Sallie Graves, author of The Truth Will Make You Lie.

Staff Reports

The Truth Will Make You Lie is a book of poems that ganders at relationships, secret affairs, domestic abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and other dysfunctional lifestyles and characteristics. 

The book focuses on people and events, their everyday lives, and their search for love. “Our search for love can take us into some dark places called hurt and pain. We often seek to protect ourselves with subtle half-truths,” says author Sallie Graves.

“The poems are meant to make the reader realize that sometimes what we accept from each other in relationships is often less than desirable behaviors.”

“Once Upon A Time” is another poem, in which a young girl takes a lover who lacks the ability to show any outward emotions, and who appears selfish and unfaithful. When he finally gets the nerve to say “I love you,” the young girl responds to him by saying “I love me, too!”

Another awesome yet powerful missive is a poem that warns lovers of the serious and indiscriminate nature of HIV/AIDS. 

The author also includes references to songs from “rhythm and blues” set to each poem.

The lyrics of familiar music tunes are used to soothe our pains and renew our spirits during trying times. The poetry is geared to a relationship-oriented audience. - to ground and center our being in a deeper understanding of ourselves, and to develop a respect for ourselves, our bodies and each other — using “creative visualization.” Although not a book for children, there is certainly something here for every adult who has searched for a reason why. “I tried to use a witty yet informative style of writing, engaging my readers with relatable life experiences’” says Graves.

The primary purpose of these poems is to tell a story that could easily be a lie — teaching old fashion lessons that we have long lost — commitment, honesty, trust and integrity.  Nothing appears to be as it really is. Are there stories in lies, or lies in stories? Or, story stories? You answer - have it your way.

Can you see yourself in The Truth Will Make You Lie?

The Truth Will Make You Lie,