Dominic J Anton

First I'll like to thank the author, Dominic, for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I'll be honest, I'm not one to pick up poetry usually. It's just not my cup of tea and I didn't enjoy a few popular modern collections that I read before this either. When I requested the ARC for this I just thought, why not try out a collection from someone new? I didn't regret my choice at all. I didn't read this in one sitting because I think collections like these are better enjoyed in chunks, to savor them bit by bit.

I loved the poetry in this. I like the overall theme that the book had, from someone that doesn't seem to have a direction in life to someone that is content with what life offered at the moment. At least that was what I sensed from the book at least. I think they are well suited to be read aloud like spoken words to bring the words more true to life. There were several pieces that were my favorite but here's one that I really like that I think shows the author's talent well:

Wrap melodies around each place,
Around each, every suntanned face.
Pulling words from waters,
Picking limes and riding waves.

With his glow, Apollo,
Shower me with golden rays.
Promise you’ll never leave me,
Like a star that never fades.

Chariots through oceans,
Water colored in the frame.
Into arms, you lift me up
In dreams, I levitate.

- Apollo

I also found myself enjoying the free form pieces that were scattered in between the poetry, I liked how it reads very naturally and it's like a glance into the thoughts of the author.

Maybe no one will ever hear your songs, know your thoughts, view your perspective. Maybe no one will read your story, but that doesn’t mean it does not hold value. When everyone is sleeping in the dark, your flames will still burn, fiercely, authentically, infinitely.

If my soul wasn’t split in two,
I wouldn’t have to look for you.

I do have a small critique though, I did find some of the handwritten pieces a tad hard to read and I had to guess my way through some of them but other than that I think the formatting of the book is good and I might just pick a paperback if I see these in my local bookstore! I enjoyed this read, I think I will be reading more collections now after this, it seems like I might be missing out on the poetry books scene! Will recommend to those who enjoys modern poetry but find the more popular ones a little bland to their tastes. and basic?… (mere)

*Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

— overall thoughts: 3.5 —

Every few pages there are images or other drawings that turns this poetry collection into a mixed media format at times, which I really liked. It gave an authentic effect that I am a fan of.

If I was going to pick the most prominent tone that I got from this collection it definitely gives me those travel vibes that you get when you visit different countries. It reminded me of the time that I went to Paris which I think might be the inspiration since there were images of, I would like to say Paris, throughout the book. I’m really not sure of the places featured but it felt like reading through someone’s journey which was interesting!

With that, themes of freedom and trusting yourself was prevalent throughout most of the pieces, among other things.

I was a bit lost on the overall coherence and connection of the poems to each other but maybe that wasn’t the intention.

Even though some of the poems didn’t speak to me personally, I appreciated the raw thoughts that the author placed into writing. I read another review that about how this would sound great as spoken word and I definitely agree. It might have resonated more with me.

Nevertheless, this was a great collection to go through! Especially if you are looking for the kind of collection that take you into the author’s inner workings.

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