I Have Danced With Angels

"The expressive language makes his free-flowing verse a provocative and enthralling feast for those who have felt similar desires, while his delicate haikus probe at heavy truths with exacting brilliance, resulting in an unassuming but enormously affecting collection." ~ The Independent Review of Books

"A lush, luminous collection that explores love in all its beauty, complexity, and ache" ~ The Prairies Book Review

-Global Book Awards, Bronze Medal, Poetry (2025)
-American Writing Awards, Finalist, Contemporary Poetry (2025)

Joe weaves topics such as love and metaphysics into his poetry, which is at times lyrical and passionate, and at times ethereal, delicate, and deeply steeped in Zen aesthetics. I Have Danced with Angels features Joe Giampaolo's best love poems, focused on romance, nature, and music. The author experiments with styles and genres, from free verse to haiku, tanka, odes, and magical realism. All of these poems were originally published in Joe's first four poetry collections.

Editorial Reviews of Joe's Poetry (Excerpts)

"His beautiful verses cover a myriad of subjects, touching on them all with tenderness and wit. Truly beautiful, and a must-read!" ~ Manhattan Book Review ~

"Reading Giampaolo's offerings is like reading haiku created by the great Matsuo Bashō. ~ The US Review of Books ~

"It's a fantastic poetry collection by a lyrical wordsmith." ~ Readers' Favorite ~

"An Unlikely Sunset stands as a remarkable achievement in contemporary poetry." ~ BookShelfie ~

"Very enjoyable and accessible poetry." ~ John P. Portelli (University professor and poet) ~

"A lush, luminous collection that explores love in all its beauty, complexity, and ache." ~ The Prairies Book Review

"Beautiful in its simplicity and bold in its truthfulness." ~ Indies Today ~

"The joys and sorrows, challenges, and triumphs of life are highlighted throughout these poems." ~ Readers' Favorite ~

"In Deep Craving, it is easy to see the beauty of poetry. " ~ Literary Titan ~

"Giampaolo weaves passion, philosophy, and mysticism into a powerful anthology that vividly explores the intricacies of the human experience." ~ BookView ~

"Unveiling these poetic reflections in the stark and simple forms of haiku, tanka, and chöka, Giampaolo's mastery of these revered styles is undeniable." ~ Self-Publishing Review ~

"Joe Giampaolo crafts a luminous and meditative collection...Elegant, philosophical, and deeply human, this book is both a poetic retreat and a soulful guide for modern readers." ~ Chicago Book Review ~

"This is a precious collection that gives a precious gift." ~ Feathered Quill ~

Awards and Accolades for Joe's Poetry

~ 2023 American Writing Awards, Winner, Contemporary Poetry (Deep Craving)
~ 2023 Literary Titan Book Award, Gold Medal (Deep Craving)
~ 2024 Los Angeles Book Festival, Honorable Mention (From the Book of Dreams)
~ 2025 American Writing Awards, Finalist, Contemporary Poetry (I Have Danced with Angels)
~ 2025 London Book Festival, Honorable Mention, Poetry (Metanoia)
~ 2025 American Writing Awards, Finalist, General Poetry (An Unlikely Sunset)
~ 2025 The Global Book Awards, Bronze Medal, Poetry (I Have Danced with Angels)
~The US Review of Books, Five-Star Badge, Recommended Book (An Unlikely Sunset)
~ Indies Today, Five-Star Badge (Deep Craving)
~ Readers' Favorite, Five-Star Seal (Deep Craving)
~ Readers' Favorite, Five-Star Seal ~ (From the Book of Dreams)
~ BookView, Five-Star Seal ~ (Metanoia)
~ BookShelfie, Five-Star Seal ~ (An Unlikely Sunset)