Matchbook continues John Dempsey’s unique vision of life on the edge of reason. It could also portray life on the verge of success, but John politely tasks the reader for interpretations. The truth likely resides with his sources, but in true journalistic fashion, John is protecting his sources (or maybe himself).
Whether Dempsey writes to entertain or to exorcise personal demons, his work evokes widely varying emotions from readers. It has been called realistic, thought-provoking, humorous, disturbing, artistic, obscene, unconventional, sad, and even illuminating.
The disquieting yet amusing quality of Dempsey’s work is that readers often recognize someone they know, or even themselves in his stories. Therein lies Dempsey’s talent; the ability to draw readers into a story that rekindles memories of the way things were, or the way readers always hoped things would never turn out.
Matchbook ships in 3-4 business days. Returns not accepted. Projected to be available for order at the end of February 2005.
Professional Reviews
Reviewer: Renee Angers
March 15, 2005
Writer/Publisher Brainpan
Not a half dozen lines into John Dempsey's Matchbook and already the foulness of this man's herniated soul was bulging out at me like a ripe blister. As with his previous works, I knew I was in for a treat, an expectation he more than satisfied. No one but John Dempsey can leave his readers exhausted, delirious, and intoxicated on his words. Dempsey's style of seductive sickness has not only matured but qualifies him as one of our time's most brilliant writers.
Reviewer: Lisa Shields
January 30, 2005
East Windsor, NJ
When you read a book written by a man named for one of the world class boxers of all time, you sort of expect punch . . . Happily, Mr. Dempsey delivers.
Urban poetry - but not the grand "spoken word" pap that seems to have become popular on the Slam Circuit. No. Dempsey seems to have created his own genre here - with diamond-edged poetry that swirls you through the urban scene.
Dempsey's voice is undeniable and real. Not the lullaby of Broadway, but rather the wind that comes through a subway before or after a train, scented with all sorts of things to capture the imagination. You could move to New York, and after a few years, maybe have some idea of the grit of the City. Or you could read Matchbook. I rate it a TKO.
Dear readers, this is my third book of poems, and inside are a special collection of what have turned out to be not only MY personal favorites, but also the favorites of many of YOU. Some of these have never been available in print before...
