Night Full Of Diamonds By Jake St John

 

                                                         Publisher Whiskey City Press 

 

Poetry first and foremost is an art, it has to speak and connect with the soul.

Jake St John's work does just that as in his newest collection from Whiskey City Press.

He showcases that skill with poems that flow like a warm summer night with grace and ease.

Such as displayed in poems like in Unsettled Peace.  “ Loneliness is good company, if I can keep the thoughts at bay. But sometimes they join a pack and yip and howl at the moon."

As this collection flows with ease as it is smoothly crafted.

Again Jake, crafts art not politics giving a glimpse into pain and soul.

And a sense of almost the devil may care in a favorite write of mine.

The Grim Reaper Is My Best Friend.  “We sit and talk philosophy and books, his favorite author is a prick and mine is a fraud.”

I admire that tinge of dark humor.

The book reads fast as a poetry book should in an era of books where writers seem more content to attempt a sad parody of a phone book.

Jake treats his collection like a fine bottle whiskey that should be shared amongst friends around the campfire.

And for a reader that is a welcome experience as I know speaking as the publisher it was truly a breath of fresh air.

These are poems of love, life and loss. These are poems of drinking and written by a man who has lived his pages.

Night Full Of Diamonds gives you a full range of emotions and does so with great skill.

Jake is a true poet in that classic sense and possesses one hell of a voice.

If you want to read a collection that speaks to the soul without an ounce of pretentious bullshit, then I highly recommend this book for it is a must for any true fan of poetry.

And if not convinced I leave you with another favorite write from the man I am honored to call a friend.

Another Round.. “I swallow my sadness like a shot of whiskey, drunk on the thought of you.”

Until next time keep reading and drinking.

https://www.amazon.com/Night.../dp/B08XZNCQPP/ref=sr_1_4...

Poems from the Panhandle By Ryan Quinn Flanagan

 

                   Publisher Syndicate Press

There are many books that seem to litter the landscape, as every week it seems there is yet another poetry book on the market.

Poems from the Panhandle is anything but a stereotypical poetry book.

It is a cross between poetry and novel and all around party.

As Ryan throws all the illusions behind and does what most people seem to avoid doing at all costs.

 By  simply himself in a very fun and unfiltered look at this poet on vacation with his wife Shona .

As they head down south for a month of relaxation plenty of cocktails and some good music with as always Ryan’s own signature humor. That graces a sea of endless publications.

That makes me tired even thinking about it.

As we go from the weirdness of getting off the road in Indiana  to deal with a hotel clerk who believes the sun sets in the east in the first write of the book titled .

The Sun Sets in the East in Angola, Indiana which sets the tone for my brothers always ever present humor.

The book moves extremely fast and is like  being a fly on the wall in a often hilarious glimpse into the life of  this always working writer.

And that in a sense is what I love about Ryans writing in these series of quasi travel books that truly throw everything at you but the kitchen sink.

Much like in the Vegas series which I am a huge fan of but this book is not just a mere continuation of that it stands alone as  it’s rough edges and hilarious observations also give a glimpse into a couple that are very much in love and a perfect match for one another.

As the couple takes a vacation within a vacation later in the  book. To go on a cruise which at times seems a bit like torture as he describes their early struggles with getting their sea legs in the write . 

Discarded Q-tip Aboard Carnival Cruise Lines . As my good friend gets tossed around in a particularly rough day into a door giving one of my favorite quotes .

“If I’m to stumble around like a drunk, 

I’d really like to actually be drunk.”

Which cracked me up as this ship seemed to be anything but a party.

But the humor in this is so razor sharp as even getting to the cruise ship itself seemed to be an adventure .

As we have a running joke amongst ourselves, how we both draw a certain kind of crazy people.

In the write , He Tries To Sell Me His Knife. As some random stranger tries to sell Ryan a knife he assures him he hasn't stabbed anyone with, which to me is a fantastic selling point.

As Ryan passes on this deal only to have the man bless him before he peddles away on his bicycle .

You just can't make that shit up but you can certainly write about it and I am grateful my friend has.

These books are never defined by one style; there are clear poems mixed with great observations of the writer's surroundings and many drinks in between.

One of my favorite writes in this collection is Heart Picture but not for it’s humor, but for it’s soul.

As it’s closing lines say it all.

“And later,she is posting to social media

 and I am back on the wine

Half naked .

Off the grid.

With a white Chardonnay

that makes me black out just enough 

To forget all the worst of us.”

There are those that may argue my brother may publish to many books.

But what is the writer's job,If not to write ?

