Official Review: Best Evidence by Mark S. Osaki

[dragonet07]

I remember reading some of the poems from Best Evidence before and finding it a generally impactful read. Osaki’s portrayal of women is unfortunate, but hopefully he will do better about that in future works. Otherwise, his work definitely seems worth reading (or re-reading). Thank you for the helpful review.

[Natasha Kim]

My first encounter with prose poetry. Will like to know more about Asian culture. The portrayal of women in a negative light is the part I won't like to read. Well, I'll leave it at what happened in the past. Great review. Congrats on being the BOTD.

[Catalina Isabel]

This sounds like an interesting book that depicts a lot of important topics. It's a pity about his views on women, which I think would stop me from fully enjoying the book.

Your writing in this review is beautiful. You should seriously consider writing books yourself if you haven't already.

[Nathaniel Sarah]

I don't have any interest in poetry, but I must say I enjoyed reading your review. It was amazing.

[Yulisa Sanchez]

This book of poems highlights sensitive issues arising in America regarding Asian Americans and the Vietnam War. I find it admirable how Mr. Osaki shares raw emotion and personal experience in his book. Many can definitely learn a new perspective by reading it. Congrats on the BOTD!

[Phoebe Felix]

Growing up, I used to see poetry as abstract thoughts. But prose poetry works like this has helped to change that perspective. I'll love to read this book.

[Hannah Hampton]

Excellent review! I really enjoyed the sample, and I appreciate your honesty in discussing the sexism in in this book. It is really refreshing to hear honest and raw reactions to literature! Congrats on book of the day!

[Tars]

I am afraid, my English is not yet at all up to the level where I would understand and truly appreciate how words are compliment each other in rhyme. Will shelve it for future reference))

[Nemanja Jankovic]

"Best Evidence" by Mark S. Osaki is a collection of 39 short prose poems. The book is divided into four sections. I like that the book realistically describes Asian-American stereotypes. It is interesting that two sections in the collection of poems refer to war.

[Patty Allread]

In fact, it seems like an unconscious disparaging of women – this is perhaps due to patriarchal culture, which has a relatively stronger influence in traditional Asian society. Hopefully, with more awareness, this will not be present in Osaki's future works.

I don't disagree that disparaging women is unacceptable in our society and not something to cultivate in the arts in general. But poetry is one of the most personal and introspective arts, and I get the sense from Osaki's poetry that he is honestly being himself. I would not ask or expect him, as an artist, to curb his honest expression of his viewpoint unless it has changed within him.

[HEPBURNS RECORDS]

Great to hear your positive review of Best Evidence! It's always refreshing to come across a book that thoroughly explores a topic, and the fact that it was written by an experienced journalist adds an extra layer of credibility. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Cristina Corui Mihailescu]

I really enjoyed the sample, finding the poems in prose very honest, direct and symbolic. However, after reading the review I understand that the author created a negative portrayal of women, which makes me skip this book.

[Abdulsabur Aisha]

Though I'm not a huge fan of poems, this particular book sounds unique and well-written. I also dislike how the author portrays a negative light. Congrats on #BOTD!

[Chinazo Anozie]

This will be a great book for poetry lovers. However, I don't think this will be a good fit for me because I couldn't understand many of the hidden meanings in the poems from the sample I read.

[Annette Boateng]

I love to read more about the story Best Evidence. Interesting.