I was very fortunate to receive a copy of "Diamonds in the Rough - The Youth of America" from the author, Nash Hasan. I first saw some of his poetry published on Gather. I was immediately drawn to these powerful poems because of the great love of youth that I have. Nash Hasan has the ability to pull you, the reader, into the world of youth through his poetry. I strongly urge every parent with children, every teacher, every person who has any dealings with the youth to read and ponder these poems. I think they will be of great benefit to you in understanding today's society and how it affects our youth of today. I highly reccomend this book to youth and adults. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the youth of today and tomorrow.
This author quit his "six figure" paying job to research and help the youth of America. He has devoted his life to them. To ease their pain and suffering the best he can.
I love the youth and I was drawn to his poetry because I could see a different child in each of his poetry. I have worked with youth how have been labeled as "Trouble Makers" early in their lives. As a result, this label stays with them. Far too many people treat them like they are no good or they are just in the way. When a child of any age is treated like this, they learn to believe they are no good. I saw potential in all the youth that I worked with. I saw the good and not the bad that others seemed to see. These poems tell so very well just how these youth feel. The pain, the loneliness, the longing they have just for someone to care is what I felt while I was reading these poems. Powerful is the only word I can think of to tell you how marvelous these poems are written.
The Author felt saddened by their tragedies, humbled by their humility and intrigued by their talents and personalities decided to reach out to them. He began to quickly immerse himself into many aspects of their lives, just as you will have the desire to after you read these poems.
This book is a compilation of poetry that describes the feelings and views of today's youth in America. It is divided into 5 separate parts. Each section of poetry pulls the reader into a different part of the world of the youth.
The first part or section is "Just Dark". It talks of the struggles that youth have when they are abused in the many different ways that are becoming far too common. It is about the Lost hope and the surrendered.
The second section is "Dusk" This section deals with the pain of youth who are struggling with life's many different trials. They are struggling with their trial and falling into the dark, alone. One of the poems that is in this section is published on Gather. It is amazing. The title is "Don-Till Dusk"
The third section is "Twilight" As the name indicates, the poems in this area concern the youth who are feeling so helpless. They feel uncertain and they feel illusions are the norm. They feel like nobody cares for or about them. It is sad to read this section of poems as well as the other four sections.
The Fourth section is "Dawn" One of the poems from this section is published on Gather. The title is "A Runaway Child." It deals with those who are fortunate enough to have New Beginnings
The Fifth section is "Bright Light". One of the poems from this section is published on Gather. The title is "Diamonds In The Rough" This section deals with those youth who are able to move beyound tomorrow.
The Authors goal in writing this book of poetry is as follows, in his own words:
"First, increasing society's awareness of the magnitude and seriousness of the issues on hand
Second, encouraging theyouth to voice and bring their problems into the open
Third, inspiringthe youth to take charge of their lives."
You can read a transcript of the live chat with Nash Hasan here. I connected to these poems in a way that I do not have words to explain. I felt their pain. I felt their lonliness. I felt their hunger for love and acceptance. I felt their feelings that dying was the only way out. I felt these feelings just as if I was feeling them myself. You can find out more about this book and about Nash here.
Author: Nash Hasan
Publisher: INKWATER Press
Pub. Date: November 2007
ISBN-13: 9781592993000
Paperback - 160pp
Website:www.nash-hasan.com
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Comments: 23
The only problem with kids who are 'troubled' is they often are neglected, abused, and/or children in single-parent families with a lot of isues, most of which blame the child. These kids need love, structure and hope, just like kids who have a lot of opportunities, achievement and success.
Thanks for the wonderful review.
It is a wonderful book.
I really connected with this book on a high level.
Natalie,
I wish every parent would read this book. I think they would have a better understanding of youth.
Janet,
you are very welcome.
Renda,
This book is worth purchasing.
Shelia,
You are very welcome. I hope you will read the book.
Norma,
This is a great book for youth of that age. It is a book of poems and I am sure your Granddaughter could relate to them.
Kathryn,
I agree, far too often they are labeled and then that label seems to never be taken off.
Marianne,
I am glad you enjoyed it.
Karen,
I really think it is a must read for teachers and parents alike. I hope you will take the time to read it.
Debra,
You really should read this book. Maybe your library can get it for you.
Elsie,
I did enjoy it. It was a wake up call for me. I love the youth and I think sometimes we thing the youth in our neighborhoods are unique but in reality, they are not. They are all alike, no matter where they live. They have the same trials and ambitions.
Stefania,
It is such a great book.
Tom,
I love working with the youth. I see so much good in each one of them. I am glad you enjoyed the review.
Bob,
I was so glad you were able to make it to the live chat. I too enjoyed it. You are the greatest.
Thank you all for the support. I've just posted answers to some of the questions that I wasn't able to answer during the chat.
Best Regards,
This is a wonderful book. I do hope you will try to find it and read it.
I just wanted to say I am finally going through what is now under 6,400 pieces of gather new mail that is in my inbox on here. So with that in mind I have finally come to a piece of mail that was addressed to me in regards this article submission you have created to share with the gather community. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your piece with us here at gather. :o)