Book Review: “Locker”

Locker by Michelle Ayon Navajas (2023). Available on Amazon.com at https://a.co/d/aTRPHTR.

This collection of poetic stories by Michelle Ayon Navajas touched my heart with its honesty and sincerity. She uses a school locker as a metaphor for the human heart and the feelings we lock away when a personal relationship falters due to fear, dishonesty, doubt, separation, love, friendship, longing, and frustrated desire. The stories are simple and direct, written in poetic prose that uncovers deep layers of emotion and self-reflection.

Consider this profound statement from her story, “War.”

“The greatest battle one can ever face is not war or conflict, nor is it survival or finding love. It is the battle of keeping love alive, a struggle that has been endured since the beginning of humanity.”

She writes about the unconventional side of love relationships in “Yes.”

“You captured my heart, not at ‘hello’ but at ‘goodbye.’”

“I was broken, not because you left, but because you wanted to stay. That afternoon, you pleaded for a chance and professed your love. I never gave you an honest answer.”

And pain? Yes, there is plenty of heartbreak and pain in these stories, as evidenced by her story, “Words.”

“’I’m sorry we didn’t work out.’”

“Damn, that killed me.”

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling and intriguing read.

Website: http://www.michnavs.wordpress.com

Dawn Pisturino

Author, Ariel’s Song: Published Poems, 1987 – 2023

Author of the Month for March 2024 on Spillwords Press

Co-Author, Hidden in Childhood: A Poetry Anthology

Co-Author, 2023 Arizona Literary Magazine

Co-Author, Wounds I Healed: The Poetry of Strong Women

April 30, 2024

Copyright 2024 Michelle Ayon Navajas. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright 2024 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

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