Scan barcode
A review by justindaze
Purgatory: poems by Nicholas Trandahl
5.0
"Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life."
-Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace
I imagine the neighbors get annoyed when I read a new book of Nicholas Trandahl's poetry. There's no two ways about it. His poetry begs to be read aloud. Not just read aloud but stated loudly, eyes scanning an imaginary horizon, hands grasping and volleying between triumph and hopelessness in my tone.
It's important to note, also, that parts of this reading were paired with Brendan Eder Ensemble's album "Therapy."
On to the review!
It's not always possible to go for a good hike. Especially in the winter months, when I'm trying my best to stay warm and guard myself against sickness.
This is where Nicholas Treandahl comes in. His writing has a similar purifying effect to walking in the Kentucky old growth. It's not a perfect substitute for nature. Nothing is. But it helps.
"Purgatory" is another fantastic book of poetry. It is meant to be sipped slowly for invigoration, like a warm cup of coffee on a cold February morning.
It is full of alternating references to beautiful aspects of nature and religious imagery. The religious parts are particularly interesting to me. I approach these parts as I always have (even when I thought I might be religious or spiritual in any way): as an outsider. I come in as a curious interloper. I tiptoe close as a thief at night, come to steal the good stuff, and pass over the baggage. It's my nature.
I've never been hard-wired to spirituality, but I don't dismiss it. I recognize its importance and beauty, especially in a book like this.
Every poem was amazing. I read most of the book out loud, raising my arms with certain words. Sometimes my dogs would join in and add to the cacophony.
The book was great! Trandahl is a fantastic poet. I often approach his books with brittle leaves and exit green, vibrant, and shining.
If you like poetry or nature, you should grab this book. I can't wait to take it with me on a hike this spring and reread it. A true treasure!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #nicholastrandahl #purgatory
-Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace
I imagine the neighbors get annoyed when I read a new book of Nicholas Trandahl's poetry. There's no two ways about it. His poetry begs to be read aloud. Not just read aloud but stated loudly, eyes scanning an imaginary horizon, hands grasping and volleying between triumph and hopelessness in my tone.
It's important to note, also, that parts of this reading were paired with Brendan Eder Ensemble's album "Therapy."
On to the review!
It's not always possible to go for a good hike. Especially in the winter months, when I'm trying my best to stay warm and guard myself against sickness.
This is where Nicholas Treandahl comes in. His writing has a similar purifying effect to walking in the Kentucky old growth. It's not a perfect substitute for nature. Nothing is. But it helps.
"Purgatory" is another fantastic book of poetry. It is meant to be sipped slowly for invigoration, like a warm cup of coffee on a cold February morning.
It is full of alternating references to beautiful aspects of nature and religious imagery. The religious parts are particularly interesting to me. I approach these parts as I always have (even when I thought I might be religious or spiritual in any way): as an outsider. I come in as a curious interloper. I tiptoe close as a thief at night, come to steal the good stuff, and pass over the baggage. It's my nature.
I've never been hard-wired to spirituality, but I don't dismiss it. I recognize its importance and beauty, especially in a book like this.
Every poem was amazing. I read most of the book out loud, raising my arms with certain words. Sometimes my dogs would join in and add to the cacophony.
The book was great! Trandahl is a fantastic poet. I often approach his books with brittle leaves and exit green, vibrant, and shining.
If you like poetry or nature, you should grab this book. I can't wait to take it with me on a hike this spring and reread it. A true treasure!
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #booksbooksbooks #nicholastrandahl #purgatory