Wet Grass Vanilla Paperback – November 30, 2018

Tried to leave a review earlier because I recieved an advance reading before my copy was delivered. In his debut published poetry collection, poet Alakkuu delves into the perilous journey of love and romance in a contemporary landscape. The poems are centered around two overarching themes from which the book derives its namesake; A cautious and tentative traversal through relationships (Wet Grass) followed by a less prudent and more emboldened approach in its varying notes (Vanilla). Within that scope, Alakkuu brings the different aspects of love and heartbreak to the forefront over the course of five sections documenting the experience from the sweet bliss of infatuation to bitterness over a soured experience. This poetic narrative lends itself well to unfolding story.Perhaps the brilliance of the book lies within its simplicity - this is not Sonnet 73 nor was it intended to be. For a subject matter as complex as love, the author approaches the topic with a weighted brevity. The metaphors, euphemisms, metaphors and double-entendres work well here; though the literary devices are largely illustrative, they also have a pronounced effect when certain points are emphasized. The resulting effect is that scorn and admonishments are especially biting, regret is almost tangible, and certain comparisons are especially humorous - all the while remaining within thematic scopes and maintaining storyline continuity. Pretty clever. Though written with African influence in mind, the poems are analogous to many.In this age of ubiquitous Insta-poetry, Alakkuu's Wet Grass Vanilla does a good job establishing its own identity. Definitely worth a read.

Wet Grass Vanilla has to be one of the most well-thought and structured works of poetry I've read. Alakkuu does a tremendous job in taking the reader through all phases of love and self-love, with each chapter being as poignant and relatable as the previous one. The saying "less is more" couldn't be more appropriate in describing his ability, and the way each stanza made me read and re-read from different perspectives shows me that loving yourself is the first step in being the best person you can be to those who matter the most.

Amazing, beautiful poems. Short but to the point. And the double-entendres are out of this world! And on top of all that, you have the progression. Like it’s own plot, it has a beginning, middle (climax), and end. And like a well-done plot, it takes you through it so seamlessly, you can only recognize your own life in parts of it...or all of it.The author does an amazing job of making you see your life in his words, while at the same time giving you a new perspective on those same experiences.In short...brilliant.

Wet Grass Vanilla is an absolute gem! I’ve seen Alakku perform live and he truly is a gifted artist, mashAllah. The book takes its readers on a journey of self love that everyone can relate to. Can’t wait to see what Alakku has in store for the future.

As an avid poetry reader, I can wholeheartedly say this *is* it, chief. I’m already on my second read and I can’t put it down. If this is just Alakkuu’s debut I can’t wait to see what comes next. Would recommend 10/10 for poetry lovers everywhere.

This book was definitely refreshing, short, and sweet. It has a little bit of romance, heartbreak, self-love and more! My favorite part was the word play; it was absolutely fun to see throughout the collection of poems. It’s a must read 👌🏾

This book was recommended to me, and I'm so glad I got it. Being a avid poetry reader, I can honestly say this is one of the best! It is extremely relatable, short and to the point. Highly recommend purchasing!

Wet Grass Vanilla will connect with the reader no matter their race, gender, social class, religion etc. Human emotions tied to love, lust, insecurity, and confusion will all be stirred throughout the journey of Wet Grass Vanilla.

I discovered this writer on IG and have been following his written Mondays on there since. To see him move from a digital platform to a written one where we get to hold a copy of his words is such a joy.He has by far out done himself in this collection of poetry. It nurtures emotions hidden deeply inside yourself and connects with you on so many levels. Each time I read the collection I discover something new, not because the words vary and I haven't read them carefully enough the first time but like all great poetry, a poem is not one dimensional. it means something different to different people but it also has a different meaning to the same person in a different mind space and stage in life then when they first read it.

The poems are beautiful! I’m very pleased with this product as a whole. Everything is also aesthetically pleasing. My only negative would be the book is paperback, I had the impression it would be hardback.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in poetry. I followed Alakkuu throughout his poetry journey and finally happy to see his work compiled into a book. This book is a combination of passion, emotion and over all inspiration that readers can relate to. Definitely a must read.Cant wait for the second ,third and fourth book.

I knew some poems before and couldn't wait to hold this book in my hands. There is no more intelligent way to write poems and the author earns definitely more attention. I'm going to purchase a few more of them as presents to spread the seed of grass vanilla.

Loved the book and thoroughly enjoyed it! Definitely recommend.