Maps for the Modern World

by Valerie June Hockett

A poetic call for mindfulness, creativity, and analog real-world connection in an increasingly disconnected world from singer-songwriter Valerie June.

Maps for the Modern World is a collection of poems and original illustrations about cultivating community, awareness, and harmony with our surroundings as we move fearlessly toward our dreams. 

I love you
Like a fall leaf dancing
And twirling in the wind
Softly landing,
Returning to the warm earth
Rest
Make new
Begin 
Again
-comfortably

Genres: Poetry, Audiobook

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2021

Reviews

[S. ≽^•⩊•^≼ I'm not here yet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of five parts beautiful poems, mostly about self-awareness and reconciliation. I loved it, it was very peaceful.
Consciousness & Awareness
Journey & Dreams (my favorite section)
Lamentations & Transformation
Earth & other worlds
Mindfulness, Mantras & Meditations

I also loved the illustrations with each poem.

The wall was high
But I knew every stone
For I had built it
On my own

Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of Maps for the Modern World by Valerie June Hockett.

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This book is a laboratory of poetic experiments in the alchemy of life. While we all hope for a brighter world, it can be difficult to see how to navigate through the raging storms. I have to believe we are the creators of the world we see each day and that the stillness that can be felt in the wake of every storm holds the key to the map of all change. A map that can be drawn only by your own hand.”- from the Foreword of Maps of the Modern World

Maps for the Modern World is a wonderful poetry collection for me to have read at the beginning of National Poetry Month. When I saw the bright cover, sun/compass illustration, and Valerie June’s name, I knew that I had to read it.

As I write this review, I’m listening to/watching Valerie June’s KEXP performance, and she radiates warmth through the screen. I think that she was able to cultivate that sense of warmth within this collection as well. I will say that her style of poetry isn’t a style that I naturally gravitate towards. It is a kind of poetry that I don’t know the name for, but I’ll just call it abstraction poetry (think Rupi Kaur & Lang Leav). The sort of poetry that is focused on these big concepts like love, life, sadness, triumph, but tries to be more direct in what it wants the reader to take away rather than making use of poetic devices. I think that this sort of poetry resonates with a lot of people who find that poetry is too stuffy and purposefully inaccessible. Maps for the Modern World is filled to the brim with abstractions and is sometimes a little bit woo-woo in a way that reminds me of reading a Dr. Bronner’s castile soap bottle, but perhaps those are the reasons that I adore this collection.

In the acknowledgements, Hockett mentions that she started writing poetry everyday after the death of her father. So it makes sense that many of these poems are about the transformative nature of death and endings, about death being final but also being a transfer of energy. She also explores agency. There is a whole poem about how our civic duty does not end at the ballot box, how our civic responsibilities cannot be passed onto politicians. She writes about periods, pads, and tampons. She writes about God and spirituality but doesn’t proselytize. Her poetry is so different from, yet so similar to her music.

My favorite part about this collection is that she writes about her experiences as a Black woman in some of these poems, and there are little doodles throughout of a figure with kinky, free-flowing hair. I love that these poems are representations (though not always directly) of Black womanhood that is rife with kindness, gentleness, quirkiness, occasional light vulgarity—Black womanhood that is ever working towards compassionate justice, committed to mindfulness and the natural world, and always open to exploring uncharted depths no matter what others may think.

There are benefits to both the physical text (with its many adorable doodles and to see the words and line breaks on the page) and the audio (because Valerie June has the coolest Tennessee accent and a beautiful voice).

All in all, there are so many pieces from this collection that resonate with me: “Responsibilities After Voting,” “A Goddess Mantra (To Be Repeated),” “Spirit’s Spell,” “Ode to Fuckin’ Feelin’,” and “Comfortably” particularly stood out. This collection is like a warm mug of tea the way that it radiates warmth and suggests being present for the moment at hand, being mindful.

Also! If you’ve never heard Valerie June’s music, this song/video is some of her absolute best work.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with an ARC and the opportunity to read this lovely collection in exchange for an honest review.

[Christma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this so much more than I did. There were a few gems, but for the most part I did not connect, maybe because I found the rhyming of most of the poems off putting. The art and section descriptions did add to the positive vibe of the collection.

[Geoff · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just wasn't for me. I liked that it was uplifting and positive, focused on fulfilling our potential as individuals and as a human species. But the poems were filled with that brand of woo spirituality that doesn't connect with me and in fact actively annoys me. That said, the poems were uplifting, and I've actually discovered the author's music through this - it's bluegrassy, soulful folk and I'm really enjoying it (check her out on Spotify as Valerie June).

**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not just a collection of poems, but an insight into the world hidden within our inner being. It is a gateway to all the places we ever wanted to go, but never really found our way around.

