Reviews for Scotch and Scars

(all reviews shared verbatim from their respective sources)

reviews for Scotch and Scars

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3 out of 5 stars from AK_fish, December 12, 2021 via Amazon – Not my favorite

I read this on my Kindle. This is an unsolicited review.

This review isn’t easy for me to write. I’ve been reading Mr. Pinto for several years now and typically I appreciate his dark poetry. This particular collection was hard for me personally to read. While the poetry itself is well written, it’s the subject matter which I struggled with. The title is perfect for this one: 99% of the poems contained direct references to drinking alcohol. As someone who doesn’t drink, it was hard for me to relate. While I can intellectually understand the darkness, despair, and depression that are directly linked to alcoholism, I emotionally don’t connect with it and that’s where my issues came in.

I did stick it out and read the entire book in one sitting, but it wasn’t easy for me. I could see where the author came up with his idea, as he is after all the “bar fly poet“ on social media, but for me, I felt his previous collections were better rounded out and kept the reader up and down, with breathers and some humor inside the darkness. This one doesn’t do that. It was deeply depressing and hard, I mean hard, for me to not get sucked in and felt myself pulled into the edges of depression, something that I am all too familiar with (and that is without the aid of the depressant of alcohol to fuel it).

This one gets 3/5 stars from me. Loss of stars comes from a one-note subject matter and a personally unsatisfying one for me (the reader). I know that Mr. Pinto does better. I read (and have read) most of all his published work. This one, for me, isn’t up to his normal quality. I do like the cover and I will continue to read his work, but this one I won’t be recommending. I’d say, pick up his other books and probably future books, but this just isn’t one I can say I would even know the type of person who would want to read it.

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5 out of 5 stars from P.S. Rowland, August 25, 2021 via Amazon – “Truly a Gifted Writer, you will feel this to your soul”

I’m incredibly happy to have found this artist on Instagram. His work is raw and touches your every fiber. The words are relatable to YOU. I have not found one poem yet, I didn’t feel I had lived at one point of time in my life. Looking forward to picking up his other books. You won’t regret this one.

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5 out of 5 stars from Miss Jeni Lynne, May 2021 via Instagram

I had the pleasure of buying a copy of the book ‘Scotch and Scars by one of our own Instagram poets joseph_a_pinto

This is a book of short poems that are very thought provoking. They are deep. Not with huge words or complex explanations but with quick intelligent thoughts.

To be able to say so much in so little is truly a talent. One that isn’t appreciated as much as it should be. I loved reading the viewpoint of a man that is being honest with his feelings…whether it be happy or sad, reflecting or mourning, contemplating or hoping. It was an enjoyable read the whole way through. No chaser needed.

Do yourself the favor of getting this amazing book of poetry.

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5 out of 5 stars from Janna, February 24, 2021 via Amazon – “Vulnerable, real and honest”

Vulnerable, real and honest. So many favorites as I was transported, in my mind, to a stool at a bar counter listening to the author read his penned words. One of my favorite poems, “soul at the bar,” brought tears to my eyes as I felt the heartbreak and reality of this harsh world…but also true connection to others in this collection of poetry.

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4 out of 5 stars from Joe Zito, February 20, 2021 via Amazon – “This isn’t your sister’s poetry!”

Joseph Pinto is incredible. His poems are short and to the point and are drenched in absolute darkness! They cut right through you. This isn’t you sisters poetry.

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5 out of 5 stars from Molly Dickin, February 4, 2021 via Amazon – “Great book!”

I love this book by Joseph Pinto. I’ve read it multiple times. He does a great job crafting poems out of relatable encounters and reflection that happen while at the bar!

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5 out of 5 stars from S. Healey, October 8, 2020 via Amazon – “A beautifully raw look inward”

Each page of this incredible collection of poems urges the reader to search inward…to think…to assess…to discover…to heal…to grow. Some of the words are meant to be nursed. Some are best felt downed in one swift gulp. And some will compel even the most disciplined of prose partakers to indulge again and again until their heads are swimming and they feel a little less haunted. Brilliant.

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5 out of 5 stars from Zachary S., October 7, 2020 via Amazon – “A must for any fan of poetry!”

Just as wonderful as his debut book of poetry! No sophomore slump here, this is another wonderful collection of poetry from a man who truly feels. You can imagine yourself sitting in the bar watching these thoughts and scenes unfold before your very eyes. A must for any fan of poetry!

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