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Black Coffee
In Black Coffee, Verity Grey masterfully melds poetry with photography to explore themes of sorrow, rage, betrayal, and recovery. This collection stands out for its emotional depth, with poems like “just a taste,” “sore,” and “because they all look the same to me,” offering poignant reflections on deception, betrayal, and love altered by loss.
Grey’s poetic style is eclectic, ranging from freeform to standard meter, sometimes echoing the rhythm of lyrical compositions. This variety ensures that each poem resonates uniquely, allowing Grey to communicate intense emotions through succinct yet powerful language. The author’s ability to articulate complex feelings in a few lines is reminiscent of renowned poets such as Poe, Frost, and Longfellow, making Verity Grey a noteworthy addition to this illustrious group. As a member of the “hurt and hurting” to whom the book is dedicated, I found my own experiences and emotions reflected in these pages. Grey captures the essence of loss, pain, rage, and sorrow, not through abstract or flat depictions but in a manner that feels visceral and guttural. It’s a rare skill to convey the surreal nature of emotional abstraction so effectively in writing. The compelling blend of tragedy and beauty in Grey’s poetry would make contributing to the book’s final presentation a privilege.
Black Coffee is more than a poetry collection; it’s a beacon of understanding and reassurance for those familiar with life’s darker shades. It’s a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and anyone drawn to the exploration of deep emotional landscapes. The book’s ability to connect with readers who have tread similar paths of heartache is its greatest strength.
Pages: 278 | ISBN: 978-1-960876-44-7
Hands of the Maker
Hands of the Maker, by Swinn Daniels, the captivating second installment of The Dark Photography Folio, further immerses readers in the enchanting world of photography. Saxon Payne’s lens captures the essence of his enigmatic client, Daizu. Juliette’s quest to uncover her past takes an unexpected turn, leading Saxon toward a new and alluring figure, Persephone. Simultaneously, Saxon’s history resurfaces, adding an extra layer of complexity to his journey.
While the first book primarily revolved around Juliette, this installment beautifully shifts its focus to Saxon. However, it still provides valuable insights into other characters’ perspectives, particularly Maxine. While her backstory is shared through expository dialogue, I believe a more gradual and seamlessly crafted unveiling could have further deepened the intrigue and mystique surrounding her character. Nonetheless, the glimpses of Saxon’s past, as well as the intriguing Airstream Series shoot involving Saxon, Mason, and Mia, held my fascination. The gradual revelation of Mason’s inner turmoil and the introduction of Rider left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their story.
One delightful aspect to note is that while Juliette’s and Saxon’s narrative arcs are left open-ended in this installment, leaving room for even more exploration in the upcoming chapters. The intricate tapestry of Saxon, Mason, and Mia’s storylines, while tantalizing, merely hints at the depth of their potential. It’s quite conceivable that these threads are intricately interwoven with Juliette’s journey, promising readers an exciting and highly anticipated revelation in the third book.
I relished the opportunity to explore this richly developed world further. The second book bursts with heightened action that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. While conflicts do arise, I feel they maintain a certain one-sided dynamic, which, in its own way, adds a unique layer of suspense and anticipation to the narrative. Even so, the story remains engaging, as the outcome seems evident despite the narrative twists and turns crafted by Daniels.
Daniels divided this story into thirds to create a trilogy, allowing for a more immersive and expansive exploration of the characters and their interconnected tales, leaving us eager for the next installment. Hands of the Maker is a fantastic follow-up to Daniels’ first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0973CW95K
The Story Inside The Story
Mumentous is a fascinating book about the history and the culture surrounding homecoming mums. Where did the idea for this book come from?
Thank you!
Before I decided to write a book, I was first drawn to homecoming mums as a subject matter to photograph. They are, after all, visually stunning! But I really just wanted to understand why without judgement, and I think the only way to do that is to be quiet and pay attention. The camera lens helps me be present in this way. I can hone in on details I might never have otherwise noticed, zoom out and take in relevant context, and begin to discern what is tertiary or immaterial. Another way of saying this is that when I decide to take a photograph, I’m making a promise to look for the story inside the story.
