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embot77's review against another edition
5.0
As a connoisseur of poetry, I've had the pleasure of delving into countless collections, but few have left me as spellbound as John Murillo's "Up Jump the Boogie." This five-star masterpiece is a testament to Murillo's undeniable talent and his ability to craft verse that transcends mere words, reaching deep into the soul of the reader.
One of the standout poems in this collection is "Stolen Starlight Lounge Sutra," a mesmerizing piece that showcases Murillo's mastery of language and form. Through the clever use of repetition, rhythm, and enjambment, Murillo creates a hauntingly beautiful melody that lingers long after the final stanza. The poem's impulse to sing of endurance within negative space is executed flawlessly, drawing readers into a world where every word is a note in a symphony of emotion.
What sets Murillo's poetry apart is his meticulous attention to detail. Almost every line holds an idea, a revelation waiting to be uncovered by the discerning reader. Each word is carefully chosen, each phrase meticulously crafted to evoke a specific emotion or thought. It's this level of craftsmanship that sets "Up Jump the Boogie" apart from other collections, elevating it to the realm of timeless art.
But perhaps the most valuable takeaway from Murillo's work is his innovative approach to poetic form. In "Up Jump the Boogie," he seamlessly combines elements of a cento with a bop or a musical groove, creating a unique fusion of form and function that is both captivating and thought-provoking. It's a testament to Murillo's creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional poetry, resulting in a collection that feels fresh and exciting with each turn of the page.
In conclusion, "Up Jump the Boogie" is a tour de force of poetic brilliance that demands to be read and reread, savored and cherished. John Murillo's words have a way of burrowing into the deepest recesses of the mind, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's perception of imprisonment.
One of the standout poems in this collection is "Stolen Starlight Lounge Sutra," a mesmerizing piece that showcases Murillo's mastery of language and form. Through the clever use of repetition, rhythm, and enjambment, Murillo creates a hauntingly beautiful melody that lingers long after the final stanza. The poem's impulse to sing of endurance within negative space is executed flawlessly, drawing readers into a world where every word is a note in a symphony of emotion.
What sets Murillo's poetry apart is his meticulous attention to detail. Almost every line holds an idea, a revelation waiting to be uncovered by the discerning reader. Each word is carefully chosen, each phrase meticulously crafted to evoke a specific emotion or thought. It's this level of craftsmanship that sets "Up Jump the Boogie" apart from other collections, elevating it to the realm of timeless art.
But perhaps the most valuable takeaway from Murillo's work is his innovative approach to poetic form. In "Up Jump the Boogie," he seamlessly combines elements of a cento with a bop or a musical groove, creating a unique fusion of form and function that is both captivating and thought-provoking. It's a testament to Murillo's creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of traditional poetry, resulting in a collection that feels fresh and exciting with each turn of the page.
In conclusion, "Up Jump the Boogie" is a tour de force of poetic brilliance that demands to be read and reread, savored and cherished. John Murillo's words have a way of burrowing into the deepest recesses of the mind, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's perception of imprisonment.
ismildlypoetic's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
4 stars = I loved it!
I read this book for a class, but it's truly some of my favorite poetry I've ever read. Murillo is amazing at playing with sound, and his more narrative poems I'll find myself coming back to reread for years.
This has nothing to do with the actual poetry, but the wide margins are slightly-too-tiny text bothered the heck out of me for the first few poems, but I got used to the font size at least.
I read this book for a class, but it's truly some of my favorite poetry I've ever read. Murillo is amazing at playing with sound, and his more narrative poems I'll find myself coming back to reread for years.
This has nothing to do with the actual poetry, but the wide margins are slightly-too-tiny text bothered the heck out of me for the first few poems, but I got used to the font size at least.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
gvenezia's review against another edition
1.0
Very underwhelming. I first read Murillo in a poetry collection and was so captured by his reflections on nature, the function of memory, and nostalgic empathy that I bought this collection without a thought. Unfortunately this collection is tonally and thematically very different. Just not my cup of tea.
bwaymadeline's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
mdill's review against another edition
4.0
A multi-dimensional exploration of culture- family, music, art, soul- that is poignantly breathtaking. A must read.
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