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All the Little, Lonely, and Forgotten Things

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‪“The poetry collection all the little, lonely, and forgotten things by Gibson Perez offers a multifaceted exploration of love, longing, self-discovery, and the passage of time through various poetic forms. He delves deep into the intrica-cies of human relationships, portraying raw emotions with honesty and depth. Characterized by poignant imagery, rich symbolism, and introspective re-flection, the collection invites readers on a journey through the complexities of human experience.”‬

‪— Santiago Villafania‬, author of “Malagilion: Sonnets tan Villanelles”

‪“Perez‬ knows nostalgia like the back of his hand and, in this collection, creates a mesh of memories that catches readers unawares. Prepare to revisit your shadows and dreams.”

— ‪Cris Mari‬, author of “And You Shall Be Found”

‪“This is one of the most unique, out-of-the-box poetry book I’ve read. I like that it’s unpredictable yet cozy read. Lyrical and cool-headed. His words and thoughts elegantly stitched together. And the visual styling of each poem matches its theme.”‬

‪— Vittena Vibar, author of “Happyland Ballerino at Iba Pang Mga Kwento”‬

“‪His poems‬ are cathartic. His poems invite you to sit with your emotions and think, whether it is joyful or painful to remember. Perez’s honesty and vulnerability shine through in every piece.”

— ‪Karla Marie Gaudier ‬(a.k.a. ArtbyKarla), critic and book designer

‪“Gibson Perez exemplifies this movement through his use of concrete poetry, a form that radically goes away from traditional constraints such as rhyme schemes, meter, and fixed structures. His work proves that poetry is not bound by rigid formats but it is a dynamic art form, visually compelling, and emotionally loud.”‬

‪— Ronald Fernandez‬, author of “Beyond the Skylines of La Trinidad”

294 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2025

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Gibson Perez

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for risse ★.
143 reviews4 followers
July 19, 2025
ᯓ★ three ½ stars!

"if there's a relationship we could call
it is filled with poetry
and nothing more."


Reading this poetry collection feels like walking barefoot through someone’s memories. Every page speaks of a moment of heartbreak, love, yearning, dreams, and regrets. Each piece holds a certain kind of sincerity, vulnerability, and softness. Reading every poem feels like taking a glimpse into the author’s life and love experience, making it more mysterious, endearing, and deeply personal.

One element that stands out is the unconventional structure and formatting. The illustrations are beautiful! They evoke a melancholic yet uniquely childlike wonder, grounding the words with their whimsical feeling. They complement the poems so well, adding a quiet emotional pull. The structure of the poems also breaks away from tradition, carrying their own freedom from strict rhyming schemes and meter.

Admittedly, I prefer poems that include rhyming, since reading them in my head feels like singing. So the first few pages were a bit off-putting for me, and it took a while to firmly grasp the flow. I also noticed a few repetitive poems, some pieces seemed to say the same thing in varied ways. Still, I’d like to see it as how heartache and memory loop back, and sometimes, one poem isn’t enough to make sense of certain emotions.

The early poems feel more fragmented, but as the pages turn, I feel the author starts to find his voice. There is sharper writing and deeper emotional clarity. I mentioned earlier that it felt like a hit-or-miss situation, but the latter parts of the collection were definitely a hit for me, especially chapter 12: at home. It was endearing, and some poems hit a certain spot in my heart.

"i have tried writing
about my mother a million times,
but i cannot recreate a poetry of God."


It mentioned that the collection does not promise healing, but it offers transformation. And that transformation succinctly explains what this whole poetry collection holds. There is a quiet shift and a growing softness. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦, 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 offer a space for you to be found within its pages.

[ᯓ★ Special thanks to Nakita sa Booksale Pero Hindi Binili and Sir Gibson Perez for the digital ARC copy in exchange of an honest review. ]
Profile Image for I go by 'Jo' now.
82 reviews6 followers
June 10, 2025

I sort of knew what I was getting into when I got this—and it still went beyond my expectations. Maybe that’s why it hit so hard. All the Little, Lonely, and Forgotten Things reads like someone quietly laying their thoughts out—some familiar, some unexpected. A lot of the poems feel like emotions or memories that don’t usually get said out loud. They’re not dramatic or loud, just quietly honest in a way that sneaks up on you. It’s the kind of writing that makes you pause and think, “I’ve felt that,” even if you’ve never put it into words yourself.


