the talk
This first full-length volume of poems, High Stakes & Expectations, is beautiful in subject and craft. Diana Rosen rejoices in life’s parities, sensual and sexual unities, and the search for what truly matters. I am profoundly affected by each wonderful poem and so glad she introduced herself to us with this book. Write on, Diana!
Martina Reisz NewberryBlues for French Roast with Chicory
Thanks so much for sending [the ARC of High Stakes & Expectations]. It’s absolutely wonderful and I'm so excited to see 'Hollywood Freeway' on its pages. Congratulations!
Chase DimockManaging Editor, As It Ought To Be Magazine
We read of the tea bowl — metaphorized to the body and framed with the title "Kintsugi" — to bring beauty to a crack in the surface and not try to disguise it. This might serve as the underscore for these incredible poems that explore heartbreak, difficulty, and challenges, but with an eye to the beauty and humanity still found and shared within.
Elline LipkinPoet, Editor, and Research Scholar with UCLA's Center for the Study of Women
What a lovely, lovely book! And, POW! So much solid poetry work. I am just stunned at the power and strength/depth. I know, too, the losses, the heart hurts and how poetry heals. “ICU” is my mother’s life.
Ruth MooseAuthor of the short story collection, “The Goings on at Glen Arbor Acres” and former Creative Writing Professor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
HS&E is beautifully wrought, both in content and in form. I love the cover. [I read] the collection in its entirety (in two sittings) and savor every word (“an artic-cloister winter” comes to mind.) These poems are profound and unpretentious and deserve a second reading.
Connie EbleAuthor of “College Slang 101: A definitive guide to words, phrases and meanings they don’t teach in English class,” and former professor, linguistics at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Diana's remarkable poetry collection is not only superbly written, the book design is exquisite -- one of the best I've ever seen.
Melanie VillinesPublisher, Silver Birch Press
"High Stakes & Expectations" is a wonderful collection of thinking with the heart. Don't miss this!
Gabriele Meiringer HospeltCo-Founder, The Writers Store
I love … the design notion of the words from poems printed faintly along the right margins—a whole new opportunity for poems out of poems—and that the last phrase, “weep happiness.” Diana has a gift for telling, in condensed poetic form, the stories of lives (hers and others). I admire the sexiness in her work! There is a big, observant mind behind this work and an empathic, capacious heart [and] humor.
Jeredith Merrin, Ph.D.Author, “Owling” and former professor of English at Ohio State University
I keep this book on my coffee table to read with a cup of tea and scones. I love this little book. It's a good way to start the day. Five Stars!
Sarah LynnPhysicians Assistant
Remembrance is the major theme throughout the first section, told in a litany of survivor’s songs … lives lost, lives taken, failed marriages, workplace division and, most telling, holocaust remembrance. The second section is more settled and relaxed befitting a less fraught time.
Alan CaitlinEditor, Misfit Magazine
I read your beautiful two-part poetry collection straight through, today. I love the design notion of the words from poems printed faintly along the right margins [it adds] a whole new opportunity [for interpretation]. You have a gift for telling, in condensed poetic form, the stories of your own and others’ lives. I admire the sexiness in your work! “Mathematics and Molé” and Tango [demonstrate the] observant mind behind your work and your empathic, capacious heart.
Jeredith MerrinLyric poet and former university teacher
I just finished reading "Chai The Spice Tea of India" by Diana Rosen. Wow, I was not ready for all the history, ritual, recipes, and culture this little book packs. I highly recommend it!
Miranda von Stockhausengoodreads.com
High Stakes & Expectations is a beautiful book I'm proud to add to my portfolio. The tactile sensation of the cover and highlighted words on each spread adds impact to the visceral imagery of Diana's great poetry.
Debbie FerrariCreative Director and Branding Specialist, DesignFish
Diana Rosen’s 'The Book of Green Tea,' is an excellent book worth reading for its advice on judging the freshness and desirability of products.
Dr. Andrew Weil, A.B., M.D.Founder and Director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona
I’ve already read HS&E several times and I love it. It’s so you! Beautiful poems from a wise and funny woman. And a deep thinker, and someone whose friendship I treasure!
Jackie RyanReader, Friend, Musician
After living in India for 12 years this delightful book brought back so many wonderful memories that were so strong you could almost taste them.
Diana Rosen has done an excellent job of blending the romantic culture with the traditions of making and serving tea that transcends all classes and castes of the India subcontinent. After reading 'Chai' I have order six more copies as gifts for my close friends. Everyone who enjoys a cup of tea, and what it can bring, will love this tasty and instructive book.
RaljoAs posted on goodreads.com
The poems in High Stakes & Expectations chronicle a woman's journey through love, loss, and rebirth. Diana Rosen's voice is honest and hopeful as she recalls experiences that will be familiar to many readers. I received her lovely book as a gift from a friend and so many passages resonate with me, both on a personal level and a poetic one.
Beth CopelandAuthor of Blue Honey and wwinner of the 2017 Dogfish Head Poetry Prize
Thank you for sending HIGH STAKES & expectations! The design is exquisite -- probably the best I've seen in a poetry collection, Really superb! I look forward to reading your collection. Cheers!
Melanie VillinesPublisher, Silver Birch Press
Thank you SO much for sending us a copy of your lovely book! It’s beautifully produced; Colin especially loves the cover. And we’re enjoying reading the rich range of poems.
So fun to “hear” your voice again, and to remember the good times we enjoyed working together—and our memorable walk through SF Chinatown with the three of us! Wishing you all the best.
Deborah BalmuthPublisher, Storey Books
Thank you for sending High Stakes & Expectations! The design is exquisite -- probably the best I've seen in a poetry collection, Really superb! With this beautiful collection, you have far exceeded anything I have done publishing-wise. I hope your “tiny” endeavor blooms into a huge bouquet! I can picture you as a major publisher of poetry.
Melanie VillinesPublisher, Silver Birch Press
I'm so excited to dig into your amazing words. It's a gray, cold, and cloudy day here today and I came home early from my studio. Now I'm going to put on my pajamas and read for the rest of the day. Congratulations on your big accomplishment and THANK YOU for sending it to me. Xoxoxo
Patti Anastas
Sat down to read your new book this morning and I was so moved by many of the pieces. It struck me that “The Past will be Remembered,” “Snow Drops,” and “Lucky Me” are such vibrant pictures of what is happening today in Ukraine – makes my heart ache. I’m so proud of your work – it’s at times moving and beautiful and sad and joyful.
Jerri
I got your package a few days ago, guessed what was inside and then waited to open it so I could savor what was inside. Your beautiful book was my reward today [...] it's just gorgeous and I was moved to tears to see my name in the back. You should be so proud. I love the cover as well — so haunting, and that adorable pic of you on your bike in the back! Determination — it shows then and it shows now. Kudos again!
Elline LipkinPoet, editor, and Research Scholar with UCLA's Center for the Study of Women