More than four years ago I first read Reverie, and yet this book by Hanson has stuck with me as a favorite in the poetry realm. Thus, it’s high past time to re-read this work, and review it properly.
Right off the bat Hanson enthralls the reader with “The Storyteller”, especially a reader who also happens to be a writer. The poem “Beautiful” has it’s own dark beauty, enough to make a reader cry, while “Exist” makes you think.
Reverie was just as hard to put down the second time as the first, and to this day is probably among the best modern poetry books I have ever read – and although admittedly I don’t read a lot of poetry, I have read some very good poetry books. The difference between Hanson and other poets is that Hanson’s work is consistently amazing, while other poets (that I’ve read) have a tendency to have a one (or a few) stand-out poems while the remaining poems are mediocre or just good.
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Unfortunately, the libraries I’ve searched have not yet discovered Hanson’s work, but you can purchase the first book HERE.
Trigger Warning
A trigger warning is in order for Reverie, as it talks about self harm and suicidal ideation. The overall mood of the book is kind of sad, as well, which can set the tone for the reader… so if you have a tendency towards depression please read with caution. There are definitely more hopeful and encouraging poems contained within, but they aren’t the bulk of the work Hanson included in Reverie.
If You Enjoyed This Work By Hanson
If this book found it’s way into your heart (and onto your bookshelf) like it has mine, consider reading Hanson’s other books in the Poetic Underground collection, but also consider a book of poems such as Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.
Christian, wife, “hybrid” mama, I run the site All Behind A Smile to help others like me.
[…] A book that could easily be savored slowly, poem by poem, or binged in one quick sitting, either would be appropriate depending on the reader. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of the popular poetry book Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur, or (a personal favorite) the lesser known title Reverie (The Poetic Underground) by Erin Hanson. […]