Playing With Fire

by Beau Taplin

If the flame is a metaphor for love, then Playing with Fire is the white gauze for singed hands and seared hearts. A slow flicker at times, a wild dance at others, Taplin stokes the emotions with his usual verbal finesse. Unique to this collection is the story of Charlie Jones, told intermittently in post meridiem hours between smaller flares of poetry and prose. Falling in love has never been so easy, but neither has getting hurt. Taplin’s existential awareness burns throughout, reminding us that our pains and joys are not so different. His thought-provoking dialogues and brief poetic synopses will invite you to admire the human condition from fresh perspectives, teach you about letting go and new growth, and somehow manage to leave you feeling full even after you’ve been completely gutted.

Playing with Fire will make the sap crackle from your veins, lift the burning leaves from your limbs in one hot breath, then let the ash fall on the top of your head, soft as snow.

Genres: Poetry

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Amal Bedhyefi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau's words are just .. mesmerizing <3

[Amal -book flavors · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I made it sure to finish this book in one sitting . This was so beautiful , so heartbreaking , so wise and kind of nostalgic . I just loved how it has pointed out all the contradictious feelings that a person could goes through yet in an accurate and well written way .

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bluntly and beautifully honest. Beau certainly has a way with words. This whole book enticed a nostalgic, yearning, stargazing kind of mood and it's wonderful.

[Karleah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm definitely on a bit of a poetry kick at the moment...this collection has a nostalgic, yearning vibe to it's beauty. It can't not be beautiful, because it's Beau Taplin. I really liked the prose telling a story between the poems in this one, and the divided sections of each page working sort of like explanatory footnotes. He really has a way with words, and I've devoured each of these collections. I don't think I could ever get sick of his work.

[Caroline Ciez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of this reads as trauma bonding and co dependency and unrealistic expectations surrounding romance and love. A very naive, fresh look at love. But at the same time, it is so relatable and nostalgic, the best parts and the most gutting as young lovers. Taplins prose is so incredibly magnificent, I could just keep reading and reading. I don’t care how unhealthy love bombing styles of romance are, I could only have wished someone write a book about me like this. 😍

[Janice Raquela · Rating 5 out of 5]

i devoured this book
the words felt nostalgic to this hopeless heart of mine.
Beautiful must read

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

my fav book by beau Taplin so far. almost every page js marked for me to read again

[Dearna (Words of the Roses) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 - 4

[Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the words, envious in a way of the story. Put into words a lot of thoughts that I couldn't place. Thank You 😁

[Kath Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau's writing is like looking at a masterpiece of art. Leaves you in awe

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

While sitting and searching for the right words, I happened upon a quote that touched every fiber of who I am... This quote was by Beau Taplin. I immediately scoured the internet for any other works by him. Once upon his website, I promptly ordered every single book that he had out.
I opened the first one and took in every single word, tasted the sweetness and the sadness and digested the emotion. From the time that I opened the book, I could not set it down, word for word, page after page the prose came to life.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever truly loved, those who are searching for love and for those that have lost their one true love.
It truly felt like the words on the pages were taken from the memories tucked deep in my heart and soul.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a poetry seeker normally... But if ever I needed a deep thinking, seductive, enchantingly inspiring collection of words to devour, this is it. This author combines the beautiful with the gut wrenching, the acceptance and understanding to things unsolvable, honest and good. In three sentences, he more than once blew my hair back and made my chest tingle. I will re-read this book countlessly the rest of my days and I'm reaching already for his next.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunningly beautiful! Takes you out of your mundane, ordinary existence and makes you remember what it is like to be in love when you felt like you were the stuff of the stars - and the endless longing that comes afterward. This young poet has such a unique voice that truly understands what crazy love is all about.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and inspiring ♡

[moonchild ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

a brilliant collection by Beau that really showed me that even if moments don't seem perfect, it's all about perspective

[ewa_bk · Rating 5 out of 5]

stunningly beautiful.... a simple picture of love. It's purity. Imperfections. Expectations. Falling. Fire

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fall in love over and over again with Beau Taplin's poems.

[Katrisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words for this book. ♥︎ Can't wait to read to others.

[Madalyn Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beau's words are so beautiful. He has a way of pulling you into the pages, and keeping you there afterwards.

[Kholoud · Rating 5 out of 5]

its heartbreakingly beautiful ..