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K. V. Dominic Essential Readings and Study Guide: Poems about Social Justice, Women's Rights, and the Environment
K. V. Dominic Essential Readings gathers for the first time the three most important works of poetry from this shining new light of contemporary Indian verse in Winged Reason , Write Son, Write and Multicultural Symphony . A fourth collection of 22 previously unpublished poems round out a complete look at the first 12 years of Dominic's prolific and profound verse. Each poem includes unique Study Guide questions suitable for South Asian studies curricula. Written in free verse, each of his poems makes the reader contemplate on intellectual, philosophical, spiritual, political, and social issues of the present world. Themes range from multiculturalism, environmental issues, social mafia, caste-ism, exploitation of women and children, poverty, and corruption to purely introspective matters. From the observation of neighborhood life to international events, and everyday forgotten tragedies of India, nothing escapes the grasp of Dominic's keen sense of the fragility of life and morality in the modern world. Praise for the verse of K. V. Dominic
"K. V. Dominic is one of the most vibrant Indian English poets whose intense passion for the burning social and national ailments makes him a disciple of Ezekielean School of poetry. His poetic passion for the natural beauty keeps him besides the Romanticists."
-- Dr. A. K. Choudhary, English poet, critic and editor, Professor of English, Assam, India
"K. V. Dominic's poems are important additions to the growing global movement to bring about positive change and equality for all individuals. The injustices he confronts in his poems are the arrows and thorns that pierce his heart every day and the gushing blood that runs through his pen to paper."
-- Rob Harle, poet and critic, Nimbin, Australia
"K. V. Dominic is a poet of the suffering masses and oppressed sections of the society. He tries to dissect corruption at all levels, political or religious, social or academic and presents it in its true colours with all the ugliness and monstrous greed."
--Prof. T. V. Reddy, reputed English poet, writer and critic, Emeritus Professor of English from Andhra Pradesh, India
Learn more at www.profKVDominic.com
From the World Voices Series at
Modern History Press
LITERARY COLLECTIONS / Asian / Indic
"K. V. Dominic is one of the most vibrant Indian English poets whose intense passion for the burning social and national ailments makes him a disciple of Ezekielean School of poetry. His poetic passion for the natural beauty keeps him besides the Romanticists."
-- Dr. A. K. Choudhary, English poet, critic and editor, Professor of English, Assam, India
"K. V. Dominic's poems are important additions to the growing global movement to bring about positive change and equality for all individuals. The injustices he confronts in his poems are the arrows and thorns that pierce his heart every day and the gushing blood that runs through his pen to paper."
-- Rob Harle, poet and critic, Nimbin, Australia
"K. V. Dominic is a poet of the suffering masses and oppressed sections of the society. He tries to dissect corruption at all levels, political or religious, social or academic and presents it in its true colours with all the ugliness and monstrous greed."
--Prof. T. V. Reddy, reputed English poet, writer and critic, Emeritus Professor of English from Andhra Pradesh, India
Learn more at www.profKVDominic.com
From the World Voices Series at
Modern History Press
LITERARY COLLECTIONS / Asian / Indic
284 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 21, 2016
RELEVANT AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING
We need more of this in the book community. This masterpiece had to be written, not just for the sake of empathy but more importantly for awareness. I always challenge myself with the books I read, there are books that are easy to read and will be forgotten in the years to come, but also there are books that would stay with you – this book is one of them. The beauty of how it depicted the pressing issues in the society that we live in, lyrical yet with impact. Something that had to be said over and over drilling it into the minds of the closed-minded ones. I commend how rich and how it was able to show the other side of what people usually miss out. It wasn’t just promoting awareness, but immersing ourselves into the reality that we face day in and day out. It was more of an invitation to do something about it, to finally stand up for what we believe in. Stand up for the things they often shut us out.