As I mention in the book, it all began when I asked a good friend if I could join her at a mum-making session hosted by a local high school marching band booster club. The club was selling mums as a fundraiser for the band in which her daughter was a member. I helped cut ribbons, but mostly I took photos and listened to the group, all women, whose camaraderie and work ethic were equally palpable. It was like I had discovered a secret quilting bee, which completely surprised and enchanted me. I realized then that I not only needed my camera to fully unpack the tradition but it would take lots of conversations and research, too.
In terms of taking a creative direction, I made one decision early on that made all the difference. If you search the internet for images of people wearing homecoming mums, you will only see one kind of photo: kids in mums standing still and smiling for the camera. A homecoming mum is many things, but it is not still. From the beginning, I avoided depicting a mum as a “still life”, trying instead to capture it as the fully animated expression that it is. That decision drove me to be thorough, which led me to so many wonderful and unexpected discoveries.
How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I’ve been shooting photos, collecting personal stories, and conducting research on the tradition since 2016, but only during fall football season.
Should you want more detail:
Those photo sessions with the booster club took place in Fall 2016. In Fall 2017 and 2018, I shot photos at several different locations. I conducted considerable online research on the historical evolution of mums in Fall 2018 and 2019 while also interviewing people across the state, which validated the online research and vice versa.
In the second half of 2019, I served as the inaugural Artist-in-Residence at the Arlington Museum of Art in Arlington, TX, a position which allowed me to broaden my reach considerably and create an exhibition of my work to date. There’s a chapter in my book which goes into detail about the exhibit and how I turned it into an opportunity for the community to participate. It was during that time I decided Mumentous needed to become a book.
In Fall 2020 and 2021, I watched the tradition refuse to yield to Covid, then I wrote about it and shot a few more photos. By early 2022, my research wasn’t yielding any new revelations, which told me it was time to write “The End” and seek a publisher. The book is being released by Atmosphere Press on April 25, 2023, just as “mumtrepreneurs” across and beyond Texas are ramping up for the 2023 football season.
I joke with friends that if universities gave out degrees in “mumology,” I’d be ready to defend my dissertation.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
Yes. In the first half of the 20th century, throughout the United States, it was common practice for a boy to give his date a chrysanthemum corsage before the annual high school or college homecoming football game. I find it fascinating that this tradition has all but vanished, except in Texas (and a few adjacent states) where it not only held fast but evolved into a version of itself that would be unrecognizable to its originators.
What is one thing that you hope reader take away from Mumentous?
As readers dig deeply inside the very unique tradition of homecoming mums, I hope they will discover that like so many traditions, its driving force is utterly universal: women.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website
They’re called homecoming mums. They are as bodacious as football, as irresistible as a juicy rumor, and as deep as a momma’s love. Over a hundred years ago when the custom began, mum was short for chrysanthemum, a typical corsage that boys gave to girls before taking them to the big football game. But through the decades, mum went from a simple abbreviation to a complicated shorthand for an eye-popping tradition that’s as ingrained in the culture as it is confounding to outsiders.
Through her original photography and collection of stories from across and beyond the Lone Star State, Amy J. Schultz takes us deep in the heart of mum country. You’ll meet kids who wear them, parents who buy them, and critics who decry them as just another example of consumerism gone wild. But mostly, you’ll discover that just like every ritual which stands the test of time, someone is keeping the tradition alive. Someone like Mom.
Mumentous
Mumentous by Amy Schultz takes us into the heart of Southern high school culture and gives us a warming glimpse into the tradition of the homecoming mum. But is this tradition something worth continuing? What does it truly represent? Is it just a showcase of modern consumerism? Or does it stand for something much deeper? No matter where on the spectrum of thinking you fall into, taking a deep dive into Southern United States culture can be an enjoyable ride. So let’s take a dive into the stunning photos and unique commentary writing of Amy Schultz in Mumentous!
