The Glass Lodge by John Brady McDonald is a collection of poetry written by author McDonald from his youth spanning well into his adult years. Each poem is a story that details various moments in his life. Some will share a story that many of us can relate to, while others will be eye-opening pieces that will give readers a deeper insight into who author McDonald used to be, and who he gradually strove to become.
The Glass Lodge presents itself to readers with a highly unique cover. On a solid black background, the title of this book – The Glass Lodge can be seen written vertically. This draws the eye upwards while still drawing attention to the marking of the “20th-anniversary edition.” The pronouncement of “20th Anniversary Edition” is in celebration of this book standing the test of time. Published 20 years ago, author McDonald is celebrating it by breathing new life into this collection and going deeper with his poems.
Also on the cover of The Glass Lodge, readers will take note of a circle divided into four quadrants, and how each quadrant is a different color – black, yellow, white, and red. Each color can be seen running and dripping down into each other or off the circle. What does it mean? Are each of the colors meant to symbolize the four eras that author McDonald will take us through in his poetry? Or is there a deeper meaning to them? For now, we can only wonder.
The Glass Lodge is broken down into four sections, much like the circle found on the cover. Each section within this collective of poems depicts a particular era in author McDonald’s life. “Emergence” begins with his youth and the memories that are found therein. The first poem that you will encounter in “Emergence’s” section titled “Perhaps” is one that will paint a picture of innocence lost. A child simply being bullied due to his heritage. One of the starkest elements readers will read is the unfairness of how McDonald is treated compared to the other boy.
With each poem that author McDonald gifts readers in The Glass Lodge, he also takes the time to give us insight into those moments. We get to better understand the meaning of each poem’s meaning and the thought process behind it.
Author McDonald also, when able, gives readers specifics concerning the poems. The poem “Perhaps” for instance was written in his math book. Want more details? Well, they are there in his notes. So why not grab a copy of The Glass Lodge?
No two poems are the same when it comes to The Glass Lodge. Author McDonald holds nothing back in his poetry. McDonald weaves through his poetry the hardships that he experiences as a teen in the section titled “Emergence.” Author McDonald is fearless in revealing his initiation, his discovery of his favorite bands, and even his struggles with drugs and alcohol. There is much to be discovered in this first “chapter” of The Glass Lodge.
Each transitioning part of The Glass Lodge details a new part of author McDonald’s life. From encounters of love to learning the truth of a particular romantic situation in “Eros.” The uniqueness of the poems written by author McDonald continue with their insightful qualities. While some are reflections of unhappy moments, there are some that showcase McDonald’s embracing the rare fonder memory.
One aspect of The Glass Lodge that many readers are going to appreciate and enjoy is the author sharing some of the original poems through pictures. We get to see his handwritten poems. We’ll get to see that in their original forms, they are mostly untitled. So, that means that with time author McDonald was able to reflect, go back, and gift each poem the titles that he felt best fit them.
It is truly interesting to read how author McDonald has grown and developed through his poetry in The Glass Lodge. He showcases his development page by page by giving readers insight with his notes at the bottom of each poem. You get to bear witness to his evolution as he comes to a better understanding of who he is and the path that he wishes to take and stay on.
Another shining light about The Glass Lodge is that author McDonald shares so much of himself. He shares the struggles concerning his heritage, but he shares his triumphs. The Glass Lodge is a fascinating collection of poems that give readers a glimpse into who McDonald was and who he has become.
In The Glass Lodge, there will be a poem (or two) that will resonate with readers. Whether it be the poem that reflects on author McDonald burning the letters and pictures he once had of a particular lover, or how he describes his struggles with a relapse. There is something that will be interest to all readers of poetry in The Glass Lodge.
Pros:
- Insightful
- Reflective
- Poignant
- Engaging
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 
Leave a comment