Official Review: Discrepancies of the Brain by De’Jay

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 17 Jul 2020, 16:25

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Discrepancies of the Brain" by De’Jay.]

3 out of 4 stars

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In the synopsis for the poetry collection, Discrepancies of the Brain, De’Jay writes: "To be at war with the mind is to be at war with life." The author expresses the desire that those who read the collection will "...begin to find peace; a sense of tranquility." The anthology is 135 pages, and its 53 poems traverse themes of identity, self-doubt, humility, beauty, joy, independence, love, anger, faith, peace, racial equality, and freedom.

Many poets deviate from conventional grammar as a matter of artistic style. However, one of my pet peeves regarding poetry is if the punctuation is all over the place. For example, if some stanzas are punctuated while others lack any punctuation, and particularly if poems are inconsistent with each other, the inconsistencies read more like errors rather than style. In contrast, I noted De'Jay's consistency; new stanza lines and names were capitalized while punctuation was omitted. I didn't count the author's stylized lack of punctuation as errors, but the number of other types of mistakes, including missing apostrophes and the use of "your" instead of "you're" required me to deduct a star.

De'Jay's writing features a clarity that is ideal for readers who may be new to poetry, but it also conveys depth that will appeal to aficionados. In the title poem, I like the author's emphasis on using "..the gifts that you were granted" and overcoming self-doubt. "Butterfly" presents a picturesque analogy between nature and the concept of starting "...to finish." In "Where is Love," readers will relate to De'Jay's heartfelt musings and longing. "My Window" is a darker poem portraying death as a person. In "Triangle of Love," De'Jay conveys the turmoil and conflicting emotions of trying to choose between two relationships. However, my favorite of the collection is "How Much Do I Trust in God." In this reflection, the author expresses self-frustration related to an occasional lack of faith.

On the other hand, in "Memories," the letter "w" is used twice in place of the word "with." I dislike the author's random use of texting slang; the inconsistency reads like a typo. Additionally, the collection includes the slang variant of a racial slur and several instances of profanity.

For the above reasons, I rate Discrepancies of the Brain 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend the thought-provoking anthology to fans of poetry. The Amazon listing suggests age 14 as the beginning recommended audience, but due to the language, parental discretion is advised.

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Discrepancies of the Brain
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Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 18 Jul 2020, 08:11

The beginning quote from the book sounds very inspiring and insightful to me. Looking over the errors and inconsistencies in this poetry collection, I'd say it sounds like a very interesting and thouhgt-provoking read. Thanks for this detailed review. Good job!

Lizziemarcel · Post by **Lizziemarcel** » 18 Jul 2020, 13:03

Since this book talks about inner peace and tranquility, I'm interested and I'm adding it to my shelf. Great review.

Post by **Christabel Uzoamaka** » 18 Jul 2020, 14:05

“To be at war with the mind is to be at war with life.”

This is a statement that deeply resonates with me. I think I would appreciate this book since I am a lover of poetry.

Dayodiola · Post by **Dayodiola** » 18 Jul 2020, 14:19

Poems, insight into human reason and why. Nice review

Chinelookeke · Post by **Chinelookeke** » 18 Jul 2020, 14:46

Nice review and well detailed. Though i am not a poetry lover but the book is good. Thanks.

Laura Lee · Post by **Laura Lee** » 18 Jul 2020, 16:53

Another insightful review. I always enjoy the analyses of the books you've read. It surprised me that this was an anthology of poetry. I honestly wondered, from the title, if it were dealing with personality disorders or mental illnesses! LOL Thanks for another great review.

Rodel Barnachea · Post by **Rodel Barnachea** » 18 Jul 2020, 20:25

I'd probably pass on this one since as you have mentioned, I also don't like having inconsistencies in punctuation. I feel that while poets have a poetic license, they should only use that if necessary.

Dreamer80 · Post by **Dreamer80** » 18 Jul 2020, 21:01

I think we've the same pet peeves. I'm a little too into grammar and punctuation, even if it's poetry. Thanks for this well written review

Harty Muli · Post by **Harty Muli** » 19 Jul 2020, 03:58

I like that the poems' style are consistent throughout. The themes discussed are also realistically portrayed. Thanks for the wonderful review.

Unique Ego · Post by **Unique Ego** » 20 Jul 2020, 04:15

Though the review describes this anthology as a quest for inner peace, the time already scares me from the book. The cover page is also really unsettling.

Alexandros92 · Post by **Alexandros92** » 20 Jul 2020, 08:11

Sounds like one of these books that actually take the time to teach you something.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 20 Jul 2020, 14:15

Elvis Best wrote: ↑18 Jul 2020, 08:11 The beginning quote from the book sounds very inspiring and insightful to me. Looking over the errors and inconsistencies in this poetry collection, I'd say it sounds like a very interesting and thouhgt-provoking read. Thanks for this detailed review. Good job!

Thanks for your kind comments, Elvis.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 20 Jul 2020, 14:16

Lizziemarcel wrote: ↑18 Jul 2020, 13:03 Since this book talks about inner peace and tranquility, I'm interested and I'm adding it to my shelf. Great review.

Thanks for your comment.

Cecilia_L · Post by **Cecilia_L** » 20 Jul 2020, 14:16

Christieee wrote: ↑18 Jul 2020, 14:05 “To be at war with the mind is to be at war with life.”

This is a statement that deeply resonates with me. I think I would appreciate this book since I am a lover of poetry.

I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for commenting.