As soon as I started reading this I couldn't, and didn't, put it down. This is one of the best books I have read in awhile. It's an exploration of existence. It's a reminder that we all have our own unique story. Everyone has different responses to their environment and upbringing. It makes me feel both connected and incredibly lonely at the same time.
I also love the illustration. And the feel of the book.
(I'm going to edit this when I have more time to write a better and longer review, but I felt I should say something since I received, started, and finished it all today. I got excited. This book is great.)
I am currently in an MFA program which means that it's basically required to read poetry. I have not for one second in my life enjoyed poems until I came upon the work of Noah Cicero. It's so honest and unpretentious and it may be unpopular to say this around my other classmates but, all other poetry that is not this can suck an ass.
I love watching nature documentaries. I love the zoomed-in, intimate look at the secret life of animals. I love seeing how animals can play, be funny, be caring, then flip a switch and be deadly, be a killer, be scared and struggle to survive. Cicero’s book is aptly titled because he gives you that zoomed-in look at life that most people are too busy or too self-centered to notice. Also I knew the poems were good because they made my wife laugh.
I don’t think anything about this book disappointed me. From easy-flowing poetry that morphs into flash fiction, to creative spins on common life, to the most profound ideas only Cicero can muster, this was my first read of him. And certainly not the last. Part 2 was my favorite of the three.
Love this collection. Noah Cicero writes poetry like a real deal bad ass poem writing fellow. Definitely recommend, especially if you are bored with Homer.