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Reflection
In this inspiring collection of original poetry, NFL wide receiver Tyler Lockett deftly weaves words, thoughts, and images as smoothly as he makes remarkable plays on the field.
Fueled by faith and powered by a strong work ethic, Tyler Lockett's debut book of poetry is a reflective and uplifting journey through topics such as identity, sports, race, relationships, and how to live a purposeful life. As an NFL All-Pro wide receiver and return specialist for the Seattle Seahawks, Lockett draws on his unique perspective as a professional athlete to address life's many challenges, temptations, and rewards .
From reminding young people to pursue their dreams, to pleading with a friend not to take his own life, Lockett's poetry encourages readers to stay positive even when confronting impossible odds. In addition to never-before-published poems, Reflection also includes workshop questions, notes, and inspirational messages that give readers an opportunity to reflect on their own lives as well .
Fueled by faith and powered by a strong work ethic, Tyler Lockett's debut book of poetry is a reflective and uplifting journey through topics such as identity, sports, race, relationships, and how to live a purposeful life. As an NFL All-Pro wide receiver and return specialist for the Seattle Seahawks, Lockett draws on his unique perspective as a professional athlete to address life's many challenges, temptations, and rewards .
From reminding young people to pursue their dreams, to pleading with a friend not to take his own life, Lockett's poetry encourages readers to stay positive even when confronting impossible odds. In addition to never-before-published poems, Reflection also includes workshop questions, notes, and inspirational messages that give readers an opportunity to reflect on their own lives as well .
- GenresPoetry
112 pages, Paperback
Published October 15, 2019
40 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 16, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of Reflection by Tyler Lockett that I read and reviewed.
I chose to review this book because I am a Seahawks fan and I wanted to read Lockett’s book. This book gave me a new insight into him as a man. I did not realize how deep his faith ran nor how he felt on some other subjects that was addressed. This book gave me as a fan a deeper respect for Lockett as a man. This book also made me think deeper on some subjects he addressed.
I can honestly say I really enjoyed how touching and deep some of these poems were. Reflection gets four out of five stars from me.
I chose to review this book because I am a Seahawks fan and I wanted to read Lockett’s book. This book gave me a new insight into him as a man. I did not realize how deep his faith ran nor how he felt on some other subjects that was addressed. This book gave me as a fan a deeper respect for Lockett as a man. This book also made me think deeper on some subjects he addressed.
I can honestly say I really enjoyed how touching and deep some of these poems were. Reflection gets four out of five stars from me.
October 14, 2019
"You don't have to see yourself as a superstar but you can see yourself as an inspiration. Because that's what you are to some people. And it's okay to accept that."
Time to be honest: I am not into sports. I used to love tennis as a kid and play cricket with my brother. I played Badminton in my early teens and that is that. So, sports just aren't my thing. When I saw the word NFL, my mind went a bit blank and confused when the word NBA popped in my head. So I had no freaking idea who is Tyler Lockett. Just like I google everything I do not know of, I googled him and saw he is a big deal in the football world. But I was drawn to this book. Many times before requesting, I told myself that the poems might be surrounded around all the football stuff (like a cynic I am turning out to be, judging books) but I became more inquisitive. I closed my eyes and I took it on a condition: I will not give feedback if my guess turns out to be true. And I thank the good lord that I WAS WRONG but I WENT FOR IT because this book rocks, man!
The book comprises of poems on so many themes which are connected to one other by web-thin connections. They are quite long but they have this life in them and it entrances you in a rhythmic trance. He talks about dreams, success, goals, behind the scenes of someone who is always on the media's eyes, reflections, mental illness and life lessons which motivates you in a big way! It contains workshop pages where you can linger over the questions some poems put on you and reflect upon it. And the dating advice between the lines of some poems is definitely something! That is all us girls ask for sometimes.
I immensely enjoyed this collection which touched my heart and provoked my thoughts!
Recommended: It will truly come off as an inspiring collection of poems to young and old alike because it is never too late to work towards your dreams and ponder over some thoughts which are totally worth it!
Time to be honest: I am not into sports. I used to love tennis as a kid and play cricket with my brother. I played Badminton in my early teens and that is that. So, sports just aren't my thing. When I saw the word NFL, my mind went a bit blank and confused when the word NBA popped in my head. So I had no freaking idea who is Tyler Lockett. Just like I google everything I do not know of, I googled him and saw he is a big deal in the football world. But I was drawn to this book. Many times before requesting, I told myself that the poems might be surrounded around all the football stuff (like a cynic I am turning out to be, judging books) but I became more inquisitive. I closed my eyes and I took it on a condition: I will not give feedback if my guess turns out to be true. And I thank the good lord that I WAS WRONG but I WENT FOR IT because this book rocks, man!
