Review of Second Coming

[Jane Gent]

Poetry fascinates me. As a mature student, I had to study a variety of them, ranging from Wordsworth to Zephaniah. I always needed to connect with them before I could appreciate the message within them; sometimes, this took many readings, and others were instant. I'm always interested in how feelings are expressed through them. It sounds like Lobibah Oji Baraka has much to say about his life and the world around him and is passionate about it, conveying his thoughts through verse.

Your review reflects the effect of the poetry, showing his message is understood and has real meaning. This sounds like the author has been successful in his endeavours, and his book is one to be read. Well done on a great review yet again!

[Bettny Andrade]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Second Coming" by Lobibah Oji Baraka.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Do you like free verse poetry? Would you like to learn what it is like to live in Baltimore, USA, through the words of an African-American sexagenarian? Would you want to read thought-provoking verses about topics ranging from the joys of youth to the high murder rate in Baltimore? If you answered yes to these questions, you’ll enjoy reading Second Coming: Return of the Herd by Lobibah Oji Baraka.

Lobibah Oji Baraka can be praised for intensely expressing his ideas and feelings through the use of free verse poetry. Free verse poetry does not make the use of rhyme or rhythm. It is very personal and gives the reader access to the poet’s innermost thoughts. As I read this book, I felt that the author was baring his soul to me. At times, this made me feel uncomfortable, and at other times, I was smiling because I could identify with the feelings being described.

There were poems that reminded me of my youth, such as “Momma Was Right”, which explained why the author’s mother gave him a name that he did not like, and “Wet”, which described the joy he received from water as a child. Another poem, such as “ That Spirit Thing”, concerned the author, who had always considered himself to be an East Baltimore native, learning unexpectedly about his African heritage from international students attending Morgan State University. “The Lyrical Lion Of Harlem /This Is Why” tells us about Langston Mercer Hughes, who spoke up for all Americans while testifying before Senator McCarthy regarding his alleged association with a communist party. These poems were a few of the many that captured my interest.

I enjoyed reading this book because each poem presented impactful ideas in a few verses. The poems tapped my emotions, made me think, and spurred me on to do research about historical figures and events. Each poem was either a discovery or a rediscovery. I was grateful that the author shared his thoughts about social issues, nostalgia, music, grief, loss, love, African heritage, Baltimore, politics, racial injustice, Christianity, the generation gap, and the evils of violence.

This collection of poems was well-written and professionally edited. I could not find anything to dislike about this collection of poems. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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Second Coming
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I like poetry that describes relevant facts, thoughts, teachings in a clear and beautiful way. I think you describe this reading as emotional and I may keep it in mind for my next readings. I like it because it is promising and evokes beautiful feelings.

[Amy Luman]

I don’t enjoy. Poetry, but I am glad that the author could express his feelings and experiences in this way. Thanks!

[Jeff Kanda]

I don't mostly enjoy poems but I like reading them once in a while. This seems to be an interesting poem as the author has provided unique vies from different topic. Thanks for the engaging review!

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

It sounds like this free verse poetry book really had an impact on you. The poems convey ideas both small and large, so there is something for everybody.

[sayjil gordhan]

It sounds like a powerful mix of history, emotion, and reflection. I’m especially drawn to poems that challenge you to think and feel more deeply, so this sounds like something I’d appreciate.

[Evy Parody]

I love poetry , esecially the one from 1800's when no one thought about texting or calling or email, they thought of poetry, staged at the back of castles and Chatteu's in France , the streets of Florence. Immersive

[Gerry Steen]

I love poetry , esecially the one from 1800's when no one thought about texting or calling or email, they thought of poetry, staged at the back of castles and Chatteu's in France , the streets of Florence. Immersive

Antony, thank you for leaving this reply on my book review. Your feedback is appreciated. Second Coming has a great collection of free verse poetry between its covers.

[Victor Nwabuisi]

I appreciate how the poems reflect reallife experiences from childhood memories to social issues. It sounds like the kind of book that makes you think and feel connected to the poet’s world. Thank you for the heart warming review.

[Evy Parody]

I love poetry , esecially the one from 1800's when no one thought about texting or calling or email, they thought of poetry, staged at the back of castles and Chatteu's in France , the streets of Florence. Immersive

Antony, thank you for leaving this reply on my book review. Your feedback is appreciated. Second Coming has a great collection of free verse poetry between its covers.

Thank you Mr.Steen for your feedback, I'd definitely peruse the catalogue.

[Gerry Steen]

I love poetry , esecially the one from 1800's when no one thought about texting or calling or email, they thought of poetry, staged at the back of castles and Chatteu's in France , the streets of Florence. Immersive

Antony, thank you for leaving this reply on my book review. Your feedback is appreciated. Second Coming has a great collection of free verse poetry between its covers.

Thank you Mr.Steen for your feedback, I'd definitely peruse the catalogue.

You are welcome, Mr. Kiriinya.