POETRY STRANGERS

The author, Brian Sonia-Wallace, writes poems, on the spot, for people he meets…wherever he sets up his table and his typewriter. He asks: “Do you need a poem?” And, surprisingly, all sorts of people, many of whom have never even read a poem, give him a topic--about a child, a spouse, the memory of a loved one, a pet, a secret, a dream.He has documented his experiences as the writer-in-residence on an Amtrak train (Railroad Writer) and as writer-in-residence at the Mall of America (A Poet at the Mall). He will introduce you to an Iranian-American woman who ran for elected office in Chattanooga (The Dreamer), a woman who visits jailed asylum seekers, including a poet (Document/ed), and he will describe his time teaching theatre in the Amazon (The Word). And, there’s much, much more.Brian concludes with some poignant observations about the importance of storytelling, of “being heard.” He has come to believe that the connections he makes with people are mini therapy sessions. He gives voice to deeply-held feelings. Many of the poems, when finished and read aloud, bring tears to the eyes of the requester.Brian is talented and full of curiosity and empathy for the people he meets. His brand of optimism and engagement with a broad swath of people is a gift in these extraordinary days. We can’t recommend this book more highly.

I actually bought this book for my daughter, the poet, but when it arrived, I opened it and read the beginning. Couldn't put it down after that. There is much more here than just stories of a poet's adventures as he travels here and there, offering his craft to others for a donation. Turns out Brian Sonia-Wallace is a stellar prose writer and a pretty authentic human being as well. Sorry-not-sorry I read this first. My kid is going to love it. I did.

This book met my requirements for a literally return on investment. I learned new words, it made me feel something and I would buy it again. For only $16.99 (For ya early purchasers) Brian takes us on an adventure that solidifies the general tone of our nation. Everyone’s just trying to find an outlet and some cheap therapy. The stories are beautifully told and we get to see a more personal side of Brian behind the typewriter. From an Amtrak train to the middle of a jungle, we are taken on an adventure that keeps you wondering how one person has lived and retold so many experiences. They could not have picked a better empathetic voyeur to pen such captivating stories. Well done B. I’ll be watching for the next adventure.

This was my first exposure to the name Brian Sonia-Wallace, but I bet it won't be my last. In fact, since I read The Poetry of Strangers last week, I have learned that he's been named the Poet Laureate of West Hollywood, a fitting honor for a young poet who has as much verve as he does soul. Traveling the country with his trusty typewriter, Sonia Wallace offers passersby a custom poem, written on the spot after a brief chat. Amazingly, he pulls truth from this short dialogue, and the resulting poem as often as not brings the stranger to tears. Art as therapy? More like art to change the world.

This is an engaging prose account of the author’s move from wayward college grad to full-time typewriter poet writing poems for people in the street to corporate events to artist in residence at the Mall of America and on Amtrak. His ability to connect with people and give them a venue for their stories, for being heard, for appreciating a piece of art in the moment is heartwarming. His prose account is likewise touching, infused with the many lives he has touched along the way. It reads quickly, engaging, and an interesting memoir/historical document of the creative approach to earning a living in the early 21st century.

This is a song for all of us. A balm for wounded, hurting, anxious souls. A truth whispered in an ear saying “ you’re not alone” and the inner sigh of relief that follows it. This is story poetry of a traveler who followed the thread that winds through our humanity and binds us to one another. It’s a reminder that we are all going through this crazy life together.

I have an emotional hangover (in the best way) after reading The Poetry of Strangers. I felt like a passenger alongside Brian Sonia-Wallace's adventures across the country asking strangers, "What do you need a poem about?" It was absolutely fascinating to witness the way poetry finds the beauty and overwhelming commonality among perfect strangers. His book is exactly what we all need right now; honesty, compassion, and the recognition of a universal desire to be heard.

What an inspiring read at a time when I feel so detached from society. This book will leave you feeling connected and inspired. I appreciate the critical lens about many issues that everyday folks encounter... and a poem can capture a moment, an essence, a laugh, a dream.

The Poetry of Strangers is the typewriter poetry novel for people who didn't know typewriter poetry was a thing. As the author embarks on a journey across America powered (and financed) solely by the tool of creating poems for people he meets on a typewriter, the travelogue moves through a landscape of the stories, emotions, wishes, dreams, longings ambitions and regrets of all of the strangers that he writes for. The book powers forward - with each day punctuated by the narrators desire or need to make connections, to create poems for people, to move his journey onwards - at such a continual pace that you will find yourself sucker-punched by the individual story of someone when it specifically connects with you (and I suspect these will be different for each person). Through the way that the author approaches the journey and the connections he makes on it, the Poetry of Strangers will encourage you to look around you with a more keen eye, to appreciate the stories of all of those around you, and to meet the world filled joy and a more open heart.

This was a book club pick so reading it felt like homework. It wasn't awful but there was little to maintain my enthusiasm.

Timely and powerful, an unassuming ode to the role of poetry.

If you do one thing today...buy this book. It’s the perfect summer read. It’s soulful, it’s full of heart and humanity and beauty. I cried, I laughed, I warmed my heart. And even if you have never cared too much about poetry, this book will open your eyes. Thank you Brian Sonia-Wallace for giving the world an insight to your soul.