Friends, I don’t know how to do this new book justice. This one is unique.
But here we are, and I’m pleased to have written these many words to express
something for which I lack the right vocabulary.
Oh, another thing–I bought far too many books this year, and while it might look
as if I was dragging my feet, I assure you I wasn’t. It’s just that I’m a very slow
reader. Needless to say, I will not be able to review them all…
But I do want to finish the year with two more reviews after this one (I don’t post
them all on WordPress, but I do review them on Amazon).
After those two, I will take a much-needed break from posting and dedicate myself
to read your December posts.
So here we go:
My Review on Amazon
Unique. Even the friction is wickedly beautiful and I even heard music.
Reading The Insomniac’s Weather Report by Jessica Goodfellow, was a most unique experience: even the friction in the pieces and the things each did to my mind were
wickedly beautiful. So much so that I wished to be there to witness how this project
came to be. (more about this at the bottom).
I’m a recent poetry enthusiast and live in cloud nine with the many syllabic forms in
poetry and prose and not until this book did I come to understand that there is far
more to what I think I know about poetry. I was mesmerized by the depth of the
poems within the covers of this book. Poetry is not a puzzle to be deciphered and
untangled, but something to be enjoyed. I enjoyed these poems tremendously and
I heard music.
I recently heard about a form of poetry called the epistolary poem, an epistle—a
poem written as a letter, addressed to a private person. I feel the poems in this book
are epistles. Maybe. In the case of this collection with such a title, I’m assuming the
poems are a compilation of contemplations and conversations addressed to a beloved,
to the natural elements, to things that are alive–like marriage–AND to me, as I’m part
of nature too.
For the duration I spent on each poem, I was given a glimpse into the workings of an
advanced mind that pondered deeply into real, moral, and philosophical questions. It
was enlightening and I enjoyed listening in.
As I read I felt that this poet must listen to good music and that as she writes she
smoothly maneuvers the tones and punctuations (in the pauses) in each complete
piece to match the cadence of the music she hears.
How else, I concluded, could she create such a lovely flow to permeate into
the reader’s (me) subconscious?
I always ‘think’ I work best in a quiet space. Now I ‘think’ I must add classical
music to my space so that I might write with such finesse.
After a couple of rereads, I wanted to ask this poet to list for me the music pieces
that inspired each poem.
The Insomniac’s Weather Report is a collection of multitonal, juxtaposed
conversations that kept me rereading, nodding, and wanting to hear the music.
But this book is more than that only I cannot put my finger on it.
For now, let me assure you that I’ve been changed by this book. It’s a most unique
experience I wish I could see unfolding. Dare I compare this feeling to something I
remember reading in “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” where Dillard writes how she doesn’t
want to miss spring this year. That she wants to be there the moment the grass
suddenly turns green and lush. What do you think about that? Hmmn. And as Dillard
ponders on the knot on the snakeskin she finds, I ponder on how Goodfellow got to
develop these lovely poems.
Get this book to see for yourself what I mean. It’s beautiful and unique. I’m sure
you will hear the music too.
I highly recommend it—a 5-star rating from a satisfied customer in Japan.
Thank you for your attention to yet another review, dear ones, and please remember that kindness goes a long way. Let’s contaminate the world with it. I bless you.
p.s. It has taken a long time for my review to be approved,
but it’s now live in my area’s bookstore–
I trust it will appear in others shortly.
Thanks for your patience. xo
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
- A Reblog— Poetry Book Review: “Poetry Treasures 4” - May 8, 2024
- Share The Wealth: Joy is Our Natural State - May 6, 2024
- NPM Scavenger Hunt – Poems from Around the World - April 30, 2024
Wow.. this is a great review, Selma. Quite an honest review. As writers this is great feedback. Now I want to get myself a copy of her collection.. thanks for sharing Selma. 👏💜
I just read your story on the son of a preacher man. Wow. You do that well. 👏🏽 thanks, always, Amigo.
And again thanks for appreciating this review. Glad you thought it worthy of a read. But it’s for the Author. I hope she sees it. On Amazon. She deserves these words that rose from my holy place from whence only truth comes.
Xoxox
I hope she does as well. It was one of the kindest, sincere reviews I’ve read in a while.
Hi Selma, this is a lovely review. It is wonderful when a book makes a powerful impression on you, as a reader. I have only ever written one epistolary poem, but you have inspired me to try a few more.
Robbie it was the sort of thing I felt with your Lion Scream.
You guys are amazing…
I hope you catch my review for Kaye Lynne. Remember how that came to be? You gave me the news… anyway, Thanks so much for reading.
I’ve never written en epistle. And I don’t know for a fact that it’s that—it just what I ‘think I think’ that is.
Anyway, it’s lovely indeed. And beautifully unique. Bless you.
I do love poetry with music in it, so this sounds like a good choice for me. Thank you, Selma!
I enjoyed it. I heard music 😉
Xoxo
Now I am intrigued!
Ain’t that something. Xoxo glad you’re intrigued. Blessings, my friend.
😍
Thanks for sharing this amazing book review on Amazon. I follow your blog but can you follow mine. Anita
Wonderful review! 💜
I’m happy you read, my friend. Xoxo
This sounds very intriguing, Selma. Fantastic review!