Reviews for
Random Raging Images
& Other Ramblings

In Random Raging Images, Dennis J. Smith mixes poetry and short stories that takes the reader from fantasy and magic to the heart wrenching tales of lost love and death.

"His June Wedding" is one story that struck me with the profound gift of love and the loss of dreams. Interspersed between his powerful stories are some beautiful poetry where Dennis shows his literary knowledge by using forms like Villanelle, haiku, tanka and free verse.

My favorite of the poems is Silent, Ice Crystal Night

I would heartily recommend this book for young adult and adult readers.

~ Brenda Roberts Author of Psychosis, Shadows and Echoes of Still Life & A Cold North Wind

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Mr. Smith's work plays on the dark and light side of human fears, charms, vanities, and weaknesses. His interplay of emotions create sumptuous still-lifes and intricate etchings that seem subtle at first glance. If given a second reading you will find a creative blend of wit, deep reflection, and insight.

I recommend Mr. Smith's book, it's a slice of life shared with others, both eloquent and persuasive.

~Patty Mager

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I have been a fan of Dennis's writing for nearly three years now. What captured my interest first, and holds it to this day, is the amount of emotion he packs into his poems and short stories. This is done with an economy of words that grips the readers attention and haunts their imagination long after the initial read.

In this collection, Dennis has chosen to spotlight some of his deeper, darker works. But look closely, if one is observant a glimmer is sometimes seen at the end of the tunnel; some hope, some bit of good, some lesson life can teach us so that we may carry on no matter what the fates choose to throw our way.

I highly recommend "Random Raging Images" to anyone who is a fan of distilled writing, for that is what I liken Dennis's work to - fine, distilled brandy, with a bit of an edge.

~Debra Porter

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"touches our imaginations and tickles our collective funny bones"

Dennis Smith brings to both his poetry and his prose a richness of language that is rare today among all but the most widely published poets of the day. This bodes well for his future endeavors. His poems touch our hearts and souls. His prose touches our imaginations and tickles our collective funny bones. Dennis skilfully combines imagery, metaphor and rich language that engages his readers. I'm glad I got a chance to read and review this book for him.

~Diane L. Weiss

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