A Book of Poetry for the Digital Generation
Like Groucho Marx who didn’t want to belong to a club that would have him as a member, Luke Armstrong doesn’t subscribe to an arcane poetic mindset that repels readers and embraces the obscure.
Luke’s disdain for the arcane is evident in his recently published book of poems, How We Are Human, in which his masterful use of language is eloquent and simple, musical and metaphorical, yet blunt at times when the material requires a heavy-handed approach.
In How We Are Human, Luke explores the humanity in himself as well as others. Luke, a humanitarian at heart and in practice, directed the health and educational development organization Nuestros Ahijados for four years in Guatemala, combating infant malnutrition.
Inspired by his travels, relationships and family, his grandmother in particular, who was also a poet, How We Are Human is warm and insightful, playful and serious, but always entertaining and thought-provoking, a lyrical book of poems that focuses on the thread that connects us to each other as well as the world around us.
How We Are Human is a book with wide appeal because of Luke’s desire to keep poetry simple and not entangle a reader’s brain in knots.
“I don’t like poetry that complains, seeks pity, is annoying or makes me search for the point like deriving ‘x’ in algebra.” –Luke Armstrong
I agree. Reading poetry can be torturous at times, more like a Rubik cube exercise for the mind than an enjoyable pastime. Poetry should be accessible as is the case in How We Are Human, a book of flash fiction that rhymes at times.
With a combination of humor and passion and concepts that are both relatable and insightful, Luke succeeds in demystifying and simplifying poetry, in effect, humanizing it, and in doing so, How We Are Human, or Poetry 3.0, as I like to call it, will engage a new generation of readers, people with hectic lives, who are exposed to a 24/7 information cycle.
“In our busy lives filled with distractions, what but the brevity of poetry offers such an immersive experience in the time it takes to floss?” –Luke Armstrong
Life is complicated enough. If we also complicate art, we prevent others from appreciating our expression of language and ideas. Luke gets that and brings fun and brilliant simplicity to his poetic ruminations.
In addition to How We are Human, Luke’s other book of poetry, iPoems for the Dolphins to Click Home About (2010) is also available in paperback or eBook.
For more information about Luke Armstrong, please visit his website www.LukeSpartacus.com.
Nice review. Sounds like an interesting read.
Thanks Phil.
Yes, it is an interesting read and Luke lives a fascinating life. He’s does a lot of humanitarian work.
Great review, Lauren. I’ve always shied away from poetry because I never know what the hell the poet is talking about and it makes me feel stupid. I’ll have to give this one a look.
Thanks Jayne.
I don’t write many reviews. They fry my brain. I couldn’t say no when Luke asked me. His language has a great sense of rhythm and imagery. He’s an unpretentious guy and leads a fascinating life. He’s an old soul.
Great review Lauren. I am a poetry neanderthal and often avoid it since I can’t seem to figure it out. Maybe this will be my gateway book. I’d like to advance my humanoid status to the next evolutionary stage:)
Thanks Rebecca.
Poetry is tough to tackle. I don’t read much of it. Hell, I don’t read much of anything anymore. Luke’s book is easy on the eyes and brain.
Lauren, great review, and I love Luke Armstrong. LOVE. And I agree with Jayne. Poetry makes me feel stupid. But Luke is definitely worth checking out.
Again, great review. Such a talented writer you are.
Hi June,
Thanks so much! How do you know Luke? He’s such a down to earth guy. His poetry is accessible. It’s worth the read. He sent me an email from Uganda today. Amazing kid.
Thanks Lauren for the great blog and kind review. This makes poetry worth it… Frost never got to read comments about his poetry online… He was totally missing out 🙂
: ) You’re welcome!
“Reading poetry can be torturous at times, more like a Rubik cube exercise for the mind than an enjoyable pastime. Poetry should be accessible as is the case in How We Are Human, a book of flash that rhymes at times.”
Amen to that. Hmm…. maybe I will pick up a copy of this book.
Hi Meleah,
I didn’t realize I had left out the word “fiction” from that paragraph. My inherent lack of perfection was clearly on display. Luke is a really interesting guy. Travels all over the world. He was just in Uganda.
Well I like poetry so much.Thank you so much for this wonderful post. This is really a wonderful stuff for me.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Please stop by Luke’s website and read about his incredible travels.