THE PUPPETEER OF A Lyrical Poem asks the question, "What might objects see in us as they set their gaze?" rather than what might we see in them. Through the exploration of twelve seemingly inanimate objects, the reader is invited to peel back their intricate layers to reveal the voice behind these mute, yet ever-faithful friends. And, in the process, pretensions are dropped and reality finds its way into even the most remote places.
In this collection of twelve lyrical poems, Kathleen M Jacobs brings the inanimate to life in a beautiful, unique way. She uses metaphor and alliteration to make the most ordinary of objects seem interesting and beautiful.
The sensory details in these poems show the objects to represent parts of our lives, and give us a renewed appreciation of the ordinary. It's quite unique to look at the world from the point of view of objects in our day to day lives, to consider how they feel as we use them, wear them or board them!
Going into this collection, I'll admit wasn't quite sure what a "lyrical poem" was! I'm now quite glad I do, because Kathleen's are beautifully written!
Each poem was full of beautiful poetic language to describe and personify the object in question. I would never have thought you could write two pages on compasses and still hold the reader's attention but The Puppeteer of Objects definitely changed my mind on that. From flowers to modes of transport, Kathleen really invites us to consider the materialistic side of our lives with a new appreciation and mindset. She uses elegant words to describe the history and lives of objects I wouldn't usually give more than a passing thought.
My favourite poem was "books" although I suppose that's no surprise! This poem really did reflect how it feels to be a reader and the awe and wonder of reading! I never expected to feel a similar awe towards items such as hats or orchids, but Kathleen's writing has made me see them in a completely new light!
Thanks so much, Kathleen, for sending me a copy of your book to review, it was a wonderfully surprising experience.
Kathleen Jacobs is certainly a favorite author of mine, mostly because she can tell a good story. She does have a way with words.
In this collection of 12 essays, Jacobs use sensory details to describe 12 inanimate objects, which become a metaphor for something in our lives. You can read them altogether, but I really suggest you take the time to read each independently and savor the details and then reflect upon what it represents. I did both, reading in a single setting, and then reading again an essay and giving myself time to reflect. I liked my second reading much better.
If you teach writing to high school students or to students in Gifted Education, this is an ideal book to use in your classroom to model writing.
I'm sorry to say this took me so long to read! It wasn't for lack of great content, but rather a terrible reading slump that I needed to overcome.
The author graciously sent me this copy, signed, through Instagram, so be sure to follow her. She's very involved with her readers!
What I liked: the lyrical nature of the words, made an excellent flow to the book. I enjoyed the evaluation of each object and was left with lots to think about each chapter. Photographs were my favorite. Very timely description.
What could have been improved: unlike the descriptive summary on the back of the book, I don't believe we learned what the objects see, what they think of us, which is what I expected to hear.
I adored this book! This was an amazingly beautiful and insightful read about twelve inanimate objects (a few of my favorites) and how they might view us. It was fascinating and so well-written. The words just flow and are so soothing. They take you on a magical ride and inspire your own imagination. This book is a truly wonderful experience!
The Puppeteer of Objects is lyrical poem of 12 objects so beautifully written. I found a cadence and rapped along as I read the very fashionable descriptions- yes, these objects are all very Vogue and I found myself easily transported to old Hollywood, a luxury train ride, and so many other places.