The poems in The Essence of Life are didactic. Most are written about proverbs and aphorisms, and provide a realistic view of life. They take a look at the world with keen observations based on the author's experience and understanding of various issues. Proverbs and aphorisms are compact descriptions of experience. As such, the poems elaborate these compact descriptions, asking the reader to go beyond the proverbs and cliches to understand life as we live it. Readers will find interesting explanations and advice on numerous topics. Expectations from the poems are met with theoretical rhetoric. Those wanting to know full details of the proverbs are shown the sayings as explanations of life. This incisive book of poetry looks at life from all perspectives and accomplishes it quite wisely. M. Azizur Rahman is the founder and vice-chancellor of Uttara University in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He was motivated to write his first book of poetry by his perceptions of the time he spent in the United States. Publisher's website: http: //sbprabooks.com/MAzizurRahman"