Buy your own copy and take a journey into your own construction of Magic.”

5.0 out of 5 stars SPIRITUAL RAP, February 27, 2015

By BELLA - Format: Paperback

“Poetry should be easy to understand yet a few notches above other genres and with a sprinkle of 'fairy dust'. OK you might want to leave out the 'fairy dust' but certainly you shouldn't struggle to understand. It's basically lyrics without the music. Well this book had me going back to certain poems again and again. It's like talking with the author, only he rhymes. It's like "spiritual rap"! Oh Yeahhhhhh!”

4.0 out of 5 stars A celebration of life, February 25, 2015

By Gary Epstein - Format: Kindle Edition

“This book is a celebration of life. In the cold and harsh light of a materialistic world, Mr. Swartz reminds us that those things which are truly valuable still exist. Art, the brotherhood of man, spiritual independence and personal integrity are alive and vibrant in the pages of this wonderful book. His poem Notes on Human Sanctity was especially inspiring.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive! February 21, 2015

By Nita Banks -Format: Kindle Edition

“The poems worth the read! There is absolute guarantee you will LOVE these amazing indescribable poems. They are the exact replica of perfection. I enjoyed every single one and they left a lasting impression in my mind. There were a few that I really loved to the point I can almost say them from the top of my head. Hats off to Louis Alan Swartz for this remarkable treasure of unforgettable poems. Amazing read!”

5.0 out of 5 stars The beauty of poems!  February 21, 2015

By Janio Jackson - Format: Kindle Edition

“I just want to make haste to say that I am completely wowed by these auspicious poems. They are decorated with reality and truth. Easy to relate to and each comes with a complete package of its own crown of glory. Immortals we are and these poems have done greatly in mortifying this fact. I love every bit of it! I treasure this collection of Constructed of Magic. It is simply phenomenal!”

5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful read, February 20, 2015

By Thomas R Clapp – Format: Kindle Edition

“Louis Alan Swartz compiles a masterpiece of his own poetry which embodies the nature of the human spirit. These poems will give you a look into yourself and others. They will uplift you.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Poetry in Many Ways, February 17, 2015
By lois carra
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Paperback)
“The author conveys that each ordinary life is extraordinary if led with grace, beauty and knowledge. Beyond the ideas conveyed, the poetry itself is lovely. First, the language in this book is fresh and resourceful. Secondly, is the imagery because the work has the authority of lived experience. Finally, musically this poetry is interesting, as a piece of rhythmic language.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, February 15, 2015
By Stan Dubin "standubin"
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Kindle Edition)
“An exceptional collection of poems giving the reader many glimpses into the immortality of the human spirit.”

5.0 out of 5 stars A great read, February 15, 2015
By C. Jones "Like A Good Son" (Tampa Bay, FL)
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Paperback)
“I very much enjoyed this book of poetry. I intend on passing it along to my family and friends to help inspire them and make them smile. I look forward to reading more from this author.”

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ...your very existence may well depend on it!, February 15, 2015
By GCG
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Paperback)
“I suppose poetry could be considered the "upper class" of writing...Lou Swartz's Constructed of Magic most certainly is. I have come to realize that life is truly a journey through eternity. Death is NOT a destination...at best it's a rest stop. My greatest wish would be for everyone to get that...they are immortal spiritual beings. Lou has certainly pointed the way with such beautiful wordsmything. A MUST READ!”

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully designed and written, February 14, 2015
By kevinodonnell
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Kindle Edition)
“Beautifully designed and written. The poems envelope one in a mystical and entertaining delight spanning all aspects of life. Grandmother's will love this as well as couples. Something will tinge the hearts of evryone within these pages. Should be a coffee table book for everyone.”

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful read that anyone will enjoy!, February 14, 2015
By D. Lindman "DCL" (San Francisco)
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Paperback)
“I normally don't seek out books of poetry but my wife would read me excerpts in the car and I really liked what she read. It's the kind of book you read and then leave on a shelf by your desk so you can open it when you need a boost. Very heart warming, beautiful and on point.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Poems!, February 14, 2015
By Eleonora Reilly
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Kindle Edition)
“I love all of the poems in this book! They communicate beautifully, the poet's journey, and truth, and the immortality of the human spirit. In them I found my own journeys, and truths. I would close my eyes, with smiles envision and imagine the real and unreal, past, present, and future. The poems are serene, playful, honest, and I enjoyed them so much that I read all of them in a day. The poems brought more interest to my soul and mind. They helped me desire to be more loving and helpful. This book inspired me to continue my work in the arts and helping human beings. Beautiful work!”

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book!, February 8, 2015
By Lisa
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Kindle Edition)
“This book is a life changer! I lost my mom a year ago and even though I am spiritual, I had a hard time. Reading these poems reminded me that she and I are very much so connected and always will be. It's easy to get caught up in the worries of life. This book helped me take a step back, refresh and see again that the world is beautiful.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, January 31, 2015
By pw8401 - See all my reviews
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Kindle Edition)
“What an enjoyable read! The book is full of life and the author truly captures the human spirit.”

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring poems, January 26, 2015
By Wendy N.
This review is from: Constructed of Magic and Other Poems on the Immortality of the Human Spirit (Kindle Edition)
“I haven't read a poetry book in years but I really enjoyed this one! There are many topics addressed but the poems all sing with joy and love for life and mankind. Thank you!”