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matthew_whiteman's review
funny
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
excellent collection. so much warmth in these poems, approachable and ordinary but just a little odd in a very endearing way. i really like the narrative sense tht comes thru in these, it’s as if berman has made this whole little town of his own for his poems to live in, filled with these curious characters. maybe i would feel different if I lived in the US lol.
the only thing holding this back from 5 stars is that some of the more straightforwardly prose poems don’t really land w me. w/o the kind of light interruptions of verse form they kinda blend together for me.
many great and unexpected one liners in those verse poems tho. can see myself coming back to this collection often for insp. need to actually buy it tho :/ fav poem was the charm of 5:30, but subject to change.
the only thing holding this back from 5 stars is that some of the more straightforwardly prose poems don’t really land w me. w/o the kind of light interruptions of verse form they kinda blend together for me.
many great and unexpected one liners in those verse poems tho. can see myself coming back to this collection often for insp. need to actually buy it tho :/ fav poem was the charm of 5:30, but subject to change.
jeremygoodjob's review
5.0
You can buy the PDF for this from the Drag City website; I printed it off at work five minutes before going home for COVID crisis.
jacobsite's review
5.0
Having recently discovered the music of David Berman and his two main projects, Silver Jews and Purple Mountain, it was hard for me not to be completely captivated by his writing style. Blunt, sad, unforgiving but with this bit of sly humor to it that gave his writing a unique style that I imagine has been the subject of replication by many a wannabe indie artist for over two decades now. So after listening to Purple Mountain and learning of Berman’s eventual 2019 suicide that came a month or two after the release of Purple Mountains, I started looking for more content of his, which leads me to Actual Air.
Now, let me say that this is not a perfect poetry collection, there are a couple non-starters for me in here. However, I’m giving this five stars because much like Berman’s music, this poetry is just undeniable for me, especially due to how personal reading this feels. The wit and sense of humor that is coupled with the writings on the absurdities of life we are all forced to go through. These poems feel like conversations with the cynical friend that, despite everything that is thrown at them, they are always there to listen to you and are there for you. This is a big part of what really drew me into Berman’s music, so if any of this sounds like something that would interest you, please give it a shot. Also, listen to some of his music, it’s phenomenal. Rest in Peace, David.
Now, let me say that this is not a perfect poetry collection, there are a couple non-starters for me in here. However, I’m giving this five stars because much like Berman’s music, this poetry is just undeniable for me, especially due to how personal reading this feels. The wit and sense of humor that is coupled with the writings on the absurdities of life we are all forced to go through. These poems feel like conversations with the cynical friend that, despite everything that is thrown at them, they are always there to listen to you and are there for you. This is a big part of what really drew me into Berman’s music, so if any of this sounds like something that would interest you, please give it a shot. Also, listen to some of his music, it’s phenomenal. Rest in Peace, David.
theoglibrarianmom's review
5.0
So so good. Oooooof! There were so many lines that had me go, "damn. That's good writing."
One of my favorite lines:
I hired a detective to investigate myself.
It was an act of religious passion.
He's probably here at this party-watching me.
One of my favorite lines:
I hired a detective to investigate myself.
It was an act of religious passion.
He's probably here at this party-watching me.
everyonespal's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
“To the days beyond this one which are still perfect.
Come on.”
stunning. Beautifully written Berman was a talented songwriter and poet. I wish we had more.
Highlights for me
Governors of sominex
Classic water
The charm of 5:30
New York, New York
Self portrait at 28
Now II
the double bell of heat
Come on.”
stunning. Beautifully written Berman was a talented songwriter and poet. I wish we had more.
Highlights for me
Governors of sominex
Classic water
The charm of 5:30
New York, New York
Self portrait at 28
Now II
the double bell of heat
ben_price07's review
5.0
one of the most delightful books of poetry/fiction/perspectives i’ve read in my short little life.