This book is an unusual read for me. I find it poetic but I think the whole collection lacks cohesion. I like some pieces, but others are a miss. No doubt the writing is good, I just can't figure out the tone and mood of the entire collection. In general, it's a good book. I think it's that type of book that shouldn't be read in haste, you need to savour every word. With that being said, I would probably re-read the whole book again.

Sometimes a writer comes along and makes you challenge your definitions of poetry and prose by combining them in a collection so compelling it is impossible to put down.

Reader, this was not that collection.

I'm not saying that the writing is bad, it's just that I have a hard time classifying it as poetry. It reads more like a journal or some sort of strange memoir. Of course, Deshaies is extremely descriptive in a way you wouldn't expect in typical prose, but it sometimes feels forced and unnatural. Take this example, describing a sexual encounter:
Your skin is tender. My hand grazes down your backside as I press in.
The warmth, it’s compelling. You bite, I moan. Stroke.
Lavender and vanilla blossom your hair as I pull on each blessed
strand. The entanglement—I can feel it already. We press on. Stroke.
[...]
Music plays, but it’s not what you’re thinking. Natural, exuberant, and pure, a description of the angels choiring from the bond.
Stroke.

It goes on for a bit longer, but I'm just not feeling it.

Robert Deshaies II has a unique voice, but this collection just doesn't live up to his full potential.

The number one way this book could have been improved is if the afterword was made into an author's note at the start. Because it isn't an "after" at all, it's an explanation of the process that went into the book and gives a little bit of perspective on who the author is. Reading that earlier might have helped me to understand the portrait that Deshaies was painting of himself with his words.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of Blackjack-22 in exchange for an honest review.

I did not enjoy the book as much as I had hoped I would. It's not the book, it is me - just didn't work out

Not crazy amazing. I expected a lot more but I was left with no emotions at the reading of this book. Pretty disappointed.

Blackjack 22: Modern Poetry by @robby_deshaies_

I literally don’t know why there are so less review for this beautiful well written piece in most vulgarity rawish term?!?

Yes, I agree this is an adult novel or poetry book cause the subject are not for teens and I can assure they won’t understand how deep they are.

I want this book to be a best seller the poet or author he writes so beautifully! I love almost all of his poem or prose.

Although it’s been wrong from the male point of view, but I can almost relate myself my miseries in it.

This book simply touched my heart and what else can I say? But one thing, the book cover is nice but not going with the theme and not attention seeking?!?

I highly recommend this book to all my nerdy friends and the one who’ve been struggling with themselves.

Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

Thank you @netgalley and @booksgosocial_es @booksgosocialgroup for the #arc in exchange for an honest review.