Customer Reviews

Poetry Unplugged

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I am always eager to discover the expression that is shared by an artist through a chosen craft. Whether he is a composer who brought notes together to form a symphony centuries ago or a young poet who thoughtfully constructs her word patterns even before she knows how to tie her shoes, I love to get lost in such honest emotion. As a musician and a writer, I know that any moment or any object can inspire an outpouring of self. I have recently found a new poet named Irene Brodsky who shares much of her personal story in her just published collection of freestyle poetry entitled Poetry Unplugged. I have not had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Brodsky and have only had the opportunity for one phone conversation, but I feel that I have some sense of her background and what she holds so dear through her wonderful use of words.

Irene Brodsky, like most Americans across the country, felt a powerful need to express herself after the tragedy of September 11. As a resident of New York City, she had a front-seat perspective on that horrible day and found herself drawn to poetry has her chosen means of releasing her overwhelming emotions. She wrote a compelling piece of poetry entitled "The Tallest Twins" in which she portrays the World Trade towers as her close friends. This personification served as a less painful way of coping with the grief she was experiencing for her friends who worked in those buildings. The poem became the opening selection in Poetry Unplugged and serves as an appropriate introduction to the rest of her work.

Throughout the poems found in Brodsky's Poetry Unplugged, one clear characteristic of the author becomes pleasantly apparent. She is a woman who does not have to search to find points of beauty and astonishment in her everyday surroundings, and she never takes this precious realization for granted. There are several poems that recall childhood memories from places like Howard Street or Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Her words in these selections create a nostalgic visual of a New York that, for the most part, exists only in the memory of those who lived through the era. What wonderful pieces these will be for her readers who look back at their own childhoods in New York with fondness. Ms. Brodsky also shows a love for the natural environment, with poems detailing her day spent with a doe, vacations to the Catskill Mountains, and even the simple appreciation for the beautiful color of an apple. When someone's writing encourages me to take a second look at the ordinary grandeur that surrounds me, I am truly thankful.

Ms. Brodsky's work also should serve as a source of encouragement for women who are considering a significant change in their life's path. She chose to return to college at the age of fifty-five and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. There are several poems in Poetry Unplugged that share Ms. Brodsky's sense of pride at this great accomplishment. Her poem "Graduation Day" encapsulates all of the strong emotions that anyone feels when achieving one of their life goals, from a sense of disbelief to new confidence to just a bit of sadness at saying goodbye to friends. I felt a particular connection to "Spring Has Sprung on the Quad," with lines such as "Pictures have been taken, The Quad is all aflutter, A special day awaits!" I read this poem several times, and recalled wonderful visuals of my own graduation nearly fifteen years ago. Perhaps some of Ms. Brodsky's readers will be inspired to create such memories for themselves!

I sat down with Irene Brodsky's Poetry Unplugged as someone who has great appreciation for the written word, but hardly as a seasoned critic of poetry. I closed the collection of work as a fan of Ms. Brodsky's use of language and the confident sense of self that gives her poetry both an inviting approach and a real sense of purpose. Her personal story, namely her decision to return to school later in life and now pass on her learned craft to new students, is a wonderful starting point to attract readers before even enjoying her first line of poetry. When readers discover that the quality of her art is such that they want to reread her words to themselves and others, they will hope that another book of poetry is in Ms. Brodsky's future. Whether or not such a publication is forthcoming, I at least would love to grab a seat in her class one day and experience the contagious excitement she feels for poetry and simply for life.

I bought poetry unplugged and even with the chaos of my life I could not put it down. The descriptions are so vidid that as a reader, you could close your eyes and visualize so clearly, that one feels as though they are watching a movie. She writes in such a way that it draws the reader in and holds your attention to start to finish.
The book begins with a life changing event in our american history. "The Tallest Tower" is sincere, heartfelt and heartbreaking. My favorite poem is "An Hour In Time" . As a read this poem it made me stop a realize how precious life really is and how we can contribute to others. If given a choice one only pounders what do to. Irene askes If you could go back in time and make a difference would you do it? She finds the beauty in all things that one in daily life takes for granted. A beautfiul tribute to her parents in the "Lily of The Valley" This book is like a ticket that takes you on an adventure through the writer's life. This book in your hands allows you a rare front seat view and it is one enjoyable ride. If September 11 touched your heart, you have ever overcome the odds,you graduated, lost friends and family and if you look back at your life to reflect this is a book that you need in your collection. This is a must have, must read, must keep and must share book.

