Snapshots - by Paul Thiel (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Explore the vivid memoir of a wandering poet, encountering icons like Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, and Andy Warhol. Witness Stonewall, meet quirky individuals, and trace ancestral roots through 88 unique poems.

The book, Snapshots, is an eloquent tapestry of poetic memoir, woven with threads of history, personal encounters, and profound experiences. The author takes you on a journey through the landscape of his life, painting his past with vibrant strokes of poetry. Each poem is a snapshot, capturing a moment, a person, or a memory in a distinct frame of words.

The narrative unfolds in the author's vagabond days, during which he encounters legendary figures from the Beat Generation, including the likes of bushy-bearded Allen Ginsberg and the revered William Burroughs. Experience the raw energy and passion of the Everyman poet, Bukowski, and the enigmatic silence of Andy Warhol, alongside his superstar Holly Woodlawn.

However, Snapshots is not merely a chronicle of famous faces. It's a celebration of the common man and tales of extraordinary individuals that the author met along his journey. From Les, the postal carrier in San Francisco, to Ann, who survived a plunge off the Golden Gate Bridge, these characters breathe life into the pages of the book.

The author's intimate portrayal of the Stonewall riots offers a window into a pivotal moment in history, from the perspective of an insider, bringing forth a unique, personal account of the monumental event.

Snapshots also delves into the author's ancestry, unveiling fascinating stories of his forefathers, such as Grandpa Tom, the 1900s union organizer, and Great Grandpa McCaffrey, a builder on the iconic Eads Bridge. These familial stories add depth to the author's narrative, grounding the ethereal journey in the solid bedrock of lineage and heritage.

Each of the 88 poems in this book, akin to keys on a piano, plays a unique note in the author's life symphony, creating a harmonious concerto of context. Embark on this poetic journey and witness the world through the lens of a wanderer, a poet, and a memoirist. Dive deep into Snapshots and emerge with a richer understanding of life, history, and humanity.