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By Fire Poetry

By Fire

by Rhonda Harris Slota

Set in rural, southern Indiana in the 50’s-70’s, these poems tell the story of a complex family dynamic. This debut collection blends Bible images, authentic dialogue and powerful natural forces to relay the effects of family trauma and mental illness.

The daughter often questions her own sanity as she watches her fundamentalist father struggle with internal demons and the illusion that he is the prophet, Elijah.  In this patriarchal world, the women hold together the seams of life’s tapestry through perseverance, inner wisdom and love.

As time passes and the father plunges deep into his fears and delusions, his young daughter learns to forge her own pathway through the maze of duality: dark and light, fear and joy.  This finally leads her to reconciliation and acceptance through spiritual surrender.

By Fire Poetry

By Fire

by Rhonda Harris Slota

Set in rural, southern Indiana in the 50’s-70’s, these poems tell the story of a complex family dynamic. This debut collection blends Bible images, authentic dialogue and powerful natural forces to relay the effects of family trauma and mental illness.

The daughter often questions her own sanity as she watches her fundamentalist father struggle with internal demons and the illusion that he is the prophet, Elijah.  In this patriarchal world, the women hold together the seams of life’s tapestry through perseverance, inner wisdom and love.

As time passes and the father plunges deep into his fears and delusions, his young daughter learns to forge her own pathway through the maze of duality: dark and light, fear and joy.  This finally leads her to reconciliation and acceptance through spiritual surrender.

What they are saying . . .

“Beautifully written and emotionally resonant.”

Literary Titan, Gold Book Award Winner

“Each piece in this collection is like a stained-glass scene of a Christian Midwestern family as seen through the eyes of a mature poet… In this poignant collection, Slota employs captivating imagery… A poetic, moving, and nuanced portrait.”

Kirkus Reviews
“A hauntingly beautiful collection… By Fire does justice to the life of those with mental illnesses and the effects it has on loved ones… [Slota] paints a life with so many brilliant colors that all fade at once before brightening up again.”
Independent Book Review
“Award-winning poet Rhonda Harris Slota has arrayed poignant, powerful childhood memories in this collection, with portraits of family that will burn in the reader’s mind like the fire of the book’s title.”
Feathered Quill
“To really know someone, you need to know their life story. Rhonda Harris Slota understands this truism… Rhonda writes as if she experienced this life. There are hints of joy as well as shadows of pain… Maturity allows us to see life in a new and different light. This collection is filled with emotion… I recommend this book!”
Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

What they are saying . . .

“Beautifully written and emotionally resonant.”

Literary Titan, Gold Book Award Winner

“Each piece in this collection is like a stained-glass scene of a Christian Midwestern family as seen through the eyes of a mature poet… In this poignant collection, Slota employs captivating imagery… A poetic, moving, and nuanced portrait.”

Kirkus Reviews
“A hauntingly beautiful collection… By Fire does justice to the life of those with mental illnesses and the effects it has on loved ones… [Slota] paints a life with so many brilliant colors that all fade at once before brightening up again.”
Independent Book Review
“Award-winning poet Rhonda Harris Slota has arrayed poignant, powerful childhood memories in this collection, with portraits of family that will burn in the reader’s mind like the fire of the book’s title.”
Feathered Quill
“To really know someone, you need to know their life story. Rhonda Harris Slota understands this truism… Rhonda writes as if she experienced this life. There are hints of joy as well as shadows of pain… Maturity allows us to see life in a new and different light. This collection is filled with emotion… I recommend this book!”
Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

About Rhonda

Rhonda Harris Slota grew up in Bloomington, Indiana and received her BA in English from Indiana University.  She moved to northern California in 1982. She was awarded the ‘Jessamyn West Creative Writing Poetry Award’ from Napa Valley College in both 1983 and 1984 and received the Grand Prize from the American Poetry Association in 1983. She completed her MA in English/Creative Writing at San Francisco State University in 1991. Her career pathway led to teaching and administration in secondary, community college and adult education. She retired in 2016 as Napa Valley Adult Education Principal after 30 + years in public education. She lives in Vallejo, California with her son, continues to write poetry, teaches Yoga and consults as a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Kali Ki Reiki Master and Teacher.
Visit Rhonda at www.thejourneytowellness.com.

Rhonda Slota

About Rhonda

Rhonda Harris Slota grew up in Bloomington, Indiana and received her BA in English from Indiana University.  She moved to northern California in 1982. She was awarded the ‘Jessamyn West Creative Writing Poetry Award’ from Napa Valley College in both 1983 and 1984 and received the Grand Prize from the American Poetry Association in 1983. She completed her MA in English/Creative Writing at San Francisco State University in 1991. Her career pathway led to teaching and administration in secondary, community college and adult education. She retired in 2016 as Napa Valley Adult Education Principal after 30 + years in public education. She lives in Vallejo, California with her son, continues to write poetry, teaches Yoga and consults as a Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Kali Ki Reiki Master and Teacher.
Visit Rhonda at www.thejourneytowellness.com.

Rhonda Slota

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Email Rhonda

Email Rhonda