Reader Views

Death of a Man

Article first published as Book Review: Death of a Man by Marilyn Carr on Blogcritics.
 
Based solely on page count (thirty-eight pages), writer Marilyn Carr’s new book of poetry – actually, only a single poem is offered for the reader’s consideration - could be described as slight. And one could argue that the poem, ‘Death of a Man,’ which is also the book’s title, is not poetry. Indeed, Carr challenges the reader on the matter in the book’s Foreword: “Have I written prose, poetry or just a little story? You decide. If you relate to this writing, whatever it is, hang tight because one day you will be written out of your sorrow.” I decided after reading the book three times that since, for me, Carr and her book were enigmas, I would simply do as the author suggested and reflect on what she had written on my own terms. From the beginning the book is empowering.
 
“Death of a Man” is a remembrance and reflection on the loss of a loved one. While not so stated, and despite the standard disclaimer, Carr could have written the piece based on her relationship with her father or stepfather or another man to whom she was very close. In the poem, she speaks to the myriad of emotions that loss brings: pain and suffering; highs and lows; loss and gain, and inspiration and the human spirit. Her inherent sense of humor tempers everything she writes.

Carr’s writing is wonderfully mercurial. She planted the seed in the Foreword, which quickly blossomed in my mind, suggesting that what she had written was at every point, with every passage, poetry, prose and storytelling taking place simultaneously. I concur, and for me, this form created a style that was unpredictable, moving and engaging. It could be mistaken for heartfelt stream of consciousness written in a single moment of time; or, regarded as a meticulously drawn series of emotional word-sketches crafted over the course of a period of time. Whatever the creative circumstances, and despite her diversity of form and unpredictability, her writing is amazingly seamless and tightly woven - more enigma.
 
Marilyn Carr is quirky and offbeat - by her own admission. “It is said that I walk to the beat of a different drum or maybe a kazoo. If I had not been blessed with an off the wall sense of humor I would have been dead a long time ago.” Carr’s vibrant and robust blending of poetry, prose and storytelling in “Death of a Man” suggests that she is alive and well and ascending to the top of her form as writer. To be sure, one outstanding poem can at best only predict potential notable talent. But “Death of a Man” is an extraordinary piece of work and I hope that we hear more from Marilyn Carr soon. 


Death of a Man
Marilyn Carr
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432782436
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (8/12)

Springborn

 
“Springborn” by Ruth D. Dewey is a poem about a calico kitten.  It uses a lot of different adjectives to tell about the kitten.  Before the poem, it says that the book uses kennings.  It says in the book that a “kenning is a phrase consisting of two words, adjective-noun, to describe an object, which is, in this case, the cyclical nature of a kitten’s life as she progresses from kittenhood to cathood.”  It tells about all of the things that the kitten does. 

I liked that I learned what a kenning was.  I had never heard of that before.  I think it was used a lot a long time ago.   I liked picking them out in the book.  It is fun to learn new things about words.
 
It was kind of hard to see what was happening in the pictures in the book, because they were all in a black-gray color.  I wish they were in color and more clear so that you could see them better.  The book was also really little.  I think it is the smallest book that I have.  I wish it was a little bit bigger.  I did like learning something new though, so it was good because of that.  When I read it to my little brother who is five, I had to tell him what some of the things meant in the book.  It took a while, but I was able to teach him what a kenning was too.  I think “Springborn” by Ruth D. Dewey would be good for kids who are over five-years-old.


Springborn
Ruth D. Dewey
Dorrance Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781434903037
Reviewed by Cayden Aures (age 7.5) for Reader Views (4/12)

Words & Graphics: A Collection of Works

Article first published as Book Review: Words & Graphics: A Collection of Works by C.O.B. on Blogcritics.

“Words & Graphics” is an extremely simple title for a complex collection of writings which includes poems, dialogues, short stories, statements and plays.  There are also artistic images that contribute greatly to this novel.  Some of the writings make brief and blunt statements; others are more in-depth and incredibly descriptive considering that they don’t take up many pages. The author also includes H.O.T.Ds - “Highlights of the Day.”  These are interspersed throughout the book and they focus on brutally honest and, at times, disturbing observances made by an employee regarding his day at work.  I really enjoyed reading these because sometimes I feel the same way.

Every important aspect of life is included in these writings. This includes parenting, religion, love, loss, and death.  Nothing is simple or joyful, yet the complexity of the writings left me with some very intense feelings. I also appreciated that the short stories and the screenplay left me wanting more. While this might sound negative, it is actually positive because I wanted to be able to sink myself further into what the characters were experiencing.  I admire the author for being able to draw me in and quickly connect me to the characters in the stories.  The artistic works also added a visual connection to the writings. They can also be enjoyed on their own.  Each one is unique and also made me pause to ponder them.

The author notes that it took ten years to create “Words & Graphics.”  I totally enjoyed every page and highly recommend it.  Readers will enjoy the uniqueness of how the works are presented and appreciate having the opportunity to get their hands on something different.  This book would also make an excellent gift for the person who has everything!


Words & Graphics: A Collection of Works
C.O.B.
Grey Line Press (20122)
ISBN 9780983002826
ASIN: B007K1EF9E
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

The Source

“The Source,” by Diana Bastine, is the story of Caitlin, an Irish teenager interested in folklore, who, while on a hike, discovers a strange man named Fortescue in a cave in the Irish countryside. As she finds out more about who he is and where he comes from, Caitlin gets thrown into an adventure that carries her to a strange, subterranean world she never dreamed existed. Suddenly, Caitlin finds herself critical to the survival of Fortescue’s people.

As they get to know each other better, Fortescue begins telling Caitlin about the reason he came to the surface -- to find an ancient amulet that is said to restore nutrients to the drink that sustains all of Fortescue’s people ... the Source. For decades, the Source has been becoming less and less nutritious, and Fortescue must find a way to restore its vitality or see his people die. But when another of Fortescue’s kind, Mortimer, comes to the surface, Caitlin worries that he is not to be trusted. Will Mortimer turn out to be trustworthy? Or will he try and thwart Caitlin’s and Fortescue’s plan, and gain power for himself?

When Mortimer betrays them and runs away to Dublin, Caitlin, Fortescue, and Caitlin’s father must try and stop him. But when they finally discover an injured Mortimer, they are at their wit’s end. After realizing that Mortimer doesn’t have the amulet, they begin a massive search all over Dublin. The fate of Fortescue’s people is threatened by a chance encounter with muggers, and then with a common merchant. Will they recover the amulet and save Fortescue’s people? Will the people survive?

I enjoyed reading “The Source” because it was an interesting take on the classic myths and legends of vampires and the famous story “The Pied Piper.” Caitlin is a smart teenager interested in old folklore and is willing to fully commit herself to helping her friends and family when they are in need. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes folklore and adventure. “The Source” was an enthralling book and someone from practically any age group would enjoy it.

The Source
Diana Bastine
Helm Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780983010906
Reviewed by Sydney Clark (age 13) for Reader Views (5/11)

New and Selected Poems

In “New and Selected Poems” Cherie Burbach has compiled a combination of her new poems as well as the most popular selections from her earlier works - “The Difference Now,” “A New Dish,” and “Father’s Eyes.”

Burbach writes with a passion that inspires the poet within me. Her poems transcend natural boundaries. Whether from intuition, personal experiences, or observations of life, her poems resonate with insight. Among other feelings, her works explore the feelings that arise from the resentment of co-dependency and the reward of sacrifice. The poems take us to the place where feelings overlap, frequently melancholy, sometimes funny, often profound, and always on target. She writes on the themes of life, love, and faith.

Loneliness, the desolate feelings of defeat, the excitement of romance, the joy of creativity, the exhilaration of self esteem, feelings of empowerment and the exercise of faith are themes of her works that offer encouragement, inspiration, and hope to the reader. Her poems deliver their message through the five senses: active listening, audible responses, the scent of coffee, the flavor of taste, colorful imagery, and a wide range of touch.

I have a great admiration for the poet who understands the technical terms like alliteration, alexandrine, quatrain, persona and others. I also appreciate the poets who make application of various poetic forms and styles such as sonnet, free verse, etc. I like to consider myself as a budding novice poet. When reading poetry I have begun to recognize the important use of imagery, diction, and sound. Burbach has used a variety of form and style effectively weaving threads of reality into smooth, well-ordered, diverse thought patterns.

The works I personally identified with include: Angel in Waiting, If I Were a Book, Spring, and Friendship. Burbach’s poems are addressed to people who have shared experiences. She includes poems which instill a deeper sense of spiritual intuition and stir the reader to finding a time and place for reflective solitude.

I have gained a new appreciation for poetry and the poet as I read Cherie Burbach’s “New and Selected Poems.” I was deeply moved, and found empowerment and encouragement as I reflected on the depth of feeling and emotion conveyed through the awe-inspiring word pictures and the imagery they communicate.

New and Selected Poems
Cherie Burbach
Bonjour Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780983475002
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (4/11)

Universe War Five: The Supermyth: Omnipotence Era Exclusive (Volume 3)

“Universe War Five: The Supermyth” is another in Caldwell Lee’s “Forthright Omnipotence Series,” Readers of the earlier books in the series will enjoy the return of many familiar characters in the ongoing conflict for the heroes of the new era against the forces of Martian invaders.

Author Caldwell Lee uses a combination of poetry, prose, fantasy, and other interesting writing styles. This book, subtitled, “Omnipotence Era Exclusive” contains poetry about the super heroes, many of whom were introduced in earlier books.

While I admire Lee’s versatility and creative imagination, I am concerned for his lack of discipline and neglect for concern for grammatical usage and editing. These may or may not be an intentional liberty of “poetic license.”

The frequent use of dual identities often left me confused and unable to relate to the protagonist. I felt there was a mixed message in the use of conflictive contrasts. Violence, fear, and insecurity throughout the narrative are used to introduce and champion fondness, friendship, love, and other core qualities designed to lead to peace.

Many readers may come away with a totally different perception but I feel Lee’s writing has a unique appeal drawing the readers into a world of fantasy, wonderment, persistence, and self confidence.

The comprehensive glossary was very helpful as a guide to understanding concepts and technical aspects unfamiliar to me. This is not a book for cursory reading but needs to be re-read to get the full benefit. Reading aloud will give the reader a better appreciation of Lee’s use of metered rhythm and verse.

Lee’s writing has been influenced by his appreciation for the achievements of living and imaginary heroes, champions, culture, movies, and art. Although I have not read his earlier works, I did read the pages available for viewing on the Amazon website. This gave me a better understanding of what to expect and look for in “Universe War Five: The Supermyth” is an expansion of his prolific work.   With proper discipline and a continuation of his resolve and determination, Caldwell Lee has the promise and potential of establishing an ever-growing loyal following of readers and fans.

Universe War Five: The Supermyth: Omnipotence Era Exclusive (Volume 3)
Caldwell Lee
CreateSpace (2010)
ISBN 9781453820926
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (3/11)

Meet the Poet: Aura of Love (The Forthright Omnipotence Era Series)

Well I must say, “This one is different.” Within its 162 pages, it covered the spectrum from Rap to Haiku. The beginning is a bit repetitive and dry, but as you continue reading, it gets more involved and complex.

“Aura of Love” for example, was a poem from the title and was a bit boring. I don’t know if it was intentional, but some of the misspelled words and improper English tended to make it a confusing read. Such was the case with, “In the Realm of the Poet.” What is intended to be a rhyming poem misses the mark in some lines and struggles with meter.

As it seems, the book does redeem itself with verse such as, “Call Him Obama What.” There were a few editing quirks in it but it was good verse for the most part.
  
There is a definite scope of controversial subjects covered and some social topics that are dealt with. “The Poets Story” is a good example of the social paradox discussed.

The quality of the book is disappointing because the graphics are not only black and white but lacked clarity. The pictures were fuzzy and looked like third generation copies of third generation copies. Professional photographs would have improved the enjoyment of the book tremendously. The front cover sports a color picture of the author, but even that one (done on glossy stock) is amateurish and unclear. There is some writing in the picture that is not clear or readable making for an unappealing cover.

I clearly think that this volume would cater to a more adult audience and not having the benefit of reading his other works, would venture to say, “This book deserves a cautious look.” It is not the average poetry book and it could use some serious editing.  Because of the editing issues and such things as two different page 112’s and 113’s, a page with no number after the second 113 and then it jumped to page 120  contributed to it earning a grade of a high “C”.

Meet the Poet: Aura of Love (The Forthright Omnipotence Era Series)
Caldwell Lee
CreateSpace (2010)
ISBN 9781452811550
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (3/11)

Kakos Prose & Poetry

Kakos writes about everything that has touched his life. Through the creative mixture of poetry and prose, he takes the reader on an adventure of a lifetime.

