Dead in the Heart

Poetry & Prose In Hues & Tones

Paperback Cover

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Book Description

Dead in the Heart is a collection of poetic writings that traverse a landscape of emotions and perspectives which bear fruit in the uncertain years in young adulthood. This collection of writings spans multiple years, from 1987 to 1994, and emerged as the author begins a journey into artistic life where introspection and vulnerability are often one shade of color apart. The themes and topics expressed are familiar; self-doubt, social stigma, aging, imposter syndrome, and coming of age in the era of AIDS.

Download a full copy of “Dead in the Heart” for review. (PDF)

David Marr, 2024

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Author’s Bio

An alumni of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, David Marr took an interest in creative writing while deeply saturated in a world of scripts, plays, poetry, and Shakespeare. This expression led to the authoring of screenplays, episodic sitcoms, and Dead in the Heart. Following a relocation to the Bay Area, he began writing, directing, and producing independent film and video projects.

MORE INFORMATION
Additional information about David can be found in the About section of  this website as well as at MarrvelousFilms.com

Hardcover

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Book Details

SELF-PUBLISHED ON AMAZON:
Kindle eBook (8-22-2024) Preview
Print-on-demand Paperback (9-16-2024)
Print-on-demand Hardcover (10-02-2024)

ISBN:
Kindle: (ASIN) B0DF24FPDP
Paperback: 979-8336411591
Hardcover: 979-8340315953

PAGE COUNT:
83 pages

SIZE:
6 x 9 inches

LANGUAGE:
English

Reasons For Interest

You'll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again by Julia Phillips

You’ll Never Eat Lunch In This Town Again
by Julia Phillips

“The Hollywood memoir that tells all . . . Sex. Drugs. Greed. Why, it sounds just like a movie.”
—The New York Times

Author David Marr dedicates “Dead in the Heart”  to the late Julia Phillips, author of “You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again”.

The two were encouraging friends through the writing of their respective materials. As a young person entering  the world of arts, Marr sought advice and posed questions about success – and Phillips graciously shared her history and journey, successes and failures, and her work process.  The day “You’ll Never Eat Lunch in This Town Again” debuted at #1 on The New York Times Best Seller list the two were together in celebration.

Undisclosed parts of  “Dead in the Heart” have a direct connection to Phillips and the shared experiences and events from that time.

Readers' Favorite (5-Stars)

Other Recognition

NO SPECTATORS: THE ART OF BURNING MAN
Contributing artist in the touring exhibition of eclectic art and culture.

• The Smithsonian American Art Museum
03/2018 to 01/2019

• Cincinnati Art Museum
04/2019 to 10/2019

• Oakland Museum of California
10/2019 to 02/2020

Webby

Other Recognition

WEBBY AWARD NOMINEE
David Marr was nominated for the design of the Burning Man website (Category: Community) for the 6th annual Webby Awards.
06/2002

David Marr, Webby Nomination

Reviews

5 out of 5 Stars – ReadersFavorite.com

“Written between 1987 and 1994, Dead in the Heart is an emotionally poignant collection of poems by David Marr. These poems cover a variety of themes and topics, as seen from the perspective of a young adult trying to find their place in the world. “My Note” is a moving poem narrated from the point of view of a person who has lost the will to live. The narrator tries to erase the memories of past mistakes and drown their sorrows in “You, Me, and Dry Gin.” Relief of the Lonely” is a short poem about enjoying the fleeting moments of joy within solitary periods. In “My Girl Susan,” the narrator talks about a childhood crush and reveals why it didn’t work out for them. “Letter to Pauly” pays homage to a loved one.

The poems in Dead in the Heart are both introspective and observational. As a reader, you derive a profound sense of melancholia from David Marr’s stanzas, which makes for deeply immersive poetic storytelling. The poems in this collection vary a lot — be it through themes, subject matter, or even style. Many of these poems are very personal and intimate, while others have universal themes the reader can relate to. Yet, others seem abstract and open to the reader’s interpretation. The earliest poems speak about helplessness, fear, and yearning for a loved one. Some of the other themes include the changes that come with aging and the notion of beauty that divides people on aesthetic terms. Overall, it’s an absorbing poetry collection — one that gives you a lot to think about. If you’re a poetry lover, I highly recommend you grab a copy!”

-Reviewed by Pikasho Deka. for Readers’ Favorite

Reviewed On: 11/04/2024

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Read the full Mini-Critique + Book Review (PDF)

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