What do you think?
Rate this book
Pop Sonnets: Shakespearean Spins on Your Favorite Songs
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Poetry (2015)The Bard meets the Backstreet Boys in Pop Sonnets, a collection of 100 classic pop songs reimagined as Shakespearean sonnets. All of your favorite artists are represented in these pages—from Bon Jovi and Green Day to Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, and beyond. Already a smash sensation on the Internet—the Tumblr page has 20,000+ followers—Pop Sonnets has been featured by the A.V. Club, BuzzFeed, and Vanity Fair, among many others. More than half of these pop sonnets are exclusive to this collection and have never been published in any form.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2015
About the author
Erik Didriksen
1 book30 followersErik Didriksen is a software engineer, musician, sonneteer, and trivia enthusiast. He lives in Astoria, NY.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
January 27, 2016
I haven't read a Shakespeare work to completion - it wasn't a requirement in school for me (yet) and it's not something I've chose to embark on myself. I have some of his stuff waiting to be read in the ever-huge TBR shelves, but I haven't quite mustered up the courage yet. I do know that these verses are likely simplified compared to some of Shakespeare's works, where I have seen lines and bits and pieces.
Reading this I think of rewording the lyrics into a poem written via Shakespeare style, omitting duplicate lyrics and chorus. The cover on the front is cute and eye catching, but it doesn't stick to humor through the whole thing. While the humorous songs are sort of fun, it was the serious variations that really spoke to me, turning the songs into beautiful poetry with heart.
From 'Sonnets of Love' I especially enjoyed Guns N' Roses Sweet Child of Mine (the song rocks too) and The Monkees "I'm a Believer." 'I thought of romance like a chest of gold, assuming what I gave would e'er be lost; thus I commanded that my heart grow cold so I might ne'er incur its heavy cost.'
Even if I liked the serious more, the funny ones were cute too, including The Weather Girls "It's Raining Men" and MC Hammer's "You Can't Touch This." Thought Vanilla Ice was kind of a failure though.
My favorite was probably Frank Sinatra's "My Way" - The first part: 'The curtain falls; my time draws near its end, but I'll not fear the bitter wrath of age. I'll say it clear: I have observ'd, sweet friend, within my life that all the world's a stage - and if the men and women players be, I've played my part and made myself the lead."
Great gift for Shakespeare addicts, poetry lovers, and music fans.
February 22, 2017
This had me laughing so hard. My husband and I took turns reading some out loud and having the other one figure out which popular song the sonnet was parodying. Yep. That's our idea of a good time hahaha. I would love to use this as a tool in the classroom and have students write their own "Shakespeared" versions of their favorite songs.
August 26, 2015
Pop Sonnets: Shakespearean Spins on Your Favorite Songs by Erik Didriksen is one of those little gems of a book that have you laughing, smiling and wanting to share the moment with others around you. It will unleash your inner geekness of both literature and music.
The Bard meets the Backstreet Boys. Shakespeare melds with Simon and Garfunkel. Victorian England clashes with Vanilla Ice.
"...An older man, he asks me for a song forgotten, but well-lov'd in younger age. The barkeep swears he doth not there belong behind the bar, but up upon the stage. The sailor and the merchant, they converse - the wenches flirt - the merchants, the get soused. The tavern's owner smiles about the purse he's earned from the crowd I've here arous'd..."
"...The creak of carriage wheels I long have heard but I may never watch their weary turn; for I'm within this dungeon e'er interr'd to wait until my soul in Hell shall burn. My mother taught me morals, clear and plain: the principles to which I should aspire; yet I've another person coldly slain in Reno, just to watch his life expire..."
"...Let not thy pride dissuade thee from their aid, or think I speak of what I do not know; for in my troubled youth, 'twas there I stay'd to lift myself from poverty and woe. We've cause to thank them over and again, this brotherhood for good young Christian men!...
That was Piano Man by Billy Joel, Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash and of course I'm sure you recognize YMCA by the Village People.
The collection of pop songs both old and new is impressive as is the translation of the lyrics into Shakespeare's wording. This was a labor of love, of passion and or irreverent humor. Someone obviously has way too much time on their hands. And that is something to be thankful for.
