Hello Stranger by Aubrey E. Drummond is a collection of poems that crafts an emotional tapestry, inviting readers to sit with sorrow, reach for healing, and confront the complexities of identity in a world that is often unkind. This is no simple collection, but rather it’s a journey through the many facets of the human experience. These poems are a powerful meditation on identity, hope, and invite readers to walk through sorrow, confront inner demons, and witness the resilience of the Black experience in today's world. This book doesn't just ask to be read; it asks to be felt.

Hello Stranger by Aubrey E. Drummond is such an impactful collection. The poems range from deeply personal reflections as the speaker grapples with the ache of lost love and the longing for a second chance, to a broader social commentary that captures the systemic and emotional weight of being Black in today’s world. The poems resonate with honesty and vulnerability, offering moments of quiet contemplation as well as fierce defiance. The verses, although short, leave a lasting impression and hit with the force of every emotion you could possibly feel. I love that Drummond adds so much purpose and intent to every poem in this collection. Drummond’s voice is urgent, lyrical, and deeply human, clearly expressing innermost feelings through the verses of each poem. I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this collection, and I think any lover of poetry would too. I would highly recommend giving this book a read.

Author Aubrey E. Drummond has always incorporated themes of love, loss, and the experience of being a Black man in America into his poetry. Hello Stranger is a poetry collection that tackles these topics and more, capturing a wide spectrum of emotions and feelings of a person who has lived a long and eventful life. Immerse yourself in this riveting collection. "Flying Bird" is an illuminating poem illustrating the elusive nature of the things we desire. The narrator expresses their desire to own a home they can call their own through the poem "In This Life." The poem "Hope" highlights the human propensity to find a beam of light amid darkness and adversity. Young people live with a naivety and careless abandon that both exasperate and impress the narrator in "Kids."

Hello Stranger is a riveting collection crafted for anyone who loves to indulge in mediums of art that reflect authentic life experiences. Aubrey E. Drummond's poetry is original and unique. The author has a powerful poetic voice that transcends the pages and makes its mark in the deep recesses of your soul. These poems vary in style, theme, and tone. The first half of the book features poetry that touches upon themes of love, hope, and desire, while the second half deals with serious issues that focus on some of the darker aspects of the human experience. But one thing remains consistent, and that is the enchanting quality of Drummond's poetic storytelling and raw authenticity that appeals to the reader, aptly complemented by the universal subject matter. Highly recommended!