Dawn of the Algorithm by Yann Rousselot

source: free review copy via NetGalley
title: Dawn of the Algorithm
author: Yann Rousselot/ twitter
published: Inkshares (May 30, 2015)
genre: non fiction/poetry/science fiction poetry
pages: 60

Blurb:
Dawn of the Algorithm is an illustrated poetry collection that tackles topics ranging from robots and aliens to stock markets and street signs. In examining the dark side of the human experience, the collection reminds readers of the light in the world: the humor, the joy, and the love they can find even in the shadow of the ever-looming robopocalypse. By delicately deconstructing our humanity in the age of the internet, Yann Rousselot offers prophetic words of wisdom to the generations more connected to their iPhones than their emotions.

My thoughts:
Yann Rousselot has penned a unique set of poems with Dawn of the Algorithm. I liked the rhythm of the poems as Rousselot voices his thoughts through poetry with a science fiction theme.

sea levels rise to hot tub proportions
while our bath salts and scented candles
destroy entire ecosystems
a Body Shop apocalypse …

In this set of 33 poems, Post-Human Neo-Tokyo, Little Shop of Horrors and Blink Twice for No were among my favorites. Blink Twice for No especially as it is about what he wants to happen after he passes away one day.

The poems all have a raw and edgy, in your face kind of vibe to them. I think these would be great read aloud in front of an audience. There are also drawings pertaining to the poems dispersed throughout the collection. There is a dry humor and sarcasm to these poems that entertained me.

Cyberpunk is my mother tongue.

I liked the pop culture references in these works as the author uses televison programs, video games and films as fodder. Another great poem was Knight Rider which is an omage to the television series from the 1980’s.

Overall, this was a nice change of pace for me and I recommend Dawn of the Algorithm to fans of edgy poetry.

About the Author
Yann Rousselot is a translator, writer, and poet. He grew up in airport lounges and diplomatic enclaves with his brothers, his sister, and countless cheap suitcases, raised across the globe by humanitarian parents. He has been published in Paris Lit Up Magazine, The Bastille, AUP’s Paris/Atlantic Magazine, Thought Catalog, and the Belleville Park Pages. He lives, writes, and performs spoken word poetry in his adoptive city of Paris.

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Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received my free copy of Dawn of the Algorithm by Yann Rousselot via NetGalley.