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Black Book of Poems
#1 Best Seller for nearly 3 years, Black Book of Poems is a collection of poems in which Hunanyan touches on the subjects of love, loss, abandonment, religion, depression and pain.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2018
1840 people are currently reading
2523 people want to read
About the author
Vincent K. Hunanyan
3 books62 followersVincent K. Hunanyan (May 21, 1991) (Armenian: Վինսենթ Հունանյան) is the Armenian-born author and poet.
His debut work, Black Book of Poems is a poetry collection touching on the subjects of loss, love, pain, happiness, depression and abandonment.
The collection was released on May 5th, 2020 and has been an Amazon bestseller for over 3 consecutive years.
His second work, I Wasn't Crying Over You was published on September 21, 2017, and is a collection of short stories, mainly based on the author's childhood and transition into adulthood.
His third work, Black Book of Poems II, got released on September 1, 2020.
Hunanyan's passion for writing began at the age of 13, when the author, together with his childhood friend worked on rap lyrics they would record at home and release online. In time, those lyrics turned into poetry.
Though Hunanyan graduated UCLA in 2015, it wasn't until two years later that he would release his debut, accepting a sales job to "improve his communication skills" until finally quitting at the end of 2016.
The idea for Black Book of Poems was conceived after the author separated from his college girlfriend and decided to pursue a career in writing.
The title for the collection comes from the lyrics of the song, Nobody Home by Pink Floyd.
Hunanyan is currently working on his full length novel set for release later this year!
His debut work, Black Book of Poems is a poetry collection touching on the subjects of loss, love, pain, happiness, depression and abandonment.
The collection was released on May 5th, 2020 and has been an Amazon bestseller for over 3 consecutive years.
His second work, I Wasn't Crying Over You was published on September 21, 2017, and is a collection of short stories, mainly based on the author's childhood and transition into adulthood.
His third work, Black Book of Poems II, got released on September 1, 2020.
Hunanyan's passion for writing began at the age of 13, when the author, together with his childhood friend worked on rap lyrics they would record at home and release online. In time, those lyrics turned into poetry.
Though Hunanyan graduated UCLA in 2015, it wasn't until two years later that he would release his debut, accepting a sales job to "improve his communication skills" until finally quitting at the end of 2016.
The idea for Black Book of Poems was conceived after the author separated from his college girlfriend and decided to pursue a career in writing.
The title for the collection comes from the lyrics of the song, Nobody Home by Pink Floyd.
Hunanyan is currently working on his full length novel set for release later this year!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
February 13, 2022
"Hate is easy, love is hard"
disagreed, being a hater is a full-time job, you don't know how hard that is 🙄
disagreed, being a hater is a full-time job, you don't know how hard that is 🙄
January 23, 2024
➺ 𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
It’s been a while since I read a poetry book that satisfied me. But 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗢𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝗲𝗺𝘀 definitely did it for me! Not only did I enjoy the poetry itself; but also the words the author said in the Preface of the book really intrigued me as I thought them to be very true.
“Poetry, just like any other piece of artistic creation is 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. You cannot ruin someone’s interpretation of a poem by explaining it. But if the poem doesn’t speak for itself, ultimately, it is a 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲.”
Personally I love a poetry that has 𝗿𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺 as much as it has 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. Something that I find very little of in the modernized versions and so I am mostly disappointed after reading them, Although there have been good ones I’ve enjoyed too, but fortunately enough; this book gave me both rhythm and meaning. I will definitely read this book many times again and I’m sure I’ll be enjoying it a bit more each time.
So I absolutely recommend to everyone who enjoys poetry to give this book a try at least once!
• Here are a few of the poems I loved:
𝗠𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀
“I think I'm fine but I'm suppressing;
These feelings, I can't explain.
This play I'm in is quite depressing,
And acting's never been my trade.
Pretentiousness is our foundation,
To hide our weaknesses and pain.
Our eyes reveal our desperation,
And the attention that we crave.
