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Overcast
Overcast is a heart-piercing collection of poetry and prose with its roguish and rough-edged themes ranging from love to depression—a dynamic book of roses and thorns blossoming with vibrant pages streaked with forthright and spine-chilling poems. Suspenseful & entrancing, Overcast will light you up and challenge how you view the world and yourself.
- GenresPoetry
143 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 2, 2021
8 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Michael Froilan
4 books13 followersMichael Froilan is a Filipino-Canadian poet from Scarborough, Ontario.
His collections, which were published in 2021, have received widespread critical acclaim and continue to fly off the shelves on Amazon Canada. Readers have acknowledged the simplicity and depth of his writing style as he explores the diverse range of human experiences, from challenges and opportunities to moments of calm and joy.
Known by his loved ones as nauseatingly positive, nothing motivates him more than progress and encouraging others to make the most of every precious moment.
If he's not writing and Googling what certain words mean, he is dedicated to teaching, reading, training, and enjoying humorous memes.
His collections, which were published in 2021, have received widespread critical acclaim and continue to fly off the shelves on Amazon Canada. Readers have acknowledged the simplicity and depth of his writing style as he explores the diverse range of human experiences, from challenges and opportunities to moments of calm and joy.
Known by his loved ones as nauseatingly positive, nothing motivates him more than progress and encouraging others to make the most of every precious moment.
If he's not writing and Googling what certain words mean, he is dedicated to teaching, reading, training, and enjoying humorous memes.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 15, 2022
Overcast by Michael Froilan has an audacious approach in calling out vanity.
It was refreshing to read all the poetries in this book. Mostly because Michael has a unique way of presenting his thoughts. Many of them were pointing at the blatant truth we tend to accept at face value. A beautiful collection that is not poetic in the basic sense but an expose of human conceitedness.
It was refreshing to read all the poetries in this book. Mostly because Michael has a unique way of presenting his thoughts. Many of them were pointing at the blatant truth we tend to accept at face value. A beautiful collection that is not poetic in the basic sense but an expose of human conceitedness.
February 5, 2022
Michael Froilan’s powerful collection of poetry interrogates both himself and the reader. The poems question how we make ourselves fit in with society. What effect does it have on our spirit if we do choose to conform to what others think we should be? Will we simply complete the jigsaw, or will we be the outcast missing piece?
From the very first poem ‘number one’, Froilan illustrates from his own life, how our greatest successes are just enfolded into the normality of our life, being a number one selling poet doesn’t stop the dirty dishes piling up. Throughout the work he uses a lowercase ‘i’ for the personal pronoun, which is a constant visual reminder of how we register our own ego and self-importance. Froilan’s poems constantly makes demands of the reader to address their own lives and how they are going to respond to his poetry. He demonstrates several times that he is a guide to the reader, but he is on the same journey as so many of us. ‘scorpion in a bucket’ contains the beautiful image of:
“i’m pulled by the stars
And i’m haunted by my dying dreams.”
Despite the seriousness of the prevailing message of addressing our own self-understanding, there is an interspersion of tender love poems in this collection, and all the poems are often playful, delighting in punning on simple words, and weaving through references as diverse as Jose Rizal and Frank Ocean. In the poem ‘lit crit’ he predicts what his critics might say with the statement of his writing philosophy “i don’t over-decorate what needs to be said.”
In this collection, there are many inspiring lines to pick from, one that particularly struck me is from the poem ‘anguish’:
“when i plummet, i don’t seek sympathy
i seek voltage”
It is a strong call for us to never give up, to always draw on our hidden energy to fight back against the sorrow of this world.
In the final devastating poem, ‘Reform’, Frolian reveals the reason for the questing positivity of his poetry,
“it was a cold spring night
i slashed the life out of my left wrist”
As the phoenix he was able to rise out of his burnt out chaos and his work provides hope we can all do the same.
