What the journals wrote

“It delves into themes such as the quirks of existence and the transformative nature of expression through a series of clever and imaginative poems.”

Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha

“THE USEFULNESS OF HIPPOPOTAMUS: A Humorous Chapbook For Trying Times is by turns droll and affecting in its exploration of life and death.”

Reviewed by Craig Jones

“Layered with satirical humor and absurdism, Tomeo's verses paint a colorful and lively portrait of the seemingly mundane events in life.”

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka

“The poems offer a mix of whimsy, absurdism, and social commentary and vary significantly in tone and sophistication.”

Reviewed by BlueInk Review

“Its poems functioning as antidotes for trying times, The Usefulness of Hippopotamus is a good-natured collection.”

Reviewed by Michele Sharpe

“The humor has strains of Twain running throughout, mixed with simpler, childlike puns.”

Reviewed by Mark Heisey

“Poet Tomeo creates an emotive panorama as he walks within and contemplates a place where lives and deaths are recalled and commemorated: a graveyard.”

Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott

“This concise and vibrant read unmistakably reminds us that a cemetery can also be a place of peace, not merely a symbol of death.”

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings

“This book details his first-hand experiences and observations in an area which many people today prefer to avoid.”

Reviewed by Ephantus M.

“Altogether author Tomeo's work in this book is a celebration of life through his poetry and documented encounters, all of which offer deep insights while riling emotions.”

Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

“Tomeo's My Cemetery Friends is a reverential collection of poems and short prose pieces.”

Reviewed by Michele Sharpe

“The collection of poems and prose populating the graveyard where Tomeo's mother was buried is both personal and universal.”

Reviewed by Joseph Pete

“Tomeo interweaves observation, memoir, poetry and anecdote to create a portrait of himself in relation to the Mount Saint Mary graveyard in Queens, New York.”

Reviewed by BlueInk Review