When we’re talking about the focus topic of Mumentous, we are discussing someone’s local culture, and as I am not immersed in that culture, it can be hard to understand the infamous tradition. This charming book of fascinating stories takes readers into the culture that embraces homecoming mums with gusto. One of the highlights of this unique book is the black-and-white photography showcasing modern high school culture; it has a profound effect on the book as a whole. It made the book feel more immersive and was the added touch that sent this book from an average diary-like piece to an almost Joan Didion-esque piece of journalism. Additionally, I enjoyed the artistic spins on true stories that Schultz openly admits to. Her quote about being an artist and not a historian was cheeky and admirable. I could relate to the sentiment as a fellow writer who enjoys writing about real life. I will say that if you’re looking for some big ah-ha moment that is going to somehow expose unheard-of news, this book is not for you. It is simply an artistic and heartfelt view of a popular piece of Texan culture. It’s real everyday stories.
Mumentous by Amy Schultz is a well-written book about the history of the homecoming mum in Texas. It’s a book that I enjoy having on the shelf to simply pull down and flip through every now and then, to slowly pick through when you want something lighthearted and intriguing. But, if anything, simply buy it for the photographs; they are beautiful!
Pages: 178 | ISBN : 163988565X
Perception
Perception is an enjoyable collection of poetry written by multiple authors, which includes different forms and styles for every reader’s preference. Each author has their own section with a dedication page that precedes their poetry. A collection of drawings and photographs from different artists are scattered throughout its pages incorporating the different ways poets and artists perceive life. Its concluding pages contain a meet the authors and artists section. Written from a college-age perspective, this poetic and artistic compilation makes for a pleasurable read.
The collection of poems contains a variety of styles of poetry which is perfect for those looking for an unpredictable read. The writing differs in style, which is a pleasant surprise as no two poems are identical. Each author has several intriguing poems that are worth reading, especially for those who have a great appreciation for art. I appreciated that the compilation of poems contains the perspectives of both male and female writers making this a diverse read.
One of my favorite poems is titled Euphoria, I felt that the author perfectly described what it means to be in a state of euphoria, and I felt at peace while reading this poem. I appreciated that at the end of each poem, the author’s name was placed so that we know who the writer of a specific poem is. In the introduction, the author shares with the reader, “Our work is meant to be seen, collected, discarded, diagnosed, broken down, analyzed, criticized, admired, hated, discussed, etc.” This sentence stood out to me because I can feel each author’s sense of pride and accomplishment for their work. The images included in the poems are an excellent touch, as some were humorous, and others were a piece of art. At the end of the collection is a Meet the Poets/Artists section which I felt was an excellent way to connect with the authors, and I enjoyed reading a little about them.
Perception is a creative collection of distinct pieces of work from authors who are humble, creative, and unique. I highly recommend this book to those studying art or poetry or who want to enjoy a fantastic art collection.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 1456763016
The Kitchen and the Studio
The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art by Mallory M. and John A. O’Connor is an alluring read. As the title implies, it combines a cookbook, an art book, and a memoir detailing the couple’s long and storied marriage. These elements are expertly blended to form a book that contemplates love, family, friendship, and the meals that bring us together.
We follow Mallory and John from their first meeting in a UC Davis art class in 1960 through moves, career changes, and heartaches over the next 60-plus years of their life together. Along the way, they share stories of the fascinating people they befriended and, of course, the food they shared with those people.
The book is beautifully illustrated, with stunning landscapes and still-lifes peppered throughout, along with photos and documents from the couples’ prosperous lives. Much of the art is by the co-author himself, though there are also some lovely pieces by the couple’s many friends in the field. I thought it was a nice detail that, rather than photos, many of the recipes are accompanied by paintings of the dish in question, bringing a personal touch you don’t often see in recipe books.
As someone interested in food history, this book was a fascinating resource. Coming from the perspective of one couple and how food has been a part of their own story and journey over the past 60 years, it tells a very personal story. In addition, the authors made sure to include some historical background for many of the dishes, which was incredibly enlightening.
