by Saima Rahman » July 6th, 2023, 6:29 pm
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Poetic Pacific" by Ricky Mato Paisip Narewec.]
The Poetic Pacific by Ricky Mato Paisip Narewec is a remarkable book. This collection of poems takes place in a unique world known as the World of the Minds (WOM). Unlike our physical reality, WOM exists solely within the realm of our thoughts and ideas. It is a mental world separate from the Real Physical World (RPW), where we interact through our senses. The RPW is the part of us that operates based on our sensory experiences and how we perceive the world around us. In contrast, the WOM is like the World of our Brains, existing exclusively within our minds. The WOM serves as a space where our thoughts and ideas evolve and is analyzed and interpreted.
Through these poems, the poet explores the duality of human existence, delving into the interplay between the physical and mental realms and the significance of our thoughts and ideas in shaping our understanding of the world. Every poem in this collection starts with a brief summary that highlights its role within the World of the Minds (WOM), along with diverse dedications and the valuable lessons the poet has gained on their profound journey. The poems vary in nature, with some being straightforward and others being deeply contemplative and leaving a lasting impression. The illustrations are also a fun addition.
One aspect that left me dissatisfied was the repetition found in certain poems. Multiple poems covered the same topics, and their essence felt too similar, resulting in a slight disappointment. Additionally, the concept of the World of the Minds (WOM) might be confusing for some readers and could have been explained more effectively. I didn't find any errors, and the book is well-edited. Nevertheless, I do believe that the overall presentation of the book could have been improved.
I found numerous poems in this collection that became my favorites and were thoroughly enjoyable to read. For instance, “Mother River” made a strong impact with its simplicity, while “The Search for the Incomplete” delved into the poet's unwavering determination to explore the unknown. “Dream and Reality” beautifully portrayed the contrast between these two realms, and “The Seventh Blade” left a lasting impression. These poems convey wonderful lessons. The poet's journey through the World of the Minds (WOM) is profoundly reflected in their works and is truly impactful. However, the repetitive nature of some poems detracted from the overall experience. Nonetheless, the remaining body of work was undeniably amazing.
For all these reasons, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
This book would likely appeal to readers who are intrigued by introspective and philosophical themes. Those who enjoy exploring the realms of thought, ideas, and the human mind would find the World of the Minds concept engaging. Additionally, readers who appreciate poetry that evokes reflection and contemplation, as well as those open to exploring the interplay between the physical and mental realms, would likely enjoy this book.
