Lisa Mottolo’s How to Monetize Despair presents an evocative and intimate collection of poems, weaving personal experiences and reflections into a tapestry of themes ranging from loss to existential musings. This collection, which navigates through the terrain of deeply personal topics, showcases Mottolo’s skill in capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences.

In poems like “Obituary for a Small Parrot,” Mottolo offers a glimpse into her personal life, recounting the poignant moment of bringing her parrot home in a cardboard box. She also delves into the mundanity and unexpected profundity of daily life, as seen in “Memoriam for the Grocery,” where a simple act of selecting avocados in a grocery store becomes a moment of introspection. Her poem “Sonder” explores the multifaceted nature of the English language, highlighting our continuous, though often unsuccessful, attempts to make sense of the universe. Mottolo’s ability to connect with readers is evident in her honest and lyrical style, which resonates deeply and evokes a range of emotions. The transition from the simplicity of drinking black coffee to the metaphorical “brewed from the grounds of the cemetery” in her poem about her mother’s passing, for instance, strikes a chord with anyone who has experienced loss, prompting a reflection on the fleeting nature of life.

How to Monetize Despair is marked by its rich similes and vibrant descriptions, making it not just a collection of poems but an artistic experience that invites deep contemplation and ignites the imagination. Lines like “the season moves like the laughter of past children” encapsulate feelings of nostalgia and the inexorable passage of time. While How to Monetize Despair may particularly resonate with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, I believe its scope extends far beyond. Mottolo explores a myriad of subjects, including religion, love, family, trauma, and even more abstract concepts like nihilism, the news, robots, aging, and the sea.

Despite the brevity of its poems, How to Monetize Despair serves as a catalyst for a more nuanced and discerning perspective on life. Mottolo paints the stark realities of loss and death in a way that is not only relatable but also prompts introspection. This book is likely to be a source of continuous inspiration, encouraging readers to embrace the fullness of life with an enriched understanding and appreciation.

Pages 102 | ISBN : 1956692789

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/12/how-to-monetize-despair/