They Won't Shut Up

by Cindy J. Smith

In this second book of poetry, Cindy's voices
continue their relentless sharing of their opinions.
Touching on many of the emotions and life situations
humans encounter, they offer their viewpoint in the hopes
of finding the path to peace. At the end of the book, Cindy has
shared a small section spotlighting the works of her angel daughter,
to whom this book is lovingly dedicated for her Birthday.

Genres: Poetry

210 pages, Paperback

First published December 4, 2013

About the author

I lived in Avon, NY until I was in college. My family moved to FL and I moved around the eastern US for about 10 years until settling in IN with my husband 17 years ago. We are truck drivers and have seen most of the continental US through work. I have 5 sisters and no brothers. We had one daughter, Jasmine, who passed away and have one granddaughter, Valerie who is now 7. I have written poetry most of my life. I have held many jobs, was a Math Major in college and am a Certified Electronic Technician. I enjoy reading, cooking, taking pictures, and writing.

Reviews

[Cindy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, Goodreads wants me to review my own book? What do they think I am going to say? It sucks? Well, SURPRISE, I loved it!! I think you will too!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Won’t Shut Up by Cindy J. Smith

4 Stars

Last night I got an email
It asked if I would read
This little book of poems
And of course I just agreed

It didn’t take me very long
The read, it was quite fast
Learning all the special things
From Cindy’s recent past

The book was split in sections
With the subjects written clear
From the special people in her life
To days and weeks and years

Most were quite refreshing
With their meanings free to find
And I found the journey interesting
Into this writers mind

If you like to read short poems
Or you haven’t got much time
Why not in your lunch break
Read this book? It’s full of rhyme!

Sorry I couldn’t help but try my hand!

Copy supplied for review

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lacking some of the raw emotion of the first book of poetry this is no less an open book to a person soul.
I have countless poems I can recite that I figure is a must read but those that really got me thinking is in no particular order.
Cereal Killer - it is a funny poem. I liked that.
Evil and Twin
Westobor Baptist Church - disturbing poem.
The Dragon Lady. We all know this gal.
Free
Words
Bouquet - loved the poets use of words colors etc in this one.
Fireplace.
Dragon Lord
And
Halloween.
WaAr

[Jacquie Talento · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.
Wouldn’t we all like to be able to put our thoughts on paper and have them written exactly how we feel? Ms. Smith has done it for us from seasons to children, feelings of loss and hope. She has poems that will make you think, one’s that will make you smile and so on. I love her work and I found so many as favorites as I hope you will as well.

[LaGina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Cindy has given me a little peace(I meant to spell it that way) of Heaven on Earth in this crazy world. I love to read her poetry because it puts me in my Zen place and I get a break from the cruel world. I can not wait to get my hands on more of her poems. I would tell anyone who wants to have a breather from life just for a few minutes a day this read is what you want. Thank you Cindy for sharing your world with us. <3

[R.A. Sears · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll start off by saying I'm not a huge lover of poetry. I feel like a lot of folks just take whatever comes to their minds, throw it into stanzas, and call it poetry. That's not the case with Cindy Smith's second collection "They Won't Shut Up"! This book covers a lot of very real topics, ranging from everyday occurrences to playboys, dream lovers, children, and the Westboro Baptist Church.

I have to say that my favorite poem in the collection is "Evil & Twin." It speaks of an optimist who only sees the good in the world, and the polar opposite: someone who sees the reality of the damage mankind does to the planet and themselves.

My only complaint with the collection is that I wish she had a bit more free verse, or something that broke her usual pattern of four line stanzas. But poetry is unique to each author. I can honestly say there's probably at least one poem in here that will speak to every person, in some way.

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

10+*s. I was extremely hooked to this book of poems. This author is able to bring her poetry to an audience that is able to sit and relate their lives with the poems of this book be it from the past or the present. I love how these poems stop and make you think of life in general and emotion that is hidden in each story. Some put a smile on my face as another brought a tear to my eyes. I just love loved how the depth of each poem brought out and different emotion and made me think for a minute about the story and about how much truth and life's decisions are in each poem. This is a RECOMMENDED MUST READ to entice you and capture your heart and soul and entrance you from beginning to end. I was so enchanted by the author's use of words, that I was compelled to keep reading and not stop until I was finished. Thank you, Cindy J. Smith, for the heart capturing and sharing your world with us!!!

