Words in Print
Explore Mary Ann Burrows’ books and coauthored works—ranging from poetry and prose to reflective guides and collaborative projects. Published book reviews and author blurbs.
“There is something sacred in the breaking. Mary Ann’s prose acts as a gentle guide through the valley of loss, helping readers navigate their grief with grace. Her words allow you to shed the old fragments of your heart and step into a truer, more authentic story of yourself.”
— Dr. Rick Diamond, Storyteller
Published review of Uprooted, A Season of Grief.
“Grief is a cold draft—howling through lava rock walls,then gone, its echo lingering,sprinkled on the ground like rain,woven through the air like lemon eucalyptus.”
Where a multitude of poets and authors struggled to convey grief, Burrows only needs five lines to distil an entire emotion. And the above comes from a poem located early in the collection; it is not even the final flourish. Instead, it calmly sets the scene for the exploratory works that follow, varying from the superficial to the abstract.In addition to this, there has to be a small, but notable, mention of the artwork which features on both the cover design and is transferred into black and white for each “season” heading. There are few words to say: it’s a beautiful piece of design.Crafted using a combination of traditional and unorthodox poetry structures, Uprooted is an emotionally charged ride, start to finish. For a book so short, there is so much to take away.— Alice Bennett, REEDSY Discovery (AEB Reviews)
Published review of The Last Hurrah, A Living Workbook for a Happy Ending.
Burrows’ background as a creativity coach and mental health advocate shines through in her approach. She understands that legacy isn’t just about wills and paperwork—it’s about memories, relationships, and the mark we leave on the world. This perspective sets The Last Hurrah apart from other end-of-life planning books, making it as much about honoring life as it is about preparing for its end.
For those in the ‘sandwich generation’—juggling responsibilities for both aging parents and their own future—this book is an invaluable resource. It removes the guesswork from difficult conversations and provides a structured yet compassionate way to navigate these discussions.
Overall, The Last Hurrah is a must-read for anyone who wants to approach end-of-life planning with intention and grace. Whether used personally or gifted to a loved one, this book is a thoughtful and necessary companion for embracing life’s final chapter with peace, clarity, and even a little joy.
- Jeyran Main, Review Tales Book Publishing and Editing