“In poems that are often meditative, humorous, philosophical,
speculative, Glen Brown’s Hum If You Can’t Sing revisits all
sorts of narratives—mythic allegories, fairy tales, news stories that boggle
the mind, family histories—all in the service of blurring the edges between
what is strange and surreal and what is domestically habitual. Here are poems
that show us Snow White as a harassed housewife, or Sleeping Beauty surrounded
by modern day condos and a Prince who is existentially troubled by his
circumstance. But here are poems as well that acknowledge how our diurnal lives
can be fraught with tempestuous and epical emotions, how family migrations can
have a legendary cast to them, how boys playing stickball on city streets may
remind us of more Olympian competitions. In this fine melding of the
extraordinary with an everydayness, the improbable with the commonplace, the
poems show us how our lives can seem more expansive and astonishing, how they
might attain, finally, a level of wonder.”
—Gregory Djanikian
“Hum If You Can't Sing is so verbally playful and so
invitingly aware of its clear occasions for poetry that it reminds us of how a
delight in language so often rhymes with a delight in life. And as the title
suggests, all of us, no matter what our aptitude for singing, can join in Glen
Brown's delightful chorus.”
—Michael Collier
“Through his playful wit and deft use of language and line breaks,
Glen Brown’s exquisite collection of poetry breathes new life into some
familiar tales. With a poetic sleight of hand his work offers a singular
insight into human nature and into the beautiful nature of language
itself.”
—Jen Christensen
It's available on Amazon: ISBN: 978-1-7372855-9-5 (paperback)
It's also available at Barnes & Noble: ISBN:
978-1-7372855-8-8 (hardcover)
Amazon Reviews:
A Joy to Read:
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
Glen Brown’s humbling collection of personal poems, Hum If You
Cannot Sing, is a joy to contemplate, again and again. His verses are a fun and
flawless reminder of the riotous carnival of our lives: past and present.
Bizarre historical oddities are often summoned in a surreal séance of the
bygone and notorious quite off the spectrum(?) of human behaviors; not to
mention, the life of a Chicago child growing and erupting into corporeal and
mindful enlightenment; and constantly fresh reminders of who and what we all
are in this parade of emotional souls. If you seek you’ll find yourself and all
the others of us in this fun, dreamlike and image-perfect sideshow in a magical
collection of verse. Enjoy! -John Dillon
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2024
We should all take Glen Brown's advice and "hum if we can't
sing" while breaking into song and dance "at every conflict in
life." Wouldn't the world be a better place? This eclectic mix of poetry
hooked me from the first page and took me through an amazing journey where
Brown showcases his mastery and love of poetry. Metaphorical fairy and folk
tales, hilarious interpretations of popular news stories of the weird,
reflections of family, profound social commentary, memories of growing up in
and around Chicago in the 1950's and 1960's are all included. I have read the
book three times now, and I'll be sure to go back to it many more times in the
future. -DJM
Full of insight and beauty
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2023
I don't know how many people buy books of poetry. I sure didn't
for a long time. I was under the impression that poetry was a complex
undertaking, full of strict rhyme schemes, esoteric culture and impenetrable
philosophy. Turns out I was wrong- poetry can be the very opposite of all that.
It can be simple, delightful, accessible and understandable. In Hum If You
Can't Sing, Glen Brown shares with us a collection of poetry that is inviting
and enjoyable but still rich with insight and clever turns of phrase.
The stories told here are both universal and deeply personal. They are full of
fairytale heroes and modern scenes, with stories either large enough to fill a
newspaper front page or otherwise small enough to fit into a quiet afternoon.
Glen is a master of juxtaposition, creating the new from the familiar, mixing
joy with sadness, frustration with humor, in equal measure. So read it, without
reservation. There are no rules to the dance. Read if you can't write. Hum if
you can't sing. -Nick Vovos
Delightful
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2023
I'm a retired high school English teacher and know of Glen through
his pension writings. Intrigued by those, I purchased HUM IF YOU CAN'T SING.