I have often followed characters in my reading. I have followed authors. But it is rare that I follow a publisher. Quirk Books is one I do. Their books are fun and ridiculous and just a good time. From their Star Wars into Shakespeare to their well selected Science Fiction and Fantasy line. Quirk Books is a small publishing house that puts out damn good reads.
So kick back and have a little fun. Believe me, you have not lived until you have read Sir Mix-a-Lot's Baby Got Back in Shakespeare!
The Bard meets the Backstreet Boys. Shakespeare melds with Simon and Garfunkel. Victorian England clashes with Vanilla Ice.
"...An older man, he asks me for a song forgotten, but well-lov'd in younger age. The barkeep swears he doth not there belong behind the bar, but up upon the stage. The sailor and the merchant, they converse - the wenches flirt - the merchants, the get soused. The tavern's owner smiles about the purse he's earned from the crowd I've here arous'd..."
"...The creak of carriage wheels I long have heard but I may never watch their weary turn; for I'm within this dungeon e'er interr'd to wait until my soul in Hell shall burn. My mother taught me morals, clear and plain: the principles to which I should aspire; yet I've another person coldly slain in Reno, just to watch his life expire..."
"...Let not thy pride dissuade thee from their aid, or think I speak of what I do not know; for in my troubled youth, 'twas there I stay'd to lift myself from poverty and woe. We've cause to thank them over and again, this brotherhood for good young Christian men!...
That was Piano Man by Billy Joel, Folsom Prison Blues by Johnny Cash and of course I'm sure you recognize YMCA by the Village People.
The collection of pop songs both old and new is impressive as is the translation of the lyrics into Shakespeare's wording. This was a labor of love, of passion and or irreverent humor. Someone obviously has way too much time on their hands. And that is something to be thankful for.
I have often followed characters in my reading. I have followed authors. But it is rare that I follow a publisher. Quirk Books is one I do. Their books are fun and ridiculous and just a good time. From their Star Wars into Shakespeare to their well selected Science Fiction and Fantasy line. Quirk Books is a small publishing house that puts out damn good reads.
So kick back and have a little fun. Believe me, you have not lived until you have read Sir Mix-a-Lot's Baby Got Back in Shakespeare!
September 16, 2015
This could be the greatest thing I've ever read. It might not have been a great thing to read while sick because I was laughing so hard, I would start coughing. But I digress...
I love me some Shakespeare and pop music is sort of a guilty pleasure, so I was really eager to see what this book had in store for me. It absolutely didn't disappoint.
Songs from Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift, to Guns N' Roses and Black Sabbath to Rhianna and Jay Z are included. There's even some Journey and Boston as well. I had so much fun trying to figure out what song it was before getting to the end.
This will definitely be a book I need sitting on my shelf.
**Huge thanks to Quirk Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
I love me some Shakespeare and pop music is sort of a guilty pleasure, so I was really eager to see what this book had in store for me. It absolutely didn't disappoint.
Songs from Christina Aguilera and Taylor Swift, to Guns N' Roses and Black Sabbath to Rhianna and Jay Z are included. There's even some Journey and Boston as well. I had so much fun trying to figure out what song it was before getting to the end.
This will definitely be a book I need sitting on my shelf.
**Huge thanks to Quirk Books and NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
August 13, 2015
Thank you Quirk Books for sending this to me for review.
One of the coolest books I have ever read.
4 stars because some sonnets were better than others but 'tis kind of things such as taste that one can not control. It's a small, fast, fun read. I had the song lyrics opened while reading it and it was very entertaining. Recommend to everyone.
One of the coolest books I have ever read.
4 stars because some sonnets were better than others but 'tis kind of things such as taste that one can not control. It's a small, fast, fun read. I had the song lyrics opened while reading it and it was very entertaining. Recommend to everyone.
December 14, 2016
Okay, now all I need is a version of this but with only Disney songs.
December 18, 2015
This book is not a watered-down summary of Shakespeare's finest.
Actually it's more like Epic Rap Battles took all of your favourite songs and made them twice as badass with a dash of Shakespearean refinery!
