Have you ever pondered the existential depression of Kitt a couple decades after Michael Knight's death? Or wondered how post-apocalyptic updates from the International Space Station might look as loosely formed haikus? If so – or if you now want to – this book is for you.

Rousselot's "Dawn of the Algorithm" is a clever blend of pop-culture references and science fiction innovation presented as freeform poetry. Even in places where the form is a bit too loose for my liking, it's nonetheless oddly compelling: I daresay you will not find a poem with "sternocleidomastoid" in any other book (unless "Headmovies" is anthologized), so I will not quibble if it doesn't quite fit any particular meter. In fact, science-fictional poetry is far too lacking in the world overall to be extremely critical.

In addition to providing a stream of allusions to childhood and, um, less-childhood entertainments, "Dawn of the Algorithm" presents a host of thematic overtures. For example, "The Right Stuff" is an anthem of Campbellian exclamation, with lines like:

I am Ender, I am Luke, I am the chosen one!

Meanwhile, "Welcome to the Doctor Moreau Zoo" offers common-sensible advice:

Never look a hypnotoad in the eye
unless you want to mutate
into a Cronenbergian horsefly.

And lest you think that the book is merely the ravings of a mad science-fictionist — I mean, it is that, but it's also more than that — you should know that it is backed up by hard data, such as:

I get along with at least 83%
of the people I meet—I’m an affable guy—
but less than 1% will let me lick them.

All in all, "Dawn of the Algorithm" is an enjoyable read for anyone who ever loved a speculative story of any kind. I mean, how can you not read a book that has a poem with a title like "The Metaphysical Implications of Left 4 Dead 2 Online Multiplayer"?

Edit: I should note that I probably would've given this 3.5 stars, but Goodreads doesn't do half-stars. ( )

Dawn of the Algorithm by Yann Rousselot is a collection of traditional styled poetry covering unconventional territory. Rousselot describes himself as "a translator and writer living in the Paris region, originally from England, but also from Brittany, and more realistically from nowhere at all, being an expat-brat with serious issues of cultural schizophrenia."

Good poetry gets short reviews because the poet says it all and all I am left to do is tell people "Wow!" Wow! Dawn of the Algorithm is a short collection that covers a great range of ideas from what may be a slightly demented mind -- and I mean that in the best possible way. Where else would you read of a depressed Tyrannosaurs Rex? The once ferocious creature that nightmares were made of is now a meme with comically short arms. Science does not treat him much better in finding that he might have been a feathered proto-bird. T-Rex has become the Rodney Dangerfield of dinosaurs.

There is cleverness hidden in the writing too. "Looking between the schist and diamonds "-- geology or perhaps just an analogy with juvenile humor. "Film" creates an interesting story in a story. There is a rhythm in Rousselot's that is missing from a great deal of contemporary work. The rhythm nicely compliments the subject matter. The end of the world played on Youtube in 1080p and online zombie warfare romance seem to take on an unexpected acceptance. Even when our politicians declare war on everything we will be comforted to hear it all read in the familiar voice of Morgan Freeman.

Rousselot takes the reader on a wild and exciting trip into poetry that even people who hate poetry will enjoy. Much of the subject matter is firmly in the age range of the Gen Xers and Millennials, but it is not out of the reach of hip Boomers either. A very unexpected and enjoyable read. Highly recommended. ( )

Satirical. Quick paced. Funny. Thought provoking. Slightly disturbing but fascinating look at technology, science, and our modern culture. ( )

Yann Rousselot has penned a unique set of poems with Dawn of the Algorithm. I liked the rhythm of the poems as Rousselot voices his thoughts through poetry with a science fiction theme.
In this set of 33 poems, Post-Human Neo-Tokyo, Little Shop of Horrors and Blink Twice for No were among my favorites. Blink Twice for No especially as it is about what he wants to happen after he passes away one day.

The poems all have a raw and edgy, in your face kind of vibe to them. I think these would be great read aloud in front of an audience. There are also drawings pertaining to the poems dispersed throughout the collection. There is a dry humor and sarcasm to these poems that entertained me.
I liked the pop culture references in these works as the author uses televison programs, video games and films as fodder. Another great poem was Knight Rider which is an omage to the television series from the 1980’s.

Overall, this was a nice change of pace for me and I recommend Dawn of the Algorithm to fans of edgy poetry.

Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received my free copy of Dawn of the Algorithm by Yann Rousselot via NetGalley.
https://bookwormnai.wordpress.com/2015/05/09/dawn-of-the-algorithm-by-yann-rouss... ( )