Illuminate

By Ivan Raconteur

Praise for Illuminate "Ivan Raconteur's poems produce vivid images and evoke a range of emotions, from carefree to heartwarming to heart wrenching. His ability to capture, and also reveal so much with few words is a true gift. I look forward to more poetry by this fine writer." - Christine Husom, Author of the Winnebago County Mysteries and the Snow Globe Shop Mysteries "Hard won heartache, sometimes murky with frustration, more often pulsing with memory and yearning-reflections from a true raconteur." - Mark Mitten, Author of Peacemaker Award-nominees Sipping Whiskey in a Shallow Grave and Hard to Quit Ivan Raconteur is perhaps best known for his award-winning columns in the Herald Journal, Enterprise Dispatch, and Delano Herald Journal newspapers, published under the banner of "Curmudgeon's Corner." Ivan's writing is often described as insightful, humorous, and poignant. He served as editor of the Herald Journal in Winsted, MN for more than a decade, until two strokes in two years forced him into early retirement. With his characteristic determination and positive attitude, Ivan continued to charm audiences with his weekly columns, despite physical and cognitive limitations. He also began writing poetry, expressing his honest, heartfelt sentiments regarding topics such as his early years in Duluth, fighting through adversity (his Finnish ancestors referred to this as "sisu"), and the people who've influenced him throughout his life. Ivan's debut poetry collection, Illuminate, is a combination of keen journalistic observations and deeply personal reflections, a courageous and spirited examination of darkness and light. From "Grandfather" I refuse to accept defeat because my soul knows not its name.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0D8G8CVG7
• ISBN13: 9798324139056
• Release Date: June 2024
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 110 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.3" x 6.0"