Disorder by Thom Kudla is a compelling, unconventional collection that combines poetry, visual experimentation, and interior monologue into a single work focused on identity, perception, and the various struggles that shape a person’s inner life. Divided into three sections, Clinical, Social, and Spiritual, the book explores shifting mental states with honesty and creative energy. The Clinical section introduces readers to speakers navigating fractured thoughts and altered realities. The Social section broadens the perspective, layering themes of connection, expectation, and interpersonal tension. Pieces like “Asleep in Wool Over Eyes” and “Finding Love” unfold with quieter introspection, illustrating how tenderness and confusion coexist. Kudla’s writing often shifts between simple reflection and surreal imagery. The final section, Spiritual, concludes the collection with reflections on purpose, belief, and transcendence. Poems like “Dying to Meet You” present the divine as an intimate encounter rather than a distant abstraction. “Secret Shame” and “Vincent in a Straitjacket” acknowledge stigma but maintain an underlying sense of striving.

Thom Kudla’s work in Disorder most closely recalls the experimentation of E.E. Cummings, whose influence can be felt in the visual structure of poems that loop, spiral, or scatter across the page. That same willingness to let form express emotion connects naturally to Allen Ginsberg, especially in the long, breathless surges of language that mirror stream-of-consciousness thinking and spiritual questioning. Kudla’s psychological depth creates a style that seems familiar yet is distinctly his own. His approach in the Clinical section is inventive: words loop, spiral, circle, and scatter across the page, as seen in selections such as “Accurate Perception” and “Body Quakes, Mind on Hiatus.” Readers of literary journals such as Subnivean, Rattle, The Offing, and Sixth Finch will appreciate Kudla’s blend of experimental form and emotionally charged introspection. Those who enjoy contemporary poetry that pushes structure and voice in unexpected directions will find Disorder especially compelling.

Disorder: Poems by Thom Kudla is a collection of clever, witty poems that help readers feel the weight and the resilience of navigating mental disorders every day. The anthology is divided into three parts: Clinical, Social, and Spiritual. It is a collection of wry little truths that explore the depth of the human mind and emotions. This collection shares some struggles and victories, inviting readers to reflect upon life's puzzle pieces. The poems encompass a wide array of topics, with shorter poems that encompass one moment or thought in time, as well as longer poems that attempt to establish related moments, beliefs, or ideals.

The poems are raw and unfiltered, and they left a deep impression on me. The poems that stood out to me were the poems like With My Own Eyes, a short poem that sums up how belief is something a person accepts to be true, seen or unseen. I also liked the poem Through the Shattered Glass, which reflects the chaos of a person's thoughts. It made me feel like I was looking into a mirror broken into a million pieces. I was impressed with Kudla's ability to create vibrant imagery with only a few simple words. With vivid and engaging language, these poems offer deep introspection while making me feel connected to my own imperfections and humanness. Thom Kudla’s Disorder: Poems shows mastery in expressive writing, as his work allowed me to see a bit of myself in every poem. Outstanding work!

In Disorder, Thom Kudla delves into the perspectives of people struggling with mental health issues. "The Eve Within" is a thought-provoking poem about being trapped inside your own body, unable to express yourself fully in the way you actually feel. "Words Devoid of Meaning" is a stream-of-consciousness-style piece that highlights the random stream of thoughts plaguing the mind of a person suffering from mental health issues. "One Verse" propagates the idea that if all humans knew the greatest song by heart, it would set humanity free from all the ills of the world. "Finding Love" is written from the perspective of a dreamer who seeks love. In "There Must Be A Better Way," the narrator reveals their desire to break free of the rigid monotony of everyday life.

As with his other poetry books, Thom Kudla sheds light on some key social issues in this collection. Disorder is thematically rich, yet it still feels very much personal in a way that will resonate with many poetry lovers. One of the things I like about Kudla's poetry style is how many of his poems can be interpreted in relation to the reader's own personal experiences. It makes his poetry accessible to a wide range of readers. One of the other highlights of this collection is that many of the poems and writing pieces are presented in the form of different designs. They are not only aesthetically pleasing to the eye but also add their own unique flavor to the entire collection. If you enjoy observational poetry laced with humor and heart, I highly recommend this book.