Of Dreams and Realities: 03/08/09
One of my on-going goals as a reader is to read more poetry. It's a type of writing outside of my normal comfort zone. Of Dreams and Realities is a "collection of poems that examines the little things in life that are often overlooked." (GoodReads description) While the subject matter covered in this collection is enlightening in it's quaintness, the execution of the verse fell flat for me.

The poems are typically quatrains with a standard rhyming scheme except that the words don't always rhyme when they should and there are often too many syllables squeezed in to upset the meter. These poems would have been better as free verse.

Visually the typesetting is distracting. Each poem is set with it's own typeface and size. Some are large. Some are small. Some are serif and some aren't. There is no rhyme or reason to the typesetting for any given poem. Finally there is at least one poem repeated in the collection with hints at sloppy copy editing on top of the bizarre typesetting.

Other poetry collections I've reviewed include: Forgive My Trespassing by Cynthia Blomquist Gustavson, Gag by Lovechild, Strike Anywhere by Dean Young, One Crossed Out by Fanny Howe, and Some Ether by Nick Flynn.

Read other reviews at:Book 'em Benj-O, The Faery Book Reviews, and Wife and Mom of 3.

books | poetry | Frank L. Johnson | 2008

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Comment #1: Wednesday, June, 24, 2009 at 20:37:00

Isabel

Good try on the poetry!

It's my weak point also.

thanks for being part of 9 for '09!

Comment #2: Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 16:27:00

Pussreboots

Thanks. Poetry is a tough one for me.