Richard Greene (1) (1961–)

Bleak and Not Really Captivating

I was quite interested in this book when I saw it published, because I have recently been interested in works on the subject of aging. I do not wish to ding this book too harshly, because it is clear a lot of effort and energy went into creating it; however, it was far too bleak and gray for me. Most poems focus on the losses that mount as we grow old (loss of friends, family, health, abilities, faculties) and yearn for the glory days of youth. The style of prose is a simple, one I did not feel was terribly creative or deeply poetic.

In the end, this may be a fine read for some, but the lack of depth in style and approach keep me from recommending it.… (mer)

This isn't a feel-good book. Nor was it the kind of poetry I hoped it would be. What it was were reflections on aging written in a style closer to prose. As a senior citizen, I easily identify with the remembrances in the author's writing; but I don't choose to dwell on the past as Richard Greene does. Although, it is sometimes fun to muse about some of the topics Greene raised with friends of a similar age, spending too much time in that realm easily leads to repeated stories told and depressing regrets.

This wasn't an entertaining book for me to read. It took me several months to get through the book because I kept putting it down. It left me in a funk each time I picked it up.

In order to get my juices flowing again, I picked up an exciting hard-to-put-down thriller for my next read.… (mer)