Patterns of Perception

Nicholas J. Cipriani
Outskirts Press (2008)
ISBN 9781432729295
Reviewed by Danelle Drake for Reader Views (2/09)


You never know when you are going to fall in love with a book.  It is a great experience to pick up a book you would not normally read, and fall deeply into the book.  I was hooked from the intriguing photo on the cover - which at any given time looks like a beehive, tree knot, vicious screaming warrior, or an enhanced photo of a mushroom lying on its side - and couldn’t wait to see what was between the cover.  I was not disappointed.  Each of the short stories will have you mesmerized and wanting more.  Short stories are some of my favorite literature to read because there is so much in such a short time. 

“Patterns of Perception” sways into metaphysics and deals with thoughts and ideas beyond our normal scope of understanding.  As Cipriani states, “Voltaire wrote, ‘When he that speaks, and he to whom he speaks, neither of them understand what is meant, that is metaphysics.’  My guess is that the imagination lies somewhere between the mind and the soul and is attached at the heart.  Personally, I can think of no better place.”  With this in mind…beep, turn the page.

Everyone will have a favorite.  My personal favorite is “Ca’noonce The Merman.”  I thought it was just wonderful.  A magical island named Lemuria and mermaids and mermen.  Ca’noonce was sixteen with a massive chest and bulging biceps and muscles - what more could you ask for?  Magical fins? 

Cheers to Nicholas J. Cipriani; he has created a masterpiece with “Patterns of Perception.”  Having started with a blank mind you will be surrounded by worlds and wisdom like never before.  You will experience heightened feelings and, as I, truly love reading this book.  I hope there are many more to follow.  And about the cover, I’m thinking maybe a tree stump?

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