Verve Poetry Press You Missed the Best Part.

by Bradley Taylor

Genres: Poetry

Paperback

Reviews

[Becca Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poet of this generation. This book is magical honestly.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got introduced to Bradley’s work when he ran a workshop and performed at Wrexham’s Voicebox earlier this month, and his work is incredible! He embodied a range of distinctive characters across the poems while still retaining his signature style, and it was so fun and moving to watch. Going home and reading this book after that had the same impact, and the QR codes that link to recorded performances are a really cool touch :)

The whole collection is one big highlight, but to pick a few, ‘Nosy Neighbour’, ‘Got a light?’, and ‘The Facts’ were amazing, funny, and vulnerable — though perhaps my favourite overall is ‘The taxidermist does not think of death much’ (shoutout to the taxidermist’s cat).

Can’t wait to read and hear more!

[Reece · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradley says it himself. These poems are for performing, and while I don't have the pep and punch of the professional poet, I can see and feel the spirit.

I've been lucky enough to hear a few of these in person, but it's great to own a physical collection of his work. It hammers home his love for Birmingham, our people, our former poets.

It's hard for me to admit how much I love this work because it's so far removed from my usual poetic preferences. I like structure and rules and stanzas. But Bradley is a modern poet, and his work reflects the free wheeling nature of modern poetry and the ever changing face of Birmingham.

[Lisa O'Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an engaging book, complete with QR codes to let you see Bradley perform some of the poems. A brilliant reflection of a brilliant performance poet. I especially loved Bradley’s introduction to each section of the book. Entertaining and emotional in perfect proportions.

[Allyssa Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

The absolute best book of poetry I have ever read, hands down.

[Simon Pitfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eagerly anticipated debut from one of the most prominent voices in the current flowering of performance poetry across the city of Birmingham has arrived, and despite the title, the reader misses far less of the best part (the performances) than might have been the case. This is because the book contains QR codes linking to videos of Bradley Taylor performing. Thus we get to see Bradley's winning performance of his signature poem 'Got A Light?' from last year's Roundhouse Slam, alongside a range of other performances from Poetry Nights across the city and across the country. This collection opens with Taylor's powerful, empathetic performance pieces, strong on the importance of our shared humanity, where a few well-chosen images - the flame of a lighter, a taxidermist's cat, - signify a warm, positive world view that stands out in these bleak times. These are accompanied by a selection of more personal poems from Taylor's 'Poetry on Demand' project, written after consultations with members of the public and adding poetic sparkle to the minutiae of daily life. The whole is a confident calling card from a poet who is surely destined to be important for a long, long time.

[darren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradley comes across a very nice guy, met him at a free poetry session . I like the idea of the QR codes in the book as poetry is not normally my thing it does help with the speed and style to read at. Definitely a read several times book. Also if you buy this book Bradley might get two percent from the sale !