From the very first poem ‘number one’, Froilan illustrates from his own life, how our greatest successes are just enfolded into the normality of our life, being a number one selling poet doesn’t stop the dirty dishes piling up. Throughout the work he uses a lowercase ‘i’ for the personal pronoun, which is a constant visual reminder of how we register our own ego and self-importance. Froilan’s poems constantly makes demands of the reader to address their own lives and how they are going to respond to his poetry. He demonstrates several times that he is a guide to the reader, but he is on the same journey as so many of us. ‘scorpion in a bucket’ contains the beautiful image of:
“i’m pulled by the stars
And i’m haunted by my dying dreams.”
Despite the seriousness of the prevailing message of addressing our own self-understanding, there is an interspersion of tender love poems in this collection, and all the poems are often playful, delighting in punning on simple words, and weaving through references as diverse as Jose Rizal and Frank Ocean. In the poem ‘lit crit’ he predicts what his critics might say with the statement of his writing philosophy “i don’t over-decorate what needs to be said.”
In this collection, there are many inspiring lines to pick from, one that particularly struck me is from the poem ‘anguish’:
“when i plummet, i don’t seek sympathy
i seek voltage”
It is a strong call for us to never give up, to always draw on our hidden energy to fight back against the sorrow of this world.
In the final devastating poem, ‘Reform’, Frolian reveals the reason for the questing positivity of his poetry,
“it was a cold spring night
i slashed the life out of my left wrist”
As the phoenix he was able to rise out of his burnt out chaos and his work provides hope we can all do the same.
April 10, 2022
'i once wrote not to yield,
but if you must,
let it be for you.'
Despite the title 'Overcast' evoking clouds, these are words to bring you down to earth. Froilan writes simply, to be understood. Don't like it?
some readers will say my writing is too simple.
"this isn't poetry?"
woe is me :(
He doesn't give a damn, which is honestly, the only way to write something true. There is something for everyone: beauty, love, writing, nature, feeling on top of the world, feeling like garbage, social media, social issues, health, materialism. Family and gratitude. I got a sense of deep compassion and sincerity from his approach. These are honest, hearty, sticks to your ribs words. I really recommend this to anyone who could you a push of encouragement (either creatively, or in their every day life.) Some of my favorites:
scrolling
lowkey fact
right of way
voluntary
flip
blond (FRANK OCEAN FAN EYYYY)
poutine (more love poems like this, please!!)
lit crit
big chill
control, oh, I'll stop there, but I could go on!
but if you must,
let it be for you.'
Despite the title 'Overcast' evoking clouds, these are words to bring you down to earth. Froilan writes simply, to be understood. Don't like it?
some readers will say my writing is too simple.
"this isn't poetry?"
woe is me :(
He doesn't give a damn, which is honestly, the only way to write something true. There is something for everyone: beauty, love, writing, nature, feeling on top of the world, feeling like garbage, social media, social issues, health, materialism. Family and gratitude. I got a sense of deep compassion and sincerity from his approach. These are honest, hearty, sticks to your ribs words. I really recommend this to anyone who could you a push of encouragement (either creatively, or in their every day life.) Some of my favorites:
scrolling
lowkey fact
right of way
voluntary
flip
blond (FRANK OCEAN FAN EYYYY)
poutine (more love poems like this, please!!)
lit crit
big chill
control, oh, I'll stop there, but I could go on!
February 24, 2022
Beautiful & Powerful!
In Overcast, Michael Froilan’s words dance you through a diverse array of human emotion. Several seem to reach inside and grab your heart. Others make you simply want to sit and silently ponder. I spent the last week re-reading some of my favorite poems from this beautiful, thought provoking free verse collection and every word of this book is worth savouring. Heavy Bag, Kick in the Teeth, Flip and Up in Smoke were among my favorites.
What makes poetry memorable and inspirational, truly stand-out and attention keeping, is about giving the reader a unique and powerful experience. Great poetry connects with the reader, resonates on some deeper level — it reminds us of something we’ve lived through, felt, thought and experienced before. When a truly great line is written, it feels like it belongs to the reader. It’s what they’ve always wanted to say, and the poet has helped them find the words. Froilan does exactly that in Overcast.
Highly recommend!
In Overcast, Michael Froilan’s words dance you through a diverse array of human emotion. Several seem to reach inside and grab your heart. Others make you simply want to sit and silently ponder. I spent the last week re-reading some of my favorite poems from this beautiful, thought provoking free verse collection and every word of this book is worth savouring. Heavy Bag, Kick in the Teeth, Flip and Up in Smoke were among my favorites.
What makes poetry memorable and inspirational, truly stand-out and attention keeping, is about giving the reader a unique and powerful experience. Great poetry connects with the reader, resonates on some deeper level — it reminds us of something we’ve lived through, felt, thought and experienced before. When a truly great line is written, it feels like it belongs to the reader. It’s what they’ve always wanted to say, and the poet has helped them find the words. Froilan does exactly that in Overcast.
Highly recommend!
June 16, 2022
Love It!
This is not just poetry, but a reflective philosophical gem. This book is a joy to read quickly and it is a joy to read slowly.
This is not just poetry, but a reflective philosophical gem. This book is a joy to read quickly and it is a joy to read slowly.
February 5, 2023
Every Poem Meaningful
This is a mix of different kinds of poetry. It explores the individual's and society's mental health, and there are some great romantic poems. I found every poem meaningful. I recommend this to people who like poetry and especially to those who write poetry. There is some colorful language in this book, but it fits the poets expression.
This is a mix of different kinds of poetry. It explores the individual's and society's mental health, and there are some great romantic poems. I found every poem meaningful. I recommend this to people who like poetry and especially to those who write poetry. There is some colorful language in this book, but it fits the poets expression.
January 31, 2023
Wonderful and Filled with Emotions
Poetry is very personal and I enjoyed this collection. I will say my favorite one is Scorpion in a bucket. Ever since I was a kid and required to read poetry I felt like it is a very thought provoking medium and one that I will continue to lean on to keep my mind sharp. I would definitely recommend this book of poems to anyone that enjoys poetry. There is always something to learn from someone that is writing from their heart.
Poetry is very personal and I enjoyed this collection. I will say my favorite one is Scorpion in a bucket. Ever since I was a kid and required to read poetry I felt like it is a very thought provoking medium and one that I will continue to lean on to keep my mind sharp. I would definitely recommend this book of poems to anyone that enjoys poetry. There is always something to learn from someone that is writing from their heart.
April 9, 2023
A deep dive into our thoughts and feelings
When you are looking to examine your life and build a life you want to build you need to think deeper than the surface stuff. This book will help you find your path.
When you are looking to examine your life and build a life you want to build you need to think deeper than the surface stuff. This book will help you find your path.
January 25, 2023
Excellent collection.
“Question marks are extra pointy today.”
I loved this phrase and enjoyed reading this collection overall. Nicely written poetry which I highly recommend.
“Question marks are extra pointy today.”
I loved this phrase and enjoyed reading this collection overall. Nicely written poetry which I highly recommend.
July 17, 2022
Beautiful, Wonderful, Heart wrenching... poetic
Michael Froilan's Overcast is a collection of 101 poems. This narrative is written in free verse and does not have a conventional rhythm or rhyme, although it does use parts of continuity on a poem-by-poem basis. This book is well written because of the author's enthusiasm for love, healing, inner peace, and self-transformation. When regret swallows your life and shame becomes an ever-present companion, this collection of poetry explores the difficult process of reconciling with the person you were and aspire to be. This book, like the author's route, focuses on the broken and seeks to fix what may appear irreparable at the time.
This book will enchant you with poetry on gaining the courage to be your true self. The topics range from overcoming adversity to finding happiness in unexpected places. Almost everybody can identify with these emotive issues, and it's comforting for readers to know they're not alone. It might be difficult to express profound, complicated ideas and sentiments into words at times, which is where Froilan's expertise and gift come in. Even while the poems are about personal events, they are also universal. Because of the exquisite lyricism in some of the lines, they feel like melodies. Some poems are more specific than others, but there is something here for everyone.
If you're having problems expressing your feelings or dealing with a life situation, poetry may assist, and this collection functions as a catharsis to help you get there. Poetry, like music, can be healing, as Michael Froilan demonstrates. This poet offers a variety of moods, layers, and textures, demonstrating that it is OK to embrace your feelings and their roots. The phrase is basic and straightforward, but it expresses profound and moving thoughts. Because some of the poems deal with psychiatric concerns, family, and intense emotions, this collection of poetry might be used as a self-help aid or as a pick for a classroom discussion or book club. Some of the subjects, such as narcissistic abuse, grief, and pain, may have trigger warnings. However, there are some good themes, such as forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. Overcast by Michael Froilan should be on your reading list if you're seeking for poetry that will move you and help you work through some life challenges.
.....
Hi Michael,
How are you? Hope you're doing great. I lost contact with you since my first account on Fiverr was hacked and I requested to close it permanently, all my hardwork and effort to accomplish the ratings and reviews were all gone :( I created my new Fiverr account, I attached the link to this message. Hope you can support me again, I will appreciate it very much, you are one of the best clients I had, and I always will continuously support your books. I will erase this last portion of this review after you see this message, please add me as a friend here on goodreads so we'll get in touch. Thank you so much my friend and stay safe :)
https://www.fiverr.com/s2/a75ba4d684
Kind regards,
PJ
Michael Froilan's Overcast is a collection of 101 poems. This narrative is written in free verse and does not have a conventional rhythm or rhyme, although it does use parts of continuity on a poem-by-poem basis. This book is well written because of the author's enthusiasm for love, healing, inner peace, and self-transformation. When regret swallows your life and shame becomes an ever-present companion, this collection of poetry explores the difficult process of reconciling with the person you were and aspire to be. This book, like the author's route, focuses on the broken and seeks to fix what may appear irreparable at the time.
This book will enchant you with poetry on gaining the courage to be your true self. The topics range from overcoming adversity to finding happiness in unexpected places. Almost everybody can identify with these emotive issues, and it's comforting for readers to know they're not alone. It might be difficult to express profound, complicated ideas and sentiments into words at times, which is where Froilan's expertise and gift come in. Even while the poems are about personal events, they are also universal. Because of the exquisite lyricism in some of the lines, they feel like melodies. Some poems are more specific than others, but there is something here for everyone.
If you're having problems expressing your feelings or dealing with a life situation, poetry may assist, and this collection functions as a catharsis to help you get there. Poetry, like music, can be healing, as Michael Froilan demonstrates. This poet offers a variety of moods, layers, and textures, demonstrating that it is OK to embrace your feelings and their roots. The phrase is basic and straightforward, but it expresses profound and moving thoughts. Because some of the poems deal with psychiatric concerns, family, and intense emotions, this collection of poetry might be used as a self-help aid or as a pick for a classroom discussion or book club. Some of the subjects, such as narcissistic abuse, grief, and pain, may have trigger warnings. However, there are some good themes, such as forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. Overcast by Michael Froilan should be on your reading list if you're seeking for poetry that will move you and help you work through some life challenges.
.....
Hi Michael,
How are you? Hope you're doing great. I lost contact with you since my first account on Fiverr was hacked and I requested to close it permanently, all my hardwork and effort to accomplish the ratings and reviews were all gone :( I created my new Fiverr account, I attached the link to this message. Hope you can support me again, I will appreciate it very much, you are one of the best clients I had, and I always will continuously support your books. I will erase this last portion of this review after you see this message, please add me as a friend here on goodreads so we'll get in touch. Thank you so much my friend and stay safe :)
https://www.fiverr.com/s2/a75ba4d684
Kind regards,
PJ
January 21, 2023
Well written
The authors word choice, use of analogies and metaphors will certainly entertain you. The poems are thought provoking and leave you thinking about your own personal development and ponder a greater life awareness.
The authors word choice, use of analogies and metaphors will certainly entertain you. The poems are thought provoking and leave you thinking about your own personal development and ponder a greater life awareness.
January 7, 2022
"Overcast" contains a collection of very eccentric and relatable poems. With a selection of poems I am pretty sure everybody would find something suited to their liking. The topics range from light to deep to casual and spreads to a lot of genres. Not only is it compact and easy to understand it also talks about real life situations as well.From casual poems of Love to the harsh reality of life .There is something for everybody.
I really liked the booked. The poems were neat and straight to the point. The author's writing style is really admirable and because of that I was able to enjoy the book with no hesitation. If I had to say my personal favourite poem in the book would be "Scrolling" and "In your Heart".
Just like the straight forward title the poems were relatable and gave a warm feeling.
If you are someone who admires poetry and something fun on top if it definitely check "Overcast" out.
I really liked the booked. The poems were neat and straight to the point. The author's writing style is really admirable and because of that I was able to enjoy the book with no hesitation. If I had to say my personal favourite poem in the book would be "Scrolling" and "In your Heart".
Just like the straight forward title the poems were relatable and gave a warm feeling.
If you are someone who admires poetry and something fun on top if it definitely check "Overcast" out.
November 29, 2021
Another great set of poetry from Michael! He translates everyday experiences in a way that is raw and visceral. It'll make you ponder the meaning of both the "little" and "big" things in life, and how it's perception and individual meaning given to something that determines its weight. This book balances life's musings and questions in both a profound and light-hearted manner. Give it a read if you're up for a laugh, or a cry, or both!
March 5, 2023
all the snaps
Overcasts delivery is speaks some hard truths about the world. The ones that I loved the most are Lit crit, checkmate, and ig. There are a couple more that just stand out to me as inspirational.
Overcasts delivery is speaks some hard truths about the world. The ones that I loved the most are Lit crit, checkmate, and ig. There are a couple more that just stand out to me as inspirational.
April 29, 2023
Looking Inward
Fascinating point of view from many aspects of a life lived and the thoughts that fills it. The last poem resonates the longest not only because of its position, but its reflection on the agony inflicted on others when we only look inward myopically not focusing on others who care for us as well.
Fascinating point of view from many aspects of a life lived and the thoughts that fills it. The last poem resonates the longest not only because of its position, but its reflection on the agony inflicted on others when we only look inward myopically not focusing on others who care for us as well.
September 19, 2022
another good read
This is the second Micheal Froilan book I’ve read and I enjoyed it even more than the first. Blunt, honest and straight to the point writing that sometimes makes me laugh out loud! Another very enjoyable book.
This is the second Micheal Froilan book I’ve read and I enjoyed it even more than the first. Blunt, honest and straight to the point writing that sometimes makes me laugh out loud! Another very enjoyable book.
December 7, 2023
I read a lot of poetry after my grandma died as one is to do to find solace in death, I won't include each book because mostly it's scrolling through, reading bits and pieces, and finding the ones that stick out to you. I always reread Winter Stars by Larry Levis in full, but that's already accounted for as a favorite on here.
Instead, I'll highlight one I love, Michael Froilans' Overcast, a really beautiful book of poems - this one poem stuck out to me for obvious reasons in the weeks that followed - it's called hereafter:
when my jaded horns and shredded wings cave in,
and the time comes for me to grow a new set,
please save your tears.
i will be near
looking out for you.
if i end up in hell,
know well
while you push mountains
i'm shaking heaven and earth in your favour.
i'll make sure my passing is to assist you
with your wordly dreams and ambitions
while i sip Old English with the Grim Reaper, Satan, & God.
laughing
because we're all so dead serious
about life.
why does he choose to include grammar, punctuation, and more importantly, capitalization where he does? Why is it that the only capitaliation he includes is to those named specifically? Grim, God, Satan - is it in honor, or in mockery?
Other poetry books I read but will not be adding:
- The Great Fires by Jack Gilbert
- Evidence by Mary Oliver
- Hymn for the Black Terrific by Kiki Petrosino
- Slow Lightning by Eduardo Corral (I LOVE this book of poetry)
Instead, I'll highlight one I love, Michael Froilans' Overcast, a really beautiful book of poems - this one poem stuck out to me for obvious reasons in the weeks that followed - it's called hereafter:
when my jaded horns and shredded wings cave in,
and the time comes for me to grow a new set,
please save your tears.
i will be near
looking out for you.
if i end up in hell,
know well
while you push mountains
i'm shaking heaven and earth in your favour.
i'll make sure my passing is to assist you
with your wordly dreams and ambitions
while i sip Old English with the Grim Reaper, Satan, & God.
laughing
because we're all so dead serious
about life.
why does he choose to include grammar, punctuation, and more importantly, capitalization where he does? Why is it that the only capitaliation he includes is to those named specifically? Grim, God, Satan - is it in honor, or in mockery?
Other poetry books I read but will not be adding:
- The Great Fires by Jack Gilbert
- Evidence by Mary Oliver
- Hymn for the Black Terrific by Kiki Petrosino
- Slow Lightning by Eduardo Corral (I LOVE this book of poetry)
July 26, 2024
Ups and Downs with Romance
Michael Froilan's Overcast are poems that hit you right in the feels.
This collection tackles life's ups and downs with a humor, and romance, all wrapped up in poetic goodness.
Froilan's words pack a punch, offering strength and meaning to anyone going through tough times.
After I've read his bestseller "Clouded Thoughts" and this book I can tell you confidently that Froilan got and brought more wisdom in "Overcast."
This book is for you, whether you're a poetry buff or just need a pick-me-up.
Michael Froilan's Overcast are poems that hit you right in the feels.
This collection tackles life's ups and downs with a humor, and romance, all wrapped up in poetic goodness.
Froilan's words pack a punch, offering strength and meaning to anyone going through tough times.
After I've read his bestseller "Clouded Thoughts" and this book I can tell you confidently that Froilan got and brought more wisdom in "Overcast."
This book is for you, whether you're a poetry buff or just need a pick-me-up.
August 17, 2024
Soulsearching poetry
M. Froilan, author of ‘Overcast’, does a phenomenal job in this poetic piece. Froilan hits areas of despair, social isolation, egoism, personal growth and beliefs in his poems. At times it’s very straightforward and others down right hilarious! Very well done!
M. Froilan, author of ‘Overcast’, does a phenomenal job in this poetic piece. Froilan hits areas of despair, social isolation, egoism, personal growth and beliefs in his poems. At times it’s very straightforward and others down right hilarious! Very well done!
April 1, 2024
great read
This poet has some really clever one liners and it’s a really enjoyable book. It’s a touch irreverent, and he reveals a lot of his thoughts through verse in a conversational and approachable way. I like the way he thinks.
This poet has some really clever one liners and it’s a really enjoyable book. It’s a touch irreverent, and he reveals a lot of his thoughts through verse in a conversational and approachable way. I like the way he thinks.
August 15, 2022
They are not simple poems... it is a work of art.
I love poems and this book has been the perfect companion. Quick read and very good poems of different features of life.
I love poems and this book has been the perfect companion. Quick read and very good poems of different features of life.
September 18, 2022
Lovely
Great collection of poems! I admire people who can write poetry like this—there was lots of imagery, clever poetic devices, and some beautiful prose.
Great collection of poems! I admire people who can write poetry like this—there was lots of imagery, clever poetic devices, and some beautiful prose.
August 13, 2023
I found this book on Pubby and was so pleased with the discovery. Froilan's poetry brings to life the truth that all writing is an excavation — and words pave the way for remembering.
Read
August 29, 2024Well, the poet certainly defies expectations.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews