LOVING STRAYS
Candid stories of eclectic love affairs range from
wild to sweet, funny to sad, and whorish to endearing.
Each section looks at different types of romance in the author's various life stages spanning over 20 years. Insightful self-reflections portray a distrustful yet hopeful outsider searching for a loving home.
"Audiences of all sorts will find a resonant voice in Franco Cardiello. Observant and sharp throughout.
A collection that will tug on heartstrings while leaving readers with a sense of longing." 5/5 stars
(Indies Today Reviews)
"Rife with emotions. I felt the sincerity and passion in each poem as I wondered about the people who inspired them.
Infused with nuance and humor. I enjoyed this cathartic collection and appreciate Franco's creative expression." 5/5 stars
(Readers' Favorite Book Reviews)
"Loving Strays is the kind of poetic, true love book that bleeds. It’s a deeply intimate book.
Raw poems definitely make for a visceral reading experience. A book I’ll be remembering for a while. "
(Independent Book Review)
"The opening salvos of this reflective collection are raw and passionate. Explored with tenderness and nuance.
Bukowski-like grit. Celebrates the beautiful connections between being lost and found."
(Self-Publishing Review)
LOVE IS A MENTAL ILLNESS
Franco explores the unromantic side of passion and examines his struggle with mental health during dysfunctional relationships. Experimental poems, letters, and journals come together to tell a linear story. Unflinchingly honest, these insightul
self-reflections become healing and hopeful.
“Consistently hard-hitting. Strikes with precision.
A revolutionary work in its creativity and execution.”
(Self-Publishing Review)
"Emotionally charged. Universally relatable and hugely compelling.
A powerhouse of a poetry collection."
(Poetic Reveries Reviews)
"Very informative. Franco sets aside the superficial aspect
and goes straight to the important things."
(Readers' Favorite Book Reviews)
Franco Cardiello