Former Oxford resident Hope Brown, 61, of Waterford, describes her new book of poetry as “a positive book about dealing with life” that is straight forward and simple.
“Most people don’t buy books of poetry – I know I don’t,” said Brown. “In fact, I don’t like to call them poetry. I’d rather you call them ‘Inspirational Messages’ because the book is not really about the poetry. I’m actually not all that good at poetry – it’s the message that matters.”
Recovery Reflections on Life, Faith, Love, Volume II, is the second book in a series of poems published by the one-time Oxford resident. The work contains 55 different pieces composed by Brown over the course of 22 years.
“These are all just things that I’ve learned over the years and written,” she explained. “It’s not that I sit down and intend to write a poem – something just hits me and I take out my pencil and paper.”
Brown self-published her first book in 1983. She said she never planned on publishing either book, something inside of her just said it was time to do so. Volume II of the collection has been published by Vantage Press in New York.
“It’s not about the money or getting a book published,” said Brown. “It’s always just been about the message. About doing something positive in life.”
In fact, Brown never intended to become an author. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Detroit and a master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University.
From 1982-1985, Brown worked as a teacher until receiving her master’s degree. In 1986, she began working as a substance abuse counselor with the Oxford Institute on Drahner Rd. In 1992, the poet decided to open her own center, Phoenix Square Counseling, in Waterford.
While in Oxford, Brown helped to found the Clear Lake Parents Association and the Girls Little League Softball organization. She was also a member of the school board form 1978-1982. More recently, she ran for county commissioner. For the past 22 years, Brown has been involved in a 12-step program for friends and family members of alcoholics.
“With 17 years in the field, there’s a lot in this book on the topics of life, faith and love,” said Brown. “Sometimes I read them again and again, and I think ‘Wow, I didn’t know I knew that way back then.’”
Brown said she has been writing poetry since she was a young child. She credits her mother and father with a lot of her inspiration.
“I think a lot of what’s in that book was from them,” she concluded. “I enjoy realizing how much I have learned and that I can share this with other people now.”
Brown’s book, Recovery Reflections on Life, Faith, Love, Volume II can be ordered through any bookstore or over the Internet.