I want to hide and disappear,
For even though I'm not alone;
With hundreds souls inside my home,
I find no inner peace at all.”
𝗟𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝘆
“Little child, why do you cry?
Am I to sing your lullaby?
Am I to stroke your silver hair,
To soothe your soul in your despair?
Am I to hold you to my breast,
Until your sorrows are at rest?
Little child, rest now and smile,
And I'll be with you all the while.
Do not lose heart and cry in fright,
For I will sing all day and night.”
𝗜 𝗔𝗺
“I am the cause of my decay,
I am the end of my desires,
I am the legs that walked this way,
I am the hands, that lit this fire.
I am the mind that thinks I'm fine,
I am the reason that is absurd,
I am the diamond that rarely shines,
I am a sea of empty words.
I am the anger that wants to scream,
I am the pain that wants to cry,
I am the climax of my dreams,
And I will live, and I will die.”
It’s been a while since I read a poetry book that satisfied me. But 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗢𝗳 𝗣𝗼𝗲𝗺𝘀 definitely did it for me! Not only did I enjoy the poetry itself; but also the words the author said in the Preface of the book really intrigued me as I thought them to be very true.
“Poetry, just like any other piece of artistic creation is 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. You cannot ruin someone’s interpretation of a poem by explaining it. But if the poem doesn’t speak for itself, ultimately, it is a 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲.”
Personally I love a poetry that has 𝗿𝗵𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗺 as much as it has 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. Something that I find very little of in the modernized versions and so I am mostly disappointed after reading them, Although there have been good ones I’ve enjoyed too, but fortunately enough; this book gave me both rhythm and meaning. I will definitely read this book many times again and I’m sure I’ll be enjoying it a bit more each time.
So I absolutely recommend to everyone who enjoys poetry to give this book a try at least once!
• Here are a few of the poems I loved:
𝗠𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀
“I think I'm fine but I'm suppressing;
These feelings, I can't explain.
This play I'm in is quite depressing,
And acting's never been my trade.
Pretentiousness is our foundation,
To hide our weaknesses and pain.
Our eyes reveal our desperation,
And the attention that we crave.
I want to hide and disappear,
For even though I'm not alone;
With hundreds souls inside my home,
I find no inner peace at all.”
𝗟𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝘆
“Little child, why do you cry?
Am I to sing your lullaby?
Am I to stroke your silver hair,
To soothe your soul in your despair?
Am I to hold you to my breast,
Until your sorrows are at rest?
Little child, rest now and smile,
And I'll be with you all the while.
Do not lose heart and cry in fright,
For I will sing all day and night.”
𝗜 𝗔𝗺
“I am the cause of my decay,
I am the end of my desires,
I am the legs that walked this way,
I am the hands, that lit this fire.
I am the mind that thinks I'm fine,
I am the reason that is absurd,
I am the diamond that rarely shines,
I am a sea of empty words.
I am the anger that wants to scream,
I am the pain that wants to cry,
I am the climax of my dreams,
And I will live, and I will die.”
March 6, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this collection of poems. They are genuine and easy to read and enjoy. Just because they are personal and straightforward. They are short and precise and easily relatable. The poems talk about everything that's the author is or seemingly is! However, some poems are a bit confusing as I could not get what the author is trying to express. Otherwise the whole collection is so enjoyable to read.
And yes, the ending of the book is somewhat unexpected! Short stories it says, but rather I find them too 'poetic'.
Overall, it's a good read. I wish the cover was better than this.
Thank you #NetGalley for the book #Black BookofPoems
And yes, the ending of the book is somewhat unexpected! Short stories it says, but rather I find them too 'poetic'.
Overall, it's a good read. I wish the cover was better than this.
Thank you #NetGalley for the book #Black BookofPoems
September 4, 2017
‘If only I had a brilliant mind I’d waste away my days, for days As of this day, I am at waste, And still I lack a brilliant mind.’
