I’ve recently started branching out into the world of poetry, and was excited to get a copy of Midlife Action Figure by Chris Banks. I was even more excited when I learned that he lives and writes in Waterloo Region, where I currently live.

His writing is done in small snippets of prose poetry, which I haven’t read since studying English in university. This collection brought me back to those days, in both good and bad ways. If I can relate to someone’s stream of consciousness, I love it, but if I’m unable to find a connection, I become lost. There were a lot of single lines that stood out to me, and I found many gems among these short poems.

Quite a few pieces in this collection were a bit too existential for me, although I did enjoy the raw emotion that showed. I bounced back and forth between thinking “yes, I feel this way sometimes too” to “I have no idea what the writer is talking about here.” Even though I was confused at times, I enjoyed being able to glance at the writer’s thoughts and opinions, which showed many different experiences and outlooks than I have had.

Midlife Action Figure is a powerful collection that will evoke many thoughts. If you’re a fan of prose poetry, be sure to check it out.

Thank you to ECW Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Midlife Action Figure will be available on September 24, 2019.