Official Review: Best Evidence by Mark S. Osaki

Post by **Ntokozo Joy Ndlovu** » 23 Mar 2023, 20:53

It is unfortunate that the poetry comes off as sexist to you. I would have thought we would chalk it up to creative freedom, despite how discriminative as it may sound. But I agree, it does take a bit away from the work. Thanks for the review.

Sophia Mcpherson · Post by **Sophia Mcpherson** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:02

Great review, love this author's poems they take you to different places. The first section deals with the Asian-American experience, the second and third focus on war, and the final section covers a mix of themes. The poems are powerful and evocative, drawing attention to important topics such as the psychological trauma experienced by Vietnamese people in America and the experience of being an Asian-American in a predominantly white America

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:11

I don't generally read anything where the focus of ethnic or gender issues are focal points. As a I am a member of the minority (Native American woman), the mistreatment of people doesn't happen like the media portrays it to be. I will likely pass on the BOTD.

Josephe-Anne · Post by **Josephe-Anne** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:12

I really do love poetry, and I am fascinated to hear Mr. Osaki's thoughts about the Vietnam War and his experiences as an Asian-American. Growing up in the United States, I'm sure that there were many differences between his worldview and those of his parents. I understand your point about him using sexist language to refer to women. Unfortunately, many old-fashioned people have a habit of using stereotypes to describe women.

G D H · Post by **G D H** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:17

I love a sensational read any day. To convey emotions of the highest kind, prose poems, a genre I am equally versed in, work like magic. Exploring every niche of what one feels is psychological bravery at its finest. But as concerns Osaki, I hope he doesn’t stop there, for awareness should induce the need for some inner work to allow for ‘right thinking’ and ’right living.’ Downranking women by his use of language tells me more about the struggles in his head than about women, which I hope to see him get past. Thanks for such a nice review.

MsChet Cherry · Post by **MsChet Cherry** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:19

A prose embedded with great stories and personal experiences sounds very insightful.
I wonder how his Asian-American story enfolded.
Thanks for the awesome review and congrats to the author.

Post by **Anna_Hernandez** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:23

After sampling the book, I know it's definitely not for me, but I found your review to be intriguing and helpful in understanding the subject choice. 'The Fish Heads' is a very peculiar title and subject for poetry

Thank you for your honest review so female readers know what they're getting into.

todwyer01 · Post by **todwyer01** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:34

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting collection of poems with themes focusing on evoking powerful emotions such as the Vietnam War and Asian American prejudices in America. It might be worth a second look. Well done.

Sirajuddin A · Post by **Sirajuddin A** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:39

The best thing about this book is its portrayal of topics in prose poetry, and preferable for Asian Americans.

Leonie Vermaak · Post by **Leonie Vermaak** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:57

This book sounds interesting but I'm not a poetry fan so I'll give this a skip. I'm sure this will be a great read for someone that love poetry and drama. Thanks for a detailed review.

Rachel Bush · Post by **Rachel Bush** » 23 Mar 2023, 21:58

I feel this book is lyrical and potent such as the works of Edgar Allen Poe. I feel that the poems speak about the author's life experiences and how they had a profound effect on him. This is a book I definitely want to keep reading.

Post by **Wayne Njoroge** » 23 Mar 2023, 22:07

A book that portrays the magnificence of poetry as an art form. Congrats on being BOTD.

Heather Haynes 2 · Post by **Heather Haynes 2** » 23 Mar 2023, 23:07

I'm not a big fan of poetry to begin with, but I read the sample pages with an open mind. However, it wasn't until I read your review that I was able to understand the premise and perspective of each poem, so thank you for the "translation."

Goodness Azuka · Post by **Goodness Azuka** » 23 Mar 2023, 23:11

I've never heard of a poetry prose. I also love the fact that it's a short book. Those reasons are intriguing enough. Although, a book that shades women and speaks negavtivities about them is a no for me. Besides, I appreciate this review. Congratulations on winning BOTD.

Adrian Rondon Salazar · Post by **Adrian Rondon Salazar** » 23 Mar 2023, 23:14

It is essential to seek to learn about the perspectives of people from cultures different from our own. Osaki captures in one of the poems the stereotypes of Asian Americans. I don't tend to connect with poems written in prose, but I would like to give this collection of poems a chance. Thanks for the review.