Robin Goodfellow rated it it was amazing on Goodreads
-I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Perturbations, by Gary Beck, is a collection of poetry that details the beautiful, yet shattered portrait that makes up humanity.

The poems discern the seemingly trivial characteristics that life possesses. From an empty pledge of loyalty taken from an unknowing child, to a summer camp specifically designed for torture, Beck quietly illustrates the aspects of what makes us iridescently imperfect. With each poem comes the clear depiction of timeless values that each generation continues to pass down. The experiences we have, from love, to event nostalgia, are illustrated within the these pages that will leave readers astounded.

One of my favorite poems in this book was titled Common Sparrow, a poem about comforting a child, and watching them in a way a mother bird would watch over her tiny sparrow. When I read this, I couldn’t help but remember the times when my baby nephew would sleep in his cradle, or the night when my parents first brought him home from the hospital. He looked so tiny, and I couldn’t help but feel like everything in the world was out to get him. Still, whenever I read this poem, I thought of it as a sort of lullaby, one that reassured me that everything was going to be fine. Just like this poem, the words in this collection provide a gentle, soothing atmosphere that allows the reader time to reflect and ensure that they understood the meaning behind these poems.

Because of this, I would give this collection an overall rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Beck draws from the bittersweet traits of life, if only to weave it into an embroidery of words readers will find enjoyable. I loved this book, and will recommend it to poetry lovers of all ages.