Captivating read… Highly recommend… 5 stars

The revision

The writer/animal activist says: ‘This Book of Remembrance is dedicated to all Katrina victims, both human and non-human, both living and deceased, who endured a hellish nightmare most of us can only imagine; and to the many compassionate souls who rushed to their aid, in any way they could.’

Through Katrina’s Eyes of an Animal poems, Rescuer’s Soul is a compilation of poetic works beginning with Immanuel Kant’s haunting words: “Our eyes are the windows to our soul.” The poet Kostro’s first offering is Through Katrina’s Eyes, in which he brings the reader face to face with the horror, the terror, the death of hope, and the utter and utter discouragement of many of these four-legged beings. devastated by Katrina. The critters were sometimes left behind by those who thought they would soon return, others were left behind and by so-called human rescuers who insisted the animals could not accompany those who had taken them from their homes to a supposed place of safety.

The Old Man and His Dog and The Woman and Her Daughter are filled with the poignant hope that we humans hold, and to which our creatures respond so well. Other offerings include Katrina’s Highway. Pet Rescue Camp, Message in a Bottle and Mangy Dog. A sweet loving dog shows up in the words of One Eyed Jack, and a grimly determined cat comes to mind when reading The Old Traveler. The joy of reunion is offered in A Vet and His Pet, while Heavenly Touch shows the anguish of being snatched from his beloved master’s arms by a heartless ‘rescuer’ before he, too, is returned to his loving owners, while that happiness renewed by adoption is found in the words of Get Shorty. The poet Kostro’s own record of adoption is on display in Autumn in St. Louis, Eddie, Tater, and A Flower Blooms in Winter. The plight of the lucky, saved, ‘left behind’ is showcased in Help and Paradise Lost, in which writer Kostro confronts the reader with the urgency of so many now rescued but living in pens and in need of homes. Kostro’s poetry closes with the touching wish: “We rescuers pray that our government has become much wiser.” We pray that the owners are never forced to leave them behind again.

This reviewer is well acquainted with the poetry and love of animals of the writer Kostro. Kostro includes not only his own poetic works, but also some background and ‘color’ information about his volunteering in the rescue effort after pet owners were forced to evacuate and leave behind the companions they were with. they shared their lives. Kostro also includes quotes from several well-known figures from history and today about bugs and the role they share in our lives.

Through the poems of Katrina’s Eyes of an Animal, Rescuer’s Soul is a compelling read that leads the reader both to the despair and optimism of the rescuers and to the confused and anxious ones left behind. The poems are not always easy to read, as we find discouragement and hopelessness represented in stark realism. The joy of reunion or adoption restores the reader’s ability to better deal with the despair so darkly portrayed.

Great poetry, great message. A book for everyone. Bug lovers won’t need to be encouraged to buy, read and read again. Those for whom bugs are just something over which we humans have ‘dominion’ can begin to better understand the early writers who actually said that bugs are here to which we smug ‘intelligent’ beings must show a respect. compassionate care.

Excellent addition to personal reading shelf, school library, therapist’s shelf, and reader’s learning. A portion of the proceeds will go towards pet rescue efforts.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.

Reviewed By: Molly Martin

Genre: Poetry compilation

Author: Ed Kostro http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewwork.asp?id=14707

Online booklocker/publisher http://www.booklocker.com/books/2300.html

Booklocker.com, PO Box 2399, Bangor, ME 04402

$7 – $12 Available from the author, Booklocker, elsewhere on the web. Printed formats and eBook.

ISBN: 1591138671