And when you can pen them with the level of skill Ryan does then honestly.

I believe those same critics need to worry less over what another man does.

Concentrate less on taking endless selfies and telling us how great they are and put pen to paper instead.

These books provide a much needed escape and some good laughs in a time when laughter is needed more than ever.

Of course what do I truly know? 

I am only running multiple magazines and a press to boot.

Poems from the Panhandle  is a top shelf book penned by a writer who seems to never 

Slow down in his efforts to get his words out there .

I highly recommend this book if you want something different and need an escape.

Until next time keep  drinking and reading.

https://www.amazon.com/Poems-Panhandle-Ryan-Quinn-Flanagan/dp/B08C8Z8P35

ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET CROUTON. POEMS BY WAYNE F. BURKE.

                            

In title alone that should be a selling point, then when you consider the strength in Wayne's lines you know you certainly cannot miss.

In Wayne's newest collection published by Luchador Press we as always are handed great humor with harsh truths only the way this excellent poet can pen them.

As we are given a view of the past in writes like Witness, where a gruff uncle chases away some Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

The writes in this book move quickly and connect easily and in being a fan of Wayne’s writing this should come as no surprise for those familiar with his work.

A personal favorite of mine in this collection is Poets, 

A write that's to me speaks the truth of the best readers and critics are not fellow poets 

But people who do not read poetry as a fellow co worker does in this write.

Giving an honest opinion of his work.

It’s the grit in Wayne's work I admire the most he gives you his truth straight without regard 

to whom it may offend and most importantly tells a story.

The Human Race is another write that just deeply connects as it shows how life is when times are bad and nothing in these lines is sugar coated in the least.

I Write for the Factory Workers, is a true gem of this collection in my opinion.

“The bums,

The burn-outs

The renegades who 

Left town and never returned;”

Those opening lines are damn near perfect in my opinion.

The grit of this collection is fantastic and refreshing as it is honest in its delivery.

The pages are lived fully by the writer and it shows and that is something I truly respect.

Wayne's book is certainly a must have for fans of true poetry that has a fantastic edge.

I highly recommend this book.

Pick yourself a copy on the link below until next time keep drinking and reading.

https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Planet-Crouton-Wayne-Burke/dp/1950380785

Jumpers from the Belfry Tower : By Ryan Quinn Flanagan

                                          

                    

 Publisher Pski’s Porch 

A book filled with zingers sums what this latest collection is as my friend delivers in spades with that often out of the blue sort of humor that is truly his trademark.

As in penning this review I am sure my brother is penning another book as Ryan is truly one of the most prolific writers I know.

As this collection starts out strong with Confusion is the Only Form of Communication.

“But most the time 

  I just like to be misunderstood 

  and misunderstood 

  In kind”

To me that is a classic line and I  believe truly describes my friend perfectly.

Ryan as always easily shifts gears between humor to deeper cuts like in

Raining Men and Women and Children Every So Often.

A poem that truly got me,  it is pain filled and shows great courage in it’s honesty.

I know my friend always writes to entertain but I am a huge fan of when he goes deep.

And in being a writer as well I truly respect how far from easy that truly is.

The writings in this collection are incredibly fast and hit like a sledgehammer.

And well paced as  it keeps you laughing and thinking throughout.

In another favorite Ryan pens a fantastic write that knowing the man behind the page I had to laugh and agree with.

It’s Raining Pink Slips, cracked me up as I could imagine sharing a drink with my friend and his response to an annoying person in a bar being just that quick.

As his disdain for most folks I share myself.

The best writers always make you feel as though you know them and from both reading and knowing the man I can truly say when you pick a copy of this book you are truly getting the best of my friend.

Jumpers from the Belfry Tower is yet again proof that not only is Ryan extremely prolific but also incredibly gifted when it comes
to that page.

A favorite of mine in this collection is The Trick is They Toast the Bun, 

Which sums up the day to day grind of work too me perfectly

“Doing something useless

  for someone worthless 

  until we can get back

   to the bottle 

   again”

This book fires on all cylinders and keeps you interested until the very end.

Ryan is a master at what he does and it is clearly shown with every book he puts out he clearly shows no intention of slowing down.

And for readers and fans like myself we are eternally grateful for that.

Please do yourself a favor and pick yourself up a copy today.

Until next time keep drinking and reading.

Cheers 

https://www.amazon.com/Jumpers-Belfry-Tower-Quinn-Flanagan/dp/1948920174

Leaving Las Vegas Poems By Ryan Quinn Flanagan.

Publisher

Whiskey City Press

In the return to the Vegas Poems series Ryan Quinn Flanagan again proves that there is no poet today as prolific as him or as consistently entertaining.

This collection is fast and extremely well crafted.

And paired with fantastic photography from his wife Shona. 

You have what I consider to be a perfect book from start to finish.

From unmistakable humor that is truly Ryan's signature.

We are taken along with the writer to view Sin City as only he can.

With writes like Beer Pong at Harrah's which cracked me up to West Coast IPA.

Where Ryan describes hipster beer to a T, and shows exactly why you should avoid it at all costs.

The thing I love about this series is how fun and personal it is.

It’s like hanging out with great friends as you can truly get the sense you are actually there.

This party of a book continues with Girls-2-UR-Room.

A favorite of mine as my brother will fully understand why.

As he has told me.

"In Vegas there are more hookers than parking spaces."

Which really makes me want to visit Vegas.

And as always Ryan hits it out of the park with titles in writes like.

Hummingbirds Look Different in the Desert 

As even UTB gets a mention as that humor and heart always shines through so clearly.

The Vegas books always deliver and this one again sets a standard that I am extremely proud to have at Whiskey City.

Impersonators at the House of Blues.

Cracked me up for knowing my brother as I do and the story behind this.

It always gives me a laugh how he truly enjoys calling people out on their bullshit.

As an annoying ass singer in a grunge tribute band was lucky he didn't encounter the man I know away from the page.

This book is a fast read and moves perfectly from start to finish.

No matter if you have read the previous installments or not this book stands on its own as a fantastic edition.

One of my favorite writes in the book is Thunderstorm in the Desert.

A write that just captures the peace of sharing a meal and some great drinks with the one you love. 

As the environment around you is in utter chaos over a thunderstorm.

As I have told this outstanding writer I call my brother before.

Reading his work is like sitting down and going through great memories with an old friend.

And when a book leaves wanting for more you have truly crafted a great book.

And Leaving Las Vegas Poems is just that a great work from a truly one of a kind writer.

I highly recommend this book.

Until next time keep drinking and reading.



https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Vegas-Ryan-Quinn-Flanagan/dp/1688932461

The Memory of Her. by Matt Amott

Publisher
Epic Rites Press

In my time of doing reviews I have had the great fortune of reading some outstanding poets.

And after reading The Memory of Her by Matt Amott I am grateful I continue to do these reviews.

Matt’s work is like a great album with the scratches that add such beautiful character to every line of this outstanding collection.

His work is fast and sharp as a straight razor in it’s humor and heart.

From early writes like Insomniac that deals with a subject I can certainly identify with.

Matt shows the truth of relationships on the rocks with great wit and a true voice of an absolutely fantastic poet.

As in later writes such as The Silent Treatment once had me laughing as you can easily visualize the poet in this situation Matt easily connects and that's what the best poets do with ease.

To Ride Eternal is a beautiful and haunting tribute and a personal favorite of mine.

This book flows with ease and will have you yearning for more as this collection is a must for any true fan of poetry and also perfect for someone who claims not to be a fan of poetry.

As this book truly has it all from the perfect mix of humor and sadness with great soul.

The best poetry to me is like music and much like a great old soul record or blues album this collection is a true gem that needs to be read.

The book closes out with Unwelcome Inspiration which is definitely a perfect write to close this collection.

Matt Amott hasn't written a good book with The Memory of Her from start to finish, Matt has written a great book and certainly in my opinion one of the best books I have read in awhile.

I cannot say enough good things about this fine collection from Epic Rites Press.

But I can say you truly are missing out if you do not pick yourself up a copy today.

This book definitely is one you will read again and again.

Until next time keep drinking and reading.



https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Her-Matt-Amott/dp/1926860675

Sex Drugs & Poetry Review By Ryan Quinn Flanagan

Publisher 

Whiskey City Press 

I cannot think of a more fitting inaugural release for Whiskey City Press than John Patrick Robbins' Sex, Drugs & Poetry.  As the title suggests, this book has everything.  From straight laughers with such fantastic humour, to personal revelations and eternal truths, this book is straight killer all the way through! Not a single shred of filler.  And the flow is absolutely perfect like putting on a classic record.  Sex, Drugs & Poetry is John Patrick Robbins at his best and simply a must have book.  A true classic and such a great read for me!  The mad editor is a super talented writer first and foremost which is on full display in Sex, Drugs & Poetry.  Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy today.

 -Ryan Quinn Flanagan 

Please check out sex drugs and poetry: 

http://www.lulu.com/shop/john-patrick-robbins/sex-drugs-poetry/paperback/product-24062336.html