In the poem “Don’t Cry Maria,” the author brings up a very good point about a city condemning property and displacing the poor. I especially enjoyed the line, “Oh my God Maria! This cannot be true. Is this the America I chose to live in?” This shocking line brings the reality of America to the immigrants of Los Angeles. They come here with visions of grandeur, thinking this is the land of opportunity; only to find out that this is also the land of theft and deceit.

There is even a poem (“The Conquering Warrior”) that he has written for a friend. He explains that the poem is for a friend, but does not really tell why or what for, this was puzzling. Another example of his true-life poetry was “The Young Dead Guerilla,” dealing with his childhood years.  Back in 1947, he was going to school on a cold and drizzly day and saw a young revolutionary lying dead across the path.

Varied and diversified is the best way to describe this 263-page volume. It covers many different topics and even tells the story of the Dream Catcher and gives a tutorial on designing your own Dream Catcher. Kakos continues to add variety by peppering in some Haikus and explaining what they are and how they are written. He concludes his intriguing book by telling the reader that this book is the culmination of fifty-five years of work.

I have mixed emotions about “Kakos Prose & Poetry.” In some instances it was very interesting and kept my attention, but there were some areas that were beyond my understanding. The book is general audience and is a good read but be aware, there are some parts that will not appeal to all.  I gave it a B only because there definitely were some parts that I had to stop and think about and that detracted from the pleasure of the read.

Kakos Prose & Poetry
Kakos Kakos
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432750350
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (12/10)

The Serenity of Chaos

First let me say, I had no idea what a beat poet was until I looked it up. Poetry is not one of my forays and I admit it. However, I did find this book to be quite interesting as to how one can put all the craziness going on around them in poems that make sense.

There isn’t much control we have over the world around us- we can’t change others, but we can look at how we handle this chaos. Do we just want to forget it and act like it isn’t there or change what we look at and the impact it has on us?

There were so many poems that I liked, but one that I really liked was “Neighbors.” When did we lose touch? When did people become untrustworthy? What happened to the good old basics of knowing and interacting with your neighbor? Will we ever get back to that?

It was nice to read such a diverse selection of poetry that covered many of our lives: migraines; thrift stores; and being just plain miserable.

“The Serenity of Chaos” is small in the number of pages; one can read it quickly. You need to read it twice and really hear what the author says and then maybe you will to be serene.

The Serenity of Chaos
Jeremy M. Gates
PublishAmerica (2010)
ISBN 9781451292893
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (09/10)

Kai Zu and the Orphan’s Pyramid: A Cartoon Novel

“Kai Zu and the Orphan’s Pyramid” by Kamenn Lechiffe is the story of Kai and other foster kids he meets who have failed to be adopted.  At the age of eleven such kids are placed in the orphan’s pyramid and given O-pad chips in their arms that countdown the time they have (three years) to make it to the top of the pyramid through seven levels in order to be sent to an orphan boarding school (a good thing).  Most children don’t even leave the first level, though, as they are content with an abundance of junk food, television viewing, and videogames.  No one knows upon entry into the pyramid what happens to those children that “expire” after three years. But Kai has no interest in sitting around to find out.  The trouble is that the challenge of making it through the levels is daunting to say the least.   Helping Kai along the way is a misfit group of friends including Imogen, a bearded girl, and Sheena, a former rolling skating captain.  Getting to a new level requires ingenuity, and each step up is more bizarre than the one before.   

“Kai Zu” is one of those books I picked up having no idea what it would truly be like.  The back cover sounded odd, but what’s between the book’s covers is even more bizarre.  Yet, I couldn’t put it down!  I loved this book.  It both intrigued me and repulsed me at times.  I wasn’t sure if Mr. Lechiffe was taking a tongue-in-cheek approach to the sad state of the foster care system for older kids or a depressing approach.  Either way, I felt for these characters every step up the way (and sometimes literally one step could change their path).  I do pause and think about those children that are “unadoptable,” and it breaks my heart.  Though the characters are children, I believe this book is best for adults.

A measure of a good book in my mind is when I can’t let go of characters in my mind.  That is how I feel about the characters in “Kai Zu and the Orphan’s Pyramid.”  What a wild ride this book is, filled with simple yet enriching cartoons at the page headers, but it is a ride worth taking.  I am actually begging Mr. Lechiffe to please continue this story.  I can’t leave these characters alone yet.

Kai Zu and the Orphan’s Pyramid: A Cartoon Novel
Kamenn Lechiffe
1030 Books (2010)
ISBN 9780982676202
Reviewed by Marissa Libbit for Reader Views (10/10)