Why “Existential Ruminations” Is More Than Just a Book, and Why Returnability Matters
Have you ever read something that feels like it’s putting words to questions you’ve always had but could never quite articulate? That’s what Gentry Thomason’s Existential Ruminations does.
At first glance, the title might sound academic or abstract but don’t let that fool you. This book isn’t about distant theories; it’s about you, me, and what it really means to be human. Through 198 “poemographs”: succinct, free-flowing reflections that blur the line between poetry and philosophy, Thomason explores truth, eternity, the self, and our shared search for meaning in a vast, uncertain universe.
In the world of publishing, when a book is “returnable,” it usually means that bookstores can send unsold copies back to the publisher for credit. But here, there’s another kind of return involved. Existential Ruminations is “returnable” in a spiritual sense, it invites readers to return to themselves, to contemplation, to wonder, and to humility before life’s great mysteries. Thomason’s reflections are not about escaping reality but about facing it with courage and consciousness.
From a practical standpoint, returnability is also crucial for authors and independent publishers. It makes a book far more likely to appear on a bookstore’s shelves because it reduces risk for retailers. Stores can order a few test copies (two or three) to gauge interest before committing to larger orders. When a title like Existential Ruminations is listed as returnable, it signals to booksellers that it’s worth taking a chance on. And that means more readers have a chance to discover it.
Thomason’s writing is accessible yet profound. His style is deliberate, unpretentious, precise, and deeply introspective. In his “poemographs,” he doesn’t rely on ornate language or metaphor. Instead, he communicates ideas directly, through rhythm and reflection. Whether he’s pondering mortality in “Lights (Out),” questioning divine silence in “Straight (Talk),” or meditating on empathy in “Compassion (Lacking),” his tone remains steady, thoughtful, and human.
Existential Ruminations wrestles with the biggest questions: What does it mean to exist? What lies beyond this life? How do we live authentically in the face of uncertainty? Thomason’s background as both a teacher and a lifelong thinker, shaped by personal experiences, spiritual encounters, and decades of reading, gives the work a sense of earned wisdom. His voice is not that of an academic speaking from a distance, but of a fellow traveler who has wrestled with faith, doubt, and the search for coherence.
And maybe that’s why this book resonates so deeply. It’s not about providing answers; it’s about honoring the questions. It reminds us that we all share the same condition: finite, curious, vulnerable, and that exploring it with honesty can be an act of love and liberation.
So, if you come across ExistentialRuminations at your local bookstore, know that its “returnable” label means more than just a supply-chain detail. It’s a symbol of openness, both for the bookseller taking a chance and for you, the reader, who might find in its pages a reflection of your own inner searching.
If you’ve ever felt daunted by philosophy books that read like puzzles, Thomason’s voice will feel like a conversation. He writes as one who has seen both despair and grace, and who believes, even still, in the power of reason, compassion, and awareness.
This is not a loud book. It doesn’t shout. But it speaks with clarity, humility, and heart. And in a noisy world, that’s a rare kind of courage.
Existential Ruminations by Gentry Thomason is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: