Review of Mexico

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Joule Mwendwa
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Review of Mexico

Post by Joule Mwendwa »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mexico" by Esther Cohen.]
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4 out of 5 stars
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Mexico by Esther Cohen is a short poetry book about adventures in Mexico. The poem is in first-person perspective. The persona and her husband are from the US and are vacationing in Mexico. Their first destination was Oaxaca, where the poem describes its activities, like making silk and how colorful the place is. The poem's second and third places are Mexico City and San Miguel. Here, the persona in the poem gets to draw a picture of these places and their settings. She talks about the adventurous sites and restaurants they visited, the type of food they were offered, and all their interactions with strangers and friends.

One positive aspect of the poem is that it features comics. Several instances in the book made me chuckle. One of these amusing instances is on page 26, where the persona explains how she was confused to see crashed airport eggs on the menu only to realize it meant scrambled eggs. I also liked the vivid description of the Mexican adventures in the poem. The poem narrows down every detail so that you can visualize the scenes being described. Furthermore, as it talked about the positives of Mexico, it also tackled some negatives, such as Mexicans' complaints about corruption in their government. That created a balance because nothing is purely perfect.

However, as much as I enjoyed the poem, I found something I wouldn't say I liked. I understand the poets' freedom to either include punctuation or fail to do that in their poems. However, in this one, some lines were punctuated while others weren't. That confused me because I couldn't tell if it was an error or the author's writing style. I suggest that the sentences be punctuated, or every thought should be placed on its own line if the author chooses not to include punctuation so that fusion of sentences, as seen in a good part of this book, is avoided.

For the above negative, I will deduct a star from my rating. I rate Mexico 4 out of 5 stars. The poem was professionally edited, and I recommend it to lovers of adventure poems.

******
Mexico
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The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela
Banlanjo Cecilia
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Post by Banlanjo Cecilia »

Certainly! "Mexico" by Esther Cohen is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the rich and vibrant culture of Mexico. The poet's language is both descriptive and evocative, transporting the reader to the colorful landscapes and lively streets of the country.

The poem begins with an inviting tone, immediately drawing the reader in. Cohen's use of vivid imagery helps paint a picture of Mexico, and her choice of words creates a sense of warmth and welcoming. The poem effortlessly captures the essence of the country, highlighting its diverse traditions, flavors, and music.

One of the notable aspects of this poem is the poet's attention to detail. Cohen meticulously highlights various elements of Mexican culture - from the bustling markets filled with fragrant spices to the traditional dances celebrated during festive occasions. Each line feels carefully constructed, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Mexico.

Furthermore, the poem showcases Cohen's genuine appreciation for the people of Mexico. The way she portrays their warmth, hospitality, and zest for life is heartwarming. Through her words, the reader can feel a sense of connection with the Mexican people and their vibrant spirit.

In terms of structure, the poem flows smoothly, with each stanza seamlessly leading into the next. The consistent rhythm and pacing contribute to the overall pleasant reading experience. Cohen's choice to utilize simple language also adds to the accessibility and relatability of the poem.

Overall, "Mexico" by Esther Cohen is a delightful poem that beautifully captures the essence of Mexico and its culture. It invites readers to embrace the country's diversity, traditions, and zest for life. Cohen's descriptive language and genuine appreciation make this poem an enjoyable and immersive experience for anyone who reads it
MercyNdungu
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Post by MercyNdungu »

Joule Mwendwa wrote: 08 Aug 2023, 07:21 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mexico" by Esther Cohen.]
Book Cover
4 out of 5 stars
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Mexico by Esther Cohen is a short poetry book about adventures in Mexico. The poem is in first-person perspective. The persona and her husband are from the US and are vacationing in Mexico. Their first destination was Oaxaca, where the poem describes its activities, like making silk and how colorful the place is. The poem's second and third places are Mexico City and San Miguel. Here, the persona in the poem gets to draw a picture of these places and their settings. She talks about the adventurous sites and restaurants they visited, the type of food they were offered, and all their interactions with strangers and friends.

One positive aspect of the poem is that it features comics. Several instances in the book made me chuckle. One of these amusing instances is on page 26, where the persona explains how she was confused to see crashed airport eggs on the menu only to realize it meant scrambled eggs. I also liked the vivid description of the Mexican adventures in the poem. The poem narrows down every detail so that you can visualize the scenes being described. Furthermore, as it talked about the positives of Mexico, it also tackled some negatives, such as Mexicans' complaints about corruption in their government. That created a balance because nothing is purely perfect.

However, as much as I enjoyed the poem, I found something I wouldn't say I liked. I understand the poets' freedom to either include punctuation or fail to do that in their poems. However, in this one, some lines were punctuated while others weren't. That confused me because I couldn't tell if it was an error or the author's writing style. I suggest that the sentences be punctuated, or every thought should be placed on its own line if the author chooses not to include punctuation so that fusion of sentences, as seen in a good part of this book, is avoided.

For the above negative, I will deduct a star from my rating. I rate Mexico 4 out of 5 stars. The poem was professionally edited, and I recommend it to lovers of adventure poems.

******
Mexico
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Your review on "Mexico" by Esther Cohen provides a balanced and insightful perspective on the poetry book. You've effectively summarized the content and structure of the book, highlighting its focus on the persona's adventures in Mexico and their vivid descriptions of places, activities, and interactions.Thank you for sharing your thoughtful and balanced review on "Mexico." Your feedback adds depth to the discussion of this poetry book and provides insights for prospective readers.
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