I’M THINKING…

About the Book

I’M THINKING… is a rare collection of poems that explores common emotions and experiences that appeal to people of various age groups, cultural backgrounds, and social statuses. This new book of poetry artfully renders the author’s struggles and accomplishments in her unique life circumstances.

It is entertaining, conversational, and inspiring.

I’M THINKING… is rooted in the poet’s differing perspectives as: a child who was written off by the main stream educational system; a teacher now entrusted with helping children to pursue their destiny; a university lecturer who supported student teachers and a parent and grandparent determined to leave a lasting legacy. Most importantly, this book conveys the heart of someone who has emerged victoriously from the effects of debilitating past experiences.

Strong metaphors and description demonstrate the integrity of the speakers in these Philosophical poems. I’m Thinking … is a mosaic fi tting together West Indian and English cadence. – Clarion reviews Relentlessly optimistic and tirelessly gracious. Her debut collection takes up the galloping themes of transcending limitations and defying expectations. Inspirational, exhorting hard work, self-belief, generosity and gratitude. – Kirkus Reviews James starts strong, with ‘Reckless Portrait’ featuring powerful metaphors in reality verses. – Blueink Review

About the Author

Michaellee James was born on the island of Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies. She was an extremely ill, premature baby. Her circumstances greatly affected her early educational achievement. By the age of fourteen, she still could not read. Her years at primary and secondary school were, by any standards, very difficult, and most times she was deemed hopeless.

With will and determination, the help and encouragement of her parents, siblings, and just one teacher who believed in her, she systematically achieved far above the expectations of her teachers and peers. Having overcome her early childhood impediments, she began working as a payroll clerk in one of the country’s leading methanol companies and subsequently attended the Valsayn Teachers College in Trinidad and Tobago. She was later awarded a Teacher’s Diploma and began her career as a qualified teacher.

Michaellee went on to attend the University of Westminster, where she obtained a postgraduate degree in Psychology and a Graduate Membership with The British Psychological Society. She was then appointed as a Visiting Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the London Metropolitan University.

Having acquired a keen interest in law, Michaellee studied at The University of North London. There she obtained a Bachelor (Hons) Degree in Education and also completed her postgraduate law degree. She successfully completed the legal studies needed to become a Barrister at Law in England and Wales while attending the Inns of Court School of Law. She was subsequently ‘Called to the Bar,’ and is presently a member of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.

Michaellee is devoted to her work in the field of education, and over the years, her contributions have made a difference in the educational achievements of numerous children. As an author and poet, Michaellee is original, precise, and compelling. Her observations and expressions are genuine and insightful, characterised by her rich West Indian cultural upbringing and her integration into life in London, England over the last twenty years. Her audience will find this book to be distinctive, refreshing, and entertaining.