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Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 16 Jul 2018, 12:58
by bookowlie
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo" by Tom J Davis.]
Book Cover
3 out of 4 stars
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Boomer Rhymes Cuckoo as a Trump Hairdo by Tom Davis is a collection of humorous poems aimed at the Baby Boomer set. A wide range of topics is included, although I found toilet humor and senior citizen issues to be more prevalent. I would describe the subject matter as similar to the random observations comedian Jerry Seinfeld used to make on his TV show. For example, one poem ponders what it would be like if we had three arms instead of two, and another pokes fun at soap opera storylines.

The poetry is written in rhyme, although the scheme is not consistent. Some of the poems follow an AABB scheme, where the first two lines rhyme and the next two lines rhyme. Others have an inconsistent style - in “Mickey Gets Trumped,” the beginning four lines are in an ABBA style, the second stanza has an ABAB scheme, and the poem ends with two rhyming lines. The rhyming words are highlighted in red which I found a little distracting. Also, the phrasing and/or rhythm is sometimes awkward, in order to fit in a word that rhymes or a particular zinger.

It helps to keep an open mind and appreciate inappropriate observations to fully enjoy this quirky book. “TV Recliner” discusses the concept of an all-in-one TV recliner, toilet, and refrigerator. The neighbors complain about the odor and the Health Department intervenes with unusual recommendations. In “Siamese Double Date,” the Siamese twins enjoy dining out with two sisters. Should the restaurant charge the twins for two meals, even though they are sitting in the same chair? Some of the poems relate to issues concerning senior citizens, such as getting a senior discount and the “exercises” of using the TV remote and opening prescription bottles.

The author has a talent for crafting unique concepts. I admit there are some clever quips in this book, but I can’t say the poems are laugh-out-loud funny or very memorable. The title and cover is misleading as only the first poem, “Mickey Gets Trumped,” has anything to do with Donald Trump. In fact, very few of the poems have a political theme. Most of the pieces are short and the point is vague in a few instances.

This book has earned 3 out of 4 stars. Overall it makes for a pleasant, humorous diversion, although you might want to barf from the gross imagery. I would recommend the book to readers who enjoy offbeat poems and irreverent humor. Not all poetry is meant to contain beautiful imagery or intimate feelings from a person’s soul. In this case, it can just be about poking fun at the mundane aspects of life.

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Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo
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Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 01:50
by gen_g
I love irreverent poems, but the title seems like a misnomer - perhaps to gain more attention? Thanks for the review!

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 06:26
by gali
A collection of humorous poems aimed at the Baby Boomer set sounds nice. The title and cover do sound misleading. Too bad the scheme was not consistent and that the poems aren't very memorable, but hopefully the clever quips made up for it. Not my cup of tea, but I'm glad you liked it. Great review!

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 07:31
by bookowlie
Thanks gen_g and Gali! Gen_g - I agree that the title was probably a marketing ploy. Gali, the book was still a fun read.

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 08:10
by Dahmy 10
Poking fun at some irrelevant aspects of life. That sounds 'just for fun'. Anyways, this should be something we would enjoy just like I did your review. Thank you!

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 08:41
by AmySmiles
I like poetry books, but I'm turned off by the marketing ploy the author tries to use. I'm so tired of authors trying to make their books out to be something they are not. I'm also not into gross imagery and things that might make me barf, so I'm going to pass on this one. Thanks for the great review though!

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 09:03
by crediblereading2
Although the title is somewhat misleading, I am glad you were still able to find the poems humorous. Thank you for an insightful review.

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 10:59
by Cecilia_L
While I appreciate your candid review, gross imagery is not something I look for in poetry. Also, the title feels like clickbait to me.

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 12:08
by kandscreeley
You know, I was about ready to pass on this one just from the cover. So, I'm glad that you stated that there is only one poem about Trump and very few political pieces in total. It sounds interesting enough to take up an afternoon or so. Thanks again for a lovely review!

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 17 Jul 2018, 13:18
by DathanReeves
It would seem the publishers wanted to capitalize on the political discourse revolving the President. Still, your descriptions of the poems amused me, and now I'm curious about what they say. Thanks for the review.

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 18 Jul 2018, 01:17
by stacie k
This does sound like a quirky book! I’m glad to hear it’s not politically-themed, but I’m turned off by the gross imagery and irreverent humor. Thanks for a great review!

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 19 Jul 2018, 11:36
by bookowlie
Thanks everyone for taking the time to read my review and leave a comment! While the book only has one poem about Trump, it includes some a controversial reference to Obama.

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 19 Jul 2018, 23:44
by Jackie Holycross
I’m not so much into silly or irreverent humor. I imagine the book will definitely find an audience though. Thanks.

Re: Official Review: Boomer rhymes cuckoo as a trump hairdo

Posted: 22 Jul 2018, 03:51
by Ginnamassa19
Ooh, it's not often that you see a poetry book that incorporates humour into its verses! XD The fact that the rhymes are highlighted in red seems a little strange to me--it kind of reminds me of a children's book, but perhaps that's supposed to be ironic?

Anyway, thank you for your in-depth critique of this book--I really enjoyed reading your review :)