The recipes sound delicious and include some more exotic ingredients that the standard household may not always have in stock. Readers may have to make adjustments when attempting to replicate these menus to take into account ingredient availability. This is one area I would have loved to have seen in this book, some substitution options for hard-to-find ingredients, just to make the dishes more accessible. That aside, this collection offers readers a chance to expand their cooking repertoire and experience something they might not have thought of trying. The authors have included in this informative book some helpful resources for those looking to experience the dishes for themselves, including a wine list and some information on small businesses that make quality ingredients.
The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art is a highly original presentation of food history and personal memoirs. The authors clearly have enjoyed their life together and share their passion for cooking with friends and family. The stunning artwork and poignant reflections make it an unforgettable read.
Pages 412
A Body Hair Experiment
A Body Hair Experiment: An Intimate Lens on Gender is a thought-provoking mix of visceral photographs and elegant prose. This exceptionally perceptive photo essay features photographs by O Zhang and text by Eli Cohen. Cohen reflects on the always tense relationship that body hair has with the human body and, via his experiment, highlights how body hair is acceptable on certain bodies and (mostly) unacceptable on others.
The experiment had Cohen completely remove all the hair on the left side of his body only, leaving the other half naturally hairy. He mentions that hairlessness was never an option for him, not even the rejection of it. His lines on how he had never viewed himself as a subject of desire make the readers question how society terms certain bodies as constitutive of being desirable and others as not.
Preceded by Zhang’s close-up of a man’s stomach (one hair-covered arm angled towards the tuft of pubic hair in presumably an act of concealment) and succeeded by spliced halves of a close-up of the nipple—one side completely hairless with the pores sharply defined and the other with wiry black-grey coils, the question of subjects of desire also gently extends in the reader’s mind to body parts significant of desire. Cohen’s wondering about the ‘feminine choices’ regarding body hair and the natural extension of perceptions of women who choose to make a feminine choice shows us just how insidiously notions of seriousness and frivolity are tied up with femininity.
I am giving A Body Hair Experiment: An Intimate Lens on Gender by Eli Cohen and O Zhang 5 out of 5 stars— Zhang’s gorgeous photography graphically brings home the reality of gender norms being broken and unsettles ingrained notions of gender-specific beauty practices. Cohen’s writing and his musings on what this act of deliberate part-hairlessness and part au naturel involves—from the physical sensation of smoothness, of hairiness, of the preparation, of the embracing, and of the disconcerting sensation of unevenness—invite readers to the possibilities of body hair while also highlighting the strong cultural notions it carries.
Maverick
Maverick, by Fernando Rover Jr., presents its purpose upfront in a crisp, cohesive, and certain manner—a moment of pre-contextual deliberation before readers are asked to take the plunge into this elaborate body of work.
Plain, generic titles served alongside poems constructed with intensity and intricacy serve as self-portraits of the complex human crushed beneath the burden of their role in corrupt society—the consequence of what occurs when a person is made to be seen as a laborer first and a human second.
The theoretical backdrop of this book, use of monochrome and modern design, and ability to blatantly state its arrival, presence, and pursuit is among the numerous elements that make Maverick worth reading. The specifics of its contents are powerful and thought-provoking. The stanzas and line breaks are phenomenal tools for allowing the breath of a poem to speak for itself.
Maverick isn’t a text of trickery, nor one of intellectual flexing and self-gratification. It isn’t written or compiled to impress the sea of nameless, faceless coffeeshop hipsters contemporary artists are pressured to indulge. Rather, it’s monochrome. It’s black, and it’s white. It’s text, and it’s art. It’s graphic design. It’s multimedia. Most of all, it is a calling out of capitalism, as well as all the ways in which we, as humans, are not only forced to survive under it but have actually become so accustomed to its vile lore that we have forgotten our own.
Maverick is an extraordinary work of poetry and art that gives the reader a chance to look into themselves and experience the message the author is presenting. In capitalistic fabrication, we lose our own authenticity — and that, in its most genuine essence, is what Maverick exists to call out and rebel against. I highly recommend this stimulating read for those who are looking for a creative outlet.
Pages: 100 | ISBN : 0578378868
LITERARY TITAN 