Download Saint Joe's Passion eBook

Beautiful poems

The Kindle edition is bad, as you cannot tell where one poem starts and the next one ends.

J.D. Schraffenberger has written a book of poems that are so accessible and fascinating, I find myself thinking of this character he has created long after I read the book. I cannot think of another book of poetry that connects quite the way this one does, in multiple ways. Not only does it connect the reader with a dying man reflecting back on his life, but it connects the reader with poetry that is both cerebral and yet, it's not esoteric at all. This is not a book of poetry written for just those who love the art of poetry and the craft, it is written in an honest, forthright way that invites the casual fiction reader in to hear a story. It recollects universal moments in humanity, all the senses, and there are moments where you have to set the book down and think about a line you just read and feel it wash over you, and sometimes chill you in the best possible way.
Conversational, yet prayer-like, meant to be read and tasted in small bites to savor even though nothing here is too rich and dense that you cannot devour the entire book in one sitting. I also recommend his second book, The Waxen Poor, which is just as fascinating as this one.
Organized, concise, lyrical, lovely, lovely poems that will also make you shudder when you're reading and long after the book is closed. I recommend the hard copy until the formatting issues are fixed, because Schraffenberger does do readings and will sign your copy.

J.D. Schraffenberger is an honest, accessible writer who knows his craft. The intelligence behind his poetry book is wonderful. "Saint Joe's Passion" will stay with you, as will his second collection, The Waxen Poor. Both are fantastic, fascinating reads that I return to again and again. Schraffenberger has also published one of the best short nonfiction essays ever, at Brevity, called "Dropping Babies" (available online) that I use as a model of writing in my English Composition courses.

Sorry for the bad experience one reader had with the Kindle edition but this is a wonderful collection--a kind of novel in poems. I have used this book in a college-level class and students really responded to it, even those who had thought they didn't like poetry. Readable but at the same time rich and astute. Highly recommended.

Fascinating, original, memorable.

Poems that resonate even after multiple readings.