I love poetry that includes the common everyday. Getting a new look at what is around us at any minute. I'm not sure how I found this book of poetry bI love poetry that includes the common everyday. Getting a new look at what is around us at any minute. I'm not sure how I found this book of poetry but I'm glad I read it. I think the cover attracted me as my husband is a pilot, so anything aviation grabs my attention. I started reading this during April poetry month and just now finished as life often gets in the way....more
An interesting book of poetry by a native American commenting on the treaties set by the US government, their failure to uphold their treaties, and vaAn interesting book of poetry by a native American commenting on the treaties set by the US government, their failure to uphold their treaties, and various aspects of life in the US as a native American facing hardships and prejudices. Lots of interesting poetic forms and margins. ...more
Always read a poem book during April Poetry Month. Ted is still my favorite poet. He takes the mundane and spins it, showing us a new vantage point toAlways read a poem book during April Poetry Month. Ted is still my favorite poet. He takes the mundane and spins it, showing us a new vantage point to look at things a new way. Love the way his mind works. ...more
An interesting poetry book about various characters who turn and do remarkable, improbably, and even impossible things. Definitely a visual book. EnjoAn interesting poetry book about various characters who turn and do remarkable, improbably, and even impossible things. Definitely a visual book. Enjoyed it very much....more
This was an enjoyable holiday read that included various short stories and poetry by classic authors. From Louisa May Alcott to Mark Twain to Emily DiThis was an enjoyable holiday read that included various short stories and poetry by classic authors. From Louisa May Alcott to Mark Twain to Emily Dickenson, it made for relaxing, stress-free reading during a hectic holiday season. Some of the poetry was familiar to me so I know I've read some of them before....more
This was an interesting book about one of the first female poets in the Americas and the first African American female poet who was a slave and then lThis was an interesting book about one of the first female poets in the Americas and the first African American female poet who was a slave and then later freed. Neither had an easy life nor great health, but both were amazing poets, accomplishing many firsts in the area of New England. This book gave a small sampling of their works, making me want to read more of their poetry. ...more
An interesting collection of poetry and short stories based on the life of someone who has lived and loved and lost. Includes dealing with ethnic issuAn interesting collection of poetry and short stories based on the life of someone who has lived and loved and lost. Includes dealing with ethnic issues, sexuality, passion, and abuse. It was difficult for me to read but am glad I finished it....more
Lovely collection of poems that touch on family, family history, the loss of the older generation replaced by a new generation who doesn't always knowLovely collection of poems that touch on family, family history, the loss of the older generation replaced by a new generation who doesn't always know the stories, and dealing with prejudice. This would be a good one to read and reread later after you have time to digest it and mull the ideas. ...more
As usual, Ted's writing just enthralls me, his views of everyday life and items mesmerizing. He encourages us each to let our imaginations run wild.As usual, Ted's writing just enthralls me, his views of everyday life and items mesmerizing. He encourages us each to let our imaginations run wild....more
This was beautiful. I read her poem about the Two-Headed Calf, and it hit me right in the feels. It was short, but so bitter sweet that I had to read This was beautiful. I read her poem about the Two-Headed Calf, and it hit me right in the feels. It was short, but so bitter sweet that I had to read more by her. I found this book through Mobius at our local library and read it in a day. I will most likely reread it to savor some of the poems I really enjoyed though I thought they were all good. I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry....more
In this book, the author explains various poetic forms and how to listen to them. He wasn't as concerned about us learning the terms, but in paying atIn this book, the author explains various poetic forms and how to listen to them. He wasn't as concerned about us learning the terms, but in paying attention to the words the poets write. He spoke of iambic pentameter, how various poets used it, how many poets did not use it, and ultimately spoke of free verse. He also discussed word origins and how using a word derived from Greek next to a word derived from Germanic origins can greatly affect the poem. It was an interesting book I may need to read again. For a short book it took me a long time to get through it. