Consumer Critique: Suburban Haiku

Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

I recently got to read a delightful little book, Suburban Haiku. I love haiku. I used to write it a lot. They're fun to write. It's easy to write a haiku - although not necessarily to write a good haiku. The syllable formula is pretty easy to follow, but to deliver the descriptive punch in such a tiny space is a challenge. Peyton Price has a knack for grabbing elements of suburban life and describing them concisely and poignantly. I had a chance to interview her to learn more.

1.       What was your inspiration for creating this book? When I first started tweeting Suburban Haiku, I had no idea how many other moms shared my feelings about life in the suburbs—we can’t quite believe we ended up here, and the whole thing seems a bit ridiculous, but somehow we love it all the same. My supportive, wonderful online community boosted me along until here we are with a book!

2.       What characteristics of suburbia make it fun to write haikus? The key characteristic is that we want the best life has to offer—the best schools, the best lawns, the best countertops, the best baby gear, the best diets, the best technology, the best fashion. And we pursue these things with a comical zeal. It’s especially funny when the result of all this competition is that we end up exactly the same:

Which one is your son?

That one, with the Bieber hair.

Wait. No. That’s not him.

That sameness makes small differences important. Haiku is perfect for observing small details.

3.       What do you like about writing haiku poetry? I love how immediate it is. When I’m trapped at a PTA meeting or swim meet, I can shoot off a haiku, vent my petty little frustration and move on. I also love how, because a haiku is so short, the reader fills in the details from her own life—I’m writing about my husband, but you’re picturing yours. It’s so relatable.

4.       What types of people will enjoy this book? I’ve been surprised by this now that the book is out in the world. I was expecting the moms to love it. But they’re telling me that their husbands and kids are sneaking off with the book and laughing themselves silly. One reader took the book to parent reader day at school and read selections to a third grade class. I’m thrilled—Suburban Haiku is for everyone!

If you have friends in suburbia, this would make a great, fun gift!