I am deeply honored to share that Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures from 57 Countries of the World has received the Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars Seal following a wonderful review by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite.
Carol described Bridges of Words as “a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of humanity through the delicate art of haiku.” She wrote that each poem “offers glimpses into the unique cultural landscapes of 57 countries” and called the collection “a reminder that, despite our differences, there are threads that connect us all.”
Her words truly touched me. When I began this project, my hope was to create bridges of understanding and to show how poetry, even in its simplest form, can connect hearts across cultures. To see that vision reflected in her review is deeply meaningful.
I am grateful to Readers’ Favorite for this recognition and to everyone who has accepted Bridges of Words as more than a book, but as a shared journey of humanity written seventeen syllables at a time.
Related
“Bridges of Words” receives 5 stars from Literary Titan
Thank you, Literary Titan, for the thoughtful and humbling review of “Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures From 57 Countries of the World.”
An interview with Literary Titan
Thank you, Literary Titan, for the thought-provoking questions and for organizing this interview.
“Bridges of Words” Reaches #1 on Amazon US & Australia — and Becomes an Outstanding Creator Awards Nominee
This week, something extraordinary happened: The book became a #1 bestseller on both Amazon.com and Amazon.com.au. I’ve also just learned that Bridges of Words is now officially a nominee for the Outstanding Creator Awards. To be recognized in this way—alongside so many talented voices—is humbling beyond words. Thank you.
Bridges of Words: My Haiku Collection Is Now Launched
I’m truly excited to share that my new book, Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures from 57 Countries of the World, has officially launched. Your support will mean the world to me. Do get your copy today!
“Bridges of Words” wins a Literary Titan Gold (5 stars) Book Award
🏆 Exciting News! Bridges of Words has won a Literary Titan Gold (5 stars) Book Award! ✨ Thrilled and honored to have my poetry book recognized for its heart, depth, and power to connect readers through words.
#LiteraryTitan #BookAward #BridgesOfWords #5StarReads
Good to Know
Accolades, Ranks, and Feedback Received
Outstanding Creator Award Super-Category Champion (Medal Winner): Outstanding Creator Award for Best Non-Fiction Book of Fall & Winter 2025 1st Place
Outstanding Creator Award for Travel 1st Place
Outstanding Creator Award for Multicultural / Multilingual / Bilingual Fiction 1st Place
Outstanding Creator Award for Poetry 1st Place
Outstanding Creator Award for Photography 1st Place
Outstanding Creator Award for Best Writing (Non-Fiction) Honorable Mention
Outstanding Creator Awards Top 25 Non-fiction Books of 2025 (Ranked # 9)
7th Annual Author Shout Book Awards Honorable Mention
International Impact Book Awards Winner (Haiku and Short Form Poetry Category)
Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars Seal
Firebird Book Award 2025 – Poetry Winner
Literary Titan Gold (5 Stars) Book Award September 2025
#1 New Release in Poetry About Specific Places on Amazon.com
#1 New Release in Popular Culture Antiques & Collectibles on Amazon.com
#1 in Popular Culture Antiques & Collectibles on Amazon.com
#4 in Antique & Collectible Books on Amazon.com
#4 in Poetry About Specific Places on Amazon.com
#1 in Popular Culture Antiques and Collectibles
#2 in Haiku Collections on Amazon.com.au
#4 in Antiques and Collectible Books
#4 in Poetry About Specific Places
“It’s a chorus of cultures, all humming the same song of connection and shared humanity, distilled into haiku.” — Literary Titan
“Bridges of Words is a remarkable collection that celebrates the beauty of humanity through the simplicity and elegance of haiku.” — Readers’ Favorite
“You are not just ‘reading poems about countries’—you are moving from Golden Gate to Taj Mahal to Sydney Harbour Bridge to Tower Bridge, carried along by rivers of image and sound.” — Outstanding Creator Awards
“Each page becomes a point of contact, not commentary.” — Best Books Club
“It chooses stillness. It honors brevity. And in doing so, it creates space—not just between syllables, but between people.” — Kindle Crowd
“Some books seek to define the world. This one lets the world speak for itself.” — Kindle Addicts
“This book whispers. And in doing so, it teaches something important: reverence.” — Kindles Store
“Haiku becomes the great equalizer here. Whether a superpower or a small island, each is rendered in equal syllabic space. That choice alone carries quiet moral weight.” — My Books Mag
About the Book
What connects India’s monsoon murmurs, Australia’s bright resilience, Mexico’s lyrical heartbeat, the Philippines’ warm cadence, and the United States’ vast echoes?
A moment distilled into verse.
In Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures from 57 Countries of the World, you will find poems shaped by the haiku tradition, drawing on its brevity and imagery while moving beyond strict classical form. These haiku inspired reflections offer cultural impressions in their simplest and most sincere shape. They do not explain. They invite. They do not shout. They hum.
From quiet villages to luminous skylines, this collection reminds us that the world is wide but wonder is universal.
About the Author
Esperanza Pretila, MBA, BSNS, CHR, CFS, is an editor, writer, and founder of award-winning socio-entrepreneurial platforms. Her love for the written word began early—scribbling in her aunts’ college books at age three—and has guided her journey ever since. From winning a poetry award in fifth grade, to serving as the English Literary Editor of her high school publication The OLCAn, to working in the town library while studying at the University of the Philippines, she has pursued language with enduring passion.
At the Philippine Military Academy, Esperanza made history as the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Corps, the first female recipient of the Journalism Award, and the inaugural awardee of the Languages Plaque. She later served as editor for the Navy Journal, Fleet Journal, and Polaris Magazine, and was the founding editor of the Navy Digest.
Beyond writing, Esperanza has worked in human resources, education, real estate, and various other business and public service roles. She now lives in Australia with her husband Jun and their three sons—Huey, Sev, and Noah—grateful for the journey, grounded in faith, and pursuing simple yet heartfelt ways to make a difference. Ora et labora.
Esperanza Pretila 
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