Title: The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times
Author: Vincent J. Tomeo
Publisher: Brilliant Books Literary
ISBN: 979-8889453468
Pages: 54
Genre: Fiction / Poetry
Reviewer: Manik Chaturmutha

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The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times by Vincent J. Tomeo is a poetry collection which explores the aspects of human life with humor, wit, and creativity. It delves into themes such as the quirks of existence and the transformative nature of expression through a series of clever and imaginative poems. The collection covers a wide range of topics, from the everyday routines of submitting poetry to scenarios such as the fantastical tale of sharing tea with a dog grandmother; each poem presents a new angle on life. Whether it’s household items in “Refrigerator” or envisioning an afterlife in “Plot 15 Division C Section 2,” these verses encourage us to view the world afresh and embrace its inherent absurdity.

This book celebrates humanity by highlighting creativity, resilience, and relationships with one another. The poems examine aspects of life, from connections to our bond with nature as well as how art can profoundly impact us. Whether it’s seeking comfort by reading poetry to a pet in “I Read My Poems to My Dog” or reflecting on the enigmas of life in “A Crepuscular Moment,” these poetic works present a variety of emotions and thoughts that resonate deeply with us.

The author’s writing style is characterized by its wit, humor, and lyrical flair. The poems are encapsulated by vivid images and sensory details, which immerse readers into a realm of new worlds. The readers become part of this mix of reality and imagination; for example, the poem “Thirty Seniors at the Movie” describes a busy movie theatre, which the reader can see and listen to clearly. Similarly, in “A Crepuscular Moment,” the author uses simple language to remind us of nature’s beauty at twilight and its powerful effect on us. As the title indicates, the poem “The Usefulness of Hippopotamus” emphasizes its importance in the ecosystem and captures the contradictory traits of majestic and humorous creatures.

Throughout the book, Tomeo delves into the whimsical and profound aspects of the human experience, a theme reminiscent of Billy Collins’s work. By using humor and irony, the author shines a light on modern life simultaneously; it also finds unexpecte­d beauty and insight. The poems are blended with humor and depth, which allows the readers to explore the different facets of human existence. Moreover, it covers various life topics, and each one has its way of looking at the world. Some poems follow traditional rules, while others break them to be more fun and surprising. But even though the poems diverge in their uniqueness, they share a common quest – guiding readers on a journe­y to gain insight and learn new things.

In The Usefulness of Hippopotamus: A Humorous Chapbook for Trying Times, the author skillfully uses a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to maintain interest and avoid sounding repetitive. Transitions between ideas are smooth, and the overall tone is conversational and welcoming. While the perspective might be colored by the author’s own experiences and worldview, the poems remain accessible and relatable to a diverse range of readers. Readers who are looking to take on a journey filled with laughter and reflection, offering a perspective on the intricacies of living, will surely enjoy this book.