I have recently had the opportunity to read "Roses Amidst Thorns", a book of poetry by John J. Rigo. This collection of poems spans some 20 years of a man's life. Some of these poems are so intensely emotional, you are forewarned to have a box of tissue nearby. Through the written words, we experience a sampling of the ups and downs John Rigo has lived through.

Even though most of these 52 poems don't fill a page, to truly appreciate them requires considerable time. "Validation" is only four sentences long. One of these sentences poses a question that leads to many others as we turn it over in our minds. Other poems in the book are more like short stories. For instance, "The Death of My Daughter" puts us inside the mind of a man recounting the memories of this relationship. Many of the poems recount insights into his relationship with God and his experience of God's love. And of course, some of them are about of human love.

Regardless of the subject, passion is evident on every one of these pages. I look forward to reading more of his poetry in "Rainbows Amidst Storms".

I love John Rigo's book. All of it! The heart soothing poetry,the words that speak directly to my soul, the beautiful black cover with red roses, the calming cream color pages, the fact that the proceeds are dedicated to charity but most of all I love the feelings and emotions behind the words. I can feel the sentiment John Rigo is expressing within my heart. Thank you for writing this wonderful book.
PS I like this book so much I am ordering copies for my friends!

I just finished reading the samples of your book. I too have felt some of the same heartbreaks in the last 8 months and I do feel for the writer of these works. Great job!

The author speaks with honesty and emotion about issues that touch each of us in some way. I found a lot of sincerity here. An interesting and often emotional journey can be found in this book.

Allow yourself time to reflect upon the refreshingly candid, emotional and contemporary poetry penned by author John Rigo. His personal life experiences allow one to be immersed in the visual sights and sounds of human emotional pain, joy, suffering and delight. Coupled with his honest dialogue with our Creator, John questions and observes the human path with clarity.

I personally found myself vicariously experiencing the myriad of emotions that John courageously renders in his poetry. Thank you, John, for an honest portrayal of the realities and the blessings in life!

What an awesome collection this is. John Rigo has a gift that he has shared with all of us. Moments that each of us experience become prayers that we have all uttered. This book can become healing for those who seek God's word. It can become a celebration of all that God provides. It is a collection that will touch the lives of everyone who reads it.
Thank you, John, for your witness to God's goodness.

John's work is obdviously from his heart and life's experiences. He has written in a way that we all can relate our lives to his poetry. He writes about feelings that we encounter from within and has the courage to post his work for everybody to read. I have also visited his web site and found many brilliant pieces that I wish I had the ability to produce. Luke H. Germann, college student by choice.

Be prepared for a blessing when you read John Rigo's
"Roses Amidst Thorns". Mr. Rigo's poetry speaks to and
of the spirit of man at a depth that touches one's heart
and soul. His ability to capture moments of time in words
and express them through his poetry is truly a gift for
him and a blessing for the reader. Thank you John Rigo
for sharing your work with us. Wanda Gaskin-Smith, Ph.D.
(author of "Fire, Ice & Roses: A Mississippi Story')