Maps for the Modern World was an extraordinary experience. Poems are divided into several theme-based categories. They all connect so well with each other and take the reader on a self-discovery journey. The structure and dynamics of this book left me in awe. We are welcomed by the lines about consciousness, awareness and dreams. They are lines of hope, motivation and encouragement. Then we explore the grief and transition to other worlds. I am not sure if it was the poems themselves or an incredible emotional narration (or maybe both) that made me shed a tear while listening. So beautifully written, they were a comfort I never thought I needed. The last poems are a call for action. They are revolutionary lines that bring to the light topics of environment, Mother Nature, equality, migrations and a better future.

On the other side, some parts were a bit overwhelming for my personal preference. I felt like they dived into spirituality more than I expected and am comfortable with. However, for some people, it may be completely okay or even a charming part of this book. I listened to the audio version of Maps for the Modern World narrated by the author Valerie June Hockett and even though it took me some time to get used to the narration, as soon as I did, it was like music to my ear and it embellished the overall experience.

**Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion. I listened to the audio version of Maps for the Modern World narrated by the author Valerie June Hockett.

[Marissa Mariano · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read for escapism... and although I realize poetry can do the opposite depending on the topic, this one rubbed me the wrong way. It started out ok but as I read on it just got a little weird? I would pass on this one , although I can see some people liking it if they are feeling “lost” in the world, but I found it hard to relate to.

[Jess]

Written in the straightforward way that I mostly like my poetry. Added to my keeper shelf.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I'm not really a poetry person so this book was difficult for me. I enjoyed the message but thought the poems were short and trite at times.

[Michael Toler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an astonishingly beautiful set of poems coupled with whimsical artwork. Magnificent! Already one of my favorite singer/songwriters, Ms June now joins the list of my favorite poets.

[Corinne Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection was very upbeat for the most part. It felt like lazy afternoons in the warm, balmy sun. I appreciated the author taking the time to narrate her own work, as sometimes there is something lost in translation when another person reads your poetry out loud. The collection was positive, calm, inspirational, and meditative. I did find that some of the long syllable inflection was a bit distracting about 3/4 of the way through. But it was a lovely companion while I drove to work each morning.

[Sara Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maps for the Modern World by Valerie June Hockett was a collection of poetry that I wanted to enjoy but I failed to connect with.

While I did not mind the poetry, I just found it kind of boring for my taste. It was very unique to other poetry I have read though, which is why I continued on with it.

The narration by the authour was a unique choice. Her voice is very unique and a very acquired taste. While I did not mind it, I know of several people who would not listen to this based on the narrators voice.

Overall, this is a book/audiobook I would check out at the library, but I would not necessarily buy it.

I received an advanced audiobook from Andrews McMeel Audio through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Goreting · Rating 2 out of 5]

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Even though there were some good poems or passages, this kind of poetry was not for me.
I can't quite explain why, since I can't figure out if it was too abstract or not at all.
It did not seem very fluid or cohesive to me, and I wasn't able to enjoy this style of writing.
I did, however, like the prose introductions to each of the themes in the book.

[Cash · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for making this available..

I just could not get into this book. There were a few poems that I did like from it but other than that it just felt off. Some of them just felt like random rhyming poems made up on the spot. If you wanted to try out reading poetry I would probably recommend this, the little intros into each section of the book was nice but it also felt like it was telling how you were supposed to feel instead of discovering your own.

[Jacinta Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the poems in this collection were great. Others, however, felt more like Hockett had assignments due for both Creative Writing and Philosophy 101, and decided to kill two birds with one stone. That being said, the writing was always beautiful, but the content of a lot of the poems just didn't do anything for me.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed hearing the author read her poetry. Her voice would be perfect for children's stories.
There were a few pieces that made me giggle. Overall, the audiobook felt like sonic hopscotch: beat-to-beat, rhyming, generally upbeat and sweet. Nothing really pierced me or left me ruminating the way I tend to prefer when I'm reading/listening to poetry.

[Miya (severe pain struggles, slower at the moment) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audio version. It was like a sweet lullaby. I can't wait to read the hard copy. Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest opinion

[Michelle McGrane · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This book is a laboratory of poetic experiments in the alchemy of life. While we all hope for a brighter world, it can be difficult to see how to navigate through the raging storms. I have to believe we are the creators of the world we see each day and that the stillness that can be felt in the wake of every storm holds the key to the map of all change. A map that can be drawn only by your own hand. How do we change the world? We change ourselves.”

Valerie June Hockett is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Tennessee. She’s been hailed by the New York Times as one of America’s “most intriguing, fully formed, new talents”. She has recorded two critically acclaimed solo albums and has also written songs for legendary artists, such as Mavis Staples and the Blind Boys of Alabama. When she’s not touring, she splits her time between Tennesse and New York.