Poetry Unplugged is a delightful collection of poems by Brooklyn College educator, Irene Brodsky. Brodsky is a masterful story teller; her poems leap off the page and transport you to another world.

In "The Best Kept Secret in Brooklyn," Brodsky takes you back to her childhood. Warm and comforting images dance on the pages as she describes the inviting aromas of her home: "...the scent of apple pie beckons to you." One of her most delicious lines is: "Thick burgers and fries pile high/ And ketchup flows like the red sea." Do not be surprised if you are hungry by the end of the poem.

"An Hour In Time" is a reminder of how precious each moment of our lives is, and what a difference each of us can make in the lives of others. If you could go back in time and make a difference would you do it? The closing line of this poem says it best: "If you could back,/Would you do it?/Or will you/ Just sleep through it?"

Brodsky pays tribute to her parents in the hear-warming poem, "Lily of the Valley." She uses words to paint a breath-taking portrait of a husband and wife who are enraptured in each other's love: "In his eyes, Lily was a jewel in the midst/His wife of 50 sparkling years/Lily of the Valley." This poem is simply lovely.

This book is a must read for anyone who is a lover of the written word. Poetry Unplugged will make you smile, think, laugh, and remember how wonderful life is.

When Irene Brodsky's book Poetry Unplugged came in the mail I could not put it down until I had read the entire book. Her ability to paint with words is amazing and her imagination and love of writing is evident on the written pages.
I admire her work and look forward to more books by this author whom, I feel, has a loving and very generous heart.

The other reviewers did such a great job reviewing this book that there's not much more I can add. I'll just mention what I liked most about this book. First of all, Irene Brodsky can paint a beautiful picture with words. Some of her descriptions were so vibrant, I felt as if I was looking at a painting instead of reading the poem.

Second, some of her poems tell a story. My favorite, "George, Diane and Mother" was about a domineering mother who'd never let go of her adult son. I thought this poem told a novella's worth of information in two pages.

Third, I loved her inspirational poems, such as the one called "The Boy Who Could" which was about a boy who had a speech problem. When he saved someone from drowning, he proved that everyone has the ability to do something important, regardless of their imperfection.

Fourth, I felt a sense of history embedded into some of these poems. It took me back in time and painted a picture of what life was like from the 1940's and how things progressed from there. This poem is "On Howard Avenue".

Fifth, there's no denying that she has a humorous side to her personality, which is something I always enjoy. "Henry Fromm's Will" has a great ending. It tells of greedy, lazy men who marry wealthy women to get out of working. It was the last verse that made me laugh.

I recommend this book. It's a quick, fun read that I think anyone can enjoy because there's bound to be a poem that they'll enjoy.

Irene Brodsky may yet be recognized as a modern Grandma Moses of American folk poetry. Irene came to writing in this genre after a life dedicated to dreary clerical work in the Board of Education. However, it is evident that throughout her life ideas, thoughts and images were incubating in her soul. When she decided to return to complete a bachelor's degree at CUNY, she and poetry found one another. From childhood scenes in Brooklyn, to memories of adolescent popular tunes, television shows and horror movies, this tome is an anthology of gleanings from a first-generation (Jewish) perspective. Its appeal and audience are universal, because the subjects are handled with respect and wonderment, without deference to creed or race. The tone of most are whimsical, if not humorous, e.g. "Fast Food Mania" and "All that I can See". However, there are those such as "The Tallest Twins" and "For all She has Given Us" that are somber, giving us pause to reflect and remember.

Perhaps what is most valuable about this thin volume of poetry is its ability to awaken within each of us a desire to write poetry ourselves. This is somewhat different from the experience gained from reading Whitman, Dickinson or Frost. It is the simplicity yet depth that free verse affords us when we are able to see vignettes of life from the viewpoint of mindful human. It may be something that we actually experience, but it may be something we read, learn or overhear. Poetry is a magical vehicle by which we can encapsulate notions, be they fantasy or true-to life, that give meaning to us as people.

