PUBLISHED BOOKS
With Growth, the reader follows the evolution of a person through phases of his life. From a teenager / young man who lost his father when he was 12 to a middle-aged man with some wear and tear, he didn’t fully know how to show his feelings. To this day as an older man, the author still doesn’t always know how to show his feelings. But poetry is an outlet, a sort of safety valve. The level of sophistication from Immaturity increases in style and substance in what follows through further Maturing and Continued Maturation.
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The works in Pieces of Mind contain tributes to those who had or continue to have profound impact on my life. There are also many takes on the tumultuous world we now live, including politics, media, and general societal behaviors. As you read these poems, my hope is to provoke thought. I like to think of this book as full of healthy skepticism. Opinion is intertwined within the poetry, and I do not expect everyone to agree with what I offer. But if they get you to ask a question or two of yourself then I have made a connection somehow, someway.
BOOK REVIEWS
“I got the ebook version of this book and I love it. Growth book is an evocative collection of poetry that captures the essence of a man's lifelong journey toward self-understanding and emotional expression. The author’s work stands out for its emotional honesty and introspective depth, offering us readers a rare glimpse into the raw and unfiltered thoughts of someone navigating the complexities of life. Kodus!”
– Dr. John Pugh
“I am a book savvy. One of the most compelling aspects of Growth is the author’s acknowledgment of his ongoing struggle with expressing emotions. This vulnerability makes his poetry incredibly relatable, as many readers will see their own struggles reflected in his words. The progression in his writing style enhances the reading experience, showing a clear trajectory of maturation and self-discovery.”
– Helen Fleming Johnson
“One of the strengths of the book: “Growth” is Emotional Honesty: The author’s candid portrayal of his emotional journey, including his struggles with expressing feelings, lends a raw and authentic quality to the poetry. Outlet for Expression: The use of poetry as a safety valve for emotional expression highlights the therapeutic power of writing, which can resonate with readers who use art as a form of self-expression.”
– Victor Bello
“Pieces of Mind book is highly recommendable. The emotional depth of his writing draws readers in, making them feel the impact of each tribute and reflection. His ability to intertwine personal experiences with societal observations provides a multifaceted reading experience that is both intimate and universally relevant.”
– Rev. Christian Klein
“One of the standout strengths of Pieces of Mind is its capacity to provoke thought and inspire healthy skepticism. The author does not shy away from expressing his opinions, encouraging readers to question their own beliefs and the world around them. This critical engagement is particularly relevant in today's complex and often divisive societal landscape. The varied themes within the collection ensure that there is something for everyone, from heartfelt tributes to incisive societal critiques. His accessible writing style makes the book easy to read, while still delivering profound and thought-provoking content.”
- Atty. Sandy Knights
BIOGRAPHY
Russ Haddad, 55, also known as A.A. Winston, has had a full range of life experiences, starting with the death of his father when he was 12 years old.
When not writing poetry, he is the business development manager for the NC Craft Brewers Guild. His professional background ranges from marketing operations through a variety of positions in radio, journalism, tourism/economic development and a series of public service positions. But he always had a love for writing dating back to high school. He turned toward poetry accidentally, dipping his toes in the genre during high school. Poetry became his form of coping through life’s ups and downs, reinvigorating that love during the COVID pandemic. He rediscovered his enjoyment of putting words to paper to express himself and decided to publish his works to share feelings in hopes others relate.
Growing up in Massachusetts, he now lives in Durham, NC with his wife. They have one son who lives in Boston.
Author Russ Haddad
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