[Uvi Poznansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Won't Shut Up is a heartfelt body of work, presented with a stark title, and with a cover that expresses what is unique about this author. Cindy J. Smith is a truck driver who is blessed with a natural gift. Often while driving through the night, when all is quite, she is hearing these voices flowing through her mind, heart and gut, making her a vessel through which they are delivered to paper. This verse, for example, brought a mile to my lips:

I write what they have to say
Rhyming as fast as I can
So that I might possibly
Have some peaceful sleep again

She quotes these voices with rare directness; she holds nothing back, even though they touch upon painful, deeply intimate moments:

Sometimes I feel
Like a small child
Wandering around
Lost in the wild

The most poignant poems, for me, were the ones scented with the fragrance of jasmine, which she presents to her daughter as a token of consolation:

To make all perfect
Dear daughter of mine
I'll tie a great bow
Of fresh jasmine vine

This fragrance is an allusion to the girl she calls "My angel in Heaven" whom she misses, and whose poetic work is included at the end of the book as a tender tribute. Oh, such a sense of aching and hope in these words, "Someday we'll never part..."

Five stars.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cindy J Smith is an amazing poet who has voices in her head that will not shut up until she writes down their words. These voices come to her as she is driving huge semi's as an over the road (otr) truck driver! Hence the name of her two books, Voices In My Head and They Won't Shut Up. Two truly amazing wonderful selections of poems by a woman with a big heart who has been through loss and grief, Love and hope, all of her feelings right there on paper for all of us to read and feel as well. What I truly like about these poems is they are straight forward, although thought provoking you do not have to read a line and figure out what she is feeling or what she might have thought we would feel while reading said poems. This beautiful woman has gone through a very hard time and I am so happy that I have had the chance to read through her poetry and I hope you all take the chance as well. They are truly amazing. She gives us a little bit of heaven through her words for sure.

[Tara Dawn (Colourful WordWench) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are we sisters from another mother?! Some of your poems reminded me of things Ive written about or thought about in great detail. I love reading poetry for that reason. Being able to make a connection with others thru similar thoughts feelings and experiences only to feel it from another perspective is amazing. Thank you Cindy for baring and sharing your soul with us. Some of your work must have been quite difficult to share. Inbetween laughing about your love for cereal, lost loves, fighting for love in a marriage, infidelity, lost loved ones and children, the madness that surrounds us in such a beautiful world, I bounced from highs and lows seeing life from your eyes. To walk a mile in someone else's shoes...I think your mile has been added to. Lots of love lady. Oh and Thx for sharing with us your daughters work. Barney Fife was awesome :)

[Rebecca Ann Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am normally not a big poety fan as I have grown old I have began to understand it at a new level. Cindy covered a wide away of topics and issues that can occur in everybody's lives. I really enjoyed all the aspects the she touched and makes you think a little deeper about the topic then you would normally. Im passing it on to my 19 year old daughter I think she might enjoy the book too. Cindy also has a previous poetry book to read. I myself plan to review it too.

[Brandy Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love poetry and enjoyed this book immensely! Cindy writes poems that are not only well versed, but something I'm sure every reader can find one of them to relate to. For me, Cheat and Me were my faves. I look forward to more from Ms. Smith in the future.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was very inspirational and a lot of the poems I could relate to in my own life - would recommend to everyone as a must read - Congrats Cindy on another wonderful book

[Shawanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was very interesting and I could relate to it hope everyone enjoys it as I did

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read poetry I expect the words to make think and provoke emotion....This book of poetry did much more than that! The author Cindy J. Smith has such a way to make the words jump off the page and draw you in and lose yourself. With each poem, I felt something while reading them and some I felt more than one emotion at a time.
Each poem took me to a world all of my own, were the words brought forth memories for me. I cried,laughed,and sighed with each poem I read. From the first poem to the last, each poem made me think about life and the surprises and disappointments that each of us come across day to day. Cindy J. Smith has a talent making the words come to life and mean something. I hope she keeps writing poems that make me feel the way this book did. I will recommend this book to everyone I know! Thank you Cindy J. Smith for listening to those voices in your head, you are one talented author~

[Sandra Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Cindy’s second poem book and WOW, I think she outdid herself on this book. I love how she split the poems up in different parts. This book had a lot more poems then the first book. It was a very fast, interesting and intriguing book. I loved this book so much, and they all took my breath away. She had me in tears again with how wonderful she had written them. All Cindy’s poems are passionate and truthful, and again I felt as if she poured her heart and soul into both books. If you want a good poem book to read these are what you should read. I highly recommend this book. Below are some of my favorite in this book. I choose 13 this time. These ones really affected me and had me in tears.
1. Voices
2. Dreams
3. Surrogate Angel
4. Mona
5. Summer’s Eve
6. Wondering Thoughts
7. Mind vs. Heart
8. Love Again
9. Bliss
10. The River
11. Memories
12. True Monster
13. Dream Catcher

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"They Won't Shut Up" by Cindy J. Smith is another wonderful selection of poems by a woman with a big heart. I would have called this anthology after one of the poems, Heart Song, (one of y favourites) to honour this fact.
Smith writes poems to her friends, about her friends and family, warm, full of feeling and caring.
She is not just emotional but also philosophical at times or witty, e.g. when she addresses an Adonis.
The range of emotions and subjects portrayed is wide, Cindy seems to be inspired/ dictated the words by those voices that won't shut up everywhere and 24/7, which makes for a great selection.
Some of these gems could even be pop song lyrics, I advise the author to seriously look into this. A selection that holds something for everyone. Well done.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book of poems. I enjoyed it a lot. I was lucky enough to receive a copy ahead of time and I am happy that I was able to.

