Review of Clapping

[Anu Anand]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Clapping" by Kristin Law.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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I don’t usually read poetry. Poetry often feels like it is speaking a different language, full of meanings that can change depending on how you look at it. For me, it is like trying to piece together a puzzle where each word holds a thousand interpretations. I often struggle to find what the author is really trying to say, especially since poems tend to say so much in just a few short lines. But this time, I decided to give it a shot and picked up “Clapping: A Collection of Poems” by Kristin Law.

It is a collection of 5 poems: ‘Innocence,’ ‘Blossoming,’ ‘Withering,’ ‘Expansion,’ and ‘Renewal.’ Each poem is rich with imagery and metaphor. In my view, the first poem, ‘Innocence,’ reflects on the journey of growing up and the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with it. The poet is reflecting on how innocence once lost can never truly be regained. Life experiences, mistakes, choices, etc., shape who we become, and this change is a part of growing up and understanding the world in a deeper, sometimes harder way. It is something many of us can relate to as we move through different phases of life.

In the poem ‘Blossoming,’ the speaker navigates through moments of desire, societal pressure, and intimate connections, illustrating how life and love, while magical and alluring, are also full of contradictions and complexities. This poem contains borderline sensual images. The third poem, ‘Withering,’ is my favorite, and I could relate to the feeling of it more. A feeling of disconnection from everything, lost in life’s journey, with no guidance or help, fear of leading to disaster. Like not knowing your place in the world, searching for meaning amidst the chaos. This is also a feeling many of us can relate to. This poem has darker philosophical elements.

The fourth poem, ‘Expansion,’ speaks of growth and transformation, both personal and societal. It takes us through different historical and cultural settings, looking at different aspects of life, from war to recovery, from oppression to liberation, and from chaos to order. The poem reflects on resilience and the transformative power of time. The fifth and final poem, ‘Renewal,’ explores a deeper sense of understanding, acceptance, and peace. Life is full of challenges, and the speaker acknowledges the difficult and unclear paths they have traveled. Things that were once confusing and disorganized are now clearing up, and a sense of clarity is found. A sense of peace and enlightenment, a feeling of unity with the universe.

I felt like all five poems explain different stages of life. First, beginning with innocence and how life teaches us many lessons. And then the longing for connection, and the relief and complexity that come along with it. Then the feeling of confusion and disconnection that happens before the stage of realization settles in. We reflect on who we are and how far we have come. And then, at last, the experience it brings, that is, the renewal. This is what I got from reading the poems. In a way, the poem gave me a bit of solace and hope. And there is nothing I dislike about this book, and the editing is also impeccable. I rate this book 5 out of 5 for the rich experience it gave me.

Give it a try if you are a fan of poetry, and who knows, you might even come up with a whole new meaning for these poems. Like I said earlier, poetry speaks to everyone differently, and each reader can interpret it in their own way.

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Clapping
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Jelani Trotter]

This commentary on the poetry collection beautifully captures the emotional depth and universal relatability of the themes. Your interpretation of 'Innocence' as a poignant exploration of growth and the loss that shapes us sets the stage for the collection’s introspection. I’m intrigued by how 'Blossoming' balances the allure of love and life with their contradictions, creating a layered, sensual narrative. Your favorite, 'Withering,' seems particularly impactful, delving into existential struggles and the search for meaning, resonating with anyone who has felt lost in life’s complexities. The collection appears to offer a compelling emotional and philosophical journey.

[Kelvin Omollo]

You're right; a line in poetry can pass right over your head, and you have no idea lol. But this genre is rich in spotting and highlighting shortcomings in society. Their metaphoric approach is always my best part. Your review is wonderful.

[Seetha E]

I appreciate your upfront admission about poetry. It is that very reason that appeals to me; the fact that there is so much meaning in a few lines and to each reader it can mean something totally different. Your synopsis makes "Clapping" very appealing. I look forward to read and review this one. Very well-written and informative review. Thank you.

[Julie Marie Basil]

You did a wonderful job describing this poetry and the feelings that it evokes. I have been enjoying reading more poetry lately and will have to add this book to my list.

[Priya Murugesan]

I nearly picked this book up. As a lover of poetry, this sounds like a wonderful book. Like you said, poetry speaks a different language to different people. Thanks for your review!

[Lene Lena]

Your exploration of “Clapping: A Collection of Poems” by Kristin Law highlights the complexities of poetry. The themes of innocence and growth resonate deeply, illustrating how life experiences shape our understanding. Your willingness to engage with poetry despite its challenges is commendable and enriches your literary journey.

