Not Today, Satan (Maybe Tomorrow)

by Andrew Shaffer

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Not Today, Satan is an engaging and often humorous poetry collection by Andrew Shaffer. Released 5th Sept 2023, it's 112 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.

This is a fun, occasionally campy, often tongue-in-cheek collection of short poems and drawings. The subjects range from current and recent cultural commentary (the Twilight franchise, for example) to the meaning of life and absurdity of existence. 

This would be a good choice for folks who "usually don't read poetry". It's anything but pretentious and the author has a good grasp of free verse and arrangement. There are small line drawings scattered throughout. 

Four stars. Well done and enjoyable. Readers should note that the author does not hold back from using colorful language and there are a number of examples of curse words sprinkled throughout the poems in the collection. As such, it might not be a good choice for school library acquisition, but should be fine for public library collections, home use, and gift giving.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.