It's well-done, expertly crafted, and a joy to read :)
Actually it's more like Epic Rap Battles took all of your favourite songs and made them twice as badass with a dash of Shakespearean refinery!
It's well-done, expertly crafted, and a joy to read :)
August 12, 2015
Pop Sonnets: Shakespearean Spins on Your Favorite Songs is such a fun and unique read! It combines humour, Shakespeare and pop culture at the same time! Seriously what better to ask?!?
Erik Didriksen's ability to transform those pop songs to sonnets was truly remarkable! There were even some of his sonnets that had a poetic meaning as well. It's really strange, but at the same time he brings us a sonnet so poetically beautiful that it makes you forget that is a pop,guilty pleasure song!
Here is one of my favourites; Wonderful World by Sam Cooke
Erik Didriksen's ability to transform those pop songs to sonnets was truly remarkable! There were even some of his sonnets that had a poetic meaning as well. It's really strange, but at the same time he brings us a sonnet so poetically beautiful that it makes you forget that is a pop,guilty pleasure song!
Here is one of my favourites; Wonderful World by Sam Cooke
Herodotus' works I've perus'd;
I know so little from his Histories.
Geography doth render me confus'd,
for I've learn'd naught from Eratosthenes
I'm ignorant of scientific law
and all the lessons that it doth purvey;
I'd doubtlessly commit some great faux pas
if I attempted à parler français.
Yet I am not of scholarship devoid;
I've master'd all the sage philosophy
within the only yield I'll not avoid-
my singular devotedness to thee.
- If thou shouldst love me true with all thy heart, no greater
wonder could this world impart.
August 12, 2015
Thanks, NetGalley!
This was such an awesome read. I can see myself using this book as a party game, quizzing my friends or family, seeing if they can guess the original song. It was nice to see such a wide range of songs "translated", many decades of music, from Frank Sinatra to U2 to Miley Cyrus. Totally hilarious and so well done!
This was such an awesome read. I can see myself using this book as a party game, quizzing my friends or family, seeing if they can guess the original song. It was nice to see such a wide range of songs "translated", many decades of music, from Frank Sinatra to U2 to Miley Cyrus. Totally hilarious and so well done!
Read
August 21, 2020This book is ridiculously fun!
Sonnets meet pop songs in this hilarious recreation of popular music from the last 50 years – from Billy Joel to Taylor Swift.
I think my favorite part was trying to guess the song before I got to the title at the end of the sonnet. This is a super fast and hilarious read. I highly recommend!
– Michelle V.
Sonnets meet pop songs in this hilarious recreation of popular music from the last 50 years – from Billy Joel to Taylor Swift.
I think my favorite part was trying to guess the song before I got to the title at the end of the sonnet. This is a super fast and hilarious read. I highly recommend!
– Michelle V.
October 20, 2020
This was a lot of fun, but as with all anthologies or short stories, some are better than others. I found myself particularly enjoying the songs I knew really well and could recite the original lyrics on demand. Overall, this works better as a "look through" book than reading straight through.
2020 challenge: An anthology
2020 challenge: An anthology
September 13, 2015
[I received a copy of this book through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.]
Clever, very clever.
And in proper rhyming structure *and* iambic pentameters (yes, I counted; not for every single sonnet, but I still counted, just to make sure).
This collection of 100 famous songs—some dating back to the mid-20th centuries, some much more recent—revisited as Shakespearian sonnets was very funny to read, as well as interesting: the poetry does respect the form, appropriates some lines from actual plays ("the winter of our disco tent"), and translates modern concepts into Elizabethan wording. Guitars become lutes, cars become coaches... However, the content of the songs is very easy to recognise. Here's an example from Roxanne by The Police:
"Pray, do not put those bawdy vestments on
or paint that vulgar rouge across thy face;
thou needest not those wanton garments don
nor with that ruddy brush thy cheeks debase.
I beg thee to this sordid life forego:
turn not a trick, but prithee turn the page!
O, dear Roxanne, thou dost not need to go
into that den of sin to earn thy wage."
Compare with the song's lyrics, and there you have it. In general, although the sonnets don't include *all* lines (Bohemian Rhapsody, for instance, would be hard to translate in only 14 lines), mostly they really fit their songs counterparts.
