Review of Bits, Snippets, & Other Works

Ivana Tomaš · Post by **Ivana Tomaš** » 06 Jan 2022, 08:29

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bits, Snippets, & Other Works" by Karen Hein.]

3 out of 4 stars

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When we were children, I believe that all of us often fantasized about a lot of things. Children's imagination is very vivid and inexhaustible. However, there are few who transfer their unusual imaginations and reflections to paper. One such person is the author of this book, Karen Hein.

Bits, Snippets, & Other Works by Karen Hein is a collection of poems, stories, and other works in which the author presents her thoughts on various topics. In addition, the book also features unusual fantasy-themed stories with strange plots, uncommon motifs, and characters. Some of the fantastic motifs that appear are unicorns and mermaids. Some other themes that also appear throughout the book are love, nostalgia, and recollection. As for the poems, they are extremely reminiscent of children's tunes. All the works in this book deal with different topics. I would say there is no concrete connection between the works. I have the impression that the author documented the first thing that came to her mind and shaped every thought into a harmonious story.

The first thing I like about this book is the playfulness that is evident in almost every piece in this book. Also, the poems are enriched with rhymes that give them a special melody. On the other hand, although most of the works are cheerful and playful, some of the works are a bit nostalgic, and I would say that a feeling of loneliness runs through them. I really like the poem "The Empty Town," in which the author gives a symbolic interpretation of her condition. I also appreciate the poem "Questioning," in which the author reconsiders the meaning and significance of life. I also like that a lot of works are abstract and that each reader can interpret them differently.

This book also has some negative elements. First of all, the book doesn't have a clear form. Each work is written differently, and there is no formal structure. Also, I don’t like when a verse consists of just one word. In my opinion, the poems are a bit awkwardly organized in that regard. Another thing I don’t like is the fact that almost all the works in this book are unrelated. I find that the book deals with too many different topics, making it a bit chaotic.

All things considered, I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. The main reason for the slightly lower rating is the chaotic nature of this book and the inability to adequately recommend it to a target group of readers. I haven't found many errors in the book, and I think it's well edited. I would recommend this book primarily to those who like to read stories that have unusual and fantastic themes.

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Bits, Snippets, & Other Works
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