If It Was New York, Summer 2009

by Terri Deno

If It Was New York, Summer 2009 tells a story that is both real and imagined, taking steps into a world that is full of adventure, celebrations, setbacks, and a sense of belonging. Containing more than 100 poems, this collection works to explore the question: what if?

126 pages, Paperback

Published March 26, 2019

About the author

Terri Deno is a freelance writer living in the Midwest. When she’s not writing, you can find her consuming massive quantities of books and rocking out to her vinyl collection. She is the author of Seeing What Develops, The Callaways: Melody of Love Kindle Worlds series, and Unfolding Life: A Book of Haiku. Her work has previously appeared in
America's Emerging Poets 2018-Midwest Region, Luna Station Quarterly, Full of Crow and The Poetry of Yoga, Vol. 1.

Reviews

[D.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Here's what I thought of it-

I don't read poetry nearly often enough. I get so drawn into fictional plots and story books that I forget poetry has just as many stories carefully woven into each stanza. Reading this particular book, I felt as if I had read a bunch of different perspectives and points of view by the time I was finished.

There were a lot of tongue-in-cheek and pithy observations of a time spent in New York and outside of it. People say if you stay long enough in New York, you become jaded by the hustle and bustle of life there. Many of these poems seemed to confirm that sentiment - or to, at least reflect it. Many of the poems were dark, angry, and gave me a sense of cold ambivalence. Many of the poems referenced old heartbreaks, but the pain had seemingly dulled, leaving behind the bitter feelings to haunt every step taken.

This book really takes one through the gamut of emotions but a decided feeling of hollowness lurks long after it is over. I think that was intentionally and powerful done. I mean, I could feel the fascination and wonder and awe of the great NY experience in poems like "On the Ferry" and "Weekend Tourist." But other poems like "Cloudy" focused a lens on true despair and doubts - the human experience at its most fragile.

I really enjoyed this book. It makes me wonder why I don't read poetry more often when it can be this good!

[K.R. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terri Deno's poetry collection is a little different than most. Many collections are just that - a bunch of poems put together into a book with little interaction. While there is nothing wrong with that per se, this one is a story continued across more than 100 unique poems. It describes the arrival in New York, the ups and downs of the struggle to succeed, the joys and fears within relationships, all entwined among the sensory overload of life in New York City. Even better, though the poems are connected they aren't dependent on one another. If you understand the general concept of the collection, each piece can generally stand alone.

I should add that this isn't the type of poetry I normally read. It's free verse / prose poetry which can be a bit abstract at times. And although there were a couple I couldn't quite grasp (perhaps they'll come to light with a second reading), the imagery and analogies are generally clear enough even for readers like myself. Overall, Terri does a good job of preventing the poems from becoming the word salad sometimes associated with free verse. With over 100 poems there are more than enough to keep one interested. And you might even learn a little about New York City from reading this book!

My favorites in the collection are Upper East Side Delight, Him, and Networking. And I think a lot of folks will enjoy reading Apartment Listings.

Recommended.