something like

by Maria Tzoutzopoulou

“Something like” is my endeavor to spin the words, like the threads of a delicate fabric, to weave something like poetry, something like silk.

Genres: Poetry

76 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2018

About the author

Born and raised in Athens, Greece, I have enjoyed and created art from an early age. Years later, my studies in civil engineering allowed me to combine my love for the arts with my belief in an orderly world. Meanwhile, reading and writing have always been my favorite pursuits.
While collaborating as an editor with other authors, assisting them in their writing endeavors, in 2014, I wrote and published independently my first book in English, The Great Journey, which was later published in Greek under the title To Megalo Taxidi.
Since then, I have been exploring different writing genres. So far, I have also published the following books:
φρέντο (2024)
φρέντο (2024)
Adieus (2023)
En Route (2016)
At This Time of the Year (2017)
Instants of Mine (2017)
something like (2018)
A TriAngle (2019)
something like in reverse (2020)

http://www.mariatzoutzopoulou.com/
http://www.instagram.com/mariatzoutzo...

Reviews

[Jamie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made a delightful read. The author invoked some powerful imagery with unique word choice and powerful pacing. I’d happily read more.

[Sindy Castellanos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful compilation of poems that leave a taste of freshness, love, reflection and love for life. They can be read by everyone, because they are simple and at the same time very deep. If the poems are read again, it is sure to find a new richness in the language, self-understanding and expression of one's feelings.
________
Hermosa recopilación de poemas que dejan un sabor a frescura, amor, reflexión y amor por la vida. Pueden ser leídos por todos, pues son sencillos y a la vez muy profundos. Si se vuelven a leer, es seguro encontrar una nueva riqueza en el lenguaje, la autocomprensón y expresión de los propios sentimientos.

[James Bowick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go for a walk in the woods on a misty day. Smell the earth and grass, the shadow of the rain that has passed. See the softness of the colours, the greens, yellows and blues all grey-muted into harmony. And here the silence, no dogs barking, all but the crunch of gravel beneath your feet muted by the wet mist. Then ask yourself what it means. See it as a metaphor. This is the experience of reading Maria Tzoutzopoulou’s something like. It is a collection of poems peaceful and tranquil, and at the same time thought provoking and challenging. Best read outdoors.

[Kostas Nakos · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Something like” is all about the abstract within the real, about our ability to see beyond our eyes and through our souls. Pictures resembling geometric shapes, and familiar sounds which, through their time persistence, are used as connectors between the past and the future. Well done.

[Luke Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful works of poetry that express in metaphorical and literal fashion the human condition, struggles, joys and pains. Each poem gives you something to identify with, a beauty to be revealed, or a loss to be experienced.

[Ali Marsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, Loved, LOVED this book of poetry! What a beautiful collection of poems that spark warm feelings, not only from the way in which the author writes these short verses, but because of the imagery that floods one's mind while reading them.

There is absolutely no 'fluff,' the author has a wonderful way of describing nature and the seasons with depth that should be commended!

I thoroughly enjoyed each of them and although I was able to read this short book quickly (<80 pages) it is certainly a book I will revisit for inspiration and good feelings in the future.

Just to single one of them out ...

'WINDOW TO THE CLOUDS

They beautified
the sky

although they
were blocking
the sun.

They were
floating

and dancing
in a circle

looking
like snow.

For a moment
I thought I was walking
on the ground,

but it was only

just a walk in the clouds.'

Again, just to single out one of the beautifully crafted poems written by Maria Tzoutzopoulou, but each of them have something so special about them and really ... simply make you smile.

Oh, and as a nice treat, Ms. Tzoutzopoulou included a few selections from her book, 'En Route' another beautifully written book, of which I actually have some of the poems in my 'favourite quotes.'

Thank you for your special gift, Maria! I will be sure to add this to some of my favourite lists here on Goodreads! I wish you the success you wish to see with your work!

:)

[Maria Tzoutzopoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

something like is my endeavor to spin the words, like the threads of a delicate fabric, to weave something like poetry, something like silk.

[Robin Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

something like provides "captured moments" with colorful language and accessibility. The "En Route" pieces were a particular highlight for me. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in short poetry with vivid language a la Slice of Life poetry. Thanks, Maria Tzoutzopoulou!

[C.S. Wachter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read through this book of poems quickly. They are short and simple … on the surface. Then I began to spend some time with each poem individually to explore the thoughts they triggered in me. I plan to continue rereading these poems slowly again. I highly recommend both this book and taking the time to reflect on the poems at leisure. For me, sitting on my back deck and relaxing by reading a poem or two from something like while drinking a cup of coffee has been a pleasure. I hope to continue the practice until the cold weather drives me indoors.

[Kimelene Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a sorrowful beauty about this collection of poems. I feel a serenity when I read the words and at the same time, an undeniable longing for moments past. Maria Tzoutzopoulou has that natural ability to connect to her readers' emotions, allowing the reader to become a part of her words, the scenery, the feelings and the memories within each line. I love poetry like that... where I can find a part of myself in the verses.

Beautiful work Maria!

[Timothy Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Annie Dillard does with Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, so Maria Tzoutzopoulou does with Something Like.

As I read these poems, I imagined myself sitting beside Maria Tzoutzopoulou as she makes observations about various aspects of nature: the fall of a leaf, or the reflection of the sky upon the surface of a lake. Only, these are not just observations about nature, these are observations about life itself.

Read each poem slowly, savor each word, each line, as though you are sipping on fine wine, or allowing a small bite of rare chocolate to melt in your mouth.