The poems varied from important social issues, to culture, women’s rights and yes even environment. You would easily notice the author’s persistence to make all these problems and all these issues be relevant, to be talked about and eventually resolve them, in whatever for it may come from. I commend that the author used his vast knowledge and experience in concocting a truly revolutionary work. I loved how he used the written words as medium to send the message across. It is as if it is a summon to awaken one’s sense to see past the veil of oppression and passivity. It was more than a collection of poems, it is a voice that demands to be heard.
Take the poem Mother’s Love for an instance.
Maternal love, love sublime
Inexplicable, unfathomable
Noblest of all emotions
Visible both on human beings
and other beings
xxx
Maternal love is transcendent emotion
Both human species
and other species possess
I am perplexed
by some sporadic disasters
A mother offering her
affectionate daughter
to please her lover’s sexual urge
How could she throw her dead child
to the hungry wold?
How could she suppress
the divine emotion of maternal love?
also the poem I Can Hear the Groan of Mother Earth
I can hear the groan of mother earth
being raped by her own beloved human sons
Having sucked all milk from her mountain breasts
quarry deep out of construction mania.
and this passage from the poem “A Nightmare”
A lavish wedding feast was served in the town hall,
rich delicacies heaped on the plates,
were relished by the pompous guests
I could see two ragged girls outside
struggling with the dogs in the garbage bin.
Now this poem is my favorite: Pleasures and Pains
Pleasures and pains;
two sides of a coin.
We toss it early morning;
majority gets the pains side.
Pleasures come like sprinkle,
while pains fall like deluge
and continue like monsoon.
Happiness is a mist
while sorrows shower like snow.
There was something so haunting about his poems. KV Dominic’s poems were written in such a manner that it is easier to grasp and fully digest, it was straight to the point without any reservations whatsoever. It was as honest as it could get. My ultimate favorite would be the whole collection of poems under Write Son, Write.
Now I could highly recommend this one for someone who wants to branch out to poetry and at the same time would want to immerse himself in social awareness and the present predicament that the humanity faces. This would be the perfect book.
We need more of this in the book community. This masterpiece had to be written, not just for the sake of empathy but more importantly for awareness. I always challenge myself with the books I read, there are books that are easy to read and will be forgotten in the years to come, but also there are books that would stay with you – this book is one of them. The beauty of how it depicted the pressing issues in the society that we live in, lyrical yet with impact. Something that had to be said over and over drilling it into the minds of the closed-minded ones. I commend how rich and how it was able to show the other side of what people usually miss out. It wasn’t just promoting awareness, but immersing ourselves into the reality that we face day in and day out. It was more of an invitation to do something about it, to finally stand up for what we believe in. Stand up for the things they often shut us out.
The poems varied from important social issues, to culture, women’s rights and yes even environment. You would easily notice the author’s persistence to make all these problems and all these issues be relevant, to be talked about and eventually resolve them, in whatever for it may come from. I commend that the author used his vast knowledge and experience in concocting a truly revolutionary work. I loved how he used the written words as medium to send the message across. It is as if it is a summon to awaken one’s sense to see past the veil of oppression and passivity. It was more than a collection of poems, it is a voice that demands to be heard.
Take the poem Mother’s Love for an instance.
Maternal love, love sublime
Inexplicable, unfathomable
Noblest of all emotions
Visible both on human beings
and other beings
xxx
Maternal love is transcendent emotion
Both human species
and other species possess
I am perplexed
by some sporadic disasters
A mother offering her
affectionate daughter
to please her lover’s sexual urge
How could she throw her dead child
to the hungry wold?
How could she suppress
the divine emotion of maternal love?
also the poem I Can Hear the Groan of Mother Earth
I can hear the groan of mother earth
being raped by her own beloved human sons
Having sucked all milk from her mountain breasts
quarry deep out of construction mania.
and this passage from the poem “A Nightmare”
A lavish wedding feast was served in the town hall,
rich delicacies heaped on the plates,
were relished by the pompous guests
I could see two ragged girls outside
struggling with the dogs in the garbage bin.
Now this poem is my favorite: Pleasures and Pains
Pleasures and pains;
two sides of a coin.
