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The Layover: A Collection
A collection of short stories and poetry, The Layover is a powerful, thought provokingwork of art that will leave readers both shocked, and cheering. From the dark tale of a young black girl caught up in a system that offers her no way out (Ballad of a Little Black Girl), to the dramatic story ripped from social media timelines of a young woman discovering the unflattering truth about the man she loves (Drama, Love & Social Networking); Derrick James Thornton does not disappoint, or shy away from any subject. Whether he is talking about the perils of being black in America, in his spoken wordpoetry, or weaving together the joys of a new found love; hetakes the reader on a journey that they all can relate to, and are able to envision.
142 pages, Paperback
Published February 14, 2019
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March 4, 2019
I rated the book 5 stars for a couple of reasons. This was the first book that I've read by this author. So I went into the book with no expectations thinking if it's good, good. If it's not, still good because I supported a black author from my hometown.
The title of the book and the cover art is really what attracted me to the book, because when I think about a layover a think of a pause in a journey and that's exactly what I felt the book was. In reading the book first, in it's entirety and then going back and reading it in the different sections, the title of the book made complete sense to me. From the structure of the book to how the poetry sections were placed and told, I felt like told a story within it self.
The author is a really good story teller and the short stories were my favorite. Both stories were relatable as were the main characters Yaz and Tiana! Unfortunately, Tiana's story is very common within the black community and was painful (but honest) to read. I was so happy Yaz found her voice at the end. I wanted more from the stories, not because they lacked anything, but because they were so good I didn't want them to end.
As I read the book from front to back and thought about how the book reflects the title, I picked up a sense of the author almost loosing himself in the beginning of his poetry and stepping away from what brought him happiness and then the book evolves to him finding love for himself, his family, and rekindled his passion for art. Some of the poems in the beginning were dark but real. I felt they were a true reflection of today's world. The last Collection of poems, the authors tone seemed to changed from one of anger, darkness, and worry to that of love, living, and purpose.
When reading, I try to take on and feel the emotions that the author conveys in their writing. Because of the way the author structured this book and told his stories I felt I was able to do so.
My favorite poem without a doubt was "The Rice Mill". It's a Lake Charles thang! When I read the title I was suprised and excited. This poem in particular I felt like I read the poem with the rhythm it was written in The poem flowed beautifully and photographicly. The poem was spot on and he did justice to an area of town that will always be remembered by the black people that lived there!
The title of the book and the cover art is really what attracted me to the book, because when I think about a layover a think of a pause in a journey and that's exactly what I felt the book was. In reading the book first, in it's entirety and then going back and reading it in the different sections, the title of the book made complete sense to me. From the structure of the book to how the poetry sections were placed and told, I felt like told a story within it self.
The author is a really good story teller and the short stories were my favorite. Both stories were relatable as were the main characters Yaz and Tiana! Unfortunately, Tiana's story is very common within the black community and was painful (but honest) to read. I was so happy Yaz found her voice at the end. I wanted more from the stories, not because they lacked anything, but because they were so good I didn't want them to end.
As I read the book from front to back and thought about how the book reflects the title, I picked up a sense of the author almost loosing himself in the beginning of his poetry and stepping away from what brought him happiness and then the book evolves to him finding love for himself, his family, and rekindled his passion for art. Some of the poems in the beginning were dark but real. I felt they were a true reflection of today's world. The last Collection of poems, the authors tone seemed to changed from one of anger, darkness, and worry to that of love, living, and purpose.
When reading, I try to take on and feel the emotions that the author conveys in their writing. Because of the way the author structured this book and told his stories I felt I was able to do so.
My favorite poem without a doubt was "The Rice Mill". It's a Lake Charles thang! When I read the title I was suprised and excited. This poem in particular I felt like I read the poem with the rhythm it was written in The poem flowed beautifully and photographicly. The poem was spot on and he did justice to an area of town that will always be remembered by the black people that lived there!
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