Things I Might Have Said

An erudite poetry collection of deep, resplendent, proportions.

PERFECT FOR ANYONE
Documenting half a century of a man’s journey, it urges readers to never give up. Replete with a lifetime of romantic yearnings, political commentary, and quiet thoughts, this book speaks to everyone via the countless parts of the human condition. Most importantly, it’s never afraid to laugh at life.
THE BEST COLLECTION

#TIMHS - Comments + Praise + Reviews - TIMHS#

“I was like most, totally uninterested in poetry. I humbly admit I was wrong. After reading this my mind is completely changed. I now see poetry for what it is - a puzzle of words. Every single word needs to be perfect, seamlessly moving the metaphor while maintaining structure, rhyme, and rhythm. I BEG YOU TO GET THIS BOOK! Even if you have NEVER read a single poem in your entire life, you will be happy. This collection is full of laugh-out-loud, edgy humor (or humour as he would spell it) and deep insights. When at my worst this gave me a boost.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!”
—Anonymous Online Reviewer

“I first met John in Ogunquit, Maine. I spent time in England and thought I knew the “Brits” - turns out, I only knew “some”. When he asked me to critique his upcoming book of course I said “YES!” I enjoy criticizing John in general, but, being busy, I kept putting if off. What a mistake - it’s a revelation! Opening the book at random is to have a conversation with John. His turn of phrase is perfect.
Poetry was NEVER like this in school!”
—Kent Bridges, Managing Director of the Ogunquit Playhouse

"This volume by the irrepressible John Brand is a work of love and dedication. Each poem is a well-crafted gem, the rhythms and rhymes honed and polished, the turns of phrase masterfully rendered, the arguments cogent and solid. The messages conveyed — often mischievous and playful, sometimes...even sweetly sentimental — tug at the reader...provoke thought, and invite reflection.”
―Margaret Wong, PhD, Professor of Literature & Composition"

“I’m a believer now in the power of poetry. Brand’s masterful poems are a true force of reckoning! Through his compelling words, he captures the mundane and boring qualities of life and transforms them into a gorgeous emotional symphony. Brand beautifully engages his reader on a deeply personal level.”
—Jane, Online Reviewer

"Brand's poems are humorous and often moving. I very much admire his "argument" for the Augustans not only in its wording but its tone and elegance. His lyrical poems recall [John] Betjeman and [Philip] Larkin, and there are of course echoes of [Tony] Harrison's earthiness. The range of form and tonality works very well, shifting seamlessly from high language to demotic. For a lover of a well-turned line or a surprising rhyme, there are any number of real pleasures here. This is a fine collection, I think.”
—Mark Bates, PhD, Professor of English

@About the Author@
John Brand is professor emeritus of English and an award-winning poet. Growing up in Sheffield (United Kingdom) surrounded by the prejudice of the time and with his strong northern Yorkshire accent, he was unable to attend University and instead completed an engineering apprenticeship. Turning back to college in his late 30s, he completed an English Literature and Linguistics (Honours) degree from the University of Sheffield. Moving to New England (Worcester Massachusetts) he furthered his education at the renowned Clark University and received his Master’s degree in 1996. Retired since 2017, he now spends his time reading, writing, and traveling with his wife.

ISBNs
•ISBN (Print = PaperBack): 978-1-7343017-0-0 (9781734301700)
•ISBN (eBook = PDF): 978-1-7343017-1-7 (9781734301717)
•ISBN (eBook = ePub): 978-1-7343017-5-5 (9781734301755)
•ISBN (eBook = Mobi): 978-1-7343017-3-1 (9781734301731)