We toss it early morning;
majority gets the pains side.
Pleasures come like sprinkle,
while pains fall like deluge
and continue like monsoon.
Happiness is a mist
while sorrows shower like snow.
There was something so haunting about his poems. KV Dominic’s poems were written in such a manner that it is easier to grasp and fully digest, it was straight to the point without any reservations whatsoever. It was as honest as it could get. My ultimate favorite would be the whole collection of poems under Write Son, Write.
Now I could highly recommend this one for someone who wants to branch out to poetry and at the same time would want to immerse himself in social awareness and the present predicament that the humanity faces. This would be the perfect book.
January 30, 2017
2.5/5 Full Review can be found at Http://thegraduatedbookworm.blogspot.ca
First, I want to say thank you to Poetic Book Tours for sending me a copy to review. Now, this isn't the normal type of book that I would read, so I of course agreed to give it a try and see what I may like out there.
Personally right from the beginning, I found this to be too structured in the sense that it should be meant for schools and libraries for learning, rather than for pleasure reading. I couldn't really connect with the stories (probably mostly the fact that they were short--I realize they are poems) and felt almost like an outsider.
I feel that if a poem (or even a novel) is powerful enough, you don't need to have questions after it to have more discussions on it. It would be strong enough to raise communication between people, and I didn't feel that.
I'm sure there are many people that would disagree with me, and I'm okay with it, because this is my honest opinion of what I read. It could have also been a bad timing to read this as well, but overall it was not my cup of tea. It has great potential to be around schools to bring more discussion in classes for sure, but I just didn't love it.
First, I want to say thank you to Poetic Book Tours for sending me a copy to review. Now, this isn't the normal type of book that I would read, so I of course agreed to give it a try and see what I may like out there.
Personally right from the beginning, I found this to be too structured in the sense that it should be meant for schools and libraries for learning, rather than for pleasure reading. I couldn't really connect with the stories (probably mostly the fact that they were short--I realize they are poems) and felt almost like an outsider.
I feel that if a poem (or even a novel) is powerful enough, you don't need to have questions after it to have more discussions on it. It would be strong enough to raise communication between people, and I didn't feel that.
I'm sure there are many people that would disagree with me, and I'm okay with it, because this is my honest opinion of what I read. It could have also been a bad timing to read this as well, but overall it was not my cup of tea. It has great potential to be around schools to bring more discussion in classes for sure, but I just didn't love it.
March 21, 2017
The authors topics and themes he used for his poetry had me gripped from the first to the last page. The useful question's at the end of each one, checking for understanding, is an additional bonus.
As for any poet the subject matter is key, the author writes from his heart and is not afraid to challenge and test the reader with his beliefs. No situation or emotion is left uncovered, from birth to death and love to hate, politics and religion and the one thing that touches everyones heart our love for our pets.
When you read each individual poem it will strike a chord and make you really challenge your own morals. The honesty and integrity of the writer shines through.
Scholars will love the scripts as it will lead to endless discussions over their interpretation of the words and meanings.
As for any poet the subject matter is key, the author writes from his heart and is not afraid to challenge and test the reader with his beliefs. No situation or emotion is left uncovered, from birth to death and love to hate, politics and religion and the one thing that touches everyones heart our love for our pets.
When you read each individual poem it will strike a chord and make you really challenge your own morals. The honesty and integrity of the writer shines through.
Scholars will love the scripts as it will lead to endless discussions over their interpretation of the words and meanings.
February 5, 2017
Also posted on Eva Lucias blog
Thanks to Poetic Book Tours!
Essential Reading & Study Guide is written by K.V. Dominic. The poetry collection is described as the following: “poems about social justice, women’s right and the environment.
There is no doubt that this interesting and fascinating poetry collection circles around factors, such as culture, socio-culture and modern society right now. It is very relevant and deals with current issues, e.g. tsunami, poverty, terrorism (which are all mentioned in the poetry collection).
What really captivated me, while I was reading the poems, was the insight of current culture. I love to travel and there is definitely so much to learn when traveling other countries, meeting new people and being introduced to new cultures, and traditions. Many of the descriptions were very vivid and sensuous, which made it so honest and beautiful. On the other hand, many of the observations were also very sad and brutal. This dualism truly shows itself in the work, which is an interesting aspect.
“Is human species so belligerent and destructive?
Aren’t the masses peace lovers, benevolent and compassionate?
Why then such a huge waste for defence unnecessary?
Why create tension at the borders?
A means to divert subjects’ attention
and muffle mass’ protest against corruption?”
As mentioned before, the poetry collection deals with many factors, but what I liked the most was the way K.V. Dominic achieves to make human-kind, faith and hope, his main issues. It is what I remember when thinking back of this literary work.
It sets the mind going whether or not Dominic is in fact questioning human-kind. Does the poetry collection show criticism or is it rather a heads-up to stay positive and be kind to one another?
“Om, the birth-cry of this world;
the very first sound echoing everywhere;
the rhythm of all creations;
from atoms to stars
Om goes on ringing.
Combination of three letters,
representing Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma,
and meaning Brahman.
Father of all mantras;
past and future live in this sound.”
While presenting a poetry collection written in free verse, which sets its focus on contemporary issues, e.g. politics, inequality and human kind, there are many questions to wonder about. So, while reading these wonderful poems, there are still time to stop and reflect upon the written words. The essential reading and the study guide questions for students are also a really interesting feature, which I am sure, many will enjoy.
In conclusion, K.V. Dominic has created a literary piece, which is thought-provoking and interesting, which questions many aspects of life. Perhaps it will give us the courage to stop and breath – and reflect.
Blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Youtube ~ Spotify
Thanks to Poetic Book Tours!
Essential Reading & Study Guide is written by K.V. Dominic. The poetry collection is described as the following: “poems about social justice, women’s right and the environment.
There is no doubt that this interesting and fascinating poetry collection circles around factors, such as culture, socio-culture and modern society right now. It is very relevant and deals with current issues, e.g. tsunami, poverty, terrorism (which are all mentioned in the poetry collection).
What really captivated me, while I was reading the poems, was the insight of current culture. I love to travel and there is definitely so much to learn when traveling other countries, meeting new people and being introduced to new cultures, and traditions. Many of the descriptions were very vivid and sensuous, which made it so honest and beautiful. On the other hand, many of the observations were also very sad and brutal. This dualism truly shows itself in the work, which is an interesting aspect.
“Is human species so belligerent and destructive?
Aren’t the masses peace lovers, benevolent and compassionate?
Why then such a huge waste for defence unnecessary?
Why create tension at the borders?
A means to divert subjects’ attention
and muffle mass’ protest against corruption?”
As mentioned before, the poetry collection deals with many factors, but what I liked the most was the way K.V. Dominic achieves to make human-kind, faith and hope, his main issues. It is what I remember when thinking back of this literary work.
It sets the mind going whether or not Dominic is in fact questioning human-kind. Does the poetry collection show criticism or is it rather a heads-up to stay positive and be kind to one another?
“Om, the birth-cry of this world;
the very first sound echoing everywhere;
the rhythm of all creations;
from atoms to stars
Om goes on ringing.
Combination of three letters,
representing Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma,
and meaning Brahman.
Father of all mantras;
past and future live in this sound.”
While presenting a poetry collection written in free verse, which sets its focus on contemporary issues, e.g. politics, inequality and human kind, there are many questions to wonder about. So, while reading these wonderful poems, there are still time to stop and reflect upon the written words. The essential reading and the study guide questions for students are also a really interesting feature, which I am sure, many will enjoy.
In conclusion, K.V. Dominic has created a literary piece, which is thought-provoking and interesting, which questions many aspects of life. Perhaps it will give us the courage to stop and breath – and reflect.
Blog ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Youtube ~ Spotify
November 18, 2016
Check out my Q&A with the poet on Diary of an Eccentric
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews