Nina Belén Robins’ Saturday Morning Serotonin is a journey through the life of an artist through pop culture references. Many of these references range from Carvel to Saved by the Bell. I was especially taken by the latter reference, as it relates to “Jessie’s Song.” The author relates this VSE to her own issues with caffeine.

For those unfamiliar with this series, Jessie Spano gets hooked on caffeine pills so she can get through her school work and her commitment to her band. Eventually, the weight of the world proves to be too much and has a breakdown. As a frame of reference, here is the most iconic scene of Saved by the Bell in which Jessie breaks down after crashing. Trigger warning for anybody who has ever had an addiction issue.

Not all of these poems are heavy-hearted though. The most amusing poem in the book is toward the beginning. Robins makes lewd sexual references to a phallic looking pepper mill. Having seen the video of her performing this poem at her release party, I can assure you how fun it is. Robins is also a performance poet who has performed in the National Poetry Slam. It is always refreshing to see poets embrace the page and the stage alike. Robins has mastered both.

Trust me when I say that you can’t judge a book by its cover. However, it is quite intriguing to be brought back to my childhood with the 1980s style retro cover. This book is worth the read, as you look at your own childhood quite differently and possibly get a history lesson on pop culture. You will literally get that, as there is a glossary of references in the back.. Check it out!