Reviews: Odd Verse Effects by Leanne Hanson

Leanne Hanson would be sheriff of all poetry. "Odd Verse Effects" is a stunning work of bold beauty. Not wishy-washy girly beauty dressed in pink, sipping tea from tiny cups and eating biscuits, but the kind of beauty that requires a muzzle, reigns, a riding crop, amd a sunset to be ridden off into. Ms. Hanson slices through many traditional poetic forms with aplomb and irreverence which provides stark contrast to Everestian pile of poetic dreck given to us by the many shlubs who call themselves poets, whether they're average-internet-joes or scholars. Every poem in this collection reverberates with the deeper truths real artists see in everything around them. From acerbic to gentle, from hysterical to dead calm, from sonnet to villanelle, Hanson's book is the modern wild mustang of verse. As a poet, I read this poetry and realized in my wildest dreams I will never write anything approaching her level of skill. Ms. Hanson is a master poet at the top of her game. As a man, I read this book I marveled at the layers of imagery, the depth of thought, and the human-ness. It is so incredibly accessible, that a person who does not love poetry will read it, understand it, and love this book. "Odd Verse Effects" isn't just a great book of poetry, it is a GREAT book. If you don't buy it, you're missing out on something special. (Review written by Stephan Anstey)


Leanne Hanson's skill with the written word is staggering. She has taken poetry and freed it from the dusty shelves with this vibrant and completely unique collection. Exceptionally well written, and at the same time exceptionally readable. There is so much to enjoy in every poem. With titles from "Solar Enigma (with fried eggs)" to the profoundly beautiful "Portrait of Oxygen" Leanne Hanson's skill sounds in every letter. If you buy just one book of poetry, make it this one. (AND the cover is gorgeous to look at!) (Review written by Ruth Elliott)