A new review of James Domestic’s Poets Day Dream by the TWA punk-rock blog says that it is;
"An outstanding collection of poems, prose, and short stories, a visceral, courageous dive into the institutions that shape us, break us, and, if we’re lucky, occasionally amuse us. It’s a book that grabs you by the collar and shouts in your face, but somehow, you can’t stop laughing through the tears. Domestic has once again crafted a fine piece of intelligent and funny work, relatable in many ways. Poets Day Dream tackles the twin pillars of modern existence: school and work. These institutions loom over our lives from birth to death, the ones that claim to prepare us for the world, only to end up grinding us down instead. Domestic holds nothing back, painting a picture of the school as an oppressive training ground for the workforce, a platform where obedience is the primary lesson. He doesn’t romanticize childhood or pretend education was some grand, noble journey. Instead, he shines a harsh, humorous light on it, peeling back the layers to reveal the absurdity underneath."
The reviewer goes on to say that the school days section "Is a cocktail of bitter nostalgia and biting wit. Domestic’s reflections pull no punches, capturing the awkwardness, frustration, and occasional victories of those formative years. There’s a natural honesty included within, whether he’s talking about teachers who seem to revel in their authority or the unspoken social hierarchies that define playground life. But even when he’s being brutal, there’s an underlying warmth, a recognition that, for all its faults, those years shaped who we are. Then comes adulthood, and with it, the soul-crushing reality of work. Domestic skewers the working world with a precision that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking. He paints offices as purgatories filled with pointless meetings, corporate buzzwords, and forced camaraderie, where team-building exercises feel more like cult indoctrination and ‘post-work drinks’ are less about unwinding and more about numbing the pain. The way he captures the small, maddening details, the insufferable colleague, the overinflated CV, and the sandwich that somehow ruins your entire day, makes this book packed with details that keep the reader engaged from scratch to finish. It’s a comedy rooted in truth, and it stings."
Djordje goes on to add, about James Domestic, that " He writes with a rare mix of sardonic wit and genuine empathy. He’s furious, but he’s funny. He’s cynical, but he’s compassionate. It’s like having a pint with your most articulate mate, the one who can turn even the most mundane work grievance into a stand-up routine, without losing sight of the human cost underneath. Domestic explores the absurdity of our daily grind, but he also delves into the moments that make it bearable, the camaraderie with coworkers, the stolen moments of joy, and the ridiculous things that somehow keep us going. His musings on everything from celebrity chefs to lexicographer Susie Dent to dogs (because, honestly, dogs make everything better) are delightful diversions that keep the book from ever feeling bleak. He knows when to break the tension with a laugh, and when to let the weight of reality sink in. And let’s not overlook the writing itself, Domestic’s command of language is as sharp as his wit. He shifts between prose and poetry, giving each piece the exact rhythm and tone it needs to land perfectly. Some lines arrive like a direct punch in the face, others make you snort with laughter before you even realize what’s happening. It exemplifies his skill that he can make you feel so much while talking about something as mundane as a sandwich. That’s the magic of Poets Day Dream, it finds poetry in the everyday."
"It’s also worth acknowledging Domestic’s background, not because it explains his talent (that stands on its own) but because it adds depth to the experience. He’s a punk, a musician, a DJ, a painter, someone who’s lived multiple lives and has the stories to match. His perspective feels earned, not borrowed. He’s been on the factory floor, in the office cubicle, and on the stage, and he brings all of that to the page. There’s a lived-in authenticity to his words that makes them hit harder. If you’ve ever sat in a pointless meeting, watched the clock drag its feet toward 5 PM, or questioned whether this is really all life has to offer, this book is for you. It’s honest, hilarious, and painfully relatable. James Domestic doesn’t just write about the grind, he elevates it into something beautiful, honest, and unforgettable. It’s a book of truth served with a healthy dose of wit and a knowing wink. It’s a love letter to everyone who’s ever counted the minutes to the weekend and a middle finger to the system that made them do it. And frankly, we need more books like this."
You can pick up your copy of 'Poets Day Dream' by James Domestic here.
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