This will be a simplistic review because I can summarize in a few words: These
poems are my life. Section III reminds me of my childhood - Royal Blue where we
bought our penny candy, neighborhood baseball games, my pet squirrels, our
unlocked house, my name. I, too, have an obsession for chocolate; I stash it in
the garage refrigerator and hide it in my drawer. I enjoyed the connections to
politicians, film, fashion, literature and toys in section I. I know all too
well the questions, the pain, and the deaths that surround surgery.
"Without Pomp and Circumstance" echoes my exact
feelings. But I have to admit my favorite is "Keeping a Net beneath
Them." I taught composition and honors classes, but I also taught special
ed/remedial classes. There was nothing I liked more than seeing the "I get
it" look cross a student's face. That is what I miss most about teaching.
I know this is a collection I will read many times as it is as personal to me
as it is to Glen, and I thank him for that. -Robin Cederblad
A powerful collection of poems . . .
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2023
This collection of poems by Glen Brown is powerful. Brown took me
through a life's joys and sorrows, with grace, skill, and irony. I like his
style, casual and elegant at the same time. I flew from one poem to the next,
unable to put down this book . . . and in an hour, Glen Brown had taken me on a
wonderful journey. Each poem is a beautiful surprise. This is one of the best
books of poems I've read in a long time. I recommend it to anyone with
imagination and an open heart. -Bob Borta
A
compelling collection of vivid, insightful, and personal poetry
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2023
I've read many individual poems, but not many poetry collections.
I read this one in a single sitting, which I rarely do with any book nowadays.
The imagery is vivid, well-crafted, and compelling. I found myself experiencing
many glimpses of life moments both real and imagined. A childhood baseball
game; a soldier in the jungle; couples engaged in heated arguments or conjugal
bliss; a tragic death; a child playing in the snow. The broad range of people
and experiences covered within and among these poems offers an insightful
glimpse into the human condition. The tone ranges from serious to humorous,
heartwarming to despairing, always with an eye to the humanity of the people
and the poignant power of the experience.
This book also demonstrates the merits of a poetry collection. Taken
individually, most of these poems would serve as excellent reads in their own
right. However, including them in a shared collection creates space for the
emergence of recurring themes and arcs that would be lacking when the poems are
read individually. On a good day, a poetry collection is to poems what an album
is to songs -- and this poetry collection is having a good day.
I definitely recommend this collection for anyone who enjoys reading and is
currently experiencing the human condition. Whether or not you relate to the
specific memories and experiences described therein, you will find poems and
verses that speak to you. -Treesong (Justin O’Neill)
A masterful poet.
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2023
Glen Brown's poems are a revelation. They are keen observations on
the human condition. He writes of families and philosophy, unusual answers to
surprising questions, Barbie dolls and baseball bats. There's just a lot packed
into 100 pages. -Fred Klonsky
Witty, Personal and Thoughtful
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2023
This was written by my most influential teacher from High School.
This was my initial reason to purchase the book. I am so glad I did; it is full
of insightful and inspiring words. I highly recommend this book. -Karen
Rice-Heidewald
Beautiful:
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2023
Glen Brown has written a beautiful collection of poems that are
approachable, emotive, nostalgic and universal. His stories resonate with my
own life experiences, and I felt for the narrator in several. Thank you Glen
for sharing this gift with the world.-Mike Magluilo
Variety
of Poems, All Well Written!
