Long-Lost Puzzle Pieces: The Subtext Songs and the Dark Side of Waking Up at the Gates by Thom Kudla is a collection of original pieces that are intentionally sectioned, each of which ranges in length, tone, and tenor. Among them are There Might Be No Singing in the Rain, which notes that discomfort sometimes remains as it is, without additional explanation, and (I Like to Think) We Loved Each Other, a poem that looks at a relationship that had importance but couldn’t continue because the individuals involved moved in different directions. There are also pieces like The Only Way to Dabble in Space Travel, where the work contrasts everyday limits with imagined flight, noting how creative focus or altered perception can produce experiences that feel separate from ordinary routines.

Long-Lost Puzzle Pieces: Second Edition by Thom Kudla is a really wonderful collection, and it's wide-ranging enough so that there is likely to be something that touches any type of reader. I like that each poem stands on its own, and that collectively they round out to give us an excellent understanding of what Kudla is sharing. I'm especially fond of Atop the List of All-Time Bestselling Self-Help Books and its realistic dissection of 'comforting advice culture,' with borrowed promises as a soft curtain people gladly accept. As for the piece Dead-and-Dying But Not Deaf-and-Dumb, this made me smile as it depicts a divine speaker who treats inspiration as accidental, warning that humanity misuses what little grace arrives. Overall, this compilation is just what I was looking for on a nice and quiet autumn weekend.

Long-Lost Puzzle Pieces is a collection of writings by Thom Kudla about life in general—truths we don't usually consider. You will find poems about love, knowing yourself, grief, the internet, dreams, belief, even traveling in space, and so much more. You might just find yourself being described in more than one of the poems. If you or someone you love is an avid reader, this book would be a great gift idea; a treasure to keep and read more than once. This collection of poems is surprisingly soothing. I found myself pausing to ponder his words and relate them to my own experiences. The imagery of his writing is vivid, deep, and poignant. They’re both familiar and eye-opening.

Reading these poems evoked memories and deep emotions such as grief, loss, and love. My favorite from the collection is “You Need a Unique Identifier to Access This Account.” I thought long and hard about which I would choose between a sandcastle and a snowman. I also love “Where We’re Going We Don’t Need Dreams.” Sometimes, searching for meaning in this life can be maddening, and it all seems futile. This book reminds me that I am not alone in that, and it’s oddly calming. It also made me rethink how I approach life in general. Long-Lost Puzzle Pieces by Thom Kudla would be a great companion during slow mornings, before life’s demands get you again. Life can be too hectic; we don't take a moment to take stock. I would definitely read this book again. I recommend you do, too.