The Book of Sensations by Sheri-D Wilson embodies an intricate ecosystem of language and feeling. These poems reach their roots down into the depths of what it means to be—to connect to one another, and to connect to the earth. With fine-tuned vocabulary, far-reaching observation, and the dream-vision of the surrealist eye, Sheri-D delves into the personal and the universal, the everyday and the mythical. This book is full of poignant sensations and astonishing realizations. This is a book of life and experience. Put it in your pocket and immerse yourself in a world of sensations.
Reviews
Language is the essence of being human
Poetry is the essence of language
And Sheri-D Wilson is the essence of essence
– Bob Holman, poet, founder of the Bowery Poetry Club
Books, books, books—why won’t they leave me alone? I can’t sleep because I have too many books, I can’t make love, I can’t eat, I can’t move to a smaller house because I have too many books. If the megathrust earthquake strikes the West Coast, I’ll be flattened by falling books.
– Lorna Crozier, poet, Governor General’s Award winner
Sheri-D Wilson turns language on its head, exuberantly coining new words that seem absolutely necessary-like arborolatry (a great word for idolizing trees). Her mastery of sound is hypnotic.
– Kerry Clare, 49th Shelf
Sheri-D Wilson's The Book of Sensations is as much, or moreso, about language as it is about Sensations? In many of the pieces, it's difficult not to give an oral rendering, and I found myself getting caught in my own word play, taking her logo-vein and lengthening it, then being pulled back to her artery - an interesting combination of writer and reader's voice I have a feeling this was intentional. ... Wilson is clearly a reader who loves the taste and feel of words on her tongue as they rumble in her mouth, and bounce on the tympanum of the ear.
– Beth Everest, Freefall Magazine