Armenian born author Vincent Hunanyan earned his degree in creative writing from UCLA. He now lives and writes in Stockholm.
It is refreshing when a new poet offers an explanatory note about his art before the poems begin - from his stance we are more tied to his mission: ‘I believe that good poetry resonates with people on a metaphysical level; you can read a poem without quite being able to put into words why you enjoyed it. It could have been the shivers that ran down your spine or the elevating of your heartbeat. Or, it made you smile, or even cry; made you feel something. A key component of good poetry is honesty; much of the poetry in the world doesn’t speak to people because it is forced and pretentious. If what you write is true and honest, and you put some actual effort into it, I believe people will respond to it. I write only that which I know, that which I can feel and try to transcend to the reader through a few lines. Nothing else concerns me. I think that most people don’t read or appreciate poetry because they have been exposed to too much poor poetry, and been told by their professors to interpret them in a certain way, like there is a science to interpreting a poem. There isn’t; poetry, just like any other piece of artistic creation, is subjective. You cannot ruin someone's interpretation of a poem by explaining it. But if the poem doesn't speak for itself, ultimately, it is a failure.’
A few examples of this impressive new poet follow:
Romeo’s Elegy
To broken hearts, to broken dreams
To me and you, to you and me
To all the friends and all the foes,
To those who love and those who don't
To those who have and those without
To parent's scorn, deprived of doubt
To those who give, to those who save
To those afraid, and all the brave
To all the seconds, unforgiving
To the departed and all the living
To those who dare, to those who care
To those in bliss and in despair
To all the smiles and all the laughs,
To all we love, on love's behalf
To all the pain and single cry
To happiness and every high!
City Nights
In solitude in bed I lie
And all the while the sirens cry
A homeless bastard passes by
The smell of urine rises high
And hides away, above the sky
Forsaken dogs bark in the park
Fireworks in distance spark
And I wake up, and still it’s dark.
Sensitive, probing and holding thoughts that speak to each of us in our own needs, Vincent has succeeded in his first publication that his is a voice worthy of our following.
Armenian born author Vincent Hunanyan earned his degree in creative writing from UCLA. He now lives and writes in Stockholm.
It is refreshing when a new poet offers an explanatory note about his art before the poems begin - from his stance we are more tied to his mission: ‘I believe that good poetry resonates with people on a metaphysical level; you can read a poem without quite being able to put into words why you enjoyed it. It could have been the shivers that ran down your spine or the elevating of your heartbeat. Or, it made you smile, or even cry; made you feel something. A key component of good poetry is honesty; much of the poetry in the world doesn’t speak to people because it is forced and pretentious. If what you write is true and honest, and you put some actual effort into it, I believe people will respond to it. I write only that which I know, that which I can feel and try to transcend to the reader through a few lines. Nothing else concerns me. I think that most people don’t read or appreciate poetry because they have been exposed to too much poor poetry, and been told by their professors to interpret them in a certain way, like there is a science to interpreting a poem. There isn’t; poetry, just like any other piece of artistic creation, is subjective. You cannot ruin someone's interpretation of a poem by explaining it. But if the poem doesn't speak for itself, ultimately, it is a failure.’
A few examples of this impressive new poet follow:
Romeo’s Elegy
To broken hearts, to broken dreams
To me and you, to you and me
To all the friends and all the foes,
To those who love and those who don't
To those who have and those without
To parent's scorn, deprived of doubt
To those who give, to those who save
To those afraid, and all the brave
To all the seconds, unforgiving
To the departed and all the living
To those who dare, to those who care
To those in bliss and in despair
To all the smiles and all the laughs,
To all we love, on love's behalf
To all the pain and single cry
To happiness and every high!
City Nights
In solitude in bed I lie
And all the while the sirens cry
A homeless bastard passes by
The smell of urine rises high
And hides away, above the sky
Forsaken dogs bark in the park
Fireworks in distance spark
And I wake up, and still it’s dark.
