Book Reviews, Books, Add A Review
Posted by deanjbaker on May 27, 2012
unsolicited book reviews by people who have bought and enjoyed The Herald
if you have not yet done so, here is the page link http://deanjbaker.wordpress.com/bought-my-books-add-a-review/
you’re reading my work every day, subscribed, clicking ‘like’ I’d love to see some support in the form of book buys… they are getting sold, specifically The Herald 
and there are only 500 copies – or were 500 copies – and I will not be re-printing them when they are bought out
Have a look, read and enjoy…. and buy… $15 won’t hurt you and it will help the cause of intelligent, passionate, informed Poetry
The Herald by Dean J. Baker
Book Review
Title: The Herald
Author: Dean J. Baker
Publisher: Mad Poet Press
Pages: 50
ISBN: 978-1-926825-24-3
Stars: 4.5
Dean J. Baker is an edgy, opinionated Canadian poet whose work has been complimented by no less an authority than Irving Layton. I cannot disagree with the Nobel Prize nominee when he states that,
“Dean is a combination of thought and torment that has made him write more than a Baker’s dozen of fine poems…he might produce a collection that could astound us all.”
Baker’s compilation of poems entitled The Herald prove that he is a contemporary wordsmith of the finest caliber who injects each line with keen observation, poignant beauty and pain. He obviously writes from experience and reminisces about everything from childhood (Rice Lake, 1962) to relationships (License and A Friend), failed romance (Pollyanna and Matins) and the torment of his muse (A Jealous God).
One can sense the influence of Allen Ginsberg and Bob Dylan in particular with a pinch of Mordecai Richler attitude thrown in for good measure. However, Baker’s voice is uniquely his own and he knows how to wring emotion as well as remarkable, visceral landscapes from his pen.
Some of my favourites from The Herald include The Uselessness of Want, The Life of the Sensitive Kid, The Poetry Hotel, Coming of Age, Last Romantic, Invitation and…
This Earth
What was I running from
when everything was
beside me
Shaking at the thought
of you, inside
each move I made
When I couldn’t say
who was called that night
into silence
whispering
in my pain
You
You
it is myself
I come upon like this
Dean J. Baker has a somewhat lewd sense of humour (that I can often appreciate) which is more evident in his descriptive and satiric prose, Baker’s Bad Boys, dedicated to his brother Terry and their naughty childhood delinquent poo-flinging escapades; and at times, an irascible intellect that does not seem to suffer fools gladly.
Baker is also a romantic 21st century man whose non-conformance to political correctness probably gets him into hot water with women but I’m sure they never stop falling for his astonishing way with words.
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©Dean J. Baker and deanjbaker.wordpress.com, 2012. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material that appears here or has appeared here without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. All material is covered by international intellectual property laws. All characters are the sole property of ©Dean J. Baker and have been so since 2005-2006. They may not be used in any form. Failure to comply with this will be taken as copyright infringement and plagiarism and acted upon with all and full legal means. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dean J. Baker and deanjbaker.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content, and the author is informed.
Permission to reprint in full, or part, must be requested of the author in advance.
Protected by Copyscape Plagiarism Check 
And another review on Goodreads
Poet Dean Baker has no qualms about diving into the waters of controversy. That is evident in poems like “Licence”, “Pollyanna” and “Invitation”. Some of the poems are definitely not “politically correct”. That is precisely why he is one of today’s best poets. Another aspect I enjoy is the diversity of his writing. Anyone who enjoys poetry should treat themselves to “The Herald”. The genre is far from dead. I very much enjoyed reading it and I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to indulge in some great literary creations!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/118107909
©Dean J. Baker and deanjbaker.wordpress.com, 2012. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material that appears here or has appeared here without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. All material is covered by international intellectual property laws. All characters are the sole property of ©Dean J. Baker and have been so since 2005-2006. They may not be used in any form. Failure to comply with this will be taken as copyright infringement and plagiarism and acted upon with all and full legal means. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Dean J. Baker and deanjbaker.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content, and the author is informed.
Permission to reprint in full, or part, must be requested of the author in advance. Donate to keep the blog going 
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hodgepodge4thesoul said
so happy that I purchased it-I read it over and over. You’re very gifted with words…
deanjbaker said
very sweet to hear – thanks so much
hodgepodge4thesoul said
my pleasure
incidentallearner said
Congratulations Dean! Going to have to pick this book up! Great photograph of you as well. Have a great night, Lorelei
deanjbaker said
thanks for that Lorelei – do let me kn ow as it can only be purchased from me…
Robyn Lee said
A small book filled with poetic treasures to be cherished. Deeply personal and touches the soul on many levels. Excellent read for all those whose heart has been broken open ~ RL
deanjbaker said
thank you, Robyn – now that is quite wonderful
Robyn Lee said
Most welcome and most deserved…
tornadoday said
One read through the Herald and you know something about Dean. He speaks from experience. He knows about love and life in the same way that people who are about to be struck by lightning know, and yet are powerless to run and avoid their fate. In the same way that the desperate know that parts of their life will never be the same, and still make choices certain to leave a path of anguish and debris.
He knows that devotion can be lost as easily as it is found, which is why so many of us insist on writing in ink. How easy it is for even the sweetest words to evaporate, or to be rubbed away by eager fingers attempting to relive that moment when they had voice. It is unfortunate that love cannot be taught or trained, like a pet monkey or a dog.
But love isn’t that way and Dean knows that.
Instead it is a wolf on the prowl, with a mind of its own, undeterred by any damage it may do. Love has many faces, and many are less than honorable. Yet, we know (and Dean shows us) that it remains a part of us, the part we can’t let go. This is a book of love, and proof that there is no right or wrong – only consequences. Buy it and never regret a cent. ~ Bobbie
deanjbaker said
that is a fantastic review, Bobbie – makes me want to run out and get the book
tornadoday said
You should. If you’re really nice, maybe you’ll sign it……
deanjbaker said
yes that’s true.. but then I wouldn’t know who it was for
tornadoday said
…oh, but don’t make the inscription too personal……..it will be worth much less when you’re gone (but then if you signed it to yourself it would likely be worth more because there would only be one like it)…….. What’s sad is that doesn’t sound too crazy!
deanjbaker said
I resemble that remark
tornadoday said
Well, of course you would.
doncarroll said
i make no claim to be a book reviewer. but when you have the book in your hands, his romantic pieces slip out of your fingers and into you, leaving you his feasts of desires. in a “tourist observing ruins” one gets the sense of the chaotic and if there isn’t any hope. there is sensitivity, but understands how that comes into play. going to bars perhaps showed toughness – say like a bukowski. but in “seduction” though one can see a physical reference, it is to be noted that he wants you to get comfortable in his poetry. his voice is strong, but importantly dean has a distinct voice. buy his book, i can tell you, you will not be disappointed……don
deanjbaker said
hey Don = thanks so much – really great to see this