BOOK REVIEWS
These reviews and reflections come from readers whose lives, emotions, experiences, and personal journeys connected with the books in meaningful ways.
Many readers have shared how the writing helped them feel understood, comforted, emotionally supported, inspired, or less alone during difficult moments in life.
The books explore themes involving healing, trauma, relationships, emotional growth, survival, humanity, self-reflection, resilience, hope, and the complexities of the human experience.
Every review shared here represents a real emotional connection between the words and the people who experienced them.
To every reader who has taken the time to read, reflect, share, support, or speak about these works — thank you deeply.
Your words matter just as much as the stories themselves.
"Survival IS strength"!
"Reality" is a collection of poems where Celina embarks on a courageous journey of self-discovery. A story of trauma, love and survival. A powerful book that shares a story of a woman who has experienced a lifetime of intense trauma, powerful love and life experiences that provides the reader with insight into the path of self-healing through prose and vulnerability. Written from the heart with no holding back. Celina shares her story with passion, humor and bravery. I recommend this book to anyone who is on their personal healing journey. You will no longer feel alone in your struggle for survival and healing".
— K.S., Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
“Celina’s book is very vulnerable, interesting, and wise. Celina is bravely open about difficult life experiences such as abuse experienced, love lost, and love returned in a different way than given. These writings also remind us of the importance of paying attention to mental health, and that no matter what, you are not alone.
This is a story of the author’s resilience and learning to listen to your instincts/heart in focusing on mental health. Celina shows an incredible attitude, even after adversity! Recommend highly.”
— E.M.J., Moncton, NB
“Celina Shanavanna shows vulnerability through her lived experiences: raw emotions of powerlessness, fear, anger, grief, betrayal, embarrassment. Her determination and honesty is inspiring. Her poetry deeply impacts and resonates with its readers evoking strong emotions and connections. These are powerful poems from deep inside the poet’s soul; poems that inspire and show the power of the human spirit.”
— R.A., Ontario
"Wow! For someone who did poorly in school, you sure do have an amazing writing talent. I hope you get out there and get the exposure you highly deserve. Reading your books changed me as a person, for the better and brought my wife and me closer together due to your writing advice on relationship. You should be extremely proud of yourself dear. Keep on writing and helping others, I would say this is your calling".
— J.K., California, USA
"By reading her story reminded me of things that I went through also, it made me realize that I'm not alone in this world that went thru hardship. The advice in the book helped me to understand that I'm a survivor and helped me to be strong and not give up on life no matter what. Thanks Celina to tell your story it warmed my heart" .
— J. B., Moncton, New Brunswick Canada
“I read your poems and they’re real deep. I can feel the love through them and really hope the guy can feel it too! The ones that I liked best are Praying and Found Dream — they were really touching.”
— Forbidden Cherry
“Work is real good and it has helped me to be a better man.”
— Mikeyy699
“Very lovely, heartfelt, and emotionally deep poems. Loved them all.”
— Wolfman1965
“These poems are great and make me stop and wonder what to think about love. They show that you have a great love for this person. My favorite one is Waiting, because in love there is a lot of waiting. Keep on writing!”
— Littlegurl02
“Great site! Love it and the poems are great. You are a great person to know and to have as a friend.”
— Garry xoxo
“Incredible talent. Keep up the great work.”
— Scotty
“Just got done looking at your website, and the website is very good — saved it to my favorites. Hope you sell a lot of books.”
— S.C., Sarasota, Florida, USA
“I’ve seen your website (very impressive). Good for you!”
— J.K. Baxter, Ontario, Canada
“Your writings are very moving. Everything you write comes alive and speaks to the reader on a personal level. Love acts in strange ways. I really enjoyed reading your poems and wish you all the best.”
— Brazi5
“Wow... Mom, you’re doing great! The man you write about will come home soon. Keep up the good work!”
— ‘Shark’
“Celina, you girl have a way with words. Your writing has quite the impact on people. It helped my sister through some very difficult times and for this we both thank you. We love your website — show that talent!”
— John & Janet
“Your website is beautiful. You captivate readers, and they can feel what you’re feeling. That is a huge accomplishment.”