The book comprises of poems on so many themes which are connected to one other by web-thin connections. They are quite long but they have this life in them and it entrances you in a rhythmic trance. He talks about dreams, success, goals, behind the scenes of someone who is always on the media's eyes, reflections, mental illness and life lessons which motivates you in a big way! It contains workshop pages where you can linger over the questions some poems put on you and reflect upon it. And the dating advice between the lines of some poems is definitely something! That is all us girls ask for sometimes.
I immensely enjoyed this collection which touched my heart and provoked my thoughts!
Recommended: It will truly come off as an inspiring collection of poems to young and old alike because it is never too late to work towards your dreams and ponder over some thoughts which are totally worth it!
September 24, 2019
25...that's the number of times Tyler Lockett invites you into his world through his words. He says it as he feels it and it only goes to show that sometimes a ray of light is all it takes to illuminate a dark tunnel.
With poems where he asks you "how bad do you want it?" and you cannot help but sit back and ask yourself really what's stopping you from going after your dreams.
"Like Father like Son," unravels the pain when cycles are maintained and not broken, endless years of hurt upon hurt on generations. "Fair shot," simply had me undone with one phrase "imagine wearing a hoodie not to be seen, but instead people are scared of you." He also does not shy away from talking about relationships and expectations.
This would be a great companion in paperback or hardback for there are those insightful "notes to self" at the end of each poem and then workshop guides which include three or four questions to explore.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.
With poems where he asks you "how bad do you want it?" and you cannot help but sit back and ask yourself really what's stopping you from going after your dreams.
"Like Father like Son," unravels the pain when cycles are maintained and not broken, endless years of hurt upon hurt on generations. "Fair shot," simply had me undone with one phrase "imagine wearing a hoodie not to be seen, but instead people are scared of you." He also does not shy away from talking about relationships and expectations.
This would be a great companion in paperback or hardback for there are those insightful "notes to self" at the end of each poem and then workshop guides which include three or four questions to explore.
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.
June 23, 2020
4 Stars (I received an e-arc from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review)
I wasn’t sure of what to expect when I started reading the collection, but this was such an immersive experience into the authors life. The style reads as spoken word that could also come across as song or rap lyrics. Chronicling Tyler’s life from a child trying to get out his neighbourhood in Tulsa, knowing that playing football is one of the only ways to make an honest living. Then we get to see what people think his life is like as pro is like and how Tyler could live that baller life, but that’s not his style. How all the people that ignored before he was famous now suddenly come around and are trying to use his money and/or status. All throughout the collection the author constantly references God and his deep connection with his religion, though hearing about Jesus can get a little repetitive. As someone who is not of the Christian faith, I would have preferred for him to just use god in the text. One aspect that at times annoyed me, was all the slang phrasing which was purposeful. This made the poetry sound more like rap lyrics but there were times where I wished there was some proper grammar. Overall this collection was emotional, honest and a love letter to God.
I wasn’t sure of what to expect when I started reading the collection, but this was such an immersive experience into the authors life. The style reads as spoken word that could also come across as song or rap lyrics. Chronicling Tyler’s life from a child trying to get out his neighbourhood in Tulsa, knowing that playing football is one of the only ways to make an honest living. Then we get to see what people think his life is like as pro is like and how Tyler could live that baller life, but that’s not his style. How all the people that ignored before he was famous now suddenly come around and are trying to use his money and/or status. All throughout the collection the author constantly references God and his deep connection with his religion, though hearing about Jesus can get a little repetitive. As someone who is not of the Christian faith, I would have preferred for him to just use god in the text. One aspect that at times annoyed me, was all the slang phrasing which was purposeful. This made the poetry sound more like rap lyrics but there were times where I wished there was some proper grammar. Overall this collection was emotional, honest and a love letter to God.
June 24, 2020
This is a book by an NFL player. The book has three sections: 1) a Note to Self, in which the author tells a reality of life, about how we live for ourselves or for God, or not, 2) A Workshop, with questions or exercises to do, to fulfill our potential better, and 3) poetry about that topic. I couldn't relate to the poetry, personally, but I found the other two parts of the book quite good!
January 20, 2023
I enjoyed reading these poems. I think some were hard for me to read maybe because I wasn’t sure about the cadence or some seemed more wordy. I did relate to a few. And I really like how there’s questions to reflect on the topics of the poems. I answered some in my journal. Overall pretty good.
October 2, 2019
“Don’t waste your time fighting obstacles that were never meant to be fought”
To be honest I only started reading this book because Tyler Lockett is a Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, and I am a Seahawks fan. This book is a poetry + mindfulness book that talks about love, expectation, race, commitment, family patterns and so much more. When I first read the introduction, I thought I had found my new favorite book. The introduction is filled with outstanding life lessons that are written in such a way that are not read as clichés. And although the book did not turned out to be my new favorite, I still really enjoyed it.
The parts about the book that I enjoyed the most are the poems where he talks about our dreams and goals and how far we are willing to go to accomplish them. HOW BAD DO YOU REALLY WANT IT? Moreover, I though tie workshop questions were a nice touch, they allowed the book to be interactive and for the reader to reflect and what the lessons of the poems were. Tyler Lockett has so many raw and powerful experiences I was glad he put them on paper for all of us to read.
My only complaint with the book was that it was all over the place, the author when from idea a to idea b in one sentence and a poem that started being about motivation finished as one of dating. Moreover, I thought the organization of the poems made no sense, I would have loved to see more cohesion.
Overall it was a solid 3 star book. It has some amazing poems and life experiences, and like I said, the poems about motivation are truly what made this book amazing. I would recommend this book for anyone who is religious, a football fan, or simply looking for a motivation to keep going and fighting for your dreams.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for giving me the chance to read this.
To be honest I only started reading this book because Tyler Lockett is a Seattle Seahawks wide receiver, and I am a Seahawks fan. This book is a poetry + mindfulness book that talks about love, expectation, race, commitment, family patterns and so much more. When I first read the introduction, I thought I had found my new favorite book. The introduction is filled with outstanding life lessons that are written in such a way that are not read as clichés. And although the book did not turned out to be my new favorite, I still really enjoyed it.
The parts about the book that I enjoyed the most are the poems where he talks about our dreams and goals and how far we are willing to go to accomplish them. HOW BAD DO YOU REALLY WANT IT? Moreover, I though tie workshop questions were a nice touch, they allowed the book to be interactive and for the reader to reflect and what the lessons of the poems were. Tyler Lockett has so many raw and powerful experiences I was glad he put them on paper for all of us to read.
My only complaint with the book was that it was all over the place, the author when from idea a to idea b in one sentence and a poem that started being about motivation finished as one of dating. Moreover, I thought the organization of the poems made no sense, I would have loved to see more cohesion.
Overall it was a solid 3 star book. It has some amazing poems and life experiences, and like I said, the poems about motivation are truly what made this book amazing. I would recommend this book for anyone who is religious, a football fan, or simply looking for a motivation to keep going and fighting for your dreams.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for giving me the chance to read this.
November 8, 2019
What a refreshing read!
I can't remember the last time I sat down and read an entire book of poetry. But if you're gonna start, this is a great place to do it.
"What we say to ourselves every day is what separates the achiever from the dreamer" - TL
Tyler Lockett does an amazing job of expressing himself eloquently through poetry, using his own life experiences as fodder for reflection, encouragement, and direction. He focusses on what he knows best and does an incredible job on shedding light into life situations, while offering advice and support to others along the way.
"your lifestyle says more to people than the things you say our your mouth
Just be who you are and stay true to yourself
Cause being you and doing what you do
is why you got so many people looking up to you" - TL
This reads as a mix of a self-help book and a diary of sorts. He waxes poetic about not being a victim, living with purpose, single parenting, making good choices, relationships, changing the past, and even deeper thoughts on anxiety, depression, and suicide.
"so much hate in this world
we need more than a hug
we be looking for love in all the wrong places
tryna fill these voids, but we got empty spaces" - TL
This book would actually make an awesome group study or even a youth retreat workbook. Spread throughout the chapters are little study guides and reflections to help you dig deeper and go further. I used them as talking point with my own sons to talk about sex before marriage, depression, and how to manage money. It's a great starting point for deep conversations without being too heavy.
I can't remember the last time I sat down and read an entire book of poetry. But if you're gonna start, this is a great place to do it.
"What we say to ourselves every day is what separates the achiever from the dreamer" - TL
Tyler Lockett does an amazing job of expressing himself eloquently through poetry, using his own life experiences as fodder for reflection, encouragement, and direction. He focusses on what he knows best and does an incredible job on shedding light into life situations, while offering advice and support to others along the way.
