The Journey Home. By Bruce Hodder

       

Publisher

Whiskey City Press

It wasn't so long ago I first came across Bruce Hodder’s work as a submission to UTB. 

I was floored with the wit and fantastic humor, and it didn't take me long to know I wanted to publish a book by this talented poet.

And thus began the journey no pun intended.

I knew from Bruce's ability this would be a pleasure to read and even now looking back on this fine book.

I can honestly say I was floored.

The Journey Home, is a fast and extremely well polished book.

As it tells an overall story that flows to perfection that is a quality I admire in a poet.

From writes like Odious once easily connects and makes you feel part of the scene.

To others such as Funeral once showcases that humor that is so uniquely Bruce.

This book will keep you reading and leave you wanting for more.

Particular favorites of mine include Our Mate Boozer, once again so easily showcases Bruce's ability to draw you in making that page come to life within the mind.

Bruce displays great heart and an ability to easily switch styles once definitely holds the reader's interest as it did my own.

And before you know it this book comes to a close with And the Conclusion.

Bruce Hodder has easily shown he is a poet to be respected yet can easily laugh at himself and that in my book is what the best poets all can do.

The only thing left to say is pick up a copy today and take the journey for yourself.

I can promise you won't be disappointed.

The Journey Home is not a book, it is the book to read.

Until next time, keep reading and drinking.

http://www.lulu.com/shop/bruce-hodder/the-journey-home/paperback/product-24163986.html

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Writers . By Ryan Quinn Flanagan

                                   Publisher

                           Whiskey City Press

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Writers.

I can remember hearing that title when my good friend Ryan Quinn Flanagan told me about the book he was working on.

And thinking to myself, fuck now there is a great title.

Little did I know the book it would become.
Ryan is many things including extremely prolific.
But in his newest book he takes a turn.

As always there is razor sharp wit and heart but this book goes extremely deep as knowing the man beyond the page has shown me many of the characters and events these poems were inspired by.

And this is a monster of a collection.
Every write stands out in its own way as Ryan is definitely in top form.
As In poems like.

A  View Better than a Dog's Ass.

"I like that she had a view better than a dog's ass.

The way she lived on the beach like the crabs.
And whenever we stayed at my place,

I could only think of the view.

The simple way the tide came in and carried all the worst of you back out.

I felt at least three years younger when I was there."
This book is filled with what is Ryan's true staple humor and heart with a truly original voice.

To other writes such as Among Friends, once caught me.
And captured a conversation and moment perfectly.

This book was like reading a letter from a great friend on one of your darkest days and bringing those good times back in a flood.

This is a book for writers which is perfectly displayed in a write I am a huge fan of titled
Nubbin.

Once does what in my opinion great works do.

It makes that page bleed without remorse.
This is not an easy read for it's pain bleeds through.
And shows a side we seldom mention with Ryan.

The ability to go deep beyond the humor for as I know and understand all too well great humor often can come from dark places.

The Road To Hell Is Paved With Writers is not a good book, it is a great book.

Fun yet deep and a hundred percent the man I have gotten to know as a true friend.

The best writers make it look easy and in this book that flows perfectly Ryan does just that.

The book closes with One Man at His Machine.

A true and brutally honest view of a writer viewing a much younger kid and hoping to God he can find something outside of the emptiness of the page.

I know Ryan as we speak is probably working on another book this very second.
But I do hope he takes a break and realizes what he has done with this book.

No matter if you are new to Ryan's work or a long term fan this book is a must for your collection.


Keep drinking and reading.


https://www.amazon.com/Road-Hell-Paved-Writers/dp/1074748654/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=The+road+to+hell+is+paved+with+writers&qid=1562449840&s=gateway&sr=8-3