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harry_lemon's reviews
137 reviews
Now Do You Know Where You Are by Dana Levin
slow-paced
3.5
3.5⭐
I don't know...
First, I love the title; it was such a great hook that got me interested. But, then, I got started...and I don't know.
I think some of the poems are quite good, and I appreciate the themes Dana Levin includes, however I just don't know if her style is for me. It might come just come down to taste, so I won't discourage from reading this work, but I just felt alright about the whole thing.
I don't know...
First, I love the title; it was such a great hook that got me interested. But, then, I got started...and I don't know.
I think some of the poems are quite good, and I appreciate the themes Dana Levin includes, however I just don't know if her style is for me. It might come just come down to taste, so I won't discourage from reading this work, but I just felt alright about the whole thing.
How to Communicate: Poems by John Lee Clark
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
5⭐
Oh my god...
This collection of poetry is an absolutely awe-inspiring work of emotional vulnerability. John Lee Clark, as a deafblind individual, crafts impactful poems that immerse the reader in an alternative form of life that so rarely gets attention. Clark conveys emotional depth, humanity, sadness, and hope within his work, and I can only be so grateful for his contribution to the world of poetry with his words.
Oh my god...
This collection of poetry is an absolutely awe-inspiring work of emotional vulnerability. John Lee Clark, as a deafblind individual, crafts impactful poems that immerse the reader in an alternative form of life that so rarely gets attention. Clark conveys emotional depth, humanity, sadness, and hope within his work, and I can only be so grateful for his contribution to the world of poetry with his words.
Path of Totality: Poems by Niina Pollari
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
5⭐
Wow!
I wasn't aware of Niina Pollari's work prior to this, but having read "Path of Totality" I am such a fan of her as a poet and a human being. Her recounting such a powerful moment in her life is so brave and inspiring, I marvel at her ability to fully encompass the human experience around grief, change, and all facets of love. Side note: "Embarrassed" really did something to me; jaw=dropped.
Wow!
I wasn't aware of Niina Pollari's work prior to this, but having read "Path of Totality" I am such a fan of her as a poet and a human being. Her recounting such a powerful moment in her life is so brave and inspiring, I marvel at her ability to fully encompass the human experience around grief, change, and all facets of love. Side note: "Embarrassed" really did something to me; jaw=dropped.
Beyond Belief: Poems by John Koethe
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
4.5⭐
This was such a wonderful read.
I've yet to read John Koethe's work before, but when I sat to begin this, I was immediately taken at his style of poetry. I love his semi-poetic, semi-prose style of writing; it really felt so wonderful to read and his themes are powerfully displayed. Aging, mortality, life experiences, contemplation of one's position in the world; all of these themes are great and easily relatable to the everyday reader. Considering the time when this collection was published, this was a perfect read for the pandemic, but all of these poems are still relevant today, exemplifying Koethe's ability to discuss the large questions we may have looming the backs of our minds.
This was such a wonderful read.
I've yet to read John Koethe's work before, but when I sat to begin this, I was immediately taken at his style of poetry. I love his semi-poetic, semi-prose style of writing; it really felt so wonderful to read and his themes are powerfully displayed. Aging, mortality, life experiences, contemplation of one's position in the world; all of these themes are great and easily relatable to the everyday reader. Considering the time when this collection was published, this was a perfect read for the pandemic, but all of these poems are still relevant today, exemplifying Koethe's ability to discuss the large questions we may have looming the backs of our minds.
A Room of One's Own by Virginia Woolf
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
5⭐
Ms. Virginia Woolf: F*ck the patriarchy!
If you are a writer, specifically non-hetero cis white male, you absolutely need to read this book! Woolf not only tells a story within this work, but inspires the reader to create their own and speak with their voice. This work shines as a beacon for those who are unsure of what story they are telling; she reminds them that what you have to say is important. Doubt, insecurity and anxiety are the killers that have been instilled because of the male tradition. She speaks powerfully and inspiringly, almost as though it were a call to action. Fantastic, I can't recommend this enough.
Ms. Virginia Woolf: F*ck the patriarchy!
If you are a writer, specifically non-hetero cis white male, you absolutely need to read this book! Woolf not only tells a story within this work, but inspires the reader to create their own and speak with their voice. This work shines as a beacon for those who are unsure of what story they are telling; she reminds them that what you have to say is important. Doubt, insecurity and anxiety are the killers that have been instilled because of the male tradition. She speaks powerfully and inspiringly, almost as though it were a call to action. Fantastic, I can't recommend this enough.