Of course, the "downside" is that, to fully enjoy this book, you have to a) be a Shakespeare geek of sorts, and b) know the songs and their lyrics. Without that, odds are it won't be as amusing, or at least not more than "heh, nice". On the other hand, it's also a good opportunity to go and discover/listen to the songs one knows less.
I spent a merry good time reading this book, and I highly recommend it to whoever likes Shakespeare, famous songs, and wants to have a laugh. Not to mention to have fun with friends and/or try to find the real Shakespearian lines in there.
Clever, very clever.
And in proper rhyming structure *and* iambic pentameters (yes, I counted; not for every single sonnet, but I still counted, just to make sure).
This collection of 100 famous songs—some dating back to the mid-20th centuries, some much more recent—revisited as Shakespearian sonnets was very funny to read, as well as interesting: the poetry does respect the form, appropriates some lines from actual plays ("the winter of our disco tent"), and translates modern concepts into Elizabethan wording. Guitars become lutes, cars become coaches... However, the content of the songs is very easy to recognise. Here's an example from Roxanne by The Police:
"Pray, do not put those bawdy vestments on
or paint that vulgar rouge across thy face;
thou needest not those wanton garments don
nor with that ruddy brush thy cheeks debase.
I beg thee to this sordid life forego:
turn not a trick, but prithee turn the page!
O, dear Roxanne, thou dost not need to go
into that den of sin to earn thy wage."
Compare with the song's lyrics, and there you have it. In general, although the sonnets don't include *all* lines (Bohemian Rhapsody, for instance, would be hard to translate in only 14 lines), mostly they really fit their songs counterparts.
Of course, the "downside" is that, to fully enjoy this book, you have to a) be a Shakespeare geek of sorts, and b) know the songs and their lyrics. Without that, odds are it won't be as amusing, or at least not more than "heh, nice". On the other hand, it's also a good opportunity to go and discover/listen to the songs one knows less.
I spent a merry good time reading this book, and I highly recommend it to whoever likes Shakespeare, famous songs, and wants to have a laugh. Not to mention to have fun with friends and/or try to find the real Shakespearian lines in there.
December 1, 2015
This is the best thing I've read all month. Extremely funny while also very clever, this is the book I never knew I needed in my life and also my new favourite. I want everyone to read this because it's just so awesome!
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a free copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
September 23, 2015
Full Review Here: http://www.forwardsandbookwords.wordp...
**I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Quirk!**
Cover Review: I was blown away by the quality of this book. It was very apparent that a lot of thought and time went into creating every aspect of the entire set-up. The cover is super cute and fun, perfectly matching the tone and creativity of the words within. There were pictures included in between the sections of the book, the naked book contains actual music to play some of the songs within including lyrics, and even the font of the book gives it a very oldtime-y and Shakespearean feel.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when going into this book. The idea sounded absolutely hilarious to me from the moment that I first heard about it, but I was worried about how it would be executed. On one hand, there was the potential that these parodies would be incredibly well done, authentic feeling, and a joy to read. There was also the chance that Erik Didriksen would do what everyone did in elementary school when mocking Romeo and Juliet – just replacing every “you” with “thou” and “are” with “art”.
I was very, very pleasantly surprised. Every parody wasn’t just replacing a few words and keeping the rhymes. Every line was original and filled with Shakespearean terms and vocabulary, while keeping the overall theme and idea throughout the song. It was always obvious what song was being parodied, but it was like they were being completely rewritten by Shakespeare.
The book followed Shakespeare’s typical rhyming patterns and still managed to read smoothly. My sister and I had a fun time taking turns performing the parodies, and they would usually even work to be sung to the original tune! Each song, however, usually was only the chorus or a couple of verses, as opposed to an entire parody of the full song.
This was definitely a book that I read while sitting next to Spotify, as I didn’t know even close to all of the songs. I would say that I knew at least half of them, but I was definitely looking a lot of them up as I went to make sure that I was getting the full experience. I wouldn’t say that this is necessarily a bad thing, though, as the variety of different music ensures that everyone will be able to find a parody of a song that they like. The book featured teen hits like One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”, viral sensations such as Rebecca Black’s “Friday”, along with more classic songs like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”.