Sensitive, probing and holding thoughts that speak to each of us in our own needs, Vincent has succeeded in his first publication that his is a voice worthy of our following.
December 12, 2018
Pretentiousness is our foundation,
To hide our weaknesses and pain.
Our eyes reveal our desperation,
And the attention that we crave.
Short and forgettable.
To hide our weaknesses and pain.
Our eyes reveal our desperation,
And the attention that we crave.
Short and forgettable.
July 9, 2017
I created an account just to express how impressed I am with this book.
FINALLY some actual poetry. Yes, yes, I know that poetry is subjective, but I DO NOT consider the Instagram/tumblr quotes people pass for poetry as actual poetry (and I have read too many of them). I can honestly compile a "poetry collection" like that in no time. But where is the effort in that? Where is the imagery? Where is the flow? Where is the challenge?
I liked this collection a lot because while the poems are seemingly effortless, there is so much good stuff to deduce from them! They stick in your mind and slowly sink in, days after you have finished reading them.
The short stories were a treat!
In short, if you like "Milk and Honey", and books of the like, this will be something very different. Not to say that you can't like both styles...
Anyhow, great work. Looking forward to what comes next!
FINALLY some actual poetry. Yes, yes, I know that poetry is subjective, but I DO NOT consider the Instagram/tumblr quotes people pass for poetry as actual poetry (and I have read too many of them). I can honestly compile a "poetry collection" like that in no time. But where is the effort in that? Where is the imagery? Where is the flow? Where is the challenge?
I liked this collection a lot because while the poems are seemingly effortless, there is so much good stuff to deduce from them! They stick in your mind and slowly sink in, days after you have finished reading them.
The short stories were a treat!
In short, if you like "Milk and Honey", and books of the like, this will be something very different. Not to say that you can't like both styles...
Anyhow, great work. Looking forward to what comes next!
December 21, 2017
Black Book of Awesome
This is a wonderful collection of poetry. It has feeling, purpose, flow and even humor throughout. I truly enjoyed reading it and I cannot wait to read Vincent's next collection. Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
Xo,
Rach
This is a wonderful collection of poetry. It has feeling, purpose, flow and even humor throughout. I truly enjoyed reading it and I cannot wait to read Vincent's next collection. Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
Xo,
Rach
January 26, 2018
Melvin , I love you.
I adored the poetry but cherished the short stories. When I felt Melvin scraping up the boney dust on his knees and to quietly have his moment, I thought of my own son who I sometimes think won't shed a tear when I'm gone even though Mr Beam and Johnny Walker Red haven't been in my life since July of 1990, it still resonates of mistakes made. You have a gift, Vincent keep going..
I adored the poetry but cherished the short stories. When I felt Melvin scraping up the boney dust on his knees and to quietly have his moment, I thought of my own son who I sometimes think won't shed a tear when I'm gone even though Mr Beam and Johnny Walker Red haven't been in my life since July of 1990, it still resonates of mistakes made. You have a gift, Vincent keep going..
January 4, 2020
Some good poems included in Black Book of Poems, emotional and dark with enjoyable rhyming and honesty. The short stories at the ending personally weren't for me. Free to read via KU!
January 4, 2019
Excellent quick read to pass 30 minutes, with high re-readability. The I AM poem was moving and amazing.
The last short story is wow, something you don’t see much, really ever.
Thanks for sharing your work!
The last short story is wow, something you don’t see much, really ever.
Thanks for sharing your work!
November 11, 2017
This was a quick read. Dark and rhyming poetry with a lot of moral lessons. Most of the poems are dark, but the poet manages to bring out the light in them.
May 30, 2018
Well that hit me like a semi truck. It was darkly beautiful. <3. It had the classic vibe and feel, instead of Tumblr-ey
January 3, 2019
Great poetry book
Many good poems. There is even a couple short stories in the back of the book that are just as good!
Many good poems. There is even a couple short stories in the back of the book that are just as good!
September 29, 2017
Black Book of Poems by Vincent Hunanyan is a collection of beautifully written poems, many of which spoke to me on some level. The poem Lullaby reminded me of a friend who'd lost her baby. As I'd read that poem, I'd envisioned someone talking to that baby, telling her that she'll be all right. Each of these poems held strength and meaning.
If I were told to pick a favorite, I would be unable to because I loved each of the poems within this collection.
If I were told to pick a favorite, I would be unable to because I loved each of the poems within this collection.
November 13, 2017
Haunting in all the right ways
I don’t usually write reviews but this was certainly the one to get me started. I’m not sure if I have the proper words to describe how compelling and enticing this series of poetry and short stories were. But it left me wanting more and it certainly made me feel like I’m not alone when it comes to feeling void. I recommend this piece wholeheartedly, especially for those who identify with darker but real topics.
I don’t usually write reviews but this was certainly the one to get me started. I’m not sure if I have the proper words to describe how compelling and enticing this series of poetry and short stories were. But it left me wanting more and it certainly made me feel like I’m not alone when it comes to feeling void. I recommend this piece wholeheartedly, especially for those who identify with darker but real topics.
November 16, 2017
For not being much of a poetry reader, I definitely recommend this book. It quickly captures your attention and brings out feelings of resentment and resilience as you reminisce about the past. The short stories at the end are a bonus. The first short story really helps encourage initiative and integrity. Great book! A Must Read!
August 4, 2018
I have been on a poetry kick lately. This... this is what I needed to read. It was so dark and the words were so heavy. It is is easily one of the better poetry books I have read in while. I just felt a stabbing pain after reading the different poems. To me it is very raw and real.
June 11, 2017
Quite impressed, seeing that the guy is only 26.
January 15, 2018
I think poetry is such an amazing thing. Whether the words have true meaning or not, every individual relates or interoperates it differently... and this book really captured that.
February 13, 2018
Well written.
I really enjoyed the fluidity of his words. It was smooth to read. Despite the subject matters being heavy topics, it came off lightly while still relaying emotions.
I really enjoyed the fluidity of his words. It was smooth to read. Despite the subject matters being heavy topics, it came off lightly while still relaying emotions.
July 4, 2017
A brilliant and unfailingly powerful reading!
Black Book of Poems is strong, thoughtful collection, written in a classic style, but one is captivated by its rhythmic changing rhyming, such kind of great mixture classic and modern poetry.
I particularly enjoyed of powerful words this classic style and rhymes av poetry!
The poem "Ode to a Best Friend" is just unbeatable: emotional, honest, lyrical beautifully written. This brilliant lyric -prayer devoting to Mother, deep expresses the author's heart-felt reflections with feeling, style, grace and dignity, talking to the mind and to the emotional heart, truly flow right through you.
Masterly, profound interpretation,literary analysis by unique way of the good, the bad and the ugly, everything that goes on in the world just fascinating an other extraordinary poem " The Stage".
The expressive short stories exploring incomprehensible meaning of life and capture real life situation. The unique remarkable ability of Hunanyan, to say so much with so few words, captivating you.
The hero from short story " The Sting", who life was a constantly struggle to keep his daily promises, not only behind of his promises, but has given up the hope. One day when the punishment has become inevitable, he values the life, decided learns how to against to all odds in his life, to rescue himself with dignity.
No one except those that have been through the battle of addiction and alcoholism can truly understand suffering another hero, Marvin.
The psychological,impressive image of Marvin,who endured as a child, the tragic torment of a mom, famed for her addiction, indifference and uncaring, honest brutality demonstrated an other extraordinary short story:"Close Cover Before Striking."
Highly impressed! Truly expressive and creative written! I totally agree with George telling:
Think that the guy is only 26!
PS: Certainly everyone has a different way to comprehend, of seeing things, and it's really beneficial to listen to one another, but to get just 1 star to this phenomenal debut collection, at least miserable, just unseriously.
Black Book of Poems is strong, thoughtful collection, written in a classic style, but one is captivated by its rhythmic changing rhyming, such kind of great mixture classic and modern poetry.
I particularly enjoyed of powerful words this classic style and rhymes av poetry!
The poem "Ode to a Best Friend" is just unbeatable: emotional, honest, lyrical beautifully written. This brilliant lyric -prayer devoting to Mother, deep expresses the author's heart-felt reflections with feeling, style, grace and dignity, talking to the mind and to the emotional heart, truly flow right through you.
Masterly, profound interpretation,literary analysis by unique way of the good, the bad and the ugly, everything that goes on in the world just fascinating an other extraordinary poem " The Stage".
The expressive short stories exploring incomprehensible meaning of life and capture real life situation. The unique remarkable ability of Hunanyan, to say so much with so few words, captivating you.
The hero from short story " The Sting", who life was a constantly struggle to keep his daily promises, not only behind of his promises, but has given up the hope. One day when the punishment has become inevitable, he values the life, decided learns how to against to all odds in his life, to rescue himself with dignity.
No one except those that have been through the battle of addiction and alcoholism can truly understand suffering another hero, Marvin.
The psychological,impressive image of Marvin,who endured as a child, the tragic torment of a mom, famed for her addiction, indifference and uncaring, honest brutality demonstrated an other extraordinary short story:"Close Cover Before Striking."
Highly impressed! Truly expressive and creative written! I totally agree with George telling:
Think that the guy is only 26!
PS: Certainly everyone has a different way to comprehend, of seeing things, and it's really beneficial to listen to one another, but to get just 1 star to this phenomenal debut collection, at least miserable, just unseriously.
March 19, 2020
Thanks netgalley and the respective publishers for sending me a copy.
Splendid ! ! !
Highly recommended especially for poetry lovers.
This poetry book is entangled various topics in great shape and poetic device.
Poet shows high level of poetry in almost all poems and it went through veins. You couldn't control yourself to connect and feel the exact circumstances with your life.
The way poet has described the topics would truly gives you another angle of perception.
I was so happy while reading it.
Favourite poems and lines :-
*I AM
I am the cause of my decay,
I am the end of my desires,
I am the legs that walked this way,
I am the hands that lit this fire.
I am the mind that thinks I’m fine,
I am the reason that is absurd,
I am the diamond that rarely shines,
I am a sea of empty words.
I am the anger that wants to scream,
I am the pain that wants to cry,
I am the climax of my dreams,
And I will live, and I will die
*REASON/
TREASON
Using reason is high
treason Change your
coat after the season
Raised awareness
leads to fairness
Much is
said—nothing is
done
Too much thinking
leads to drinking
Carry on—all shall
be gone.
Splendid ! ! !
Highly recommended especially for poetry lovers.
This poetry book is entangled various topics in great shape and poetic device.
Poet shows high level of poetry in almost all poems and it went through veins. You couldn't control yourself to connect and feel the exact circumstances with your life.
The way poet has described the topics would truly gives you another angle of perception.
I was so happy while reading it.
Favourite poems and lines :-
*I AM
I am the cause of my decay,
I am the end of my desires,
I am the legs that walked this way,
I am the hands that lit this fire.
I am the mind that thinks I’m fine,
I am the reason that is absurd,
I am the diamond that rarely shines,
I am a sea of empty words.
I am the anger that wants to scream,
I am the pain that wants to cry,
I am the climax of my dreams,
And I will live, and I will die
*REASON/
TREASON
Using reason is high
treason Change your
coat after the season
Raised awareness
leads to fairness
Much is
said—nothing is
done
Too much thinking
leads to drinking
Carry on—all shall
be gone.
January 18, 2020
The author himself says that poetry is subjective, just as any other piece of art. "But if the poem doesn't speak for itself, ultimately it's a failure."
And man, these poems speak.
Same as with every other poetry collection I've read so far, some poems spoke more to me than others. But different from the other books, every single one was powerful, full of deeper meaning. Not about beauty and lust like most of those currently hyped.
Some were tragic, adressing heavy topics we read about, like war or abandoned children. And it feels so different when these are told in this beautiful way.
Every single poem left an impression, some really blew me away and I had to put the book down and think about it first. Some had parts that I couldn't not reread over and over again.
OUT ALIVE and LULLABY and DRUNKEN DAD and FORGIVE ME LORD and ANOTHER CHILD CONCEIVED and the two LITTLE BOY poems are just those I remember right away.
"Life goes on with ne souls born
Until there's no one left to mourn
Another life, another birth
The little boy lay in the earth."
And man, these poems speak.
Same as with every other poetry collection I've read so far, some poems spoke more to me than others. But different from the other books, every single one was powerful, full of deeper meaning. Not about beauty and lust like most of those currently hyped.
Some were tragic, adressing heavy topics we read about, like war or abandoned children. And it feels so different when these are told in this beautiful way.
Every single poem left an impression, some really blew me away and I had to put the book down and think about it first. Some had parts that I couldn't not reread over and over again.
OUT ALIVE and LULLABY and DRUNKEN DAD and FORGIVE ME LORD and ANOTHER CHILD CONCEIVED and the two LITTLE BOY poems are just those I remember right away.
"Life goes on with ne souls born
Until there's no one left to mourn
Another life, another birth
The little boy lay in the earth."
September 2, 2017
Hunanyan begins his piece with an authors direction on how not to look for direction in interpreting their work. It is a great start, and taken to heart serves the book's purpose of evoking emotions. It does not read like a story, yet commonalities in several poems tie in to create a few tales of sad events in ones life. It is easy to focus on and has multiple layers. This is a good book for people who want comfort in tough times and explains a point of view of the world that can only be brought about by real life experiences and a deep understanding of emotions. The short stories are elongated versions of these tales, and help the overall tone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as every time you read each poem, something new is drawn. The relatability of the poems emotions shines throughout the book, and the rhythmic tone will make you want to keep reading the stories. Great poetry
December 24, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this collection of poems. They are genuine and easy to read and enjoy. Just because they are personal and straightforward. They are short and precise and easily relatable. The poems talk about everything that's the author is or seemingly is! However, some poems are a bit confusing as I could not get what the author is trying to express. Otherwise the whole collection is so enjoyable to read.
And yes, the ending of the book is somewhat unexpected! Short stories it says, but rather I find them too 'poetic'.
Overall, it's a good read. I wish the cover was better than this.
Thank you #NetGalley for the book #Black BookofPoems
And yes, the ending of the book is somewhat unexpected! Short stories it says, but rather I find them too 'poetic'.
Overall, it's a good read. I wish the cover was better than this.
Thank you #NetGalley for the book #Black BookofPoems
February 7, 2018
Especially loved "The Stage"; one of the only good books of modern poetry that I've read. nice rhymes, some meter, sing-songy verses at time, raw content, allusions to shakespeare, western philosophy/literature, greek mythology...
December 20, 2021
Wonderful, Provocative, Heart-felt
Must read preface of the book; I applaud the poet's honesty with encouraging readers to embrace their own subjective interpretation:
A wonderful collection of poetry and short stories which I truly enjoyed more than expected. "Romeo's Elegy," "Brilliant Mind," "Little Boy," and "Ode To A Best Friend" are my favorites. A snippet here:
Also, when I read the poem, "Little Boy" I was crushed by it. My heart ached and I felt saddened by the disturbing realities of (the Vietnam) wartime. [ My father is a Vietnam Veteran ]
My first read from Vincent K. Hunanyan. I enjoyed most (not all) of the writing from Black Book of Poems, and I look forward to reading more of this author's work. I recommend this book anytime.
Must read preface of the book; I applaud the poet's honesty with encouraging readers to embrace their own subjective interpretation:
'"I think that most people don’t read or appreciate poetry because they have been exposed to too much poor poetry, and been told by their professors to interpret them in a certain way, like there is a science to interpreting a poem.
There isn’t; poetry, just like any other piece of artistic creation, is subjective. You cannot ruin someone's interpretation of a poem by explaining it. But if the poem doesn't speak for itself, ultimately, it is a failure.
So, please don't ask me what my poems mean, I really couldn't tell you. I can only tell you what they mean to me. But by doing so, I would ruin your own interpretation of it."'
A wonderful collection of poetry and short stories which I truly enjoyed more than expected. "Romeo's Elegy," "Brilliant Mind," "Little Boy," and "Ode To A Best Friend" are my favorites. A snippet here:
ROMEO’S ELEGY
"To broken hearts, to broken dreams
To me and you, to you and me
To all the friends and all the foes,
To those who love and those who don't...
To all the pain and single cry
To happiness and every high!"
Also, when I read the poem, "Little Boy" I was crushed by it. My heart ached and I felt saddened by the disturbing realities of (the Vietnam) wartime. [ My father is a Vietnam Veteran ]
My first read from Vincent K. Hunanyan. I enjoyed most (not all) of the writing from Black Book of Poems, and I look forward to reading more of this author's work. I recommend this book anytime.
February 26, 2019
Amazingly powerful Black Book of Poems!
This stunning book is classy from its cover to the preface!
Vincent's encouragement towards his readers to have different interpretations of his work. He does wonders with words and he moves your soul with them.
There is a lot of freedom given in this book. A fresh style of poetry from the popular one liners.
This is a unique collection of poetry, one of the best contemporary poem collections out right now.
A short read, filled with beautiful , amazingly powerful poems that will stay with you long after you had read.
I am the anger that wants to scream,
I am the pain that wants to cry,
I am the climax of my dreams,
And I will live, and I will die!
This stunning book is classy from its cover to the preface!
Vincent's encouragement towards his readers to have different interpretations of his work. He does wonders with words and he moves your soul with them.
There is a lot of freedom given in this book. A fresh style of poetry from the popular one liners.
This is a unique collection of poetry, one of the best contemporary poem collections out right now.
A short read, filled with beautiful , amazingly powerful poems that will stay with you long after you had read.
I am the anger that wants to scream,
I am the pain that wants to cry,
I am the climax of my dreams,
And I will live, and I will die!
October 16, 2018
I don’t have much opportunity to read a lot of poetry these days but I really enjoyed this book! It was an easy read and I give particular attention to FORGIVE ME LORD and LITTLE BOY — the latter is, admittedly, rather dark as it alludes to children in wartime, the title itself sharing a name with the infamous nuclear weapon. However even for its dark references the poems are not heavy or depressing in style. In fact the writing is almost airy and makes it easy to fall into the poems patterns.
If you are a fan of poetry, I would think you would enjoy this book ✨ Thank you, Vincent, for sharing it with me!
disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review
If you are a fan of poetry, I would think you would enjoy this book ✨ Thank you, Vincent, for sharing it with me!
disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review
March 15, 2018
This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review.
So, thank you Vincent for sending me this book.
This book is different than any other poetry that I have read before. It is quite dark.
His writing is really wonderful. However, because I am pretty new into poetry world, Vincent's fancy writing has made me miss a lot of the message behind it. Therefore, I gave it 3 stars, only because of that reason.
Hence, if you are a poetry lovers, I think you will love this book :)
So, thank you Vincent for sending me this book.
This book is different than any other poetry that I have read before. It is quite dark.
His writing is really wonderful. However, because I am pretty new into poetry world, Vincent's fancy writing has made me miss a lot of the message behind it. Therefore, I gave it 3 stars, only because of that reason.
Hence, if you are a poetry lovers, I think you will love this book :)
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