Book Summary and Reviews of Tripas by Brandon Som

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Anthony_Conty

Poetry is Hard
Upon completing 'Tripas: Poems' by Brandon Som, the recent recipient of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, I was captivated by the unique blend of Spanglish and multiculturalism that permeates the book. Drawing inspiration from the rich narratives of his Chinese and Mexican grandparents, the poems, while not always immediately apparent to a non-poetry enthusiast like myself, still managed to evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia.

Dr. Brandon Som, a distinguished poet with an M.F.A. from Pitt and a U.S.C. Doctorate in Literature and Creative Writing, infuses his work with a deeply personal connection. Having resided in Squirrel Hill, he beautifully captures the essence of the West. Yet, his poignant exploration of his family's struggles and their use of ancient technology and techniques to secure a better future for their children and descendants truly resonates. The poet's invitation to readers to share his journey of understanding is a compelling aspect of his work.

While I found the subject matter compelling, poetry was also challenging to interpret. However, Dr. Som's constant discussion of Spanish phonetics and idiosyncrasies made the work more accessible and enjoyable for me. His grandparents' occupations feature prominently in his writing, serving as the ultimate show of gratitude. The flow of language is lyrical and rhythmic, creating a conversational feel that reassures and comforts the reader.

I'm still deciding whether to recommend this book. It's a short and easy read, but it may not appeal to fiction or nonfiction readers who are not already fans of poetry.  I enjoyed the stories of his family and the honesty with which he presented his life. My yearly vacation with poetry was successful. I would love to hear your stories about poetry and what has worked for you in the past, as I doubt my inherent intelligence.