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.