‘Maps for the Modern World’, Hockett’s debut collection, is made up of five parts: ‘Consciousness & Awareness’; ‘Journeys & Dreams’; ‘Lamentations & Transformations’; ‘Earth & Other Worlds’, and ‘Mindfulness, Mantras & Meditations’. She has written interesting introductions to each part of the collection and has illustrated the pages with colourful, quirky drawings, which add to the volume’s attractiveness.

The collection’s themes include cultivating community, awareness and harmony with our surroundings as we move fearlessly forward towards our dreams.

Hockett does not perceive the world the way most people do. She is an old soul who radiates light. ‘Maps for the Modern World’ is
accessible and heartfelt, but it is who she is, what she does, and what she knows, that are more important than anything else. I see great things ahead for her.

A huge thank you to @NetGalley and @AndrewsMcMeel for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nektaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher via netgalley (thank you so much) in exchange for an honest review*

To live flawlessly is like trying to extract
the salt from a single tear

"Maps for the Modern World'' is a book that can be appreciated by a specific audience in a specific mood. For people who tend to not like the form of modern poetry this much - and, partially, I'm one of them - this might not be the poetry collection for you.
Personally, I'm not sure I'd categorize this entire book as poetry. Some of it definitely was, but a lot of this was two-line quotes that, however beautiful, I don't think qualify as poetry to me. Also there was a lot of "space bar poetry", aka sentences separated by space bars so they look like poems.

However, even though I wouldn't consider a big part of this book as poetry, I still found this collection of gorgeous quotes very nice. The essence of it emphasized on self-empowerment, self-love and trying to take control over how you look at the sadness around you in order to enjoy life more. It was very spiritual, positive and optimistic and it felt like a self-help book with all the empowering quotes! I'd recommend it if you want to read something that will make you feel happy!

Also, the book comes with gorgeous little sketches/drawings that I thought were super cute and aesthetic.

Listening to this on audiobook as well, the author is narrating it herself, which made it super special! She narrates it with so much passion and love, you could tell from her voice and that made it even better!

[Steve's Book Stuff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valerie June Hockett is a singer songwriter who performs under the name "Valerie June". Her music is a blend of folk / blues / gospel /country. I had not heard of her before checking out this book, but I've since searched her out. She currently has three studio albums. Her latest album includes the beautiful song "Call Me A Fool". You should go find it on YouTube and take a listen.

Anyway, this book is her first book of poetry. The topics are meditative and heartfelt, but also playful. Most of the poems have accompanying color line drawings by Hockett. They are broken into five themed sections.

Many of the poems are meditative, but there topics like social justice, music, and poetry itself that are sprinkled into the mix.

Poetry is outside my usual choice in reading material, so I took a chance in picking this book up. But I'm really glad I did. Some of my favorites from this collection are "Perfectly Imperfect", "For You", and "The Words" and there are a bunch of others that I liked as well.

I rate Maps for the Modern World 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I really enjoyed the poetry and the drawings, and was glad to find out about a new (to me) musical artist too! Anyone who is already a fan of the music of Valerie June will like this book, as will fans of meditative and somewhat whimsical poetry. I also think anyone willing to take a chance on a book of poetry and who may be looking for something inspirational would also appreciate this book.

[April Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

"None of us know
What the hell we are doing
How the hell we got here
Why, where, or when we are going
But we know
We are going"

I've read a lot of poetry this year, and a lot of it has been full of grief, loss, and has been a way for the poet to reckon with their pain. Although June wrote these poems in the wake of her father's passing-- and she addresses her loss in a few of the poems in this collection-- that's not what this is.

This is an optimistic, hopeful, mindful, and meditative collection that soothes and inspires, not one that necessarily just provides the author an opportunity to address their own life. This might be the most reader focused collection of poetry I've read-- and I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

Not to mention, it's full of the simple but evocative drawings that fans of poets like Rupi Kaur will find familiar.

Favorites in this collection include Remember, Done as a Poem Will Do, Wisdom of Colorful Skin, and Sacredness of All Things.

[Jas]

It's a decent poetry collection, one that is accessible for people who aren't avid readers or an intro to modern-day 'Instagram poetry'. I would say for the fans of Rupi Kaur, written with the same style: doodles with beautiful sentences.
However, it personally did nothing for me, nothing that I've never seen before, not particularly thought-provoking, but I would recommend it to people who don't usually like poetry and would want to enjoy a flip through a book with doodles and margins in them.
There were a couple of poems in there that did make me ask myself the question: Does this add anything to the piece? or could the work still be delivered without this poem?
Just like the piece titled "Goddess", it just felt like a waste of paper and space. Or it could just be me not evaluating the poems deep enough to see their significance.
With all that said, I then realised once I read to the ending of the book that the author is an acclaimed singer/songwriter, and that makes more sense.
Her poems rhyme, and have words put in there to make them sound more alive and beat-driven. So on that part, I think she did a good job.

