Testimonials
Reader reflections
A selection of responses to Ken Westdorp’s poetry collections, gathered from readers, artists, and community voices.
Book reviews
Words that stayed with readers
Gateway to Obscurity
Enjoyed your book very much!! Loved “Spontaneity,” “Passing,” “Mortality,” “Trust,” and “Hands over Heart,” just to name a few. Thank you so much. Wonderful work. Will definitely re-read again, as I know I will get even more out of it.
Maxine HowchinVice President of Surrey Arts Council
Strength and Vulnerability
Is a poetic in-depth look at our society’s most vulnerable. Ken is succinctly sensitive to the struggles of these people and is able to impart their struggles and society’s ignorance of the situation through verse. He appeals to the readers’ hearts and allows his own compassion and empathy to shine through. Excellent and worth the read!
Susan YorkNurse
Reader reflection
I found every passage a very thoughtfully composed poem. Especially “The Journey,” which spoke of people’s lives. Overall it is a joy to read and reflect upon the message.
Richard S.
Reader reflection
Ken’s openness and vulnerability will bring to remembrance precious memories and moments from your past. His ability to connect with universal emotion through his personal experiences will touch your heart. He has a special way with language and creativity in expression that creates a point of connection for the reader. A beautiful book to read and experience!
Christine Conway
Reader reflection
Ken has boldly approached subjects that we like to hide in real life. He has made himself vulnerable but also dared to be honest. He has a gift for seeing life from all angles and expressing it clearly through vivid vocabulary. Well done!
Gillian Gjernes
Gateway to Obscurity
It was a pleasure reading this book of poems that, in a nutshell, look like narrative travels through the author’s life in smooth and velvet verses: childhood, lovely parents, history, neighborhood, middle age, love, passion for the past and present, memories, reality and desires.
So passionately on the title two words: Gateway and Obscurity, like light and dark of our lives. Known and unknown world that so beautifully is unearthed in the verses of this book written by a heart that travels so nice from one subject to another, showing passion and love, bravery and fear, battles and glories of triumph at the same time.
Remarkable poems that show the poet’s spirit, his kindness and devotion to life and people who so dearly he was and still is surrounded by. Good way to go Ken. Hope a second one will follow. Cheers and good luck with sales. Hope this book will touch many more people who will have a chance to read and, why not, as I did, re-read some verses to understand the philosophic meaning from one verse to another, which made me think before flipping the page to the next page.
Ardian LagjiPresident of Albanian Association of BC
Reader reflection
A book that shares intimate but also worldly concerns. It makes you look at these concerns from the author’s perspective, giving us insight into his view of the world and those around him. It was a good book that you could read again and again.
Diane Kuhn
Reader reflection
I have read all the poems in the book and each one has inspired me. They are all so emotional and full of wisdom, and some of them are full of history of my days with my family. I would highly recommend the book to everyone, and I think the author has the imagination to write a mystery book also.
Lela W.
Gateway to Obscurity
I found Gateway to Obscurity to be a compelling read. Ken Westdorp bravely shares with his readers some of his personal life experiences in this book of poems. In each poem he skillfully retells us readers about a life-altering experience and some of the emotions that still weigh heavily and influence the author’s present day.
As we accompany Ken on his journey of reflection, he paints pictures with his words. Very clear pictures. Although at times dark, sad and depressing, there are glimmers of hope for the future. Keep writing Ken. We are waiting to see what happens next.
Deb
Gateway to Obscurity
From the cover to the title I was interested in this book, not knowing what to expect from a new author. But after reading, I wanted to pick it up again and again to reread the poetry and discover more interesting messages that were very inspirational as well as heartwarming.
I myself cannot wait to register for the mailing list, so I will be one of the first to read the preview and buy Ken Westdorp’s second book. P.S. Can’t wait.
Judy Edmunds