Clouded Thoughts

Michael Froilan's debut poetry collection, Clouded Thoughts, scales through the ins & outs of the human psyche and trolls the wonders of what it means to be alive.
Published on Valentine's day 2021, the heartful poems throughout the introverted pages, with their imperfect intricacies, will sit with you and arguably uplift your spirits while challenging your understanding of life. Probing sensitive matters with a reflective and encouraging attitude will either leave you grinning, yawning, laughing at the floor, sulking, reminiscing, stargazing, raising your eyebrows, giving side-eye, grumbling, huffing "UGH," or all the above! One way or the other, you will have no doubt this chart-topping poetry collection comes from a real place.

Here's to flourishing in a world where becoming the best version of yourself is frowned upon and finding a positive balance within life's extremes.

Reviews

★★★★★ "The author's real and raw messages resonated with me at a deep level. They inspired contemplation and self-reflection, as an individual living in a polarized (and sometimes, mostly, chaotic) world. I don't think that it's possible to read these poems without going inward and getting in touch with your deepest thoughts and feelings. Or at least that's the case for most of them--some forced unexpected laughter out me, which is a rarity in poetry. Reading through the book was also like getting life advice in the form of poems--"poetic advice," if you will. I found it very refreshing!" - Alice Hoang-La, Author of The Wishing Flower

★★★★★ "Michael Froilan's debut collection of poetry 'Clouded Thoughts' is a jubilant celebration of loving and accepting yourself. Froilan does not ignore the pain and disappointment that is part of every life, but instead embraces it as part of our internal growth, and explores how we become stronger by challenging adversity. The love of self is extended in poems that find joy in knowing and understanding another person. There is a lot of gratitude running through these works, from the gratitude of just being here in this world breathing, to appreciating the continual support of a kind family.

These poems are written to be easily understood and absorbed. Phrases could be pulled from many of them and would be perfect pinned on mirrors, written in diaries and used as mantras repeated daily to remind ourselves to focus on what our life truly means to us." - Clarissa Pattern, Author of Airy Nothing

★★★★★ "Froilan is a prolific poet and the book includes dozens of pieces, each in free formatting that ranges in length, tone, and tenor." - Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

★★★★★ "A marvelous mix of insights and profundity...Froilan's impressive, insightful collection of short poems shimmers with reflection, perception, and spiritual profundity.Stirring and thoughtful, the collection serves as a testament to life, inviting readers to learn to overcome negativity, and to aim, plan, and dream. This is a winner." - The Prairies Book Review

★★★★ "Froilan hits the ground running from the first page, jumping headfirst into poems that display a refreshing honesty, not to mention more than their fair share of vulnerability. While some of the poems read quickly and then float away with the breeze, some stay with you well after you've turned the page. Clouded Thoughts is a thought-provoking and engaging collection of poetry. Even through the cynicism and the angst, the resounding message is to love yourself, trust yourself, and define yourself on your terms only. The urging for self-confidence shines through even in the poems that don't address it, making the book an unexpected comfort." - Literary Titan