Father, Child, Water Paperback – April 9, 2015

I usually jump around in a book of poetry, trusting each poem I land on is just the right one at the right time. This thought-provoking book however is one collection I've read from front to back - multiple times. Each time I think I've found my "favorite" poem in the book, the next poem sneaks up on me and catches me by surprise until ultimately I concede to the reality that most of the poems in Gary Dop's first published collection of poetry qualify as my "favorite": "How to Pretend You've Read Moby Dick," "Poverty Identification Simulation," "'You Can Call Me Al,'" and oh, the "Shadows That Might Catch Fire" series, particularly the one about "something identical". I'm being cagey with this last title simply because it's precisely the plot twist, one-two knockout punches at the end of many of these poems that take me by surprise, wake me up, and elicit unintended exclamations of "wow" or "whoa". I'm chuckling with delight even as I'm poking around my assumptions, searching what I thought I knew in order to better uncover what I now suspect I have long overlooked.

I didn't like poetry when I was in school. I hated writing/reading in general. I saw Gary Dop perform a few selections from this book at an art space in Lynchburg and his words just sort of (as corny as it sounds) spoke to me. I keep this book by my bedside now.Thank you for writing this! Thank you for sharing it.My favorite poems in this are Xerxes' Queen and How To Pretend You've Read Moby Dick.

Though this is Dop's first collection, I'm no stranger to his poetry. It's always a pleasure to hear or read one of Dop's poems and I rushed to buy when the collection was available. I knew it would be a rewarding purchase, and it was. Dop just has such a marvelous voice in these poems. Whether the tone is touching, humorous, or any of a number of other things, there is such a gentleness and reserved reverence for life inside...which is so heavily contrasted in the immense emotional impact the poems create. This is some beautiful work by a marvelous poet and suggests incredible work yet to come.

Dop's poetry is a delightful mix of hopeful ignorance in his characters, wonderful humorous undertones, and serious life experiences that easily translate to the reader. Dop, himself, is bubbly, humorous, and delightful to be around. These characteristics are translated throughout his poetry. Whether he is writing about acting like you've read Moby Dick, ruining a church potluck, seeing "Gandalf's staff," or hunting with his father who was ex military, Dop is sure to thrill, chill, and surprise. This collection of poetry has something for everyone and belongs on every shelf.

It was fun to meet Gary in SLC. Following a nice discussion I decided to buy his book. I am very glad I did. We should support more works like this! Keep writing Gary!