Review of Second Coming

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Second Coming" by Lobibah Oji Baraka.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Do you like free verse poetry? Would you like to learn what it is like to live in Baltimore, USA, through the words of an African-American sexagenarian? Would you want to read thought-provoking verses about topics ranging from the joys of youth to the high murder rate in Baltimore? If you answered yes to these questions, you’ll enjoy reading Second Coming: Return of the Herd by Lobibah Oji Baraka.

Lobibah Oji Baraka can be praised for intensely expressing his ideas and feelings through the use of free verse poetry. Free verse poetry does not make the use of rhyme or rhythm. It is very personal and gives the reader access to the poet’s innermost thoughts. As I read this book, I felt that the author was baring his soul to me. At times, this made me feel uncomfortable, and at other times, I was smiling because I could identify with the feelings being described.

There were poems that reminded me of my youth, such as “Momma Was Right”, which explained why the author’s mother gave him a name that he did not like, and “Wet”, which described the joy he received from water as a child. Another poem, such as “ That Spirit Thing”, concerned the author, who had always considered himself to be an East Baltimore native, learning unexpectedly about his African heritage from international students attending Morgan State University. “The Lyrical Lion Of Harlem /This Is Why” tells us about Langston Mercer Hughes, who spoke up for all Americans while testifying before Senator McCarthy regarding his alleged association with a communist party. These poems were a few of the many that captured my interest.

I enjoyed reading this book because each poem presented impactful ideas in a few verses. The poems tapped my emotions, made me think, and spurred me on to do research about historical figures and events. Each poem was either a discovery or a rediscovery. I was grateful that the author shared his thoughts about social issues, nostalgia, music, grief, loss, love, African heritage, Baltimore, politics, racial injustice, Christianity, the generation gap, and the evils of violence.

This collection of poems was well-written and professionally edited. I could not find anything to dislike about this collection of poems. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

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Second Coming
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Laney K]

I enjoy poetry at times, though need to be in the right mood, so I might check this collection out. It sounds like a deeply emotional read that might also give some insight into historical events. Thanks for the insightful review as always.

[Priya Murugesan]

I thought of picking this book as I love poetry. Will choose this if I get a chance again. Your review made this book interesting. I am very much intrigued in free verse poetry and would love to know the poet's soul!

[Anu Anand]

This sounds like a powerful collection of poems filled with valuable information on topics like youth, African heritage, and social issues. I usually don’t understand poetry, but this book seems interesting, and I’ll give it a try if I get a chance. Thanks for sharing such a well-written review!

[RJ Reviews]

Poetry is a great form of of literature that not only instantly create a bond between the poet and the readers but also opens a door of opportunities. Free form poetry has great potential and this book sounds like a pleasurable read. Thanks for sharing your beautiful review with us!

[Sarah Zain]

Poetry is a good way to express oneself. Seems like interesting read, may be for later. Thank you Gerry for great analysis. Well done

[Mona Alves]

That sounds like a really great poetry book, very rich in topics, tho I personally am not to much of a fan of free verse, I'm curious to see how the author does it. Great review!

[Qwerty Writes]

It sounds absolutely delightful. Free verse poems are full of emotions that hit home. Each poet's voice is different but the emotions that shown come alive through their words. It was a sweet review, Gerry. Full of warmth!

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Second Coming" by Lobibah Oji Baraka.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

---

Do you like free verse poetry? Would you like to learn what it is like to live in Baltimore, USA, through the words of an African-American sexagenarian? Would you want to read thought-provoking verses about topics ranging from the joys of youth to the high murder rate in Baltimore? If you answered yes to these questions, you’ll enjoy reading Second Coming: Return of the Herd by Lobibah Oji Baraka.


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Second Coming
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Adrian Bouknight]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Second Coming" by Lobibah Oji Baraka.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

---

Do you like free verse poetry? Would you like to learn what it is like to live in Baltimore, USA, through the words of an African-American sexagenarian? Would you want to read thought-provoking verses about topics ranging from the joys of youth to the high murder rate in Baltimore? If you answered yes to these questions, you’ll enjoy reading Second Coming: Return of the Herd by Lobibah Oji Baraka.

Lobibah Oji Baraka can be praised for intensely expressing his ideas and feelings through the use of free verse poetry. Free verse poetry does not make the use of rhyme or rhythm. It is very personal and gives the reader access to the poet’s innermost thoughts. As I read this book, I felt that the author was baring his soul to me. At times, this made me feel uncomfortable, and at other times, I was smiling because I could identify with the feelings being described.

There were poems that reminded me of my youth, such as “Momma Was Right”, which explained why the author’s mother gave him a name that he did not like, and “Wet”, which described the joy he received from water as a child. Another poem, such as “ That Spirit Thing”, concerned the author, who had always considered himself to be an East Baltimore native, learning unexpectedly about his African heritage from international students attending Morgan State University. “The Lyrical Lion Of Harlem /This Is Why” tells us about Langston Mercer Hughes, who spoke up for all Americans while testifying before Senator McCarthy regarding his alleged association with a communist party. These poems were a few of the many that captured my interest.

I enjoyed reading this book because each poem presented impactful ideas in a few verses. The poems tapped my emotions, made me think, and spurred me on to do research about historical figures and events. Each poem was either a discovery or a rediscovery. I was grateful that the author shared his thoughts about social issues, nostalgia, music, grief, loss, love, African heritage, Baltimore, politics, racial injustice, Christianity, the generation gap, and the evils of violence.

This collection of poems was well-written and professionally edited. I could not find anything to dislike about this collection of poems. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars.

******
Second Coming
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Gerry, your reviews are so good! I'm still just trying to wrap my head around how you're able to produce such high-quality reviews with such consistency. I just finished reading this one myself and completely agree with your perspective. One of the chapters that stuck out to me was his chapter "Funny Xxx Things". It had me laughing quite a bit. But yeah, thank you for sharing this review! I'm taking notes from you and others on how to improve my own content!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Oh, I answered no to every one of your opening questions . Poetry was my least favorite subject at university, and the only one I got a conceded pass for. I'll have to give this one a miss, but I'm sure it has a broad audience.

[Neha Panikar]

I write free verse poetry occasionally, so this book intrigues me. I liked how succinct your review is about the contents of this book and the poems you liked. Thankyou for the review! Definitely something I'll pick up!!

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

What an excellent review. I must confess, I also prefer free-verse type of poems than any other because those are honest, don't hold back, and so real and authentic! The author seems to have impressed you indeed, and that shows how well he has done. I think I will give this book a chance when I see it next time because of your convincing words. I can't to read more reviews from you.

[Bethel Saint Bright]

The amazing thing about free verse poetry is that the poet's creativity is not limited by conventional rules of poetry. However, I'm glad that the collection of poems in this book has a central theme: life in Baltimore. Thank you for always writing amazing reviews.

[NetMassimo]

Reading poetry in a language that's not my primary language is hard for me, and it's a shame, as this seems like an intriguing book of poetry that blends art and important themes. Thank you for your great review!

[Creole]

Thank you for highlighting this book through a great review. I taught English Literature for several years, and poetry is one of my favourite genres. I can see that you enjoyed the verses. I know I will, too. I will add it to my WTR shelf. Congrats to the author.