Strongest of the Litter: (The Hollyridge Press Chapbook Series)

I always find it hard to review poetry, due to its subjective nature, so please bear with me.I didn't really know what to expect with this chapbook, but I had a feeling it may be more of the same -- in relation to Franco's other works, namely his collection of short stories "Palo Alto" and his most recent effort "A California Childhood". Many of the themes and subjects he uses in his poetry are indeed reflections of his previous works. However, in lyric form, the topics are re-imagined and given new life.I liked the editing of the book, as the placement of the poems gave the book a nice rhythm and flow. Poems are placed to complement and enhance one another,and the juxtaposition provides new light for the poems. Initially I was unable to find much of a central theme, but then I realized I think his intent was more about using his many personae and his poetic voice to touch on seemingly disconnected topics (love, Moby Dick and Elizabeth Taylor) to bring the reader into his world and the connection that HE has to those things.You can see the influence of several poets, some more blatant than others, namely William Carlos Williams, Charles Bukowski and Allen Ginsberg.Some of my favorite poems include: "Seventh Grade", "When I Hit Thirty-Four", "Fifth Grade", "Paterson History", "Fake", "Nocturnal" and "Telephone".Overall, I think it's a great debut, and I am looking forward to his next book of poetry.

The poetry is okay...it is a bit disjointed. I had to read a few twice to "get them" The book is very thin, and soft cover, much smaller and shorter than I thought it would be I think it's 30 pages at most. Basically, if you're a James Franco fan get it just to have it. Its not going to change your world and may leave you scratching your head.

I like it. Not too much fiasco. Just living it. Alrighty. 9 more words required. 5 more words required. One. :)

A fun read and offers great insight into the mind of a great artist.

best collection of poetry since frank's lunch poems... shocked at how cool and beautiful it was while using the famous major arcana # for a book that told the journey for a new century. movie stars shouldn't be nailing poetry, film, and stage like a boss.

I did not discover until recently that James Franco was also a writer. I don't read a ton of poetry, because much of it does not hold my attention. Franco's poems, on the other hand, were gritty and haunting. His words didn't try to be pretty or flamboyant. I love his style. It feels simple, and at times, like random observations. But I think that's what makes it's so jarring.

love it

I bought this because I am a James Franco fan, but I am no judge of poetry. This slender book contains 24 poems which I found to be very accessible, and is another string to his bow.

Interesting.

Disappointed, at time of buying it stated that the book was signed and it wasn't. Book was thin for what you are paying and far too expensive!

Disappointed as it stated signed by ..,

Nice