Written by Barry Hart and drawing on his many experiences as a U.S. Marine Combat veteran, ‘A Path into the Woods’ throws readers into life’s harsh realities, while celebrating the deep connections and power of kinship. Aside from its obvious therapeutic value, the book is also a vital vehicle for funding numerous veteran-centric charities.

Paris, TN -- (SBWire) -- 02/12/2014 --As a Vietnam veteran who has been blighted by the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Barry Hart knows that life isn’t easy. However, while his younger years often found him experiencing life’s worst, Hart’s subsequent years as a successful businessman, pastor and pillar of the community have proven that kinship and hope will always prevail.

Inspired by his own life, Hart has condensed the human experience into a compelling new book of poetry titled, ‘A Path into the Woods’. Written for veterans and civilians alike, life’s triumphs and defeats are brought to life through moving and vivid verses that are as therapeutic as they are gripping.

Synopsis:

A Path into the Woods is a book of poetry that sings the truth about being in the hard places of life, but is tempered with the sensitivity and tenderness of an artist. The poems tell more than what the words say about personal experiences in combat, dealing with residual issues, growing up with family and friends, and the poems are filled with honesty. While the author wrote this book as therapy, he discovered something profound about himself during the journey.

“One main theme that runs throughout is my battle with PTSD, something millions of veterans suffer from. I want to encourage these fellow service people to open up and share their experiences, while urging others in wider society to recognize that it is okay to bring these issues out into the open and discuss them publicly,” says Hart, an Ordained Elder with the Church of the Nazarene.

Continuing, “It often isn’t easy because of the stigma that the disorder brings with it. If we can quash this and create an environment of honest discussion, therapy will work itself naturally. My book is a catalyst for this therapy and, having felt invigorated after writing it, I can vouch for the power of breaking one’s personal silence.”

Since its release, the book has garnered a string of rave reviews.

“Crackling with the heat of battle and the intensity of kinship, Barry Hart’s poetry alternately sears and comforts. With rhythms as tight as a drum cadence and imagery as sharp and clear as broken glass, he tackles the tough questions in life while also celebrating the deep connections we all share. The poems in this collection are un?inchingly honest and often tenderly funny. Ranging widely through the territory of human experience, there are poems here for your mom, your grandchild, and for your battle buddy,” says Ruth Saxey-Reese of Boise State University.

Author Mike Freeland adds, “These poems tell more than words can tell. Listen carefully between the lines to fully appreciate the range of wonder and magic. When I ?rst read Barry’s poems, I said to myself this guy is for real.”

‘A Path into the Woods’ is available now. Upon making a purchase, readers will have an opportunity to donate all net proceeds to a veteran’s charity or organization of their choice.

For more information, visit: http://www.hartbn.com.

About Barry Hart
Barry Hart enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of seventeen and is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He attended the University of Tennessee at Martin, receiving a bachelor's degree in criminal and social behavior, and now lives in Tennessee with his wife, Ronda. They have six children and ten grandchildren. Barry is an Ordained Elder with the Church of the Nazarene and a retired pastor. He has written numerous articles for Southern Lawman Magazine and has authored five children books. Barry is currently working on his second volume of poetry and a volume of his favorite eulogies and sermons.