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Reviews for
Boy Kant You Read
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle
Boy, Kant You Read! is a compelling book of poetry by Aubrey E Drummond, expressed in free-form verses and labeled with titles and dates that correspond to the period in which the piece was written or copyrighted. The author includes some observations during his life, speaking out about his experiences with racism and his hope for unity in America. Other topics in his work consider missed chances, grief, and loss. Drummond includes the dialect of his area in many poems and several selections about a romance are written in lovely detail. Drummond dedicated the book to his late wife, and some verses seem to be about her. Emotions spill across the pages as Aubrey E Drummond expresses his views. Some verses echo notes of practical advice, while others shed light on the effects of racism and the mentality of a man who has seen decades of it in different forms. Even though the lines don't rhyme, they have a definite rhythm, and the author toys with acrostic placement and a fantasy piece in a couple of his poems. In the introduction, Drummond mentions he was influenced by Langston Hughes and dedicates a poem to him. In some pieces, like Spirit Death, the author uses deep imagery and lures the reader in with lines like "bashing it about the cold iron cells of unending lies." Drummond's work is powerful, relevant, and easy to read. Readers who like realistic poetry in free verse will enjoy Boy, Kant You Read!
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye
Boy, Kant You Read! is a collection of succinct and thoughtful poems that reflect Aubrey E Drummond's mindset and thoughts on a variety of experiences. A poem titled President depicts a "colored child" who laughs at a teacher's statement about working hard enough to become president in 1968 and depicts a joyful celebration in 2008. In Money, Drummond shares his views on the destructive effect of money on the human spirit. The poem ends with some words of advice on when to spend money and when not. Bitter False Twin Dreams is about a dreadful moment involving loss and guilt. A mother grieves while the protagonist expresses seeing the representation of a painful act on his hands. In Holy, the reader is transported into a church scene involving the bang of tambourines. Aubrey's riveting collection contains poems about different topics, including education, prejudice, politics, money, home ownership, loss, church, and more. Aubrey E Drummond speaks straight from the heart and doesn't bother with complex words that might alienate part of his audience. The poems are usually made up of short lines that tell intriguing stories and deep, meaningful messages. One particular poem, which mostly consists of one or two words in each line, brings attention to the frustration associated with lengthened obligations. It reminded me of the chores that seemed endless in childhood. From poems that evoke vivid images in the mind to words that describe intriguing memories and smart comments on social issues, Boy, Kant You Read! is a skillfully written collection that will appeal to a broad audience. Both poetry enthusiasts and individuals who are not core fans of poetry will love this book with its concise and carefully selected words and stories!
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka
Aubrey E. Drummond draws on his life experiences to present a moving collection of poems with Boy, Kant You Read! Written in an authentic style using free verse, these poems tell the story of a life filled with the good and the bad, love and hate, layered with bittersweet moments one never forgets. The titular poem "Boy, Kant You Read!" recounts the experiences of a black child facing the ramifications of segregation. "Cancer" is a heartbreaking poem about losing a loved one to the disease. "I Should Be Afraid" calls out one particularly divisive leader in America. "One Nation" is a moving poem calling for unity under one flag regardless of race, religion, or gender. "When I Look at You" is a beautiful ode to someone the narrator cares about. Boy, Kant You Read! is a deeply personal and intimate collection of poems. Aubrey E. Drummond pours his heart into these mesmerizing verses that offer readers a glimpse into a fully lived life. Through his poetry, the author also touches upon some vital social issues that are still relevant today. Drummond displays a distinctive lyrical flair that is unique and very immersive to the reader. This type of confessional poetry makes you contemplate your own place in this world. There is a relatable quality to Drummond's poetic storytelling that you can't help but love. I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of poems and found it very inspiring and illuminating. If you love reading poetry, especially confessional poetry, this is what you're looking for.