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2023
Whether you are an avid poetry reader, only occasional, or
anywhere in between, Hum If You Can’t Sing was written for you. Some of the
poems are playful, others much more serious, and all came to life as they
brought me to another time or place. A wonderful book to pick up time and time
again. -Bekah
Poetry
that speaks to the human condition in an intellectually and emotionally playful
manner
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on
March 17, 2023
Hum If You Can't Sing, is a great collection of poetry from a
long-time friend, and former teacher, of mine. Since I purchased this book, it
has not left my desk. I like to open it to a random page and to see what Glen
has to say to me on that occasion. His sense of humor and social justice, as
well as his awareness of history are played off against the sometimes-arbitrary
nature of human existence. No matter where I turn in this treasure it gives me
something I value. Hum let's me check in with my friend whenever I need it. -Al
Rago
Writing
that touches you in body, heart and soul
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2023
From the title poem, through the landscape of Chicago through the
years , to the metaphors of fairy tales, to his personal experiences, Glen
Brown takes one on an inner journey with his poignant and beautiful poems. Glen
covers so many ages and places and relationships throughout his book that there
is something there to touch everyone. Growing up in Chicago, I had a deep
appreciation for the references that touched my young adulthood there, but you
don’t need to know them to connect with these poems. Yet, “Hum If You Can’t
Sing” and “Birth of an Angel” are the most gorgeous among these. I can see
myself dancing through “Hum,” and laying in the snow flapping my arms in “Birth
of an Angel,” giving one body sensations of the words. This is when poetry
touches me most deeply. Don’t miss this remarkable book of poems! -Jann, Signal
Mtn. Tennessee
Pitch Perfect
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2023
Just as the title suggests, "Hum if You Can’t Sing"
unconditionally invites the reader into poetry with no expectations or
prerequisites. Glen Brown is a masterful wordsmith in this eclectic and
engaging collection of work. He challenges societal constructs and teases
conventional wisdom, captivating our curiosity and encouraging us to use our
own voice, however out of tune. -Johnny Alletto
Reviewed in the United States on
March 15, 2023
“Prose – words in their best order; poetry – the best words in
their best order.”
--Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1827
The poetry of Glen Brown brings us the 2023 examples of this
definition in his latest collection, Hum If You Can't Sing. The scope of his
poetry ranges from well-articulated silliness to philosophical insights, all
the while respecting a reader's intelligence. He never talks down to a reader;
he never drowns a reader in obscurity. He chooses to be like the porridge that
Goldilocks eats – just right. He writes of playing in the streets as a child,
to revisiting Rapunzel, and of coming to terms with our ultimate end. Yes,
simply read, alertly reread, and thoroughly savor his poetry. You will be amply
rewarded for your journey. - Ken and Mary Lou Previti
Powerful and Thought provoking
Reviewed in the United States on
March 9, 2023
Powerful, sensitive, thought-provoking, delightful! Creativity at
its best! HUM IF YOU CAN’T SING is a keeper! Thank you, Glen Brown! -Sharon
Jakubka.
On Messenger:
Reviewed in the United States on March
9, 2023
Got your book today. Preparing for an afternoon read. Thank You. I
like the way you use “history” to set up your voice to follow. I’m a bitch with
content. So I’m gonna disengage and enter with a clean slate to see where you
take me… March 22: Been reading your work a coupla times… enjoy the plain story
voice and the “headline setups” for the poems to follow… March 29: Glen/Poet:
Clean lines that take us somewhere/ a triad of voices that blend into one. An
enjoyable read of your history and those you admire or analyze. It’d be fun to
do a dual reading… -Terry Jacobus
Plagiarize his book:
Reviewed in the United States on
January 11, 2024
You’ll sound witty to your friends and maybe win over the target
of your affection. You’ll laugh reading these poems if you are the type. You’ll
cry if you’re more that type. While many writers aspire to have a way with
words, Brown has his way with them. He threads together relatable fibers of
everyday life into a tapestry commemorative of the human experience. Remarkable
work. -Jeff Price
Hum If You Can't Sing:
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2025
“Let me say how much I admire what you’ve built over a
lifetime. You bring a rare convergence of disciplines: teacher, philosopher,
poet, musician and it shows in the way Hum If You Can’t Sing moves
so effortlessly between the mythic and the domestic, the speculative and the
familiar. Your poems don’t announce themselves loudly; they invite readers into
a space of reflection, wit, and wonder. That kind of writing lasts.” -Fiona
Benedict
