UniqueVerses Books, Where Poetry and Spirit Belong Together
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UniqueVerses Books, Where Poetry and Spirit Belong Together *
Mission Statement
At UniqueVerses Books, I believe that books have the power to preserve memory, inspire hope, and foster understanding. From poetry and memoir to religious studies and historical essays, UniqueVerses Books publish works that encourage readers to think deeply, question honestly, and embrace the richness of the human experience.
UniqueVerses Books is an independent publisher based in Charlotte, North Carolina, committed to publishing works that explore poetry, history, religion, philosophy, and the human experience. Our books are written to inspire reflection, encourage respectful dialogue, and invite readers to ask meaningful questions about life, faith, love, loss, and the world around them. We believe that literature should do more than entertain, it should challenge, enlighten, and connect people across cultures and traditions.
About the Author/Publisher
Rickey K. Hood (Fareed Abdus-Saboor) is an award-winning poet, essayist, and playwright based in his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. His diverse body of work has been published both nationally and internationally, appearing in anthologies such as Journey to Timbuktu, Our Truth, and Main Street Rag. Notably, he authored and performed the original play And Still I Rise: The Life and Poetry of Maya Angelou for the Smithsonian Institution’s Anacostia Museum.
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a B.A. in Religious Studies, Hood’s writing is deeply informed by his exploration of memory, grief, and spiritual searching. His latest collection, The Weight of Memory, serves as a poignant reflection on a life lived with honesty and careful attention.
What Inspired the Weight of Memory?
The Weight of Memory was inspired by my journey through grief, love, family, faith, and survival. Much of the book grew out of caring for my mother during her long illness, holding her as she died, and later walking through the loss of my brother Ronnie, whose life and memory remain deeply woven into these pages. Those experiences forced me to confront not only death, but memory itself — how the people we love continue to live within us long after they are gone.
The book was also inspired by growing up Black and fatherless in Charlotte, North Carolina, navigating loneliness, identity, spirituality, sexuality, and the emotional weight carried silently by so many people. I wanted to write honestly about the struggles that shape us: abandonment, caregiving, grief, faith, aging, love, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels fragile and uncertain.
At its heart, The Weight of Memory was inspired by a need to remember, to preserve the voices, stories, laughter, pain, and humanity of the people who shaped my life. Writing became a way of grieving, healing, questioning God, and learning that memory itself can become a form of love that survives loss.
PERFORMING AT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
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PERFORMING AT THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION *
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE THE PLAY
At the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, Rickey K. Hood brings history, poetry, and performance to life through his original stage production, “And Still I Rise.” This powerful two-person play featuring poet and actress, Marcia E. Cole, honors the life, voice, and enduring legacy of Maya Angelou, weaving together her poetry with moments from her remarkable journey.
With commanding presence and emotional depth, Hood transforms the stage into a living tribute—capturing Angelou’s resilience, grace, and unapologetic truth. Through spoken word and dramatic storytelling, audiences are invited to experience not only Angelou’s words but the spirit behind them.
A poet and author of The Weight of Memory: Life, Loss, Love, and the Spirit, Hood reflects his lifelong dedication to exploring memory, identity, and the human experience in his performance. “And Still I Rise” stands as both homage and awakening—reminding us all of the power of voice, survival, and rising beyond.
Reading at Annie’s Art Gallery
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Reading at Annie’s Art Gallery *
At 55 years old, at the time, Rickey K. Hood took the stage at Annie’s Art Gallery in Washington, D.C., to share an intimate reading from his first work, In Due Season (now out of print). More than a book promotion, the evening became a deeply personal reflection on time, loss, endurance, and the quiet strength gained through life’s trials.
With a voice grounded in lived experience, Hood delivered his words with honesty and emotional depth, drawing the audience into stories shaped by family, memory, and the passage of years. His presence carried the weight of everything he had endured, and everything he had come to understand.
Set within the creative atmosphere of Annie’s Art Gallery, the reading became a moment of connection between artist and audience, where poetry and prose met real life. In Due Season may now be out of print, but its message of patience, growth, and finding meaning through life’s seasons continues to resonate through Hood’s ongoing work The Weight of Memory.
CLICK ON IMAGE TO SEE READING
PODCAST
“Excellent all-inclusive work Mr. Hood. Words for every walk of life,
for every mentality, as only a true poet can do.” much respect
magi1215
As you wrote this, so did I close my eyes and joined you in writing poems using the clouds as my blank sheet for the ages! Great write my brother! (Poem, Written on High)
Peace & Blessings
HIPJAZZPOET
“I must say I am happy to have found this piece.
First, I must say that the opening line/title is like wicked wild and whoa! Loving it. “Blind and near the edge of a pit.” Very vivid. “Dancing violently near the edge of the pit.”
This entire piece is fire. I slipped into oblivion just by reading this piece. May I join you?”
(Poem, Ignorance is bliss)
Felicia3
“I co-sign to what everyone here had to say. The beauty of this piece is ... you have delivered a whole topic about how we live our lives with only a few words that hit like a hammer.”
D’am
What People Have Said:
Book Review for The Weight of Memory
Every life leaves a story
Vernetta Holliman
A beautifully written book that takes readers on a poetic journey through the many faces of life. I can relate to many of the author's stories and would highly recommend this book to anyone. It will leave you reflecting on how precious moments pass and can never be seen, touched, or heard again.
Brian Baylor
Great read! I have read this book once and plan to read it again so I can fully understand everything I read the first time. It was a very enjoyable and meaningful read for me, and I believe it would be for anyone.
Celialee (Mona')
A Healing: The book really spoke to my heart. Perfect read for healing.
Life’s Chain
Ronnie E. Hood
Ronnie E. Hood (1958–2019) was a Charlotte educator, poet, and man of deep faith whose writing reflects a lifetime of service, compassion, and quiet reflection. His poetry explores themes of faith, family, love, memory, and perseverance, inviting readers to discover the enduring connections that unite us all. Life's Chain is a celebration of those bonds and of a life devoted to helping others.