Anomaly: A Concept Album

by Alicia Cook

"We confuse passion and pain, turn each other into liars. We become colliding trains; no survivors, no survivors." Alicia Cook, the bestselling author behind Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately, returns with Anomaly, a melodic journey of the ending, the mending, the falling, and the loving. This surprise release of love poetry is comprised of prose, song, and illustrations.

Genres: Poetry

74 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2019

About the author

Alicia Cook is a multi-award-winning writer and poet based in Newark, New Jersey. Her writing often focuses on addiction, mental health, hope, and grief – sometimes all at once. She is the curly-haired human behind the poetry books Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately, I Hope My Voice Doesn't Skip, Sorry I Haven't Texted You Back, The Music Was Just Getting Good, and More Stuff I've Been Feeling Lately. Her work has been adapted into music and dance and published in a number of anthologies and literary journals, as well as in Rattle, The New York Times, The Asbury Park Press, HuffPost, and Writer’s Digest. Her most recent poetry award is the 2026 Central Avenue Poetry Prize for her poem "The Squirrel Made His Way."

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to get my copy of Anomaly because I’ve loved everything I’ve read of Alicia’s, but I was a little nervous since I knew it was focused on love and after my last break up, I’m still a little cynical on the subject. However, this concept album starts with the ending and the mending which I could completely relate to; I found myself rereading before moving on to the next sections, like when a new song fits so perfectly to your feelings you play it on repeat. Then as I began reading the falling and the loving, I didn’t find myself rolling my eyes or scoffing because Alicia writes so honestly and beautifully that I actually found myself smiling. I’ve felt those things before and found myself looking forward to feeling them with someone again. This is a unique read, but with the same honesty that made her previous works the bestsellers they are. I have no hesitations recommending it to anyone - no matter where they are in the love department.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from a concept album/poetry book mashup, maybe a less refined Frankenstein project. BUT that couldn't be further from the truth. Alicia Cook takes you on an open emotional journey through accepting the end of a dear relationship to the sparks of a potential new love. With "enterlude", "interludes" and "exitlude" poems, she seamlessly knits the stages of her heart's healing between well versed vivid song lyrics. We see and hear about the ending, the mending, the falling and the loving with honest storytelling, dramatic analogies, and relatable inner conflict. No poem ends without the reader wanting to turn the next page to see where the journey picks up. I highly recommend this digestible, but unique interpretation of love songs and poems

[Alicia Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come January 1, 2020, this book will no longer be available to purchase!

Last year I published a small, fun collection of poetry and song. I called it "Anomaly" and even playfully spelled my name wrong on the coffee cup that is on the cover (an ode to coffee shops spelling my name wrong constantly).

This book was a season for me. Something fun to produce while I figured out my next move. So, in the true fashion of a season, this book will now transition away from online retailers come January 1. Now, SOME of the poetry within its pages may very well return in one form or another - but Anomaly as it exists right now will never be heard from again once the new year begins.

From now until December 31, you can still buy Anomaly for just $5.99 online.

[Sophia Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My heart is a cave, and it echoes your holy name."

Everything Alicia touches is gold. I knew I was going to love this book the second I heard about it, but that did not detract from the joy of reading it. Anomaly is a gorgeous little collection of poetry and lyrics bristling with heartbreak and fresh love. Perfect for fans of Morgan Nikola Wren and Alison Malee.

[Christina Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anomaly is more than a book. It's an experience, an album, which contains music, melody, and melancholy. From start to finish, you are strung along with the author throughout different stages of love, learning lessons throughout and taking away tiny bits of magic that will resonate with you long after you close the book.

With different sections, musical artwork, song lyrics, and overall melodic writing, Anomaly will leave you with similar feelings that you'd have after listening to an album that you love. Some pieces will have you smiling, others might have you crying, but in the end, each piece works with the next to deliver a soundtrack of the author's experiences and insight.

And much like a great album, once you make it to the end, you may be changed, walking away as a slightly different person that has now soaked up the intensity and unique perspective that lives in these pages.

Anomaly is like nothing I've read before. Cook has once again delivered a book that is totally original, while blaring her voice through the speakers as she reinvents the poetic wheel.

[Sara Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia did not disappoint with this collection of poetry and lyrics. Since her debut, I've always loved the way she brings poetry and music together so seamlessly. Her vulnerability, along with her use of metaphor and honesty especially shine through with this release. I am so happy she decided to publish these pieces independently to show her depth and bravery as an artist. Highly recommend.

[Michael Nyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another great release from Alicia Cook! Totally love the concept of this book and how the author opens up so many new doors for her readers to engage in. Totally off the wall. Totally a delightful surprise. Totally worth it!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alicia Cook will forever be one of my favorites. There's just something about her books that gets you right in the feels.

[Marge Moen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Music in the words...best kept on repeat. Loved this!

[Glenda Woodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different outing for Cook, and it was so beautiful and magical. There are stages of getting back to where you can love again, and Cook took me through it.

[Kathia Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a vulnerable read but I have to say it was beautifully written

[Elise]

This is beautiful.