Anastasia Helena Fenald

The free verse poetry is something becoming love for me.The poems on nationality and foreign-ness are particularly good and fitted well. The couple of poems that leant into the absurdism/tried to approach the topic from an unexpected place really broke up the literalism. There are a lot of strong sections in here, and the Q&A job application format works really wonderfully. Author has a recognisable voice, and the rhythm and cadence of her work is varied but consistent enough to feel cohesive.

The author clearly had a message to put across, although the focus wasn't exclusively on one topic, the core frustration and bitterness of unemployment is not particularly a subtle theme. There are sections where the message of frustration becomes frustrating in itself.

The poems also felt American, paired with the current-affairs heavy content started to feel a little like it was designed for social media. Define Job and Résumé Poem are two that felt very much intended to be seen outside of the collection, although this could also just be my personal taste coming through.

The collection does pick up by the end, though, and I think a lot of my frustrations are with the earlier poems which seem to be trying to set a tone, but do so in such a blatant way it can feel as though you are just being told what to think and feel about the topic, rather than being allowed to feel what the authour does through her writing.… (altro)

This is a book that express the feelings of so many workers in the United States. As I was reading this work, I was sharing with Friends and co-workers and everyone could relate. Everyday people go to workplaces with a gazillion policies and procedures that really mean very little. It does not matter the depth or greatness of your contributions. You cannot say or do anything that goes against the stars quo. Human Resources is not interested in enforcing the policies that are in writing. You keep trying to find the work sweet spot and it is a hamster wheel. The poetry in this book express that in a charming manner.
I recommend this book for those who are seeking new work opportunities, who are working and wondering about their jobs and for those who are thinking it is them(as in it is something wrong with them).
If you are on the career/work journey this book is a great read.… (altro)