As you can probably tell by this point, I really enjoyed this fun little book. Is it a completely necessary read? No. However, it delivers exactly what it promises in its synopsis and is sure to make you laugh, so if you’re looking for some quick entertainment that you could go back to and reread, I would definitely recommend this book!
4/5 stars
Thanks for reading! :)
**I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Quirk!**
Cover Review: I was blown away by the quality of this book. It was very apparent that a lot of thought and time went into creating every aspect of the entire set-up. The cover is super cute and fun, perfectly matching the tone and creativity of the words within. There were pictures included in between the sections of the book, the naked book contains actual music to play some of the songs within including lyrics, and even the font of the book gives it a very oldtime-y and Shakespearean feel.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when going into this book. The idea sounded absolutely hilarious to me from the moment that I first heard about it, but I was worried about how it would be executed. On one hand, there was the potential that these parodies would be incredibly well done, authentic feeling, and a joy to read. There was also the chance that Erik Didriksen would do what everyone did in elementary school when mocking Romeo and Juliet – just replacing every “you” with “thou” and “are” with “art”.
I was very, very pleasantly surprised. Every parody wasn’t just replacing a few words and keeping the rhymes. Every line was original and filled with Shakespearean terms and vocabulary, while keeping the overall theme and idea throughout the song. It was always obvious what song was being parodied, but it was like they were being completely rewritten by Shakespeare.
The book followed Shakespeare’s typical rhyming patterns and still managed to read smoothly. My sister and I had a fun time taking turns performing the parodies, and they would usually even work to be sung to the original tune! Each song, however, usually was only the chorus or a couple of verses, as opposed to an entire parody of the full song.
This was definitely a book that I read while sitting next to Spotify, as I didn’t know even close to all of the songs. I would say that I knew at least half of them, but I was definitely looking a lot of them up as I went to make sure that I was getting the full experience. I wouldn’t say that this is necessarily a bad thing, though, as the variety of different music ensures that everyone will be able to find a parody of a song that they like. The book featured teen hits like One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”, viral sensations such as Rebecca Black’s “Friday”, along with more classic songs like Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”.
As you can probably tell by this point, I really enjoyed this fun little book. Is it a completely necessary read? No. However, it delivers exactly what it promises in its synopsis and is sure to make you laugh, so if you’re looking for some quick entertainment that you could go back to and reread, I would definitely recommend this book!
4/5 stars
Thanks for reading! :)
August 15, 2015
Song links would make this Perfect!
“I don’t pretend to be Captain Weird. I just do what I do.” – Johnny Depp
OK, here is a question for you – Do you think William Shakespeare is rolling in his grave? No, really. Cee Lo Green DID base his “F**k You!” on one of his sonnets. Just sayin’.
I notice my beloved on thy arm, and from my lips I spit a vulgar oath My want of wealth as caus’d my courtship harm, and so I’ve lost my love; Ye(sic) on your both!
Translated to:
See you driving ’round town With the girl I love and I’m like F–k you (Ooh, ooh, ooh) I guess the change in my pocket Wasn’t enough, I’m like F–k you And forget her too
Erik Didriksen’s “Pop Sonnets” is based on the 1743 works of Sir Kirk de Edin who transcribed a small percentage of Shakespeare’s lesser known sonnets to the written word. While many may have been lost over time, as Shakespeare wrote thousands of unpublished sonnets during his lifetime – a lifetime that included the “Great Plague” of 1667 to 1666, and may have led to the loss of much of his work – de Edin rescued as many as he could.
In 1951, Colombia record exec Robert Lorre discovered the manuscripts – and a new era of pop music began, and has continued on to this day. Now, Didriksen has reprinted the original sonnets from the de Edin collection that have inspired popular songs, and the titles of the songs the sonnets inspired. (As an aside, The King’s Men, Shakespeare’s original minstrel troupe, passing down through the ages, scored a no. 1 hit in 1963 with . . . wait for it . . . “Louie, Louie”!)