I imagine that this book would be useful as well as well-received by a variety of audiences. As a former instructor of English as a Second Language, I am certain that many newcomers to the United States would enjoy this short collection of verses written in easy English. Likewise, I can see it useful in grades 5 and up. Poems such as "On Howard Avenue", "The Best Kept Secret in Brooklyn" and "Prospect Park" tell us in a sense as much about Brooklyn as many a lengthy memoir. However, for the young at heart, Ms. Brodsky's poetry deals with a wealth of fact and concept, compressed as poetry is, into short lines and strategic impact. "Poetry Unplugged" makes a pitch for why this art form is here to make a come-back. As a librarian, I highly recommend this collection for public school libraries of all grades for its pedagogical merits. Moreover, I would highly encourage its purchase for those who wish to be reminded that poetry is within the reach of all who aspire to write it. "Poetry Unplugged" is an affordable volume of free verse suitable for family collections, and will hopefully find parents and grandparents sharing it with young loved ones for generations to come.

Ms. Brodsky is quite simply one of the lovliest and heartfelt poets of our generation. Her sensitivity and majesty soars above the harshness of the current issues we face. She buoys the soul with tenderness, humor, and insight. Not to be missed.

Irene Brodsky's unique freestyle of writing takes you on a journey. Unlike other poetry writers, Irene's poems are written for all ages and genders. Poems that all of us can relate to. A major reason why her book is a must read.

In 2007 Ms. Brodsky, at the young age of 62, graduated from Brooklyn College. With her determination anything is possible. I truly enjoy her inspirational and hearfelt messages, and I know you will too. Thank you Irene for your wonderful and inspiring poems. I'm looking forward to your next book of poetry. Wishing you much continued success.

Concetta Payne,
Author and Promoter of Literacy

As an author of MommyBest: 13 Inspirational Lessons Derek & Dylan's Mom (and maybe yours) Never Learned in School, now living in the suburbs, I was eager to get transported to the city. The book is a joyous journey through the author, Irene Brodsky's, world. When I first received the book, I put it on my nightstand. I haven't read poetry in a very long time, so I thought it would be a good idea to read a few poems each night. It was; the collection of poems is very eclectic from prose about riding the subway -to a day at the beach -to responding to e-mails each day- to questioning truths in life, including "What is Poetry?" Irene Brodsky paints a collage of the world from her Brooklyn "stoop" (I'm a Bronx girl myself-being born and raised until moving to the suburbs during my teen years). I found it very refreshing and emotionally transformative to visit her view through the vibrant images and scene stealing poetic verses, often rhythmic. Irene's first poem about the Twin Towers is one of my favorites. I have an identical twin sister and share an inexplicable bond with her. I feel a connection to the poem and the sadness of the September 11th tragedy in the way Irene personifies the twins, promising to meet them someday: "We'll have that birthday cake..in our new World Trade Center up in heaven together forever.." Another poem speaks about a soap opera show that I recall my older brother asking me to sign a petition for. He wanted to save "Dark Shadows" from being taken off the air by the network. My brother was only a young boy, but the show about the infamous Barnabas and the dark room he lived in-which, I believe, no one ever came out of alive-was so loved by my brother that it moved him to, for the first time I recall-take a social stance in the name of justice. The show was ultimately taken off the air, but not before Barnabas and his true love, a human named, Angelique, went off together. I'm sure there are so many readers who remember this show and relate to the forbidden love theme and the era. Vampires today, although different in the way they are portrayed, are still a popular subject throughout our media. The poems are joyous and fun to read. My boys, 14 and 12 saw the new book on my nightstand and asked if they could read it. Of course, I obliged. Here's what my 14 year old (who is the more organized of the two) wrote when I asked him what his thoughts on the book are: "I really like these poems and I usually am not a big fan of poetry.good repetition of words, nice imagery. I could picture the scene in my mind. My favorite poem is "The Best Kept Secret in Brooklyn" because I love food. The poems had a nice flow, cool variety from dark and gloomy to happy-go-lucky and exciting. I liked how she (Irene) wrote from the object's perspective." Now, to my younger son's view: "I really liked this poetry book. The poems had life to them, were all from the heart and mind. I liked the first poem (The Tallest Twins) the best because I felt I could relate to it the most. I even liked all the colorful and descriptive words that she used. I would definitely recommend this book to other people." I agree with my boys; Poetry Unplugged is written from Irene's heart; it's a series of fine-tuned thoughts conveying wisdom, perspective, love and hope, emotions that join people in a world starving to be connected.