Complements

Eloquence of Small Objects

Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
128 Pages
Reviewed on 01/30/2022
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite

In Complements, Patricia Z. Smith recognizes the value and diversity of little things. Her photographs complement her words. Both her words and images cause the reader to pause and reflect. Most people pass over small items, but Patricia celebrates them. A shell, a broken piece of a statue, a moth, and more are just a few of the everyday things that are elevated to philosophers in this book. The simple and mundane become the voice of learning and thinking. Patricia makes sure the reader takes the time to analyze each picture to figure out its life meaning. We need to stop overlooking the small and give them their due respect. Some of the words and photos will resonate with your life, while others might leave you asking, “So what?”

Society loves the big and the dramatic. But, for the most part, people ignore the small and familiar. Patricia Z. Smith recognizes the value of the commonplace in her book Complements. Patricia’s writing style is enigmatic at times, and it is almost in your face at other times. For example, she stages her photographs using items many people can find lying around their house, collecting dust. Yet, she recognizes and shares the beauty of the mundane. Even if you are not into art, you will enjoy the combination of photographs and text. You may see even more than Patricia shares if you take your time. The pictures might have a special message just for you. As the old saying states, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” so what you take from this work of art will depend on your eyes.