Alice Shapiro’s poems in “Cracked” explore the complex relationships we have as humans to one another, and to the world. With strong images and gripping words, the poems in this book compel us to look at the ordinary and the extraordinary in our own lives. The eloquent use of metaphor in each poem leaves the reader wanting more, turning the page, to find wonderful creativity and surprises in language. The poetry in this collection, does indeed, bring the reader to examine the cracks of our inner and outer worlds. With precision and imagery, the poet finds the waiting spaces inside each of us. –Connie Post, Livermore Poet Laureate

Alice Shapiro’s poems extend a calm and inviting hand but ready yourself. CRACKED artfully guides us through some heavy-duty philosophical terrain disguised as what lies within the backyards, hospitals, and business meetings we feel secure inhabiting. But Shapiro’s words are precision instruments that unsettle the eye, heart, and intellect, carrying past the familiar into the nuanced and unquestioned dark splendors that lurk until, “There, in front of us, these/sensate slants win us over;/beyond awareness.” Enjoy your journey! –Amy King

Cracked stings of the truthfulness of raw observation. Shapiro adventures through the glimpses of friends, strangers, nature, and the pain of those relationships.  –B.L. Pawelek

Alice Shapiro uses words with such grace that they draw an image in your mind full of color and emotion. If you like a book of poetry that you can read again and again finding new meaning and depth each time then choose this book. –Alice Wells

Reminded me somewhat of Seamus Heaney….. –Edward Pell

I have just read the most inspiring and charmingly constructed book of poems that delighted me at every page. From the start the author captured my interest. I found myself turning page after page wanting to read more and more. She generates a feeling of genuine emotion engrossing you with richly drawn and truly memorable words that paint a very vivid picture. Both obviously and metaphorically. Her observation of the ordinary (and sometimes not so ordinary) everyday events that occur in all our lives are portrayed quite eloquently. Everyone will find something to love and identify with in this book of poems. Her philosophical mind enlightens us. A must read of Poetic Luxury and Sheer Entertainment. –Cathy Ingolia

Your poetry is packed with musicality, insight, irony, keen observation, spirituality, and those timeless but timely themes that readers from diverse backgrounds can readily relate to and understand. You have what it takes to play in the majors!   –Mary Sayler

An experienced writer, Alice Shapiro is a poet whose work is easy to read and easy to connect with. Buy her book of poetry and spend a surprisingly beautiful Saturday afternoon with her lovely words spilling into your mind and into your heart.  –Despina Yeargin