Official Review: Everyone's Happier Than You

[bookowlie]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Everyone's Happier Than You" by James Zerndt.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Everyone’s Happier Than You by James Zerndt is a book of approximately fifty poems sure to please the pickiest poetry lover. It is an eclectic mix of observations and reminiscences about a wide range of subjects. A couple of the poems have previously been published online or in Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, Edgar Literary Review, Nerve Cowboy, and The Oregonian newspaper.

The poems are written in free-form verse. The author’s unique take on things often made me smile. “Buddha Explains to the Flight Attendant Why There’s Part of a Haiku on His Lap” is a short piece filled with sophisticated wit. “Two Figures of Speech Walk into a Bar” imagines a conversation a bartender has with a simile and metaphor.

The author has a real gift for using metaphors to zero in on the heart of an observation. “Floyd’s Coffee,” about a coffee shop converted from an old gas station, is an excellent example of this. There are also several poems about the author’s parents, including ones that illustrate his complicated feelings about his father. The heartfelt, loving remembrances of his late mother shine through the pages.

As is the case with good writing, there is often a subtle, layered feel. As a result, I found myself rereading a few of the poems for clarity. I have to admit there were a few instances where I didn’t fully get the point, such as in “Did You Paint This?” and “She’s a Real Pistil.” Maybe the meaning was a little too subtle, although the imagery was still flawless.

The emotions contained in the poetry are a range of joy, amusement, love, sadness, and everything in between. It is difficult to pick a favorite, but “Reasons Why the World Should Have Stopped” comes close. The piece has a nice, rhythmic flow and moved me in the way a wonderfully quirky eulogy would. “Snow Globe” and “I’d Be the Worst Kind of Famous” are also standouts.

Mr. Zerndt is currently an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher and has been previously employed in a variety of professions, including working as a caretaker of a mountain chateaux, bartender, and housepainter. In many of the poems in this collection, it is clear he has been inspired by his diverse experiences.

This well-written book has easily earned a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Poetry fans will appreciate this off-the-beaten-path collection that includes something for everyone’s tastes. These poems will stay with you long after you’ve read the lines. I predict writing awards in this talented author’s future.

******
Everyone's Happier Than You
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like bookowlie's review? Post a comment saying so!

[gali]

Great review! I am glad you enjoyed the book.

[Jamie Zerndt]

Such a thoughtful review. Thank you...

Jamie

[bookowlie]

Great review! I am glad you enjoyed the book.

Thanks Gali. It was a most enjoyable read. There were so many instances where I thought to myself, "I wish I wrote that line."

-- 01 May 2016, 13:03 --

Such a thoughtful review. Thank you...

Jamie

You are most welcome. An excellent book deserves a thoughtful review. I hope my review, in some small way, gives your book the extra exposure it deserves.

[Rachaelamb1]

Glad you enjoyed it! I love how diverse the poems sound...I suppose it's one of those that have something for everybody.

[bluemel4]

Bookowlie this is an eloquently written review. The poems sound amazing. Congratulations to the author for great review!

[bookowlie]

Thanks Rachaelamb1 and Bluemel for the kind words! The author has a real talent for using metaphors to view a topic in a different way. Very creative!

[Heidi M Simone]

Wonderful review, bookowlie! I love when authors relate to their lives in their writing!
Congratulations to the author for receiving such a great review!

[bookowlie]

Thanks Hsimone! I wish I could have given more than 4 stars for this excellent collection.

[LivreAmour217]

Awesome review! The book sounds very good! I love the title, too--for some reason, it just grabbed me, and I had to find out what the book was all about!

[Heidi M Simone]

Thanks Hsimone! I wish I could have given more than 4 stars for this excellent collection.

I love when I find books like that!

I've seen this author's name before. Do you know other works he's done?

[bookowlie]

I have seen a few novels by him on the review list the past few months. Hopefully, the author will see these posts and mention his other books.

[Heidi M Simone]

You know what? I just figured out why his name sounds so familiar. I reviewed one of his books back in January! Brailling for Wile. Can't believe I forgot

[bookowlie]

You know what? I just figured out why his name sounds so familiar. I reviewed one of his books back in January! Brailling for Wile. Can't believe I forgot

Hahaha! Now I will have to go back and read your review.

[Jamie Zerndt]

hsimone,

I thought your name sounded familiar!

Yes, I've had a few books on here: The Cloud Seeders, The Korean Word For Butterfly, Brailling For Wile, The Tree Poachers and Other Stories, This Jerkwater Life. I can't seem to stop writing them. Ha.