I was instantly drawn to the cover. The poetry inside was just as unique and entertaining as I hoped it would be. This was definitely an enjoyable read.

Chris Banks has a very creative way with words that never ceases to create the images of exactly what he needs the reader to comprehend in each poem.

Powerful, cynical, existential prose poems that deal with the modern capitalist mindset, the struggles of finding one's (artistic) identity, the wearing down of personal defences.

Chris Banks writes in Midlife Action Figure, "Poetry geocaches beauty and leaves a trail of words to follow." While reading an advance review copy of this satisfying collection of verse, I was struck by this particular image as I found myself following the poet's trail into a strange new world of introspection, imagination, humor, and inspiration. Each poem in this volume struck me in one way or another: some impressed me with a stream of consciousness recitation, bouncing from one (seemingly) unrelated thought to another. Then I'd pause and reflect for a moment to discover a surprising connectedness of theme that had not been immediately apparent. Others reminded me of the briefest and most succinct of short stories and were amusing and heartbreaking in equal measure. Some simply reminded me of the joy of language and the possibility of reading words that move the heart and mind in ways we simply cannot understand, nor communicate clearly to others.

On a technical note, my electronic advance review copy may not have been formatted properly in terms of enjambment or line breaks, lending each poem a rather uniform sameness on the page, as in large block paragraphs following bolded titles. The majority of my own personal poetry consumption involves the use of physical books with original formatting, and I am somewhat spoiled by that. Perhaps official later editions of this work will reflect that, and the reader's experience will vary.

I recommend this book and am looking forward to exploring the poet's back catalog, now that I am aware of his distinctive voice.

Chris Banks shows a play with words that I found very appealing in these verses. I looked forward to the next poem as I finished each one. Lovely creative collection.

I thought Chris Banks put a lot of information, thoughts and opinions in short paragraphs of metaphor and heart.