What stands out right away is how different the structure is. These aren’t your usual, neatly packaged poems. They’re kind of messy in the best way—like journal entries, quiet confessions, or random snapshots. Some are short and direct, others a bit abstract and harder to pin down, but they all feel intentional. It makes me slow down and actually sit with the words, not just skim through.


There’s something about the way the author writes that makes it feel like they aren’t trying to impress you—they’re just trying to be sincere. That makes it easier to connect with. The poems move through themes, to name a few—loneliness, being forgotten, remembering someone, or wanting to be remembered. They’re simple in parts, but somehow those simple lines hit the hardest.


I won’t say every poem makes sense to me right away—some feel a bit out there—but I think that’s part of the experience. It’s not about understanding every single word. It's about allowing the emotions to unfold in their own unique way. And for me, a lot of them do.


What I appreciate most is that it doesn’t feel overly dramatic or too polished. It feels raw in a very human way. Like the author isn’t trying to fix the mess—just share it. And I think that’s what makes it meaningful.


It’s not a book I read in one sitting. I pick it up, read a few pages, then pause and come back later. But that works for me. If you like poetry that feels real and a little unfiltered—something that doesn’t follow rules but still leaves an impact—I think you’ll find something here.


A few poems that really stayed with me:
- you were not my first love
- so, this is an old confession
- opposites
- the promises I will give
- article
- in the shadows

I didn’t expect to be picked for the ARC event hosted by “Nakita sa Booksale Pero Di Binili”, but I’m so glad and thankful I was. Big thanks to the author for the copy—and to the little manifestation that worked, because now I’ve read the book, and it truly was worth it.

Profile Image for Honeypie.
788 reviews61 followers
June 30, 2024
Note: with bias cause I'm friends with the author. Hahaha!

But surprisingly, I enjoyed reading a lot of the poems in the book. Tbh, for some, I read through them, but I just couldn't relate so I didn't dwell too much. But for those that I didn't skip, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

My favorites were the musings from home, from family.
Maybe it's also brought about by my situation, or maybe it comes with age. Nevertheless, they were really touching.

But at the same time, I don't know if it's because I know the author, that I can feel the youth in his works. Looking forward to more "mature roles" in the future, Gibo. Haha! Would be exciting to see how you'll grow in your personal life and in your writing!

---

living alone in the metropolis
often makes us long for our mothers.
the city has everything
but not all of what we need.
~ independence (Manila)


so this is solitude -
while we embrace the loneliness
we also grasp the elusive freedom
of being who we are
~ what happens in a solitude?

Profile Image for Jud.
105 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2024
Reading poetry books can become monotonous sometimes but this one’s actually innovative that it will keep you on your toes! Plus it has so much relatable, heart-wrenching, and also heart-warming stories. A book that you have to consume slowly because even though poems take a relatively smaller paper real estate, they hold so many emotions! Read this if you just need a book that goes well with your coffee OR wine. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
Profile Image for Mark Alpheus.
841 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2025
All the Little, Lonely, and Forgotten Things by Gibson Perez

Let me start this review with: I want to read more from Gibson Perez!

Halfway through reading this, I believed this poetry book could be cut into two published works. Not only justified by the length, but also since there are chapters that have similarities in their vibe that could be put together for one book.

However, after finishing it, I realized the author decided to give us a panoramic experience instead: a life examined, along with its intricacies, direction, and relationships. This detail makes it such an interesting read because a lot of the poems were personal, encouraging us, the readers, to have a pensive reading experience.

Chapter 1 remains as my top favorite among all parts, particularly because the emotions felt raw yet honest.

Chapter 5 is another highlight, it was the chapter that made me think a lot about several things, which I appreciate.

Chapter 8, 'monologues', is the part that I believe I enjoyed the most, especially its very first poem, "my poems were roses", and its powerful last line "and now i've sworn not to let my poem perch like a dove to anyone who is just curious but cannot love".

Chapter 12, 'at home', was a personal fave because it was the part I related to the most.

Other chapters I liked a lot include longings, quarantine(d) thoughts, and wanderings of a desolate heart.

This book isn't perfect (it's hard to be considering its length), as there were few poems that had awkward wordings, at least, in my perception. For example, the line "but there was no really culprit, i knew".

However, I believe that they weren't detrimental to the quality of the book as a whole. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this poetry book to the pensive folk, the thoughtful people, the readers who look for meaningful reading experiences. I will look forward to anything Gibson Perez would release in the future.

It's the kind of book that after reading, I had an urge to hug the author (which ofc I can't because, boundaries, but anw).

some of my favorite pieces:

~ our journey together
~ maybe let me call you May
~ another unsolicited blabber to a thing we thought we know so well
~ adjective
~ paradigm shift
~ my poems were roses
~ favorite cliché
~ ambedo

Finally, I was also inspired to write a poem after Bookmark Verses, page 73, which felt too close to home for me. I, too, have been subjected to an unsolvable riddle: of words, like knives, that often leave scars.

Thank you to Gibson Perez for sending a digital copy of his book, through Nakita sa Booksale Pero Hindi Binili (FB page), in exchange for a book review. Note to readers that this hasn't affected my perception of the book, and all thoughts here are my own.
Profile Image for Mark Fermill.
Author 7 books38 followers
July 24, 2025
Gibson Perez is a master at taking you to places you didn’t realize you missed so deeply, and that’s exactly what his poetry collection, all the little, lonely, and forgotten things does. His poems are evocative and picturesque, like imagining rain on your window and hearing every perfect detail, from the soft drips and bounces of the drops to the slow buildup of condensation on the glass.

It’s just as he said in the afterword, it’s melancholic. It’s clear that the collection is dedicated to a certain someone. But what’s remarkable is how the experiences he explores feel both deeply personal and strangely universal. While reading it, I often found myself thinking of someone from my past, someone I didn’t even realize I missed until these poems brought them back to me.

I hope whoever inspired these masterful pieces gets the chance to read them, and feel the weight of the impact they had, not just on the poet, but on the readers too.

I also appreciated the unique layout of some of the poems in this collection. From compressed words to wide gaps, from having to twist the book to read slanted lines to even flipping it to decipher upside-down text. It’s clear these choices weren’t just for variety. They enhanced the reading experience, making it more immersive and dynamic. I’d even say their use was pretty genius. A great example of this is in paradigm shift, where the spaced-out words really help you imagine the cosmic. It does an excellent job of making you feel like you’re floating in space, contemplating existence and having a quiet existential crisis.

I also loved the artwork included in the book, especially the one on page 230, where a guy is seen wandering through a meadow. It helped shape the visuals in my mind. It felt like a brief trip to a peaceful place I no longer have the freedom to visit because of adulthood. And yet, through that image, it felt like I had actually been there, taking in the calm and beauty of the surroundings.

Overall, I’d say it’s a book that’s truly worth it. I’m glad I took my time with it because that slow pace made the experience feel like a meaningful trip down memory lane, back to my childhood and the heartaches of my first love.

My top three favorites:
1. paradigm shift
2. super blue blood moon
3. the echoes of the city
Profile Image for La_Mycah.
4 reviews
July 20, 2025
Going into this book, I have prepared myself for the emotions and feelings it will stir in me. Jokes are on me because nothing could have prepared me for the journey this collection has taken me on. All the little, lonely and forgotten, things, crafted by Gibson Perez, is a book that captures memories, dreams, and stories, reflecting some of the most deeply felt human emotions.

This collection of poems intimately portrays the many stages of love. There is love that is naive and new. The book takes the reader into a dreamy state, enacting through words the warmth of a new love, as if nothing in the world can stain this rose-colored world. Then, there is love tried by many obstacles. Some endure and some fail. Even the heart of someone who had never experienced a failed love will not be immune to the heartbreak reflected in the verses. Then, there is love coursing through the grief of what was lost. It is breathtakingly beautiful how the author used stanzas for things that a hundred-page book may not be able to articulate.

However, what is special about this book cannot only be found in the compelling and personal reflection of those stages of love. The author boldly experimented with rhyming schemes and structures, making this book stand out from other books with the same themes. Moreover, I deeply appreciated how the author used visuals to get his message across, making the poems thrice as powerful as when they are just left to words. These visual arts had a major impact on how every line is perceived and felt.

