The US Review of Books commends “Mother and Sons” by Laurel Richards because the book has “an element of intrigue that will keep readers eager to turn pages even as they process the emotions and storytelling presented”

“Mother and Sons”  is a book that recounts people’s faith, hope, and love that know no bounds. A work that reminds readers that there is a story of realizations and experiences amid divided national conversations about immigration.

Love can take on so many different forms that it embraces almost every meaningful human relationship that people create throughout their lives. Parents love their children, siblings adore each other, and passion blooms between two captivated individuals, but it may quickly become bittersweet if not fostered and maintained.

This collection of poetry, essays, and short stories explores all aspects of love, no matter what form it takes or how it ends. Over a dozen pieces look at form, verse, and prose, but they’re all about the trust and relationships that build when two people meet. These works, at times cruel, at times rewarding and sweet, portray the highs and lows of the vulnerability that comes with opening oneself up to another person’s affection.

The US Review of Books’ Michael Radon commended Laurel Richards’ book, “Mother and Sons”, saying that “…a few poems that build this expectation, readers are treated to “Reflections from a Year-Old Wedding Cake,” an essay that bucks both the form of the previous selections but also shifts the perspective in an interesting way that catches the reader by surprise. “

Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:

“At first glance, one would expect this to be a pure collection of poetry. However, after a few poems that build this expectation, readers are treated to “Reflections from a Year-Old Wedding Cake,” an essay that bucks both the form of the previous selections but also shifts the perspective in an interesting way that catches the reader by surprise. From this moment forward, the author continues to play with both subject matter and structure, lending the book an element of intrigue that will keep readers eager to turn pages even as they process the emotions and storytelling presented. This read does not overstay its welcome, keeping the reader fascinated and drawn into every word before ending with a surprising and engrossing short story. Packed with intensity and emotional honesty, these short selections are ideal for a quick, rapid-fire read.”