Do you remember a time without social media? I do. I mean, I am not that old, but I can actually remember a time without smartphones, YouTube, and influencers. A world in which it was hard to communicate or not to think about promoting yourself and your art. I actually had to use a printed lexicon in my first years of school until my generation discovered the wonder of Google and Wikipedia. I am getting nostalgic… These days I find myself influenced by different social media platforms. Almost all the books I am reading are recommendations I have seen on Bookstagram, including the book I want to talk about here, Poemsia.
Jess and Verity are best friends since childhood and love Mena Rhodes, the latest star on the poetry sky. Especially Verity who idolises her, because she dreams of being a successful poet herself one day. Growing up at her grandfather’s bookstore, she lives and breathes words. Specialising in antique books, Verity finds a poetry book and she’s inspired by one of the poems, so she posts it on her Instagram alongside her own work. Even though she marked the picture with “not mine”, word spreads over the internet in no time and Verity becomes famous with the one poem she did not write overnight. Thanks to this mistake, she happens to get a book deal and the opportunity of a lifetime.
As already mentioned, I discovered this book while scrolling through Bookstagram. Award-winning novelist and poet Lang Leav’s latest book Poemsia is a gem and I might have never discovered it. Leav balances the popularity of pop-poetry, self-publishing, and the power of social media.
Poetry is experiencing a popularity, which it has not had in decades. Personally, I think it has to do with people focusing more on their mental health and trying to find a way to express themselves. Moreover, self-publishing has never been easier as it is nowadays. The idea starts at websites such as Wattpad until it later finds its way to Amazon’s Create Space or Books on Demand which gives the future bestselling authors the opportunity to publisher their work in no time.
As easy as self-publishing is today, promoting your work is a speed train. An account on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can be created in seconds and with the right hashtags and a bit of luck, people will find you. However, as positive as the internet can be, it can destroy you just as much. Just one wrong word or a misunderstanding can form negativity. On the other hand, any press is good press…right?
The internet gives the readers the chance to review books and that way gives them the power of the success of someone’s work as well. Leav classified it into three categories: Pseudo Intellectuals, Fake Haters. and Hate Readers, which gives us a perfect example of the last one with the character, Penelope.
Next to a best friend and a thriving career, a love interest cannot be missed. As Sebastian, or Sash, comes into Verity’s grandfather’s bookstore one day and they become friends and later a bit more than that. Penelope happens to be Sash’s childhood sweetheart and friend who is known for her harsh book reviews, which are found on a platform similar to Goodreads.
Never underestimate the power of someone’s review, good or bad. Personally, I think that everyone has the right to review a book badly as long as they stay polite, because the most important thing is to be honest. But you should never forget that the book business is like any other business. When Verity meets her idol Mena Rhodes, who wants to take her under her wing and push her forward, Verity discovers fast that she must put her naïve thoughts aside and see clearly the situation she is in now. Not only does she have to understand the business, she must try to stay true to herself and not let anyone change her as well.
As old school as I can get, I preferred the nod in Poemsia to an event called poetry in the park. Nothing can beat the charm of something like that. I really enjoyed how the story and the characters had grown towards the end. Not everything is perfect and after something good, something bad happens and characters have to face certain life-changing situations. Some little things developed too fast for my liking, but either way the end was lovely. If you are searching for a nice autumn read, you definitely should give Poemsia a chance!
Poemsia is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Will you be picking up Poemsia? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Award-winning author and poet Lang Leav presents a YA novel that is an absolute fan pleaser!
Verity Wolf dreams of being a poet—not that she’d ever admit it to anyone. Her best friend Jess thinks she’s definitely got what it takes, while her cat, Zorro is characteristically indifferent. As for the cute boy she’s just met, he’s about to discover her best kept secret.
When Verity stumbles on an old, mysterious book, Poemsia, she finds herself suddenly thrust into the dizzying world of social media stardom, where poets are the new rock stars and fame is sometimes just a click away.
International bestselling author, Lang Leav takes you into the shadowy world of contemporary poetry in this revealing and emotionally charged story about friendship, first love, betrayal, and the courage to follow your dreams.
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