Review of “Fine” by Matt Rader

I’ve been reading more poetry lately, not that I’m getting any better at reading it. Nevertheless, I will share my opinion because you may be as inexperienced as I at understanding the subtleties of this genre.

This collection focuses on the author’s home in British Columbia. The poems range from the weather to loneliness. I found them easy to read and comprehend, sort of, as a beginner. However, there were a couple of things I noted: he used evocative metaphors sparingly, so I wasn’t drowning in alliterations; and I enjoyed the way he broke the poems into lines for emphasis.

My overall impression wasn’t great, but it was a pleasant collection of anecdotal stories and memories of a home he has apparently rediscovered. I guess you can go home sometimes, at least poetically.