Chuck's Published Books
IN SEARCH OF MY SOUL; just looking for me.
A father's collection of poems coming full circle from grieving loss to truly celebrating life. The honesty and vulnerability of his writings will bring tears to your eyes, laughter to your heart and healing to your soul.
EMPTY CLOSETS
One grieving father's reflections on the loss of his son. (First book author published.)
THE GIFT IS IN THE GIVING: A Lesson From Mom
An inspiring story of a grandfather sharing timeless values and beliefs with his grandchildren.
Reviews
In Search of My Soul just looking for me - ttps://amzn.to/37CVgZm
Mary Hope
Your wonderful book has been such a delight to read. I can’t tell you how I have enjoyed your deep and quiet wisdom. What a wonderful gift of insight in each thought on every page.
I found it both challenging at times and nourishing at others. What a gentle and powerful way of learning to forgive ourselves (and at time others which is always the hardest to do). May you continue to write being inspired by the Spirit. You words certainly leave their mark in our hearts.
Chuck H Bona III
The sharing of one's soul can be an arduous journey. Yet the ease, depth, and transparency in which Charles allows us to consider our own soul, invokes an opportunity for our own self-evaluation. Although the book is seemingly simplistic in its careful and gentle flowing way, the enveloping content is very poignant taking the reader on their own journey considering its profundity. Thank you for sharing your soul and affording me a path to reflect upon my own.
Marcia Maffei
This book will open your heart to a feeling of joy. It’s so honest and filled with thoughts that will inspire your day. If you have ever lost someone this book is a must. Warm and tender and so right on. Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely book.
Pam Houston
I’d like to thank you for writing the book and I read it daily when I am struggling with the loss of my son Blain, it’s only been 9 months. It’s been such a great help to me to read your word…I even travel with it wherever I go.
Jenny Xiao
I take this book with me everywhere! This was exactly the kind of book I was looking for and need in my life! When I’m having a tough day and need a quick pick me up or I want to feel more centered I can open this book and find a poem that instantly grounds me. It brings me joy and peace every time I open it
Patti Lorin
LOVED the slow read meandering through the chapters and stories. So heartfelt. So honest. Highly recommend a quiet corner, warm cup of tea and time to let each poem marinate.
“A”
The visual flow of this book is what first captured my attention. It has a rhythm and life of its own. It alludes to a light airy compilation of words, it lies. The text of this book is like bricks, heavy and compact. The words weigh on your heart. How could they not, it's a book about a man, father and husband that had his core mortally wounded and is desperately trying to be whole again. I appreciate the authors willingness to be open and honest.
Barbara Debevec
It reminds me of writings by St John of the Cross as he detailed in his “Dark Night of The Soul” and all of the emotions that were attached to it. Then gradually rising from the depths to a resurrection of sorts, moving gradually towards the Light, by grace and grit. The style and format of the writing also reminds me of the Sufi mystic Rumi, who captures the work of soul growth with so few words, yet deep wisdom.
Ilissa Best
In reading In Search of My Soul: just looking for me, you may just discover yourself. The author is very open about the pain he experienced after his son died and his journey to find peace. There are so many wonderful poems that no doubt many will resonate with different readers. I have already put post-its on my favorites!
John and Cynde
Rarely has one author’s “lost soul” been able to guide readers on such an emotionally charged, honest, and healing journey to find light, forgiveness, love and renewed life partnership. The author begins a tumultuous personal odyssey after the death of his son. He writes that in the depth of grief “rage chokes the soul and insanity reigns.” The starkness of that statement may be shocking to people who have not
experienced catastrophic loss, but for those of us who have, it is as though we found someone finally understands the depth and breadth of the journey through grief to recovery. Along the way, we climb out of the quicksand of loss, self-loathing, depression and despair and move through forgiveness, compassion, hope, and redemption towards healing, togetherness, love and peace. As the author writes: “A heart of stone crumbles when bathed in love.”
Marc Tormey
Pressing forward after losing a child isn't easy. It’s a challenge that I don't wish on any soul. Chuck's (and Lucy's) ability to voice it, live it, and put these ideas artfully on pages is a blessing for me. The simple, but powerful words placed gently in this uniquely designed book opened my heart again to feelings that weren't welcome, hard to manage ... but oh so necessary. This powerful book is a blessing for those of us who have lost someone dear. I'll keep looking' with your guidance Fontenot’s.
Steven Fontenot
Part of Chuck's healing was putting pen to paper. Pouring his Soul onto his canvas and creating magic, pure magic. I absolutely love his work! His words are like a warm blanket on a cold night, a companion when feeling lonely. They will keep you company and inspire you.
Alma Stanek
This book is one to keep close by your side, because you never know when you'll need its bravery, honesty and unconditional love in words that will hold you up when all the world seems to be pulling you down. Thank you, Chuck and God bless you for sharing your story with the world.
These beautiful, insightful, and often searing reflections explore the wilderness of a father's unfathomable grief over losing his beloved son and the redemptive power of love and hope. This little volume is a treasure which will impact and inspire with its powerful graces as we return to it again and again for wisdom, for solace, and for a way forward from sorrow
Tom Brady Sr. "The Original"
It's the real deal, The honesty and vulnerability of his writings will bring tears to your eyes, laughter to your heart and healing to your soul.