Customer Reviews

Heterophobia

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I heard about Ragan Fox actually through LiveJournal.com. After reading some of his posts and thinking he had a pretty witty attitude (not quite Oscar Wildean, more like the savvy street hustler Wilde just tricked with), I decided to buy his book and see what all his fuss was about.

I'm glad I did.

His poems range in emotion from angry to somber to needy but they all manage to convey his feelings through the words, the page, the book and into the mood of the reader. I was moved often and never bored. Some pieces are especially funny and poke fun at popular culture and politics.

A great book. I wish I could hear the poems performed.

Ragan Fox has a distinct style, and thankfully, it's an enjoyable one. Syncopation and staccato, and I didn't think it was possible, but he personifies people. Does that make sense? A lot of authors, especially poets, objectify their characters, but Ragan dredges them out from the muck and makes them relatable, giving them enough depth to psychoanalyze. It's nice how he introduced the his metaphors with a drumroll and then brings them home with a sassy punchline, regardless of what emotion his theme is built on, and he runs the gamut instead of leaving the reader stranded on a monochromatic plateau.

I have been a big fan of Ragan's via his podcast Fox and The City - check it out on Itunes - for many of his earlier shows he includes poems in this book and as the other reviewer states - hearing it performed makes the poems come alive with emotion. Great book - get it and see for yourself.

If you've ever heard Ragan perform, you'll definately appreciate this collection of his work. Reading this book will make you laugh, make you cry, and probably really piss you off. For me, envoking such strong emotions is what being a great artist is all about.

It's evident that through his poetry, blog posting, and podcasting, Ragan has found his calling - to entertain, educate and enlighten.

I don't pretend to be an expert on poetry. Like most art, it's more a case of "I can tell what I like." Well I really liked Heterophobia, Ragan Fox's first collection of his uniquely funny and moving poems.

Fox's poetry is meant to be performed, a fact that is quickly evidenced by his clever manipulation of the English language. Some practically beg to be read aloud, just so you can fully appreciate the rhythm and wit of his art. His subjects range widely, from a scathingly hilarious attack on an ex-boyfriend's manhood (David Cart-wrong), to a wickedly sharp condemnation of the suburbs (Suburbia), to the tear-jerking title piece that flips homophobia on its ear. Fox is unafraid to tackle any subject. He writes with equal brilliance about violence, sex, and family.

Ragan Fox is an accomplished performance artist, winning awards for his solo productions, yet his poetry does not suffer in translation. The power and impact of his words shine through clearly from the page.

This is by far one of the best collections of poems I have ever come across. There is a great deal of intellect in the poems that is under scored by pure laughter. It is one of the funniest books I have ever read. I open the book and read it cover to cover in one day. Foxx is the best poet I have ever read.

This book is very well written. I waited for a few years to pick up this book and I am glad that I did.

I never thought I'd read a book of poetry, much less buy one... But Ragan's book is no ordinary poetry compendium. Cleverness and wit abound here, leaving the reader anxiously waiting for Mr Fox's next delivery.

For Yule 2008, I was given a Zune. Soon afterwards, I discovered Fox in the City, a podcast done by Ragan Fox. It was obvious that Ragan is brilliant at doing his podcast, but I hadn't yet been introduced to his writing, until now. Now I truly appreciate his talent and his genius.