Review of Speaks for Itself: A Commodity of Musings from My Life

[Saint Bruno]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Speaks for Itself: A Commodity of Musings from My Life" by Jeffrey Paul Bailey.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Speaks for Itself: A Commodity of Musings from My Life by Jeffrey Paul Bailey is a collection of poems that reflect the poet's mind and feelings about various aspects of life like passion, pain, love, despair, guilt, the dynamics in relationships, amongst others. While a few of the poems have rhymes and rhythm, most of them do not. Also, some are straightforward, while some have hidden meanings in them.

One of my favorite poems in the book, 'Get Me Through,' is about resilience and victory in the face of naysayers and haters. It opens with one of my favorite lines in the book, which reads: "It's not so lonely at the top when everyone's trying to nudge you from your spot." Isn't that powerful? However, the poem that personally ministered to me is titled 'The Luxury of Complacency.' It is a thought-provoking piece that inspires readers to break out of their comfort zones.

What I like most about this title is the author's exciting writing style. I enjoyed his use of symbolism to express himself. An example is the use of snow and cold to depict loneliness. More so, figures of speech like metaphor and simile invoke the reader's imagination, making the poems engaging. Readers would also enjoy some homophones and wordplays in the book. One such example is "Tomorrow Mourning," which is a title for one of the poems. I love that!

Furthermore, I appreciate the author's message through some of the poems. He speaks against body shaming and hypocrisy. Also, he encourages readers to make hay while the sun shines, as nobody's youth is permanent. I believe readers would reflect on their own life while reading the various poems in the book due to how relatable they are.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was its cover. I believe many readers won't mind it, and some may even perceive it to symbolize something; however, I didn't think it did justice to the book's content. That aside, I enjoyed the musings throughout the book and liked that it added some new words to my vocabulary. I found the poems inspiring and thought-provoking. Hence, I am rating the book four out of four stars. My dislike for the book cover doesn't touch the book's value, and we might see it redesigned in subsequent editions, so the book deserves the four-star rating. The book also seems professionally edited though it contains some errors. I highly recommend this book to lovers of poetry books and musings that lean toward sardonic and optimistic reflections about life, relationships, and sexual identity.

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Speaks for Itself: A Commodity of Musings from My Life
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[Kingsley Emodi]

Poets and lovers of poetry will love this one. Great review

[marta baglioni]

The author seems to touch on important issues. I would like to read this book. Thank you for your review!

[Ivvie Ivanova]

I haven't read poetry in quite a while. This one seems like it would be suitable for me so I will give this a go. Thank you for your review!

[markodim721]

I like that the author described the wide range of emotions to the readers in an authentic way. Also commendable is the abundant use of the symbol.

[Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon]

I am not a huge fan of poetry, but I just can't pass your amazing review. Well done!

[Ellylion]

Sounds like a very interesting collection of poetry that sends out great message. I would love to check this one out! Thank you very much for this amazing review!

[Aan Granados]

I like that the poems lean on optimistic reflections. I am sure fans of poetry will appreciate this. Thanks for your review.

[addicted reader]

Those readers who love poetry will love this book. Thanks for providing this well-written review that gives an insight into what the book is all about.

[Asma Aisha Ansari]

This poetry collection comprising rhyming and non-rhyming poems on love, relationships, and emotions is a treat for every poetry lover.
Thanks for this thorough and wonderful review.

[Astral Magi]

I love how the author reflects on aspects of life in short parts. Thanks for a lovely review.

[Kanika Tandon]

I always have held poets at the highest pederstral. As a former student of English literature I have always loved poetry and my favourites are that are thought provoking, self musings and explain various dynamics of life. Great review.

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

One of my favorite poems in the book, 'Get Me Through,' is about resilience and victory in the face of naysayers and haters. It opens with one of my favorite lines in the book, which reads: "It's not so lonely at the top when everyone's trying to nudge you from your spot." Isn't that powerful? However, the poem that personally ministered to me is titled 'The Luxury of Complacency.' It is a thought-provoking piece that inspires readers to break out of their comfort zones.

What a great quote!
The topics you mentioned are surprisingly relatable and empowering, which is something I appreciate in poetry. And I don't have a problem with the cover, although I understand it is bizarre enough for some people to dislike it.
Thank you for your enthusiastic review!

[Brenda Creech]

I have never been a fan of poetry. I never seem to have a good understanding of it , but this book sounds very interesting. I'm sure poetry lovers will enjoy this one. Thanks for the great review!

[Kajori Sheryl Paul]

An anthology of poems exploring various themes seems inspiring.

Thank you for the great review.