Reviews for
Eating 'Round the Toilet Stool
Reviewed by K. C. Finn
Eating 'Round the Toilet Stool is a work of collected poetry in the grief, slice of life, and expressive writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Aubrey E. Drummond, this interesting work is a soul-stirring poetry collection delving into themes of love, life, grief, and death through the lens of a black man's perspective, offering poignant reflections and emotional depth. Drummond uses a unique perspective and charismatic writing style to craft an immersive journey into the raw emotions and intricate complexities of life. Each verse pulsates with vivid imagery and profound introspection, inviting readers to explore the depths of human experience through some stunning wordplay and symbolic imagery. Drummond's ability to blend reality and fantasy creates a rich tapestry that resonates long after the final pages are turned, conjuring visions in readers’ minds of populated scenes where emotions are on full display. Some of my particular favorites included the optimism and awakening in the simple but highly effective ‘Fresh Paint’ and the deeply empowering ‘Half Wing’ which speaks strongly of supporting others. As I delved deeper into the collection, I was captivated by the honesty and vulnerability of the author’s words, which spoke directly to the heart. Overall, Eating 'Round the Toilet Stool is a poetry collection that is ideal for readers seeking a visceral and honest exploration of the human condition, and it offers solace, insight, and catharsis to anyone willing to embark on this unforgettable literary journey.
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka
Aubrey E. Drummond brings readers another enthralling collection of poems. Following his debut collection Boy, Kant You Read!, Eating 'Round the Toilet Stool is an absorbing and eclectic collection of poems. The book opens with 'Yellow Sandy Hair,' a nostalgic poem celebrating the memory of a loved one. In 'The Voice,' the narrator looks into aspects of the self that got left behind over time. Not all things can be replaced by the new -- beautifully expressed in 'Old Shoes.' 'Coming Home' is a short yet touching poem about a family member returning home from war. The narrator expresses his deepest desires in 'What I Hunger For.' The spark of creativity and innovation strikes in unforeseen ways, wonderfully demonstrated through the poem 'Inspiration.' One of the many things I enjoy about Aubrey E. Drummond's poetry is his honest and bold approach to the verses. Structurally and even tonally, Drummond's poems may differ, yet the larger narrative always feels well-defined and traverses the broad spectrum of observational and confessional poetry. The author crafts stanzas about seemingly mundane things in life and makes them emotionally effective and relatable to the reader. This is clearly evident in the poem 'Old Shoes.' Aside from his intimate slice-of-life poetry, Drummond doesn't hesitate to shed light on relevant social issues through his poems. The titular poem finishes the collection with a dose of humor and heart and almost feels like a gentle message to the reader about enjoying the little things in life. In conclusion, Eating 'Round the Toilet Stool is another gem of a poetry collection by Aubrey E. Drummond and one that I will heartily recommend.
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila
Aubrey E Drummond's collection of poems, Eating 'Round the Toilet Stool, is a deeply emotional and reflective work inspired by his late wife Kathleen Ann Drummond. The poems explore a range of themes, from love and sacrifice to overcoming adversity and appreciating life's moments. It features imagery of a ballerina who is unappreciated by her lover, as well as a journey through different stages of life. These provide a poignant and introspective exploration of the human experience, highlighting the importance of gratitude and resilience. The author delves into the struggles of the oppressed who seek freedom, the fulfillment of childhood dreams, and the challenges of maturity. The book includes sad poems about bidding farewell to loved ones and reaching the end of the road. Readers will also find poems about hunger for love and passion, and a lesson from Grandma on the importance of food and praising the Lord. Eating 'Round the Toilet Stool provides a touching and poignant exploration of Aubrey E Drummond’s relationship with Kathleen and the impact she had on his life. It is his second collection, and it evokes a spectrum of emotions. Through heartfelt reflections and well-crafted storytelling, readers are taken on a profound journey through the intricacies of life, allowing them to resonate with its raw and emotional essence. The poems beautifully encapsulate the ups and downs of life, urging readers to embrace every moment, whether it brings happiness or sadness. They will be moved by the emotional depth and wisdom woven throughout this poetry collection, leaving a lasting impact on them. Overall, I enjoyed this collection because it is relatable and unique.