— NC
“There is so much passion behind all these writings. People can really relate. You’re creating a connection and keeping readers wanting more.”
— Kaleigh
“My goodness... I’ve been reading some of the things that you wrote. Very good I must say...!!”
— D.L., Salisbury, NC, USA
“Hi Celina:
I am lucky to have the privilege of meeting Celina about three years ago. I also had the chance to read a lot of her poems before they reached the books. You are an amazing woman with a lot of good thoughts from your heart and soul. I look forward to ordering your books and seeing how the poems were finished. A lot of her poems are her thoughts and past things that have happened in her life. Keep up the great work.”
— S.B., Hanmer, Ontario, Canada
"Hi there Celina!
I think your website is FABULOUS!
I am the proud owner of your first 2 published works, and they are amazing and touching to the soul. When I read them, I can hear your thoughts and feelings pour through. I know your writing is your passion and has brought you through so much in your young life. It has kept you grounded and helped you convey your happiness, your joy, disappointments and sorrows.
You have put so much hard work, love, and devotion into each piece of poetry and it shows. I look forward to receiving the next 3 volumes. I can't wait to curl up in my nice warm bed and read, thinking of our childhood and all the fun times we have shared in our lives.
Way to go Girlfriend! I wish you all the success in the world! To know you is to love you.
Your forever friend.
— M.M., Creemore, Ontario, Canada
“Thank you for the book of poetry. It is a welcomed edition to our lending library.”
— T.M., Barrie, Ontario, Canada
“Celina, I have a couple of your books. They are very nice also inspiring. I would recommend your books to others.”
— N.S., Stayner, Ontario, Canada
Celina Shanavanna
"Thank you very much. Your two books arrived safely last Wednesday. I have given them an initial fast read and want to compliment you on your excellent job.
First for completing the work for publication. It has been an arduous task but reflects an inner love for the craft of creative writing. I can only encourage you to continue your writing love and publish as much as God is willing to allow.
Also, I would welcome the receipt of your future work.
The task before you set your marketing plan into motion is to garner the exposure you deserve.
Please keep me posted on your successes".
— R.W. Alexandria, VA, USA
“I like your book, A Millennium Birth, and I recommend others read it.”
— J.P., Barrie, Ontario, Canada
“I am not a poetry reader but have read some of the poems in your books. They are good and very deep.”
— J.M., Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Canada
“Very expressive poems, deeply inspiring, and written from the heart.”
— R.D., Barrie, Ontario, Canada
"A GIFT FROM HEAVEN
I first fell in love with Celina’s poetry when I first received several books as Christmas gifts.
Congratulations Celina for your heart-grabbing poetry.
Your poetry is something I find myself reading over and over again, constantly discovering new meanings, emotions, and favorite pieces each time I return to the books.
Your words carry emotion, truth, compassion, and deep reflection in such a powerful and unforgettable way. Your writing reaches deeply into the soul and leaves readers thinking about life, love, loss, healing, and hope long after they finish reading.
Your work is inspiring, emotional, beautifully written, and truly a gift from heaven. I look forward to reading many more of your creations in the future".
— A.M. Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
“Dear Celina,
I own a copy of five of your published books to date and look forward to your upcoming book. Your writings are deep, very expressive, informative, and inspiring. You can tell your writing comes from your heart. You have written many wonderful poems that touch the heart and soul. You have written your books for a wide age range of people to read. Your book covers are very nice also. You have a great writing talent. Keep up the great work. Best wishes for the future.”
— J.L., Barrie, Ontario, Canada
“Dear Celina,
Over the last number of years, I have been reading your books as you produce them. Knowing you personally, I can relate to your poems as true and hard. I have shared them with others in similar circumstances, which has helped them through their tough times.
As for me, I find them very encouraging and enjoy seeing your progress. So please keep writing. With love, your friend.”
— W.T., Oro, Ontario, Canada
“Dear Celina,
My best friend of many years and my favorite author.
Your poetry has not only touched my heart but also my soul, my life.
I have watched you and your poetry through the years evolve into the creative author that you are today.
May the universe always smile upon you to continue your creations to share with the world. Love you forever.”
— W.W., Barrie, Ontario, Canada