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Cover of POEMS & PRAYERS
★★★★★
4.15

Based on 570 Goodreads ratings

POEMS & PRAYERS

by an 18\u002Dyear\u002Dold (Rimbaud excepted) should read: “Ignorant minds of the fortunate man / Blind of the fate shaping every land.” McConaughey is fearless in his commitment to the rhyme, no matter how slight the result (“Oops, took a quick peek at the sky before I got my glasses, / now I can’t see shit, sure hope this passes”). And, sad to say, the slight is what is most on display throughout, punctuated by some odd koanlike aperçus: “Eating all we can / at the all\u002Dwe\u002Dcan\u002Deat buffet, / gives us a 3.8 education / and a 4.2 GPA.” “Never give up your right to do the next right thing. This is how we find our way home.” “Memory never forgets. Even though we do.” The prayer portion of the program is deeply felt, but it’s just as sentimental\u003B only when he writes of life\u002Dchanging events—a court appearance to file a restraining order against a stalker, his decision to quit smoking weed—do we catch a glimpse of the effortlessly fluent, effortlessly charming McConaughey as exemplified by the David Wooderson (“alright, alright, alright”) of Dazed and Confused. The rest is mostly a soufflé in verse. McConaughey’s heart is very clearly in the right place, but on the whole the book suggests an old saw: Don’t give up your day job."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:209
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9781984862

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This collection of spiritual verses and reflective poetry offers young readers a gentle introduction to contemplative literature, blending accessible language with meaningful themes that resonate acr...

Our Review

This collection of spiritual verses and reflective poetry offers young readers a gentle introduction to contemplative literature, blending accessible language with meaningful themes that resonate across different belief systems. The carefully curated selection provides moments of quiet reflection and emotional connection, making complex spiritual concepts approachable for developing minds. These pieces explore universal values like gratitude, kindness, and wonder through imagery that speaks directly to a child's experience of the world.

What distinguishes this anthology is its ability to balance reverence with relatability, avoiding preachiness while maintaining depth and sincerity. The poems and prayers work together to create a comforting rhythm that can serve as either bedtime reading or thoughtful discussion starters for families. Young readers navigating questions of faith, meaning, and their place in the world will find both solace and inspiration within these pages, making it a valuable addition to any family's bookshelf for moments when words matter most.

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