The description of this book of sonnets by Percival Everett really caught my attention. Nothing like humorous poetry to make reading poetry more enjoyable.

My first Percival Everett book was James which I absolutely loved. When I saw this book of sonnets I was excited to give it a read, and it does not disappoint. This is not Shakespeare’s sonnet writing, folks. Ok maybe it’s a little Shakespearean, he meant many to be a bit comedic, right?

I have to know if those eggy fountains are a reference to the Springs in Saratoga Springs, NY 🤔 although I need to work on my sonnet reading cadence, this was a read!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't read much poetry, so I can't judge that specific aspect here. I'll only speak of my personal experience with the book. First of all, I only picked it up because I was already planning to start reading Percival Everett as his books seem right up my alley. Some poems hit really hard, but others I found a little forgettable, and some are hard to grasp. But I'm still looking forward to read the author's novels. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

Percival Everett's writing is just so enjoyable. I think it's witty, smart and it takes you on a ride. When I read something by Everett, I know it will be unlike any other story or book. I don't read a ton of poems, so I can't speak to the structure of these sonnets, but I can tell you this collection is creative, moving and it will take you on a ride!

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my review.

I find it very difficult to assign poetry a star rating, but I found parts of this quite moving and other parts didn’t hit me much at all. So it goes, I suppose, but I found the central organizing principle an entertaining excuse to dive into the Chopin and I think there are sonnets here I’ll return to frequently. I think that’s all I could ask.

I thought this was a nice little collection of poetry. It was very lyrical in nature, and I found it easy to stay engaged. I think it’s a very beginner friendly collection - full of depth but not overly showy or complicated. I do wish the collection had been a bit longer, especially since sonnets are short poems to begin with. Overall, I think this is a good option for folks looking for a quick read, people who are new to formal poetry, or those who like sonnets and lyrical poems.

★★★★

This was my first time reading any of Everett’s works, so I didn’t know what exactly to expect, but now I know to keep my eye on this writer!

Everett is a genius when it comes to using language and form to conjure lovely sound and interesting meaning. He is skilled at creating juxtaposed ideas and images in so few words. I had fun reading these sonnets, repeating each several times in my head and aloud, fascinated at how expertly-crafted they were.

My favorite sonnets:
Bb Major
Eb Minor
Ab Major
C# Minor
B Major
E Major
C Minor

I wasn’t so much a fan of the latter half of the book. Whether that was because it took me out of my reading flow from the first half— I enjoyed this work so much I read it in one sitting!— or because I truly couldn’t comprehend a lot of meaning, I’m not sure. I did, however, enjoy Everett’s use of vivid, wacky imagery and repetition. This made this section feel surreal and overall moody.

Additional comment: I was a bit distracted by the background design on the pages. I think a lower opacity would help. Otherwise, I find it intriguing!

Thank you Red Hen Press and Net Galley for the e-ARC! This title will be available August 20, 2024.

Super interesting poetry collection, but I do feel like some of it went over my head. I think I need to be careful with poetry collections!

I couldn't quite find the right rhythm on this one. This can totally be an issue with myself so don't allow that to keep you from giving this a chance.
I didn't end up being a big fan, but couldn't quite place why.

This collection of sonnets is creative with excellent rhythm and diction, and the poems made me think about form. I look forward to reading more by the author.

Thank you NetGalley and Red Hen Press for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This poetry collection is more experimental than my limited palette can connect with, unfortunately.

boundless curiosity
exploring, expanding, exploding my brain
brilliant thoughts
observations
eggs or roses for sure

Thank you Netgalley and Red Hen Press for the ARC.

4.5 "rhythm and meanin" stars !!

Thank you to Netalley, the poet and Red Hen Press. This collection will be released August 2024. I am providing a little poem as my review.

Percy, Chopin and Artie Tatum are three really cool cats
Move over move over and let me sway with the rhythm
Groove and shove it just groove with the meanin
Swaying and drifting with beauty and passion and
way way
way
way down
aRTistry
scat a tat a tat with three cool cats
Meeeeeow and lot of wow - Jaidee