The Highly Unqualified Hand-Guide To Keeping Plants Alive

by John O'Callaghan

The Highly Unqualified Hand-Guide To Keeping Plants Alive. John O'Callaghan describes it as a collection of ideas, poems, and half-bad advice. He hopes that readers can find insight, inspiration or even humor from these fleeting ideas. And in all actuality, he hopes that his kids don't think he came off too smarmy or pretentious in his ramblings. In summary, he hopes you take it all with a grain of salt and make your own inferences about life and how to live it; but by all means... live the hell out of it. John O'Callaghan is an artist, producer, and writer based in Phoenix, Arizona. John is the lead singer and writer of the alternative band The Maine. "The Highly Unqualified Hand-Guide To Keeping Plants Alive" is the third book from John O'Callaghan following his previoius poetry books titled "Sincerly, John The Ghost" & "A Thought A Day".

Genres: Poetry

122 pages, Hardcover

Published February 14, 2024

Reviews

[Hannah Pavlisin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ain’t it funny how a few ideas made it to ink on paper to heal us from our inner child to our current state. Absolutely beautiful!

[Coral · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m probably biased because the author is the lead singer of my favorite band, but this made me really happy. Super simple/straightforward and quick, but really necessary reminders of what it’s like to be a human and how to deal with it. Even more special knowing it was written for his daughter!!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

john o can do no wrong (also appreciated the self titled lyric poems)

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh! What a lovely collection of poems! Knowing it was inspired by the author’s daughter and his fatherhood journey, makes it even more special. It’s a great collection of short poems and thoughts, definitely worth a read if you’re looking for something to bring you back down to earth :)

[Bru Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could relate so much to many of John’s words. It was like a breath of fresh air, and I’ll keep it forever and come back to it whenever I feel like I need a word of encouragement, or simply just need a reminder that we’re all on the same boat.

To John, thank you for being there for me in the form of songs for the past 15 years, but also now, in the form of this beautifully written & insightful poetry book.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean, is this great poetry? No. Is it cute, do I think his daughter will grow up and cherish it? Hell yeah.

[Eden Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it’s because I love his words in The Maine but this was perfect. I don’t typically like poetry, I feel to dumb most of the time when I read it so I just choose not too. BUT when John writes it or sings it I tune in.
This was almost a love letter to his child. Advice and lessons learned and the overwhelming feeling of parenthood. Being on the brink of motherhood myself some of these really spoke to me. I loved it. Had to read a few out loud to get the full punch (and so my husband could hear it) also some lines from his tunes which we love to see.

[Makenzey Murr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best poetry book I’ve read for sure! It was the perfect balance of inspiring, thoughtful, funny, and unique. I would recommend you pick this book up even if you’ve never heard of John or his band, The Maine (you should check them out if you haven’t).

[amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of poems found me just when it needed to. John is beautiful soul and knowing fatherhood prompted this collection added so much more beauty.

[Meg Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

John O’Callaghan’s words have been very important to me since I was 15 years old. A lot has changed, but I’m grateful that this sentiment has remained the same.

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

national poetry month ✅
preferred the content that was in the John the Ghost book more, but this will be nice for his kids

[G Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable. Just absolutely adorable.

[Ashley Coon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comforting, inspiring poetry book about life dedicated to the author’s kids 🥹 this was written by the lead singer of my favorite band (the maine), and you can find references to lyrics in their newest album in here which is always so cool. always love reading John’s poetry collections!

[Dannielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book of poetry. I read through it and many of the poems resonated with me and made me tear up. I love how simple he is with his word choice and story telling. It feels impactful but also easy to follow.

[Tere · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Para los fans de The Maine y de todo lo que hace John, este libro no deja de emocionar. Saber por todo lo que ha pasado el autor a través de sus palabras y sus canciones, y entender que este libro va dedicado a su familia es muy enternecedor y me llena el alma como miembro del fandom.

Sin embargo, si se quiere ver este libro como una recopilación de poesía, quizá no sea para ti. Más que poemas, estos son consejos de vida y frases lindas que pueden llegar al corazón, pero solo eso.

Muy lindo libro que los fans van a apreciar un montón.

[Patty Koutoumanos · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first 5 star read since forever. A simple love letter, advice and musings. I could have written some of them myself they felt so personal. John has a way with words, I already knew that from their songs (whoever doesn’t know the band the Maine, I urge you to listen to their music!) Read in a day, made me smile and feel the feels. Loved it.

[Krysta Angotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this not knowing what to expect. But I did not expect it to be a book mostly addressed to his daughter. And I didn’t expect that I would relate to it so much. I ended up saving some and reading them to my daughter as another way to tell her how much I love her. So much better than I ever imagined

[Mikayla Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this poetry book made me so happy. I know I’ll be revisiting it often. John created such a beautiful book written from a father to his kids perspective but where anyone reading can take away more than a few things. My mission now isn’t just to force everyone I know to listen to The Maine but will also be to force them to read The Highly Unqualified Hand-Guide to Keeping Plants Alive.

[Galyn Petro · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid fan of John’s work for more than a decade now, I have always hoped he would write a poetry book. My expectations have been exceeded — go figure — and I am now left with my thoughts. Thank you, John for making me THINK.

These gentle reminders should be part of your daily mantra after you complete your morning skin care regimen.

🍃🌱🌵🪴

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

John O’Callaghan, the man that you are!

If you’re a fan of The Maine (it’s a band), this is a great read to connect with the lead singer. His collection of poems for his children has some really great words of wisdom and definitely healed a little piece of me.

Thank you greatly to my dear friend, Caroline, for buying me this book for my birthday back in April.

[Jessica Wehber · Rating 5 out of 5]

John has a way with words that connects with and moves my soul. I’ve been consuming his words via music for the last decade and in a way that has contributed to who I am today. Although I don’t know him personally, reading these poems filled me with pride at his growth and happiness.

[Julia Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

John’s writing is a breath of fresh air in a world so polluted with cynics and stoics. He has always been able to articulate the feelings of love and anxiety so authentically, and it’s like magic whenever I read (or listen) to his words.

[Kaycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course this is the lead singer of my favorite band but his poetry and lyric books have always been one of my favorite things. John has such a way with words that everyone should get to experience and enjoy at some point and I will recommend his books to every one I know!

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5*

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a lighthearted poetry book - super quick read with valuable insights. One day when I have a family of my own, with kids I will have to reread this so compare my point of view.

[Joanna Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly insightful and absolutely beautiful. It spoke to my inner child, as well as to my current self, since becoming a parent. I can't wait to share it with my daughter one day.

[Kazia]

Listen to the band The Maine.

[Megan Kavy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book of poems to read when you need a break or new perspective. It'll be interesting to come back to this now and later in the future.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Te amo John, leer tus pensamientos me hacen feliz 💕

[Mary Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

he always has such a way with words 🫶🏻