Title: Points of Reference
Author: Matthew James Babcock
Pages: 24
Rating: 4.5/5

I have to be up front – I’m completely biased. Bro. Babcock is one of my favorite teachers here at BYU-Idaho. I’ve taken three classes from him – two creative writing courses and one literature course. To say that he’s one of my favorite teachers and heroes is a huge understatement. Over the past year and a half I’ve known him he’s been nothing but kind to me and supportive of my work. I feel like he’s the first professor I’ve had who honestly believes that I can make it. Not to mention he’s absolutely hilarious.

This little book is Bro. Babcock’s first poetry chap book! It’s not very long – just over 20 pages. Later on this year he has a collection of short stories coming out, and I’m beyond thrilled to purchase a copy!

Bro. Babcock is pretty much a genius when it comes to writing. I have to admit – I didn’t understand all of his references in his poems, and sometimes I got lost in the long sentences, but that just invites me to go back and read each poem more closely. The thing with Bro. Babcock is that his work makes you think. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before. He touches on emotions and topics that aren’t talked about very much.

I received a free copy of Points of Reference at the end of Winter semester (early April) in his Advanced Creative Writing and Publishing class as an award. Then in May Bro. Babcock did a reading of his work (we were laughing so hard at some of his poems we were almost in tears) and I got it signed!

Bro. Babcock is very much worth checking out. He’s a great man, soul, mentor, and writer. I don’t thin you’ll be disappointed. Oh, and a little tidbit – the cover is a watercolor from a retired professor here in Rexburg. I also won an original, small water color by the same professor as another award in Bro. Babcock’s class.