Title: Wordle Limericks Flamericks: Volume 1
Author: Marshall S Flam, MD
Publisher: Ewings Publishing
ISBN: 979-8-89419-385-4
Pages: 244
Genre: Poetry
Reviewer: Margie Przybylski
Pacific Book Review
Wordle Limericks combines Marshall Flam’s two loves – limericks and the game of wordle. Each limerick in the collection takes inspiration from the answer of a wordle puzzle. Flam plans to write one limerick for every Wordle solution until the last day of Wordle when the puzzle runs out of solutions. Flam took ordinary five letter words and turned them into works of art.
Flam’s dedication to limericks and the game of wordle shines through his carefully written introduction and foreword. He imparts his knowledge of these topics in an interesting and fun way – making his book a pop culture essential. Flam keeps true to Irish tradition and includes several raunchy poems that might make Grammie blush. However, many are tasteful examples worth including in a high school or college level poetry assignment. While Wordle solutions serve as the inspiration to the collection readers can still enjoy the poems without knowing a single thing about Wordle.
These goofy little diddies are fun for a night shared with friends and family, or even among coworkers at the office. Flam methodically categorized each limerick making it easy to find a poem for just about any topic. Each limerick pays homage to various elements of our American culture, even alluding to significant works of literature such as All Quiet on the Western Front, or emulating topics and styles of writing similar to famous American poets such as Shel Silverstein. Flam’s limerick, “Crazy” hosts Martin Scorsese which conveniently rhymes with Jay Z. Flam stays true to the rules of the limerick and even when he must break them, does so tastefully (and infrequently). Flam’s creativity in rhyming adds a comical element to each Limerick, making them fun to read aloud.
While limericks make for a fast read, Flam’s book is best enjoyed over time, and re-read again and again. Perfect for reciting or reading aloud – these limericks make for great conversation starters, or just to get some laughs. A wonderful work to share with close friends, everyone is bound to find a different favorite. There are so many to read and choose from it’s impossible to get through in just one sitting. Wordle Limericks makes for a fun book to bring along on road trips or enjoy on holiday breaks.
I recommend this book to fans and lovers of English literature, Wordle, and for those who want to look smarter than your friends. Keep this out for dinner parties or read one each night with your family. Each poem challenges readers to consider the power of a simple five letter word. Some tell a charming story, others reveal some dirty secrets. Either way, you’ll be laughing all the while throughout Flam’s collection of Wordle Limericks – Flamericks.
