Customer Reviews

Free Stallion: Poems

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

First of all I want to comment on the fact that this is marketed as a young adult book, which I think is not a good move. I don't consider this very moving, wonderfully written book of poetry by the great Amber Tamblyn to be anything near that audience, although I believe that some young adults would also be as touched as I was by this great book of poetry. I think it should be targeted towards an older audience, but that's just my opinion.

I must admit that this is the first book of poetry that I have ever owned. And I was very excited to finally get it in the mail this morning along with one of Amber's films "Rebellious" which I will watch immediately after writing this review. I bought this because Amber Tamblyn is my favorite actress, and I wasn't really knowing what to expect.

But this is one of the best books, period, that I have ever read. I read it all in one sitting and I loved the range of emotions that each poem had. This is a wonderful book that I will be rereading many, many times.

My favorite poem would have to be "Numbers" since a tear was rolling down my face by the time I was done reading it. It's about violence against women, and it is very powerfully written. I would have bought the book just for this poem itself, I've reread this one over and over again.

Another poem that was one of my favorites was "Paper Tiger" which was a very literate piece about the tragedy of war.

"A Valid Question Ensues Unhitched" is a favorite of mine because it speaks out against bulimia. The last line is my favorite: "Don't know what else to tell you-I love pizza." I loved it!

And of course "Free Stallion" was a great poem about the loss of one's innocence.

"Moths" is another one that I loved about forbidden relationships and how its usually best to just stay friends.

"When is another highlight as it talks about what she will do once her mother is no longer alive. Its also a very sad poem.

"Pipe Dreams" is about not giving in to commercial Hollywood. Just one more reason for me to admire Amber.

Also I have to comment on the great picture on the cover, which, according to the book jacket was taken by the great Russ Tamblyn! Also on the back of the book jacket there are book reviews by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Michael McClure, Wanda Coleman and Ann Brashares! I especially loved to see Ann's review, since I enjoyed reading The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books, and I thoroughly enjoyed the movie as well.

So please, go out and buy this book. You won't regret it...

Tamblyn's collection of poems is a more skilled effort than many of the collections I've seen published by people already in the public eye. Her effort is apparently earnest, but, as compared to many poets (even in her age group) currently seeking publication, this first volume does not live up to the standards most publishing companies set for no names. At public readings in Los Angeles and Orange County, one notices that southern California's poetry 'scene' often tends to be a touch cinematic. Several locally-esteemed writers I've seen present their poetry illustrate that they've become competent in poetic craft with an emphasis on entertainment--their writing calls for performance rather than reading. I enjoy these performances and find depth within them, but even small-scale acclaim tends to stunt growth. Once one has been schooled in poetry (however said schooling comes to pass) there is a period in which he/she writes poems of varying quality and is clearly on the road to finding a true comfortability within a unique voice. Early publication on a national my-book-is-available-at-Borders-and-Amazon scale seems to set writers--Amber Tamblyn among them--into a style that doesn't encourage further development. The young writers garnering an audience for their words and setting examples for today's adolescents should be the best young writers out there and Tamblyn, though substantial, just isn't there yet. I hope she finds cohesive critics who nurture her voice and look forward to future works.

A poetry book is rare when it comes to celebrities. Very few to my knowledge have ventured out and dared to have a secondary interest to their number one talent. In Amber Tamblyn however, you'll find something even more of a rarity. You'll quickly discover that this book, while short in pages, will not sell anyone short in spirit or impact - fan or otherwise. This book does not exist simply to turn a quick buck, like so many others might. Instead it is streaks ahead of its competition with it's admirable abandon and passion only Amber Tamblyn can impart beautifully to the reader with such vigor, desire, humour, and heartbreak. So when Amber embarks on this journey you'll have no other choice but to be swept up into it.

I enjoy writing poems as well mostly of a movie orientated fashion. It is a real joy to welcome Amber into this form of writing. To find a unique artist like Amber Tamblyn, who really has a tremendous vision and rare understanding and appreciation of who she is, and who she will become, is totally refreshing to me and special. This poety is indelible and is unequeled like my ever increasing love for her and everything she does.