"your lifestyle says more to people than the things you say our your mouth
Just be who you are and stay true to yourself
Cause being you and doing what you do
is why you got so many people looking up to you" - TL
This reads as a mix of a self-help book and a diary of sorts. He waxes poetic about not being a victim, living with purpose, single parenting, making good choices, relationships, changing the past, and even deeper thoughts on anxiety, depression, and suicide.
"so much hate in this world
we need more than a hug
we be looking for love in all the wrong places
tryna fill these voids, but we got empty spaces" - TL
This book would actually make an awesome group study or even a youth retreat workbook. Spread throughout the chapters are little study guides and reflections to help you dig deeper and go further. I used them as talking point with my own sons to talk about sex before marriage, depression, and how to manage money. It's a great starting point for deep conversations without being too heavy.
September 15, 2019
2.5/5
I'm always honest with my reviews. The poetry was okay. I was a bit confused as one moment he was talking about Jesus and the next poem he was talking about getting a girl.
I was torn. I'm not religious, so it was hard to fully feel the message. At the same time, I get where the writer was going. I just don't think it fully had hit the mark, for me. The note to self's at the end of the poems were my favorite along with the Introduction. I had high hopes after reading the introduction, but it didn't live up to what I had hyped it up in my mind to be. Also, the grammar and wording is very slang-like but if that doesn't bother you, go for it!
I'm always honest with my reviews. The poetry was okay. I was a bit confused as one moment he was talking about Jesus and the next poem he was talking about getting a girl.
I was torn. I'm not religious, so it was hard to fully feel the message. At the same time, I get where the writer was going. I just don't think it fully had hit the mark, for me. The note to self's at the end of the poems were my favorite along with the Introduction. I had high hopes after reading the introduction, but it didn't live up to what I had hyped it up in my mind to be. Also, the grammar and wording is very slang-like but if that doesn't bother you, go for it!
December 20, 2019
*3-3.5
I really liked the messages this book was trying to present towards the reader. They could be very stereotypical at times, but I very much enjoyed the messages.
For me, the poems were hit or miss. Some were good and some were not as good. I think part of the issue was the fact that not all the poems really made sense for the messages. However, I liked Lockett’s writing style when it came to poetry.
I really liked the messages this book was trying to present towards the reader. They could be very stereotypical at times, but I very much enjoyed the messages.
For me, the poems were hit or miss. Some were good and some were not as good. I think part of the issue was the fact that not all the poems really made sense for the messages. However, I liked Lockett’s writing style when it came to poetry.
May 5, 2020
It was an amazing book.
dnf
September 30, 2019This is not my kind of poetry
January 21, 2020
I love the raw honesty of his poetry. "Fair Shot" really got me thinking, and "Turn off the Lights" was powerful.
January 31, 2020
I respect the honesty and insightfulness the author has shared in this collection.
August 18, 2020
This was a beautiful reflection of what’s inside and out when it comes to Tyler Lockett. Being able to glimpse what life was like and how he thinks and his connection to God and himself was insightful and reflective on me as well. Identity Crisis. The Monster I Created, Beam and Glow, and Different Meanings really stuck out to me.
The entire book of poems read like internal thoughts and short stories rather than poems, but it only made me enjoy it all the more. It was filled with dreams and hopes and understanding his life and what experiences he has been through. It talks about love and racial tension and mistakes and fears. It talks about God and family and friends and more. It’s something that matters not only to him but also to anybody who is or has been through things he’s been though.
Money doesn’t change what he has to say, it just amplified some of the situations he’s been through.
The entire book of poems read like internal thoughts and short stories rather than poems, but it only made me enjoy it all the more. It was filled with dreams and hopes and understanding his life and what experiences he has been through. It talks about love and racial tension and mistakes and fears. It talks about God and family and friends and more. It’s something that matters not only to him but also to anybody who is or has been through things he’s been though.
Money doesn’t change what he has to say, it just amplified some of the situations he’s been through.
December 4, 2020
Reflection by Tyler Lockett is a hidden gem I would say. This is a poetry book, but I have found it is unlike most poetry books that you would find. Each poem relates to something new and two are ever the same. Everyone could find one poem in this book that they could relate to. Even someone who does not enjoy poetry would appreciate this book. Showcasing perseverance, diversity, embracing who you are and finding meaning in every situation, this is more than just a poetry book full of figurative language and descriptive language.
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August 4, 2020Gave me a lot of insight into a complex individual
May 17, 2021
i reallly enyoed reading this book it makes you feel motivate to do better for yo
\\urself its like the book is talking to you
\\urself its like the book is talking to you
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews