Some Common Weaknesses Illustrated

by Carson Cistulli

Some Common Weakness Illustrated, Carson Cistulli's first book, is a series of unexpected meditations on overlooked parts of life. Combining formalism with poetic experiment, his poems shed light on his peculiar condition of feeling that he is trapped inside of a poem while being addicted to sports-basketball and baseball in particular. In these poems language seems to replace meaning, while feeding our spectacular, collective appetite for the truth. Yale Series Poetry Award Winner, Loren Goodman Carson Cistulli's book of poems is like the rabbit that pulls the magician into his hat. It is like an enormous handkerchief spewing out colorful severed hands. It is like the woman who uses her naked body to cut saws in half.

Genres: Poetry

88 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned from this book not to be afraid of my heterosexuality, and to let it out to run free over hill, dale, etc.

[Christopher Deweese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is large enough to fit over the head of your greatest enemy.

[Matt Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is difficult to rate. The rating depends largely on why you're picking it up. For me, as for many who find it these days, it is to hear more from the voice of Cistulli himself, now one of the most unique voices in baseball analysis and host of what is easily the strangest baseball podcast, Fangraphs Audio. For us, the happy band of Carsonian loyalists, this slim volumes rates at an easy five stars. The goal for us to hear his voice in its early stages, to read the future into his past obsessions, to hear his voice in our heads.

But for the non-initiate, I imagine this is all very confusing. It's easy to enjoy the tone and wordplay, but the theme of overwhelming nonsequitorialism (a word) could become monotonous with time. The references are so dense or imperceptible that it might feel like "you had to be there"-style poetry. For the general reader, I imagine this would be a 2.5, when read generously.

But I sought this out, and, finding what I sought, I am satisfied. If you want to hear Cistulli's voice, perhaps more than you need to hear his words, you will be too.

[Jerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this. This is among the worst poetry I've read -- and I attended three poetry club meetings in grade nine and six poetry club meetings in grade twelve. I'm upset that I'm still thinking about this book as I write this review. Do not waste your time reading this. Carson is the worst writer (I'll admit that I don't know much about his baseball analysis work, and do not plan to look into it).

If you're questioning whether you like Carson's perspective, or agree with Carson's perspective, consider that he published the phrase "race ain't nothing but a number." Really let that sink in.

I would rate this zero stars if I could.

-Jerry (XOX).

[Kristopher Gardham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cistulli speaks to the reader through overly neurotic tales of self-exploration.