Cindy J. smith has put a lot of herself into her poems and I found that I could not read this book in one sitting. I had to be in the right frame of mind to do so and even then I could only read a few at a time. This could also be from the fact that I have always been more of a book fan then for poems which considering that I had a cousin who was a published poet and I grew up around it, was different.

I would suggest this book to anyone who loves poetry but also to those people who want to experience something different, check this out, you may be surprised.

[Jeannette Joyal · Rating 5 out of 5]

collection of exquisite poems written from an extraordinary Woman with an incredible gift to describe heart filled experience. As I read these poems feelings, that had been long ago buried deep with in my mind, began to awaken flooding my heart with joy and sadness. While the tears flowed freely I began to feel a heavy weight being lift from my soul leaving me with a peace I had not felt in a long time. Thank you Cindy I will cherish these forever! May Cindy's Voice reach your soul so you can experience her heart filled wisdom that flow from the Heavens above.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved "They Won't Shut Up" by Cindy J. Smith. Another 5 Star review for the Amazing Ms. Smith. She has the ability to draw the reader in with each poem she writes. You will lose yourself in a whirlwind of emotions with each one you read. I am in awe at the ability of this author to be able to make such amazing words be able to come to life. I would definitely recommend this book for everyone.

[Tonya Rupell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully thoughtful collection of work based on true honest feelings of today's life. Cindy's poems will make you laugh, cry and best of all think! Just take a moment to think about her words and you will understand how powerful they are. This is the second book of hers and I look forward to a third!

[Trevor Couturier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am slowly making my way through this book. Like her first book, "Voices In My Head", Cindy has done a wonderful job of mixing up the poetry to include all types of poems.
I recommend this book to ALL poetry lovers.

[Mel Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

From belly laughs to heart wrenching tears, Cindy J Smith touches all aspects of life itself. Hard to put down. This book is welcome during periods of joy or pain because Cindy clearly lets the reader know she/he is not alone.

[Marie Fostino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met this wonderful author on Facebook. I am not a poem person but I decided that I wanted to read what she wrote. Her poems made me think and go into other worlds with a smile on my face. Like her poem 'Sandman' put me back in time as I put my children to bed when they were young, or like her poem 'Crying' which brought me back to some of the bad times I shared with my husband. Life is full of good times & bad times and Cindy seems to know how to describe these feelings in her poems. Thank you Cindy J Smith for an emotional read.

[Elle Klass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this author a few months ago and instantly fell in love with her writing. Her poems are honest pieces of her heart, some are playful others are a little dark, written in rhyming stanzas. Her family and friends are the target of her poems making for enjoyable reading. I was easily drawn into her world through her words and found myself laughing and relating to my own life. She brings life observations to paper such as the poem Adonis – the shallow ladies’ man – or Me – a poem about herself.
A poetry book worthy of reading and sure to entertain.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Won't Shut Up is another amazing book of poetry from the truly talented Cindy J. Smith. I NEVER closed the book. The spectrum of emotions expressed in these poems is overwhelming, and cathartic. I do have a favorite from this one, though. The Soldier really hit home for me. From laughing, to crying and back. What a terrific collection. No real main theme, just awesome words. I hear music and feel strengthened. Thank you to Cindy's voices. Please never stop!

[Aaron Boxley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"They Won't Shut Up" by Cindy J. Smith, was a fun and unique read. She captures certain elements or moments in her own and in other peoples lives and turns them into a picturesque adventure. I quite thoroughly enjoyed her "Cereal Killer", "Dragon Lord" and "Kid Toys", as these poems seemed to bring me back to my early days as a child and the travels my mind would take to when I was playing.

[Eugéne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ghastly! Rhyme appeals only to four year olds, and the makers of sentimental, vomit inducing, birthday cards.

[Mii · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read!

[Davis Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given and e-copy in exchange for my honest review.

I am not a huge poetry reader. I can honestly say, about the only poet that can keep me interested is Poe. I do like to read poetry from time to time, but I am not one that can sit and read a whole book of poetry in one or two sittings. I took my time with this book and read a poem here and there. I think the author covered several topics. There seems to be a little of everything for everyone. There are very few books of poetry that I have been able to read all the way through. A lot seem to be stuck in a "particular mood" which tends to get a little boring. This book is the complete opposite. Some are happy, sad, funny, and there are some that really make you think. If you love poetry, you should give this book a try. Huge props to the author for putting her feelings on paper and sharing them with the world.