New Poetry Book, STANZAS AND STUFF, is Released

Stanzas and Stuff was written by author Joan Norman Cook with the explicit purpose of making her readers aware of their innate and often subliminal preconceptions of the various issues permeating their environment. She particularly wished to do so using poetry, in order to push the boundaries of the medium in conveying ideas and themes infused with thoughts pertaining to substantial real world subjects. Aside from rhymes and verses, it also includes a page-turning thriller of a novelette, as the author strives to transcend the limitations of genres and styles to present something new and different to her readers.

Stanzas and Stuff covers a wide range of pertinent issues in society today. The themes covered are diverse, philosophical and also worldly - encompassing such topics such as corruption, seduction and domestic violence. It is a book that even the busiest person has time to read because of its fast paced and dynamic presentation. Many age groups can relate to its contents, written to inspire hope and, with a bit of luck, discussion about the diverse subject matter. Most of all, it is a book which takes the reader on an emotional journey which has been conjured in the author's imagination, observation and personal experience.

"Ultimately, I want booklovers to be still thinking about what they have read long after they have closed the book," Cook says.

Through her work, readers will be presented with new perspectives on a variety of subjects that will challenge conventional preconceptions. Wherever Cook's poetry and prose takes them, they will certainly be in for one memorable ride.

For more information, log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.au .

About the Author
Joan Norman Cook was born in Port Moresby and raised on an Anglican mission farm, near Popondetta, Papua New Guinea. She has wonderful memories of this time, and especially loved running through jungles and swimming in local rivers. She and her family travelled to Minlaton in South Australia when she was nine years old. This is where she finished her school years and trained as nurse. The family then moved to Esperance in Western Australia where she raised her two sons Tony and Chris after leaving a volatile relationship. Cook now resides in Perth Western Australia after a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2008. "There has been darkness in my life but I believe that without the darkness, we would never see the stars." Cook describes herself as a born philosopher but is intent on testing that theory by attaining a degree.

Stanzas and Stuff * by Joan Norman Cook
Publication Date: August 16, 2013
Trade Paperback; AU$19.99; 55 pages; 978-1-4797-6488-4
Trade Hardback; AU$39.99; 55 pages; 978-1-4836-6924-3
Ebook; AU$3.99; 978-1-4797-6489-1

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at 1-800-455-039. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (02) 8088 6078 or call 1-800-455-039. Xlibris books can be purchased at Xlibris bookstore. For more information, contact Xlibris at 1-800-455-039 or on the web at http://www.Xlibris.com.au .