[Bettny Andrade]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Clapping" by Kristin Law.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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I don’t usually read poetry. Poetry often feels like it is speaking a different language, full of meanings that can change depending on how you look at it. For me, it is like trying to piece together a puzzle where each word holds a thousand interpretations. I often struggle to find what the author is really trying to say, especially since poems tend to say so much in just a few short lines. But this time, I decided to give it a shot and picked up “Clapping: A Collection of Poems” by Kristin Law.

It is a collection of 5 poems: ‘Innocence,’ ‘Blossoming,’ ‘Withering,’ ‘Expansion,’ and ‘Renewal.’ Each poem is rich with imagery and metaphor. In my view, the first poem, ‘Innocence,’ reflects on the journey of growing up and the inevitable loss of innocence that comes with it. The poet is reflecting on how innocence once lost can never truly be regained. Life experiences, mistakes, choices, etc., shape who we become, and this change is a part of growing up and understanding the world in a deeper, sometimes harder way. It is something many of us can relate to as we move through different phases of life.

In the poem ‘Blossoming,’ the speaker navigates through moments of desire, societal pressure, and intimate connections, illustrating how life and love, while magical and alluring, are also full of contradictions and complexities. This poem contains borderline sensual images. The third poem, ‘Withering,’ is my favorite, and I could relate to the feeling of it more. A feeling of disconnection from everything, lost in life’s journey, with no guidance or help, fear of leading to disaster. Like not knowing your place in the world, searching for meaning amidst the chaos. This is also a feeling many of us can relate to. This poem has darker philosophical elements.

The fourth poem, ‘Expansion,’ speaks of growth and transformation, both personal and societal. It takes us through different historical and cultural settings, looking at different aspects of life, from war to recovery, from oppression to liberation, and from chaos to order. The poem reflects on resilience and the transformative power of time. The fifth and final poem, ‘Renewal,’ explores a deeper sense of understanding, acceptance, and peace. Life is full of challenges, and the speaker acknowledges the difficult and unclear paths they have traveled. Things that were once confusing and disorganized are now clearing up, and a sense of clarity is found. A sense of peace and enlightenment, a feeling of unity with the universe.

I felt like all five poems explain different stages of life. First, beginning with innocence and how life teaches us many lessons. And then the longing for connection, and the relief and complexity that come along with it. Then the feeling of confusion and disconnection that happens before the stage of realization settles in. We reflect on who we are and how far we have come. And then, at last, the experience it brings, that is, the renewal. This is what I got from reading the poems. In a way, the poem gave me a bit of solace and hope. And there is nothing I dislike about this book, and the editing is also impeccable. I rate this book 5 out of 5 for the rich experience it gave me.

Give it a try if you are a fan of poetry, and who knows, you might even come up with a whole new meaning for these poems. Like I said earlier, poetry speaks to everyone differently, and each reader can interpret it in their own way.

******
Clapping
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I also don't read much poetry. However, if I like it, I like to analyze what the author felt when writing it, what I feel, or what the general meaning of the work would be. This seems to be a beautiful work with 5 very well-done parts. Thank you for your review.

[Sarah Zain]

Seems like my type of book. Recently I tend to read more poetry. Your review's details gave me enough info to add it to my list. Thank you

[Louis Donald]

Poetry usually isn't my go-to, but the way these poems explore different life stages sounds like something I could connect with. The themes of growth, confusion, and eventual renewal are relatable. I might give it a try, especially since it seems to offer some comfort and hope.

[Pearl Flourish]

Kristin Law’s “Clapping: A Collection of Poems” offers a rich tapestry of imagery and metaphor, guiding readers through life’s stages—from innocence to renewal. Each poem resonates with universal experiences, making it a compelling read for both poetry enthusiasts and newcomers.

[George Bastem]

It sounds like a thoughtful collection that reflects different life stages. The way the poems explore themes like innocence, growth, and renewal gives them a deep, relatable quality. If you’re not typically into poetry, this might be a good one to try; especially if you’re interested in personal transformation and life's complexities.

[Mark Lazarus]

I totally understand what you mean about poetry feeling like a different language sometimes. It’s so layered that different readers can take completely different meanings from the same poem. But from the way you described this collection, it sounds more like a journey—one that reflects the different stages of life, from innocence to longing, confusion, and ultimately finding peace.

The idea of a poem like Withering capturing that lost, disconnected feeling is something I think a lot of people can relate to. And Renewal sounds like it brings everything full circle in a way that offers a sense of closure. I like that the poems seem to build on each other rather than just being standalone pieces.

I don’t read poetry often either, but this actually sounds like something I’d be open to trying. It seems thoughtful, immersive, and open-ended enough that every reader could find their own meaning in it.