Second Empire by Richie Hofmann
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
4.5⭐
Richie Hofmann, do you ever flop?
I was so excited to get another collection of Hofmann's poetry; I mean I was anxiously waiting for my book to arrive in the mail. As soon as I got it, I devoured. This was a great collection of works that just embody love, lust, self-reflection, and the passage of time. I love Hofmann's ability to transport me to a destination and give me a visually captivating understanding of that world. Fantastic.
I'd say "A Hundred Lovers" is still my favorite, but man this was a close second. Wonderful!
Richie Hofmann, do you ever flop?
I was so excited to get another collection of Hofmann's poetry; I mean I was anxiously waiting for my book to arrive in the mail. As soon as I got it, I devoured. This was a great collection of works that just embody love, lust, self-reflection, and the passage of time. I love Hofmann's ability to transport me to a destination and give me a visually captivating understanding of that world. Fantastic.
I'd say "A Hundred Lovers" is still my favorite, but man this was a close second. Wonderful!
Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
5⭐
brb, going to stream Lana's entire discography real quick...
I can't lie, I was a little nervous going into this, just because it can be so rare when celebrities or artists release poetry, but wow was I wrong! Lana Del Rey basically owns my entire body, mind, and soul. This collection of poetry is great for summer reading; it made me feel like I was laying on the grass, feeling the sunlight bake my skin and I was eating orange slices. Chef's kiss!
Honestly, the haikus were not for me. I would have happily taken a couple more poems in lieu of those. But, that's my only nit to pick.
brb, going to stream Lana's entire discography real quick...
I can't lie, I was a little nervous going into this, just because it can be so rare when celebrities or artists release poetry, but wow was I wrong! Lana Del Rey basically owns my entire body, mind, and soul. This collection of poetry is great for summer reading; it made me feel like I was laying on the grass, feeling the sunlight bake my skin and I was eating orange slices. Chef's kiss!
Honestly, the haikus were not for me. I would have happily taken a couple more poems in lieu of those. But, that's my only nit to pick.
Swann's Way by Marcel Proust
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
2.5⭐
Bruh....we made it...
Welp, that happened. Sorry to Monsieur Proust, but I don't think that I'm capable of reading the rest of his books.
To be clear, his writing and commiserations can be absolutely gorgeous! Can they be long-winded? Yes. Is there a message behind them? Usually. Do I want to continue reading the series to hear more of his thoughts on various topics. No.
If you loved these books, I'd love to hear why you did, because, to me, this was all style and very little substance.
Bruh....we made it...
Welp, that happened. Sorry to Monsieur Proust, but I don't think that I'm capable of reading the rest of his books.
To be clear, his writing and commiserations can be absolutely gorgeous! Can they be long-winded? Yes. Is there a message behind them? Usually. Do I want to continue reading the series to hear more of his thoughts on various topics. No.
If you loved these books, I'd love to hear why you did, because, to me, this was all style and very little substance.
How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
While I found the story interesting and the premise important, I just couldn't connect to the story through the writing choice. I didn't feel like I should care about the protagonist. Probably just not for me.
Saint Sebastian's Abyss by Mark Haber
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4⭐
What the f*ck even is art?
I'll be very honest, the writing was a little too meandering for me, reminding me of Jon Fosse's "A Shining," (derogatory). However, if you look past that and see the underlying themes, this book is fantastic.
As an art history major in school, this was a wonderful look into the absurd, sometimes comical, world of art criticism. Mark Haber touches on themes of mortality, art, friendship, and makes you consider what you see when you look at a piece of art. I personally enjoyed the deep lore of this book; I was honestly convinced some of these characters existed. Overall, a pretty amazing short read that is engaging and thought-provoking.
What the f*ck even is art?
I'll be very honest, the writing was a little too meandering for me, reminding me of Jon Fosse's "A Shining," (derogatory). However, if you look past that and see the underlying themes, this book is fantastic.
As an art history major in school, this was a wonderful look into the absurd, sometimes comical, world of art criticism. Mark Haber touches on themes of mortality, art, friendship, and makes you consider what you see when you look at a piece of art. I personally enjoyed the deep lore of this book; I was honestly convinced some of these characters existed. Overall, a pretty amazing short read that is engaging and thought-provoking.