Official Review: Tributaries: A Book of Poetry

[bluegreenmarina]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tributaries: A Book of Poetry" by Pamala Ballingham.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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There are times when poetry can be overly nebulous, burdened with metaphor and difficult to internalize. Tributaries: A Book of Poetry by Pamala Ballingham successfully avoids these problems, and instead delivers a collection of clear and penetrating poems, written in a beautiful, simple, and approachable style.

The poems are of mixed lengths and formats, mostly without rhyme, and include several short passages of prose. They are laden with vivid imagery and emotion, drawing much of their inspiration from nature. Rich with powerful and poignant metaphor, their topics include geographical features, oceans, forests, gardens, the changing seasons, mortality, aging, death, as well as birth, life, and love. Many of the poems include small and subtle inlaid artwork, which is generally abstract yet always in tune with the theme of the poem.

This was perhaps one of the best collections of poems I have ever read. It was pristinely edited – no errors came to my attention through the entirety of the work. The author experiments with a variety of styles and formats, yet each poem retains her minimalistic and serene voice. Many of the poems bloom open like flowers, revealing deeper meanings as the reader works his or her way down the page, and invoking feelings of peace, acceptance, and gentle wisdom.

Many of the poems also reference traditional native ceremonies and practices, which the author explains hold a special interest for her, and as such, this collection may appeal to readers who also take an interest in these cultural experiences. Since many of the poems are fairly short, and all are written in straightforward (though often, still incredibly moving) language, this would be a good book for someone who is just starting to explore the world of poetry. The collection is uplifting in a gentle and contemplative way, and leaves the reader refreshed, as if having just emerged from a meditation.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Despite being rather nitpicky with poetry, I found nothing negative to say about this book. Many of the poems gave me pause, as I admired the author’s ability to succinctly, yet so accurately, capture a particular experience or emotion. Several times, I reread certain portions of the poems, simply because I enjoyed the combination of words that was chosen, or because I had been unexpectedly moved by a description of something that had previously seemed mundane. I would not hesitate to recommend this work to long-time readers of poetry, nor to beginners, and I feel personally enriched by the experience of having read it myself.

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Tributaries: A Book of Poetry
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Like bluegreenmarina's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Stephanie Elizabeth]

I love poetry that is simple and without excessive flowery language! I would definitely be interested in reading this book.

Great review!

[Ellylion]

What a beautiful review! I always appreciate a good poetry with some delicate and meaningful metaphors, so I would love to read this book!
Also I loved the cover

[Chrystal Oaks]

The cover caught my eye because of its beauty. It sounds like the picture matches the words written. I usually shy away from poetry because it can be difficult to understand, but this book of poetry sounds like a wonderful one to begin with. I enjoyed reading your positive review. Thanks!

[Nyambura Githui]

I don't like poetry much because of its complexity. This poetry book sounds different, I'll give it a shot. Great review.

[kdstrack]

I love your description of these poems. They sound calming and inspiring. Thanks for the recommendation.

[kandscreeley]

Poetry isn't my forte, especially if it doesn't rhyme. I do like that the author plays with different styles and formats, though. If I get the desire to read some poetry, I'll try this. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks!

[sri varshini303041]

Poetry has a way of entering our heart, unlike prose. but I hate it when a poet, includes uncharacteristic words, unsuitable for the context, just for a rhyme or to add complexity. I think this poem is different. I would give it a try. Thank you for your wonderful, well-thought review.

[ElizaBeth Adams]

Wow! This sounds like a great collection. Nice review as well! Your review, though in prose, has a poetic feel to it. I will have to sample this one.

[Dentarthurdent]

Several times, I reread certain portions of the poems, simply because I enjoyed the combination of words that was chosen, or because I had been unexpectedly moved by a description of something that had previously seemed mundane.

This. This is what makes me want to try this collection out. These are feelings I identify with. Plus the cover art is really beautiful. It appears there is no shortage of reasons to love this book.
Thanks for the review!

[kelly60]

The cover of this book really caught my eye, and judging by your review this is one that I will likely enjoy reading.

[Kherron3465]

Due to your astounding review, although not a fan of the poetic genre, I find myself drawn to Tributaries: A Book of Poetry. I love how descriptive your review is regarding the style of this work and the imagery discussed. I will definitely pick this book up and begin my journey through poetry.

[Omodia301]

I don't like poetry much because of its complexity. This poetry book sounds different, I'll give it a shot. Great review.

[Deepak Srivastava]

Poetry has a way of entering our heart, unlike prose. but I hate it when a poet, includes uncharacteristic words, unsuitable for the context, just for a rhyme or to add complexity. I think this poem is different. I would give it a try. Thank you for your wonderful, well-thought review..

[Nana-Cakes]

Sometimes I think the message in poetry can get drowned out in the desire to make the message hidden. In this book of poetry the author simply and beautifully put together a piece of art that not only gave me pause, but gave me something I could relate to as well. Being very invested in my culture and who I am, I felt it uplifting that this poetry reflected the culture and special attributes of the author.

Writing a book of poetry is not always easy as it is a very personal subject to pursue, and it is obvious that this book was very carefully put togehter. It was a true honor to read, and has offered some great insight during my journal reflections.