Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Miramax Books
Release Date: July 2004
ISBN: 1-4013-5953-1
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Softcover
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Genre:   Nonfiction / Poetry, of the old poetry bars and coffee houses.
Reviewed: 2004
Reviewer: Claudia VanLydegraf

Reviewer Notes: www.felixdennis.com/

Bit of specific language and reminiscent of being in the coffee houses of Soho or North Beach in the late 60’s.

Copyright MyShelf.com

A Glass Half Full
By Felix Dennis

    Felix Dennis is a poet of the Hemingway, Kipling, Frost or even Rod McKuen variety, although McKuen was more into the gratifications of love and his childhood memories than is Dennis. He makes you feel like you are sitting in a coffee house with a glass of cabernet and the smoky room is full of people. The poems are of a decidedly thought- provoking variety. Some of it is as the title states, A Glass Half Full, and he makes no pretense of being an introspective person, as he puts his words and angst to paper in a very skillful form. He has a very fine way with the timing of the poetry and his delivery of it.

    Mr. Dennis is from another time, a time before video games and x-Boxes and I-Pods. I am sure that the longer he delves into this medium, the more his acclaim will rise. He is very distinct. It will not take long for the whole world to realize his genius and voice. Brits have a wry sense of propriety and description, and he uses these things in his poetry. Some of it is very touching, for instance, the last poem in the book, “Falling, Falling” which is how a child would have possibly looked at the towers on 9-11 and the bodies jumping from the building.

     There is a CD included with the book and his spoken voice is very spellbinding. However, it could be longer, and there is a smattering of music included in the background. Also inside of the book are a number of illustrations by Bill Sanderson, which will provoke more thought.

    This book is full of Dennis’s perspective on the world and how he feels about life. He is well known in many circles, from the boardroom to the theater. His poetry has been on desks, in theaters, books and many magazines from the shores of England to the outback of Australia and everywhere in between. It is that good. There is a bit of the wryness and humor of the English that bites, while it makes you want more.