Before reading Amber Tamblyn's incredible works of poetry enclosed in 'Free Stallion', I also read singer/songwriter Jewel Kilcher's 'A Night Without Armour' poem book. I admore the way Jewel uses her fine poetry skills in songs. The wonderful thing about poetry is there is nothing quite like it. It would be wrong of me to compare these two books so I appreciate them equally. I feel very blessed to have read this collection of poems. It is clear both Jewel and Amber have something very beautiful to share with the world, so the poetic power they pocess should never be taken lightly. It is a real gift. Every poem is worth the paper it is written on, and everone's voice should have a chance to be heard. I do hope you enjoy the poems within where Amber puts people at the centre of her work, and her mind is free to wonder without restraints.

It is a very well written book. I loved every poem. Great job Amber!!!

I bought this book even though it's being marketed as "teen literature." I've admired Amber Tamblyn ever since I saw her act on Joan of Arcadia (...) and in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. But here you get a glimpse at the real woman inside, and though young she is mature, intelligent, feisty, and strong. My favorite of the poems are the ones that rail against the cultural stereotype of what the ideal female body type is supposed to be. She's an excellent role model for today's young people in a world that so desperately needs them.

First, allow me to say that no matter what I write in this review, it will not do this amazing piece of literature justice. Amber Tamblyn has managed to capture an entire lifetime of emotions in these pages. I have never really read a book of poems, but as soon as I picked this book up I didn't put it down until I had finished it, and even now, days later, I find my self going back and reading certain poems over and over because they are so beautiful.

Like most people have already mentioned, this book was marketed as a young adult/teen book, but I disagree with this decision. Now I myself am only 15, but the sheer brilliance of this novel will be appreciated by readers of all ages. I think all teens should read this book though, because the emotions that run through you as you read her poems is a sensation rarely felt through most other young adult books.

My favorite poems would have to be "Pipe Dreams" which is about being yourself, and not giving in to the Hollywood/media ideal of the perfect woman. Every girl between the age of 12 and 18 should be forced to read this poem.

Another favorite was "Dear S" which I found so moving. This line, my favorite line, is water stained from tears, "angels sit selfishly awaiting your skyscraper-arrival. I will not return you to whoever gave you to me, I can't."

"Paper tiger" which is about the war and the political happenings of our country is another good one.

Amber Tamblyn's talent shines in this spectacular book. Please, even if poetry isn't your "thing," purchase this book, it is worth every penny, if not worth more. i can not wait to read more from this wonderful poet.

What an amazingly talented writer! This book is full of soul bearing, honest, heartwarming and thought provoking poems that give you a personal insight into the mind of the writer. I can't wait for her next book!

This short volume of poetry packs a lot of punch for being just under 100 pages and just 31 poems. Written spanning over 10 years of the author's life, they have a breadth and depth not often seen in authors so young. They are poems written as a mix of self-exploration and in attempts to grasp concepts and capture experiences. Found in these poems, there is often a rawness and vulnerability many authors will not show in their works.

The poems are:
Kill Me So Much
Disguise
Ol' Green Eyes
The Coliseum
Banana
Dig
1 & 2
Numbers
Sink Her
Paper Tiger
What?s the Word
Nocturne for Chopin
Sneaker
The State
A Valid Question Ensues Unstitched
Free Stallion
Plume
Pax Vobiscum
Anna
Beyond the Pale
Dear S.
Vibration
Moths
When
Pipe Dreams
Neu Tour 2003-Greendale Ends
Dear Divinity
Train
Truth About Dark
Celebrate
The Loneliest

This collection is one I will add to my list of poetry to reread every few years. I have read it twice and found that on the second reading I discovered much more about the poems and myself than upon the first reading.

I really enjoyed reading this thoughtful and compelling collection of poems. I am hoping there is a resurgance of multi-talented young females that break the mold such as musician/writer Emilie Autumn and model/actress Joy Bryant.

These poems, written by accomplished TV and movie actress, Amber Tamblyn, are the real thing: the journey, the exploration, growing pains and determination.

Best known for her role in TV's Joan of Arcadia, Amber's poetry was first published at age 16. She has also appeared in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and General Hospital.

Some of her poems address her obsession with the feminine image in today's over-sexually-glorified world of ads and entertainment. Others are about world events, racism, justice and other rights--and about the lack of people understanding both sides of an issue.

Armchair Interviews says: For a young woman, Amber sees things clearly, and helps us see them also with her powerful poetry.