Fiery poetry depicting "Woman's struggle to be recognized in a male-dominated society. Side Steps Terrorizing Sound Bites is an entertaining snap-shot summary of Amy Jean's memoir The Kingdom Has Arrived.

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Reviewed by D. Donovan, Senior Editor, Midwest Review:

At first glance, the hard copy of Side Steps Terrorizing Sound Bites appears to be printed upside down. The front cover leads to the upside down back of the story, and the reader opens from the back to begin. The back cover presents a poem that starts "Going in reverse caused me to curse/laboring to diffuse anger/from the course I'd traversed." This leads one to think that this is a purposeful move rather than a printer's error. And so the fun begins.

Each poem receives a color drawing by illustrator Eric Savage, who provides visual embellishment for the lyrical works within. More so than most poets who choose to add color embellishments, these pictures of people, animals, places, and situations are suitable artistic enhancements that both support written words and stand on their own as lovely drawings supporting the epic poetry production.

Readers move through life experiences with reflections that blend history, philosophical, and psychological inspection. Some question the nature of perception and reality, as in 'Facts': "A story is a story;/What exactly are the facts?/—Your perspective/My perspective—who can argue with that?"

Some are whimsical; others quite serious. The free-flowing style moves between verse and free verse with equal skill as Jean weaves a powerful story with action calls that link history and personal choice and perspective.

Powerful reflections link daily life's challenges to broader experience as in 'Back from the Front', which connects military endeavors with fifty years of "calculation, terrorism and isolation" and describes them with a series of vivid images: "Mine's a ride down a slide/a fall in an elevator,/a spin in a tornado &/a climb up a ladder/Again, and again, and again..."

The result is poetic social inspection at its best: a journey of compelling, engaging historical examination that links personal experience and evolution to activism in a compelling, unique, artistic manner where everything in life is potentially revolutionary.

"Side Steps Terrorizing Sound Bites" poetically reveals the diabolical ramifications of life being played rather than lived. Amy Jean shares personal trials, tribulations, and contemplation in a spirited rhythmic chime. The struggle of women to be recognized in a male-dominated society is boldly depicted in activist poetry style. This collection shoots flares up at the historical missteps we habitually ignore. Fiery intensity and engaging illustrations amplify the words on the page and drive them home to readers who are open to engaging with our flawed history.

FIVE STAR REVIEW  by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite

"Side Steps: Terrorizing Sound Bites is a volume of collected poetry on a variety of personal and socio-cultural themes and was penned by author Amy Jean. Written for adult audiences due to some content and language usage, the work explores the experience of women still living in a male-dominated society and still falling victim to traditionalism and the overlooking and automatic thoughts which keep us chained. The work includes rhythmic works of personal experience of the author as well as wider-reaching thematic works that protest against the system and encourage readers to open their eyes to true history beyond automatic thinking and censorship.

Author Amy Jean comes together with illustrator Eric Savage to create an artistic masterpiece that is both personal and progressive. These 33 illustrated verses explore the experience of playing the role of a woman, and what is expected in that role as the author undergoes trauma and relates her played-out experience to the reality of actually living an authentic life. The wordplay is spectacular and highly emotive, and the layout of the work itself makes for a visual and audible feast as the images perfectly match the poetic content. Accessible to all readers no matter if they have experience with poetry or not, the author reaches into the soul of her readership and speaks the truth. A particular and relatable favorite of mine was ‘I Hate Everything I Loved’. Overall, I would highly recommend Side Steps: Terrorizing Sound Bites to poetry fans and newcomers alike for its frank honesty, powerfully emotive language, and overall reading experience."

Amy Jean is a dreamer, a poet, mother, and writer sharing compelling stories. As a poet and writer, she has written numerous books. The Kingdom has Arrived: Foundations Volume 1, her debut memoir is a compilation of poetry and prose that details her mystical and otherworldly encounters, including physical manifestations, visions, locutions, prophetic dreams, and apparitions—be inspired and discover your authentic self by following along on a spiritually enlightening journey using the My Insight Journal that accompanies Volume 1. Be sure to read two more of her books; Side Steps Terrorizing Sound Bites and A Step Back, a forthcoming thought-provoking book that is a continuation of the first two Side Step books. Amy’s first two Side Step books received numerous five-star reviews. Experience Scripture coming to fruition to warm the hearts of humanity in The Kingdom has Arrived Volume 2: Passion’s Fire.

     Amy is an entrepreneur and spent several years growing a cleaning company in NC. She recently started Jean Publications, LLC, and seeks to share forward-thinking, unique works of art that inspire and propel humanity towards universal liberation. Specifically, creative writing and artistic masterpieces offering bold new thoughts leading society to a brighter future where all lives matter. When she is not writing and working, she enjoys spending time with her three grown sons and two daughters-in-law.

Learn more about Amy and her books at www.amyjean.live

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