Influencing Destiny -- Poetry Book Review

There are many things in life which are very rewarding, and for a teacher one of the most rewarding is to see your former students achieve success in various areas. A former 9th grade student of mine has recently published a small book entitled “Influencing Destiny”. This book is a compilation of poetry and prose that Christopher Brown has written over several years of his young life.

Christopher, a 2001 graduate of Cedar High School is the son of Sherie and Steve Brown. He credits his love for writing to his 3rd grade teacher (Mrs. Ipson) who gave writing assignment topics, but she let Chris write about anything he wanted. He continued writing through high school including a screen play he wrote when he was 16.

The young writer went on to serve a mission in Wisconsin for his Church and graduate from Utah Valley University with a major in English/Literature. He has been published in “The Spectrum,” “The Daily Herald,” and UVU’s newspaper. His goal is to write and publish a novel.

I’ve always known that we are able to learn much from those younger than us, and Brown’s bits of wisdom in his poetry and prose can certainly give us much to think about as well bring us enjoyment.

“A Vibrant Place” gives a description of hometown Cedar City that makes the reader smile. On the other hand, “The Grandness of You,” makes one look at him/herself in appreciation of one’s self.

For self-enjoyment or for a perfect gift (Christmas or other special day), buy a copy of Christopher Brown’s “Influencing Destiny.”

A sneak peek at one of the poems:

Inner Conflicts of Human Nature

Judging you I like to do--

It is so easy for me

To see

That you are nothing

Like me.

The things you do are

Things I'd never do

And so I know I'm

Better than you.