Blowing Up Growing Up is John Givins' first collection of poems: it surely won't be his last. John's uncomplicated style allows his insights – and there are many – to appear almost as surprises in the text. Yet he never takes himself too seriously, the final lines often bringing the reader back to earth. Above all, John has fun with his words and shares much of that fun through a dry wit and eye for humour, even in the most poignant of verses.
Blowing Up Growing Up brings John's eye for detail and close observation to everything around him, from deep love and affection through the pains and pleasures of childhood to the apparent triviality everyday objects. This is a volume to be dipped into and treasured, a book that time and again will prove to be a joyful discovery.