Review of Snout Chasing Tail
Posted: 24 Mar 2022, 13:36
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Snout Chasing Tail" by Joseph Fulkerson.]
I avoided this book because the cover art reminded me of CatDog—a cartoon I never liked. After reading the sample, I immediately order the book. The first poem “Stonks!” was on target, expressing the distrustful sentiments many have towards the recent stock market movement. I was easily captivated, but it could have been the meme; either way, this was a clever hook for any potential audience.
Snout Chasing Tail by Joseph Fulkerson is a satirical poetry collection of merely 69 pages. I appreciated the handiwork of the physical copy: The matte paperback cover feels nice under the fingertips. Despite the crazy-looking cover image, the inside format is clean and simple—a black serif typeface on eggshell-colored sheets. Plus, you can feel the print slightly raised.
It’s a challenge not to delve into side conversations because Fulkerson’s muses simultaneously encourage and trigger you: This is a major positive aspect. While being comedic, his poems cover serious topics. For example, the economy, politics and current social issues. He also writes about his personal life, such as his relationship with his father and his childhood.
One of my favorite poems is “Volcano Tears.” Only five verses long, it is poignant and sad. Another favorite is “The United States of Dichotomy.” It starts on a despondent tune but surprisingly raises your spirits. Fulkerson should have concluded his book with this one. It seems to answer his own questions on the future of our country.
No matter the subject, Fulkerson draws you into a discourse, willingly or unwillingly—in the least, you’ll probably roll your eyes and slam his book shut. “Fan Mail” is a prime example of disapproval with the author. Contrarily, I loved these quips, which I saw as a positive trait.
Although, not every poem was stellar. For instance, “Screaming into the Night” was fair, and I related to his writer’s block. Also, I had trouble understanding the meanings of a couple of poems. Mostly, I was bothered by a few topics and disliked certain references, such as Ignition the remix. However, some may argue that it’s the art, not the artist.
I happily rate Snout Chasing Tail a 4 out of 4 stars. I believe poetry is meant to be read more than once; otherwise, its meaning will never be fully appreciated. Also, it aims to make you fidget in your seat, not bob your head in compliance. These poems have accomplished those goals. Therefore, a lower rating is undeserving. Also, I believe that this work was professionally edited.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for igniting poetry. If you enjoy political and philosophical arguments, then you should try it out. There is profanity and mild sexual mentions; so, I don’t recommend it to those who are sensitive to these topics.
******
Snout Chasing Tail
View: on Bookshelves
I avoided this book because the cover art reminded me of CatDog—a cartoon I never liked. After reading the sample, I immediately order the book. The first poem “Stonks!” was on target, expressing the distrustful sentiments many have towards the recent stock market movement. I was easily captivated, but it could have been the meme; either way, this was a clever hook for any potential audience.
Snout Chasing Tail by Joseph Fulkerson is a satirical poetry collection of merely 69 pages. I appreciated the handiwork of the physical copy: The matte paperback cover feels nice under the fingertips. Despite the crazy-looking cover image, the inside format is clean and simple—a black serif typeface on eggshell-colored sheets. Plus, you can feel the print slightly raised.
It’s a challenge not to delve into side conversations because Fulkerson’s muses simultaneously encourage and trigger you: This is a major positive aspect. While being comedic, his poems cover serious topics. For example, the economy, politics and current social issues. He also writes about his personal life, such as his relationship with his father and his childhood.
One of my favorite poems is “Volcano Tears.” Only five verses long, it is poignant and sad. Another favorite is “The United States of Dichotomy.” It starts on a despondent tune but surprisingly raises your spirits. Fulkerson should have concluded his book with this one. It seems to answer his own questions on the future of our country.
No matter the subject, Fulkerson draws you into a discourse, willingly or unwillingly—in the least, you’ll probably roll your eyes and slam his book shut. “Fan Mail” is a prime example of disapproval with the author. Contrarily, I loved these quips, which I saw as a positive trait.
Although, not every poem was stellar. For instance, “Screaming into the Night” was fair, and I related to his writer’s block. Also, I had trouble understanding the meanings of a couple of poems. Mostly, I was bothered by a few topics and disliked certain references, such as Ignition the remix. However, some may argue that it’s the art, not the artist.
I happily rate Snout Chasing Tail a 4 out of 4 stars. I believe poetry is meant to be read more than once; otherwise, its meaning will never be fully appreciated. Also, it aims to make you fidget in your seat, not bob your head in compliance. These poems have accomplished those goals. Therefore, a lower rating is undeserving. Also, I believe that this work was professionally edited.
I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for igniting poetry. If you enjoy political and philosophical arguments, then you should try it out. There is profanity and mild sexual mentions; so, I don’t recommend it to those who are sensitive to these topics.
******
Snout Chasing Tail
View: on Bookshelves