I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would, but it was still a light, pleasant read. The idea of using newspapers and blacking out words was an idea that didn't occur to me at all, and I will most likely be trying it out during the summer with a couple friends of mine, maybe even make a personal collection of them. My complaint comes to the actual poems themselves. They all 'made sense', however after a certain point they started to repeat themselves, and there were some images that were used over and over again, the same problem with the themes of the poems. I know poetry targets certain topics over and over again, and there are repeated words and images, but it was a bit overwhelming to find in one collection in one space. Some stood out, others blended into a glob of poems I found repetitive, so while I enjoyed the book and a good chunk of the poems, both style- and content-wise, others - not so much. However I would recommend this book to anyone, it's a relaxing read and you'll get a laugh out of some of these. By the end of the book I practically guarantee you that you'll want to give the idea a try. It's a creative way of solving the common problem of writer's-block, or finding a way around it, while still coming up with something unusual and original. If you're any sort of artist, writer or thinker then you should be following Austin Kleon. Regardless of whether or not you appreciate his aesthetic his insight into the creative process is a valuable resource. I've been a fan of Kleon's blackout poems for about a year now, the horoscopes in particular, and this book filled me with joy. It works both as a casual coffee table book and as a work of art, filled with pithy statements about life, love and the human condition.
What do You think about Newspaper Blackout (2010)?
Very intriguing form of poetry. Who knew that newspapers and a sharpie can bring about art.
—kay
Short. To the point. Stylistic. Makes you think. Makes you want to get out and DO.
—cal
