I did not finish WHAT: new poems from the Poet Laureate of Punk, but I was maybe about half way before I stopped. I had not heard of John Cooper Clarke, but that did not stop me from trying it. After all, I haven’t had much luck with the poets I did know or even the ones I liked, so why not try someone new?
The poems have the elements I like (flowing text that makes sense without sounding artsy, understandable themes, and images are formed in your mind of what the words make you think of). Even having an rhyming aspect was pleasant and not overly “cheesy.” (Rhyming is a lovely tool, but with adult poetry it might not always fit, yet, it is also the perfect thing in the right setting). However, there is a maturity that does not “fit” with my personal tastes. But I feel that there is good potential for the right reader. Some pop culture references that might be dated or unknown to a modern reader are included, but there are also some relatively recent references (which might become dated. I love ya’ Jason Statham, but will we really remember you in a few years?). And since this is “punk” and adult poetry there is language and adult situations.
I was reading this via an online reader copy and was thinking, “Self, can I honestly recommend this to anyone, as I said above, I have not finished it?” Well, I do have a while to think about it as it is now not due until April of 2025. But as a friend told me, it might not be fair, but we are in the “early reader copy business” (she is working at a publisher and I am at the front lines selling “her” books) and that will happen. So, yes, I will recommend it, just know your tastes and/or the person you think might enjoy it tastes. For older teens to adult readers..