GREAT PRAISES for Dr. John Brugaletta's With My Head Rising Out Of The Water
/ALFRED W. LANDWEHR REVIEWS JOHN BRUGALETTA’S WITH MY HEAD RISING OUT OF THE WATER
John Brugaletta’s latest book of poetry, With My Head Rising Out of the Water, is a delight to read, not only because of his usual humor and superb use of language, but also because of the various and splendid voices he employs. Not only are there contemporary voices as in “Coffee Shops,” which ends with “We have always stopped at shrines like these/for a rest, or because we’re hungry.” Brugaletta also often calls on voices from the classical world, as in Artemis... To see—and hear—so many voices brought together in one collection will please his confirmed fans as well as readers new to his protean verses. ~ Alfred W. Landwehr (California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo)
STEWART LONG REVIEWS JOHN BRUGALETTA’S WITH MY HEAD RISING OUT OF THE WATER
This is a charming little book of poetry. Once I started reading, I could not put it down and finished it in one sitting. I have since reread with pleasure many of the poems, Bugaletta's poems often lull the reader into a comfortable sense of familiarity with their topics, but then surprise us with their subtle ironies and fresh insights. They cover a variety of topics ranging from the natural world, to inanimate objects, to human nature and relationships (with classical literature thrown in for good measure). While many seem autobiographical, they deal with impressions, thoughts and emotions common to all of us. Some of my favorites are about the ageing process and how we think about and respond to it. Part of what makes these poems so enjoyable to read is Brugaletta's ability to use what appear to be personal musings to convey thoughtful and serious ideas about the human experience. Whether you normally read much poetry or not, I think you find this book well worth reading.
W. ARTHUR MULLIES, Ph.D, REVIEWS JOHN BRUGALETTA’S WITH MY HEAD RISING OUT OF THE WATER
John Brugaletta's latest collection of verse is a gratifying read. The wide scope of topics is remarkable: boyhood memories, family experiences in the Great Wars of the last century, themes based on archeology, anthropology, Greek literature, reflections on growing old. In a word, the Human Condition. In select pieces, the Human Comedy. His ability to capture in a single image novel and profound insight is ever present in an engaging, pleasing manner; his poetic genius on display throughout. Moments in which his assessment of the human experience is bleak, are offset by his sense of humor and philosophic resignation. I highly recommend it. Arthur Mullies, Adjunct Professor of Spanish retired, Rockhurst University-Kansas City.