[Kalista Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of my favorite poems from this book:


Now that I am gone
I cannot believe
How many days of my life
I missed watching the sunset

- When I Was on Earth


Who are we?
To be creative?
To try to change the world without becoming politicians?
To try and give people inspiration?
To be—
Be simply great and absolutely wonderful
To create worlds
Within this world
Yeah, to just
And just
Just who the hell
Are
WE?

- Who Are We?


Failure is not a loss unless you settle for it



The following are just the closing titles, but I hope you read them as well when you get this book!


- Sacredness of All Things

- The Living

- Responsibilities after Voting

- Wisdom of Colorful Skin

- Quilt of Life

- Star-Made Agreement

- The Words

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been busy discovering new poetry this year and most have delved with human relationships and emotions and various stages of them. However this collection is so different and easy to fall into, it flows at times slowly and deeply and others bubbles like a bubbling brook. It is full of advice to a great humanity and our interconnections regardless of our walks of life. It is both hopeful and optimistic for the future, but also reminds us that it is okay to be who we are and so is very peaceful and reassuring.

As a lot of current poetry books it also depicted a collection of clever drawings that added to the experience.

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maps of the Modern World is a collection of poems that tackles about grief, acceptance, dreams etc. There some of poems that were at least inspirational and motivational however, to me, they were all seemed cut off and lacking.

I really wanted to give this one higher rating than what I gave but I just can't. I would not deny that there were some poems that really spoke and hit me but overall this books just seemed flat and way too vague for me.

I can see the intentions and the messages that the author is giving on some however, the writing style was the one who made it cut off for me.


*Thank you NetGally for letting me read and review this book.

[Ariane Laxo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Valerie June's soulful music, so I was excited for the opportunity to listen to her read this book of poetry. Her reading is sing-songy with a charming southern drawl with the occasional giggle - I could hear her smile and loved seeing what words she drew out and which she raced through or whispered. The poetry is similar to many popular modern poets like Cleo Wade or Rupi Kaur who write short truths, life lessons that are somewhere between inspirational quotes and poetry. After listening, I bought a presale copy so I can have the physical version to refer back to.

I received an advanced reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maps for the Modern World is a collection of poetry by Valerie June Hockett. She is a bluegrass singer with a great southern accent. I enjoyed listening to her read her own poetry in the audiobook. However, I didn't connect with the poetry itself. Much of the poetry references spiritual beliefs that I appreciate, but do not share.

The narration felt a bit forced at times. This was really odd given that the author narrated the audiobook. Then, I looked at the sample pages on Amazon. At least one of the poems that fit into this category looks to have been intended to be written only - not spoken aloud. Maybe that is why I didn't connect with the audiobook.

The illustrations in the ebook are interesting and gave me a completely different impression of the book. I may have liked the poetry better if I had read the ebook instead.

[Katie R · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of this author’s music and a poet myself, I was so happy to purchase her book of poetry and support more of her creative work than just her music.

Her words are lovely, and the accompanying pictures were such honest, precious adornments to her words. I am grateful for anyone willing to put their vulnerable, creative self out there, and fully supportive of poetic expression of all kinds. She touches on a range of topics and organizes them thoughtfully, and her beautiful energy radiates from each page.

So grateful for Valerie June’s work, both music and poetry ❤️

[phee · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my gooodness i have never finished a book in a day before! i read this as soon as it arrived and i loved every second of it! i will be rereading over and over. valerie is so so talented and im so thankful i stumbled upon her poems 🥰 i highly recommend this book to be a part of ever shelf, such profound meaning within every word 🥰🧘🏼‍♀️🌿

"there is always light around you. there is light in even the darkest moments of your life. its just: can you see it? are you aware, and are you willing to let the light guide the way?" ✨

[Shorouq · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the intros to each chapter, the descriptions were well written and very thoughtful. I used multiple quotes provided by the book that it made sense and felt personally connected. With all the good writing there were soma pages that had only a quote rather than a "poem" per say. Absolutely, loved this book and would recommend it to those who feel a bit lost, it's a map just as the title states.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book of poems read by the author with her fantastic accent. As a southern breed woman myself, I find comfort in a southern drawl. I am also a huge fan of Valerie June's music although I didn't put two and two together until after I finished that audiobook.

Just listen to it. Chances are you'll find a few poems you relate to.

I received a copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.