Customer Reviews

A Little Eruption of Deity: I've Got a Song, Tapestry: A Collection of Inspiring Short Stories, Poetry and Prose

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

 

 

Despite the author's tendency toward being somewhat overly generous in thanking his many influences, the substance of "Deity" is not sacriced. I thought it excessive at first glance, but it created several genuinely enjoyable conversations with my younger brother, as he was not aware of many of the myriad cultural figures Essex refers to and writes about in this book. That inevitably made me nostalgic and thankful to the many authors to whom I am indebted for making ME aware of people who have influenced and have lasting impact in my own life. The books I voraciously read when I was my brother's age are certainly responsible for my awareness of artists such as Patti Smith, William Burroughs and Hunter Thompson.
Quotes by artists that I admire (Kurt Cobain & John Lennon for example) first drew my attention to this book. I was further intrigued that this author was influenced by such people as Marcus Aurelius and Henry David Thoreau, as well.
Although the poem included that won the 2002 Editor's Choice Award (Red Rose Honeybee Baby) is deservedly recognized, I believe my favorite is the story, "Truth, Love, Hate and Lust; And Other Fanciful Characters." It is a clever allegory in which traits are personified to express, in my opinion, "Prophet"-like wisdom (referring to the work of Kahlil Gibran, whom I adore), without the contrived aid of cliched maxims or heavy-handed parables I find too common in works of this medium.
This book is great in that you can open to any page and be entertained, enlightened and amused. There are so many interesting illustrations and photos that compliment the writing, adding a unique mood to the work.
Being an adamant believer in not censoring oneself to conform to societal morets, I was surprised and delighted that Essex set out, and succeeded in provoking thought for thought's sake, not to sell scandal & controversy.
There is contact info for many respectable organizations in the index. I was impressed to read that Essex donates portion of the proceeds of the book to relevant and worthy causes, such as the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund; RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), founded by musician (and rape victim), Tori Amos and "The Hard Way Every Time Foundation"- which Essex himself founded, an organization dedicated to helping troubled and abused teens. "Deity" serves as a resource referral of sorts for the compassionate AND those in need of some compassion.
This is the first time I've been compelled to write a review online; I found Essex' work refreshing in that it is smartly hopeful and optimistic without preaching in a society that seems so jaded that negativity and apathy are celebrated.

What an awesome book! The author did an amazing job of combining politics, philosophy and psychology with common sense into writings that are insightful, entertaining and easy to read. This book is a "must read" for everyone who likes to be challenged in the way the view the world, while seeing glimpses of themselves in another's wisdom, as well those who simply like to be entertained by the written word. Check it out! You won't be disappointed.

This is the most amazing book I have ever read. The short stories are humorous, but thoughtful and philosophical at the same time. The poems are rather dark and meloncholy but they are very moving and poignant. The author pays tribute to lots of great people in his poetry, including Kurt Cobain and Princess Diana. The poems will really move you to tears and make you think long after you put the book down. The essays are very profound and moving as well, without getting bogged down with wordiness and elusive ideas and language. The author has truly mastered the art of all three genres. He is indeed a master WORDSMITH! This book is so amazing I can't say enough good things about it. But not being a master of words myself,I can't fully describe the uniqueness and brilliance of this book. I can only tell everyone that they should buy this book and read ASAP! They won't be disappointed. They have my word on that.
One final word: READ THE BOOK! You'll be happy you did. And you'll thank me later!

I read this book straight through, I couldn't put it down. From the introduction on, Emerson made it a point to clearly explain not only his intentions for the book, but also life. This book combines Emerson's own personal life experiences but those of artists (both well known and obscure) together to form a beautiful and tragically deep viewpoint, from a platform resting high enough that practically everything is well within his range of view and knowledge. Commentary and pictures are worth the coverprice by themselves. In only 219 pages he's able to convey many many important occurences in everyone's life. Sometimes as a deep Stoic philosopher, other times as a broken hearted, and humble man, reminiscing on a schoolboy crush from years long past but never forgotten, like those memories within all of us. This book has the power to change your life, or at least allow you to accept an external or alternate advocacy of yourself as the way you are, who you are, what you are. A+ work here; I look forward to reading Emerson's next book upon its publication, and wish to thank him for giving me (US, ALL OF US) the opportunity to understand for a brief moment all that is, and is around us.

Thank you.

I didn't know what to expect when I got this book, and It took me a little bit of time to actually sit and read it. But once I did, I couldn't put it down. I loved reading everything inside! PLEASE BUY THIS BOOK! AND GIVE IT AS A GIFT! IT'S GREAT! People are always so worried about saying the right thing, doing the right thing, Thinking the right thing! Essex is not afraid to speak HIS MIND, and not let others make him change what he thinks is right.

EMERSON ESSEX ROCKS!

I stumbled upon this wonderful book when I was browsing about online. I dont usually buy poetry, but I liked the title. I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! The writer is also a fan of many of the same musicians as I, pointedly Tori Amos. After learning this, I was very intrigued. I found the book easy to read, and not at all assuming. I have given 2 of them away as gifts to my close friends. Give this one a try. It may surprise you!

This is the worst book I've ever read. This man is a Kurt rip off.