Overall, the book had been an emotional, relatable, and creative journey. It made me reflect on my personal relationships with friends, family, and significant others in ways that are both comforting and daunting. I can’t wait to see how the author may evolve as he continues his creative pursuits.
Profile Image for Rea Reyes.
Author 3 books12 followers
November 24, 2025
All the Little, Lonely, and Forgotten Things
Second Edition
by: Gibson Perez

All I can say about this book is that the art is truly beautiful! Kudos to Gibson, you are amazing!

I’m not usually a fan of poetry books, but I bought this one because of the artwork. Honestly, I can’t even remember when I started and finished reading it. At that time, I had the flu, so everything felt like a blur. It also took me a while to post this review because I wanted to take the time to express exactly what I felt.

First, Gibson’s collection of poems really touched my heart. They felt warm and cozy, something I’d love to keep and pass on to future generations. His artistic style is mind-blowing. There were even moments when I laughed while reading, because I was holding the book upside down. My husband scolded me for it, but I just laughed back, knowing the text design was intentionally playful. I truly appreciate Gibson’s effort to make this book not only poetic but also artistic.

Second, there’s a part of the book that almost brought me to tears (okay, maybe I was being a little OA, haha). The line “My phone used to be quiet: nobody liked me, till there was you, loving me in each second,” hit me deeply. It reminded me of when I met my husband seven years ago. Back then, I was full of sadness, working far away to provide for my family—and then he came into my life.

Third, I sincerely hope Gibson produces more books. Poems like these deserve to leave a mark on the hearts of future generations.

Last, thank you, Gibson, for making this book so memorable. Wishing you more success and more books to come!
Profile Image for Franz Mherryon .
4 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2025
I love this book. I love the wordplays. And I love how this book is an unconventional poetry book (well, there are times I hate it because as a lazy reader, minsan napapagod na ako kaiikot hahaha). But just like the author told me, this is not just about reading the book—it’s about experiencing it. This is an experience.
Profile Image for Cyrill Bagos.
7 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2024
A piece that would make you want to start your own book about anything. I found myself smiling as I read through this, not because it's comedic, but because you can actually relate to all the poems. After reading it, I feel like I can express myself more!
Profile Image for Cris Mari.
48 reviews4 followers
March 5, 2024
Gibson Perez knows nostalgia like the back of his hand, and in this collection creates a mesh of memories that catches readers unawares. Prepare to revisit your shadows and dreams.
Profile Image for Cindy Cruz.
Author 13 books30 followers
March 5, 2024
Every line in the book goes straight to one's heart (my heart), that I would need to take a breather before going to the next one. Addictive read!
Profile Image for Emmzxiee.
331 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2025

All the Little, Lonely, and Forgotten Things by Gibson Perez

This review was written in exchange for a physical copy of the book. None of the thoughts shared here were influenced by the author; everything expressed is solely based on my personal reading experience.

All the Little, Lonely, and Forgotten Things takes its readers on an emotional rollercoaster, pulling them into the depths of loneliness, yearning, and longing, while still offering fleeting moments of hope. True to its title, the collection makes you feel—as if the emotions the author wants to convey are gently but firmly placed into your hands. Kudos to Gibson Perez for crafting a work that resonates so deeply.

Gibson hones his poems and prose with remarkable vulnerability, allowing his emotions to translate seamlessly through his words. His careful choice of language—often incorporating uncommon and striking words—adds depth, intensity, and drama to the collection. More than just reading his work, it feels as though he is speaking directly to you, sharing pieces of himself beyond what words alone can express.

What stood out to me most is how personal the writing feels. Gibson writes as if you are a close friend—someone he trusts enough to hear his unfiltered thoughts and emotions. This openness makes each poem and sentence feel deeply intentional, as though every word carries the weight of lived experience and carefully held emotion.

The book’s layout also deserves recognition. Gibson’s creative approach to the structure and design showcases his craftsmanship, enhancing the reading experience and making the collection even more immersive. The visual presentation complements the emotional weight of the text, turning the book into a true work of art.

Through this collection, Gibson doesn’t just share his writing—he offers his soliloquy, his loneliness, and his vulnerability to his readers. It is both inspiring and striking, creating a sense that you are not merely observing his experiences, but quietly sharing them alongside him.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this collection. The pieces are cohesive and thoughtfully aligned with each chapter’s theme. I look forward to seeing more works from this author in the future.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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