Book Reviews
The Herald by Dean J. Baker
August 22, 2010 by scullylovepromo
Book ReviewTitle: The Herald
Author: Dean J. Baker
Publisher: Mad Poet Press
Released: 2010
Pages: 50
ISBN: 978-1-926825-24-3
Stars: 4.0
Dean J. Baker is an edgy, opinionated Canadian poet whose work has been complimented by no less an authority than Irving Layton. I cannot disagree with the Nobel Prize nominee when he states that,
“Dean is a combination of thought and torment that has made him write more than a Baker’s dozen of fine poems…he might produce a collection that could astound us all.”Baker’s compilation of poems entitled The Herald prove that he is a contemporary wordsmith of the finest caliber who injects each line with keen observation, poignant beauty and pain. He obviously writes from experience and reminisces about everything from childhood (Rice Lake, 1962) to relationships (License and A Friend), failed romance (Pollyanna and Matins) and the torment of his muse (A Jealous God).
One can sense the influence of Allen Ginsberg and Bob Dylan in particular with a pinch of Mordecai Richler attitude thrown in for good measure. However, Baker’s voice is uniquely his own and he knows how to wring emotion as well as remarkable, visceral landscapes from his pen.
Some of my favourites from The Herald include The Uselessness of Want, The Life of the Sensitive Kid, The Poetry Hotel, Coming of Age, Last Romantic, Invitation and…
This Earth
What was I running from
when everything was
beside me
Shaking at the thought
of you, inside
each move I made
When I couldn’t say
who was called that night
into silence
whispering
in my pain
You
You
it is myself
I come upon like this
©Dean J. Baker
Dean J. Baker has a somewhat lewd sense of humour (that I can often appreciate) which is more evident in his descriptive and satiric prose, Baker’s Bad Boys, dedicated to his brother Terry and their naughty childhood delinquent poo-flinging escapades; and at times, an irascible intellect that does not seem to suffer fools gladly.
Baker is also a romantic 21st century man whose non-conformance to political correctness probably gets him into hot water with women but I’m sure they never stop falling for his astonishing way with words.
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©Dean J. Baker
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And another review on Goodreads
Poet Dean Baker has no qualms about diving into the waters of controversy. That is evident in poems like “Licence”, “Pollyanna” and “Invitation”. Some of the poems are definitely not “politically correct”. That is precisely why he is one of today’s best poets. Another aspect I enjoy is the diversity of his writing. Anyone who enjoys poetry should treat themselves to “The Herald”. The genre is far from dead. I very much enjoyed reading it and I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to indulge in some great literary creations!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/118107909
©Dean J. Baker
