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“Poets and Peers” is a poignant memoir that chronicles Nick and Carla’s personal journey through mental illness and recovery. They share their experiences with raw honesty and courage aiming to inspire and educate readers about living with mental health challenges. It is such a testament to the journey they have endured, the support they have had along the way and have given to others, and the gift of love they share for each other. Very powerful and inspiring!
~Kelly A. Fried
Executive Director
Chesterfield Community Services Board
"I heard you! This book is an artistic thread of tragedy, romance, and resilience. The authors wove poetry and prose in a way that braided the trauma of the past with the wisdom of the present to create a tapestry of storytelling that left me wanting to keep reading until I came to the end. . . or the present. The illustrations used watercolors to mimic the flow of colored water with the colorful events of their lives to create the final artistry that is the book. Although no one should ever have created the trauma that you experienced, the description of how you found the healing power of love gives readers hope for healing. Better life is to come!"
~Dr. Nina Beaman
"I love the book. Heartbreaking, beautiful writing, a treasure, an inspiration"
~Sally Cramer-Holzgrefe.
Carla and Nick,
I spoke to both of you briefly and bought your amazing book Poets and Peers when I went on the Fan Art Stroll on Hanover Avenue in May. I did not realize what a compelling story I would find within each page. The words and the stories you have shared are so profound. Your ability to rise above the major mental and physical health issues you have faced leave me so humbled with the blessings of my own life. Your words beautifully capture the imagination especially when you talk about your garden (I love gardening and my flowers) and sipping coffee. Your love of nature and the beauty of your surroundings awakened me to my own surroundings and how there is such peace in nature.
I don't really know what it is like to deal with muscular dystrophy, mental health issues,the healing power of peer support and putting your struggles and blessings into words but you have captured it all in this phenomenal read. I also very much enjoyed your paintings/pictures Carla. Your love and support of each other is so deep and rich. I hope others are captivated by your poetry and stories as much as I was.
Thank you for writing this amazing book. My blessings to both you as your continue your journey together in this life.
~Brenda Bartges
Midlothian VA
Poets and Peers is a brave, personal gift of healing and generosity. Carla and Nick have written from their hearts, sharing their courageous journeys through mental illness, recovery, and love. Told through each of their collected poems, pieces of their life stories are revealed gradually, with ups and downs not unlike recovery itself, pain points interspersed among lighter moments and nuggets of insight.
Their first book, they openly pay tribute to the confessional poets, yet they have created something valuably unique: a poetry book that is a blending of two individuals’ personal struggles, a calling out of injustice and a message of hope through peer support, powered by love for each other. Above all it is profoundly honest, and we should thank them for sharing their lives with us.
~Bruce Cruser, Executive Director
Mental Health Virginia
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Nick and Carla's stories are affirming, powerful, and inspiring, and they come together in such a beautiful way. I love this book.
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~Kelley Rafferty
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Poets and Peers: Our story of mental health recovery through love, peer support, and poetry by Carla and Nick Pappas inspires and uplifts. Carla and Nick share their profound love and healing journey through the difficult terrains of trauma, muscular dystrophy and serious mental and emotional health challenges.
My words cannot do justice to the depth of their healing, grit, and grace. Carla’s heart-warming watercolors offer visual delights as both authors share their soulful poetic evolution. Please gift yourself this beautiful poetry and watercolor collection to greatly expand your heart and mind thanks to the poets’ intimacy and truth.
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~Heather Peck