'Much Adieu about Nothing' encourages us to pause, to ponder, and to contemplate our unmentionable destiny. Its poems open the door for conversation and deliberation. They bring Death out of the shadows and into the light, normalizing what we know will be our fate. -- from the Foreword by May Abbott
Back and forth like conversations over many cups of tea, these poems take you on a journey, point you in directions you may not want to go but, in the end are always glad you followed... Each time we read this collection of poems, we find a new treasure -- Bill & Donna Konosorado, singer/ songwriters & musicians.
Pat Smekal and Ian Cognitō have another winning book to offer us. This collaboration deals with ageing and the endgame of death in ways that are both witty and poignant. Not to mention audacious, as in Pat’s poem ‘Springboard’ or Ian’s poem, ‘Death by Nookie’. Surprises, delights and a few tears await you in Much Adieu about Nothing.— Andrew Brown, Qualicum Beach BC
From the sad loss of a loved one to the untimely demise of tulips, the mix of poignancy and absurdity in this collection kept me enthralled. Much Adieu about Nothing dissects Death with compassion, humour and wit. — Christine Earl, Ladysmith BC
Much Adieu about Nothing is a wonderful, eclectic collection which turns my gaze toward the small details that make up this life. These poems speak to loneliness as much as they do connection. Some brush up against death while others leap into the joy of being alive. All of them remind me I am not alone in my wonderings and musings. — Kelly B. Madden, Courtenay BC
This is a book I keep close and dip into in spare moments. Clever, wise, and humorous… reflective of the human experience: I can ask no more. — Lynne Stafford, Nanoose Bay BC
Back and forth like conversations over many cups of tea, these poems take you on a journey, point you in directions you may not want to go but, in the end, are always glad you followed... Each time we read this collection of poems we find a new treasure. — Bill & Donna Konsorado, Lantzville BC
