Review of Response From the Other Side

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ciecheesemeister
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Review of Response From the Other Side

Post by ciecheesemeister »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Response From the Other Side" by Michael Trudeau.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Response from the Other Side is a book of poetry by Michael Trudeau. The author states that the poems were written about his mental health challenges.

The poems have a rhyming scheme and read like song lyrics. I found myself setting them to music in my mind as I read them. I mentally interpreted these works with a variety of musical styles, like listening to a playlist.

For instance, the book’s namesake poem, “Response from the Other Side” reads like a rap.

I have had enough of you liar
I have become far too tired
Every time you try to climb higher
You fail and I am required
To come and pick up your pieces

I found myself wondering whether the liar referenced in the poem was another person or if it was a personification of the author’s mental health challenges. When people get down on themselves, I find myself telling them that their depression is lying to them and encouraging them not to give in to it. However, I don’t seem to be able to take my own advice.

The second poem, “Enslavement,” reads like a slow, melancholy melody.

Two paths divide through reality
And you wish to jump off the trail
And be left alone in your apathy
And looked down upon as a nobody
To where will these roads hail

As someone who wound up jumping off the trail of working for others earlier than expected due to mental and physical health issues, I relate to these words. I had a hard time figuring out who I was without my job to define me. I still have difficulty allowing myself to take breaks.

The author poses questions that have no right answer, leaving them open to the reader’s interpretation.

Can any man teach a lesson,
Are women worth the attention?

It’s difficult to tell if poetry has been professionally edited. These poems were written in a straightforward style and were easy to understand. There were no odd alternative spellings for common words. The e-book is well-formatted with clear breaks between each poem. Whether the author did all the editing and formatting himself or whether he had outside help, the result is a neat and professional product.

As someone who has endured a lifetime battle with my own mental health, I found the author’s work relatable. While I do enjoy reading classic sonnets and epic poetry and prose from authors of the past, I also appreciate modern poetry that has a rough-hewn, realistic, take no prisoners attitude. This book delivers.

Given the intense and powerful emotions expressed in these works, I am surprised that there is not an iota of profanity to be found. Personally, I would find it impossible to reveal pain of the magnitude expressed in these works without dropping a few f-bombs.

Readers who enjoy rough poetry with a jagged edge will appreciate this collection of words that hit like a sharp slap across the face. Those readers who prefer classical poetry forms would be better off choosing a different book.

I found nothing whatsoever to dislike about Response from the Other Side. I give it four out of four stars.

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Response From the Other Side
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Tarie07
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Post by Tarie07 »

Depression and mental illnesses are issues that should be taken very seriously if we are to put an end to a lot of suicide cases. According to the review, the author has taken the topic to great depths. Thank you for the review this is definitely something that i would like to read.
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Maliha Naveed
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Post by Maliha Naveed »

The subject is contemporary but the style is not very modern. Might be a good idea to read it. Good review.
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Post by Samuel NYANDWI »

I do appreciate this book as it is showing how believing in someone deeply can cause depression and l would like to read a whole book inorder to get it's meaning well. Actually I have loved this book while reading the review of it.
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Post by Uzo_Reviews »

Been a while a read poetic lines. I'll try this one out. Thank you
Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon
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Post by Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon »

Though, I am not a fan of poetry books. But I must commend you for a nice review.
Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon
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Post by Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon »

Though, I am not a fan of poetry books. But I must commend you for a nice review.
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Post by review-specialist »

Mental illness can really drain the energy from someone as they try to fight to decipher what is a lie and what the truth is. Thanks for the review.
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Astral Magi
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Post by Astral Magi »

I love poetry, but I am a bit skeptical about the dark undertones of the author's struggle with mental issues. Thank you for your review.
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Post by Elisa Joy Ocasla »

Mental health has been paramount in this day and age. It is something that should be preserved and not overlooked. Great review!
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Post by Luchris_michael »

Mental illness is one the things that scares me. It's good to have someone talk/write about it and it's nice to have it in a poetic form.
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Humera955
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Post by Humera955 »

Author has chosen a good topic for poetry.
Mental health issues need to be addressed . It is always better in a poetry form
Great review🍀
:tiphat:
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