This collection is wonderful for its revelation of sonnets of the master you may never have heard of – but it is also a screaming riot when you realize just what songs have been based on the sonnets! From the aforementioned Cee Lo Green piece, to artists such as The Animals (House of the Rising Sun), Black Sabbath (“Iron Man”), Michael Jackson (“Thriller”) and, yes, The Village People’s “YMCA” (!) and Nena’s “99 Luftballoons” to works by Buddy Holly, Tommy Tutone, Frank Sinatra and, yes, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (giggle) this is a funny, quirky, fascinating look into a modern take on the Bard’s work. Grab it, enjoy it – and if you are like me? Go make a mix playlist of all the songs, in order. I can’t Wait!
I received “Pop Sonnets” from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you enjoy my review, please click “Like” on Amazon. It helps both me and my authors! Thank you.
“I don’t pretend to be Captain Weird. I just do what I do.” – Johnny Depp
OK, here is a question for you – Do you think William Shakespeare is rolling in his grave? No, really. Cee Lo Green DID base his “F**k You!” on one of his sonnets. Just sayin’.
I notice my beloved on thy arm, and from my lips I spit a vulgar oath My want of wealth as caus’d my courtship harm, and so I’ve lost my love; Ye(sic) on your both!
Translated to:
See you driving ’round town With the girl I love and I’m like F–k you (Ooh, ooh, ooh) I guess the change in my pocket Wasn’t enough, I’m like F–k you And forget her too
Erik Didriksen’s “Pop Sonnets” is based on the 1743 works of Sir Kirk de Edin who transcribed a small percentage of Shakespeare’s lesser known sonnets to the written word. While many may have been lost over time, as Shakespeare wrote thousands of unpublished sonnets during his lifetime – a lifetime that included the “Great Plague” of 1667 to 1666, and may have led to the loss of much of his work – de Edin rescued as many as he could.
In 1951, Colombia record exec Robert Lorre discovered the manuscripts – and a new era of pop music began, and has continued on to this day. Now, Didriksen has reprinted the original sonnets from the de Edin collection that have inspired popular songs, and the titles of the songs the sonnets inspired. (As an aside, The King’s Men, Shakespeare’s original minstrel troupe, passing down through the ages, scored a no. 1 hit in 1963 with . . . wait for it . . . “Louie, Louie”!)
This collection is wonderful for its revelation of sonnets of the master you may never have heard of – but it is also a screaming riot when you realize just what songs have been based on the sonnets! From the aforementioned Cee Lo Green piece, to artists such as The Animals (House of the Rising Sun), Black Sabbath (“Iron Man”), Michael Jackson (“Thriller”) and, yes, The Village People’s “YMCA” (!) and Nena’s “99 Luftballoons” to works by Buddy Holly, Tommy Tutone, Frank Sinatra and, yes, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John (giggle) this is a funny, quirky, fascinating look into a modern take on the Bard’s work. Grab it, enjoy it – and if you are like me? Go make a mix playlist of all the songs, in order. I can’t Wait!
I received “Pop Sonnets” from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. All thoughts are my own. If you enjoy my review, please click “Like” on Amazon. It helps both me and my authors! Thank you.
November 1, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
I really liked this one. It started with just the idea, combining Shakespearian poetry and modern pop song lyrics, and, perhaps a little bit to my own surprise, it worked really well.
It's a great mix of new and older songs, so I think everyone will at least be able to recognize the poems for some of the songs. I personally also really liked to search the songs I didn't immediately recognized and to listen to them while reading the poems.
I'd not previously heard of the Tumblr account that post a poem a week, but most of poems are pretty clever and it's not just a nice idea. The executions is good as well. The only thing is obviously that you must like Shakespeare, or else this is going to be an awkward read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really liked this one. It started with just the idea, combining Shakespearian poetry and modern pop song lyrics, and, perhaps a little bit to my own surprise, it worked really well.
It's a great mix of new and older songs, so I think everyone will at least be able to recognize the poems for some of the songs. I personally also really liked to search the songs I didn't immediately recognized and to listen to them while reading the poems.
I'd not previously heard of the Tumblr account that post a poem a week, but most of poems are pretty clever and it's not just a nice idea. The executions is good as well. The only thing is obviously that you must like Shakespeare, or else this is going to be an awkward read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 13, 2015
This book appeals to both my fondness for Shakespeare and my shameless love for pop music! I had a fun time trying to guess the sonnets before reading the title. The idea to format modern pop songs into iambic pentameter is so clever and well done!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
February 1, 2016
An extremly funny book!
August 28, 2015
I received this book for free through BookLikes' Giveaways.
I absolutely loved this. It was such a fun book. I highly recommend to anyone who loves Shakespeare or just music.
I absolutely loved this. It was such a fun book. I highly recommend to anyone who loves Shakespeare or just music.
December 12, 2017
It took me some time but now I finished it. It’s amazing. I will definitely use it for my students later 😄
June 5, 2020
This was so well done and also made quarantine tolerable. I read one of these each day over a video messaging app to friends and whoever guessed the song first won. It was cute.
March 25, 2017
I received this book from Goodreads Giveaways program for an honest review. This book was hilarious. Well-known Pop Songs from multiple generations getting a Shakespeare makeover. What made it even better is I just had to read multiple Shakespeare sonnets for a class I took this semester. If you enjoy reading Shakespeare or are a fan of Top 40 music, pick this up for a read. You won't regret it.
July 18, 2015
I received an advance reading copy at the bookstore where I work. This book is just wonderful, and is highly recommended to anyone who teaches creative writing or poetry to high school students. The author has a very natural grace with formal meter and his ability to craft a traditional sonnet out of these lyrics is very entertaining. I plan to use this as an instructional tool, probably forever. Recommended.
October 6, 2015
Pop Sonnets is a fantastic reinterpretation of beloved modern and classic rock and pop. Whether you're a fan of good music (and some guilty pleasure tunes, too), or a lover of sonnets and Shakespearean turns of phrase, it's an enjoyable read.
What I love is how easily this could become both an awesome pub quiz helper, and a well-loved teaching resource, while still being an engaging and fun read in its own right.
What I love is how easily this could become both an awesome pub quiz helper, and a well-loved teaching resource, while still being an engaging and fun read in its own right.
May 11, 2016
I love this little book. It is full of songs written as sonnets - language of the time period included.
I took it to school and read them to my students and had them guess the songs. It was fun.
This would be a great gift for high school English teacher (especially if they teach seniors or AP literature).
I took it to school and read them to my students and had them guess the songs. It was fun.
This would be a great gift for high school English teacher (especially if they teach seniors or AP literature).
May 24, 2017
OMG This was so much fun! Imagine "Can't Touch This" or "Ice Ice Baby" or "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" as if they were written by Shakespeare. So many good songs were given the Shakespearean makeover and I think they turned out wonderfully. So creative! I am so glad the guy at the library told me about this book.
March 11, 2020
I expected this book to be silly, but this author is incredibly talented! These sonnets are clever and witty and also beautiful! The iambic pentameter is perfect and unforced. I was so pleasantly surprised!
July 19, 2017
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a delight. I only read the sonnets of songs I know, and they were all extremely well done, staying true to the song while still sounding like something that could've been written by Shakespeare. I had a smile on my face the entire time. This is definitely a book I would recommend to/buy for my friends.
This book is a delight. I only read the sonnets of songs I know, and they were all extremely well done, staying true to the song while still sounding like something that could've been written by Shakespeare. I had a smile on my face the entire time. This is definitely a book I would recommend to/buy for my friends.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
July 19, 2018This was funny and entertaining at the beginning but the appeal just wore off after a while. Erik Didriksen is certainly clever but this just wasn't for me. However, researching one of the songs parodied in here led me down an internet rabbit-hole that resulted in me discovering Disney Decsendants. For that reason I am forever grateful to this book, and rotten to the coooooore. <3
November 30, 2018
The introduction made it sound like these were really Shakespeare's sonnets that inspired songs today, but obviously these are just sonnets based on today's songs. I thought it was a little cheesy to pretend that Shakespeare wrote these himself, but the poems themselves were fun! It was fun to guess which song the sonnet was copying and my students had fun writing their own pop sonnets.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews