Loss of Voice

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07) Dr. Chris M. McDaniel shares his emotions, passions, talent and life with readers in his book “Loss of Voice.” Chris is very talented and his book is sure to please readers. “When you feel that you have lost your voice, and no one is listening, through the art of expression, you will always be heard.” As we journey through our lives we sometimes feel that people stop listening to us, or more important, we stop hearing ourselves. Dr. Chris M. McDaniel has discovered a way to reach many. They will hear his voice through his poetry. Chris wrote his first poem at age 9. He’s continued to use words as an outlet for his passions and emotions. In “Loss Of Voice” he explains that he has accomplished many of his goals. He completed college, settled into a home; during that process it seemed at some point he lost his voice. No one, mostly himself seemed to hear him any longer. “The voice I lost was poetry Expression, time forgot I had the bills and workload But I had the free time not. So now I’ve got time to spare Life’s firmly on its t rack I’ve put my pen to paper Since I got my lost voice back. From family travels, books and song To years of earthly pleasures My poems speak of dreams an schemes That led to heartfelt treasures.” I was particularly struck by the poem “Church of Tomorrow.” Dr. Chris eloquently puts in words the ministry of a man he greatly respects. "He’s true to his beliefs above, God’s love has made him proud For this, he stands each week to share, “the word” with this fine crowd” I truly enjoyed this book. The author has a way of weaving a tapestry of words into glorious glimpses of passion and pictures of his life. He is very talented. His poetry has an unusual sensitivity and drills to the core of the soul. I highly recommend “Loss of Voice” to those who enjoy poetry and generally good reading.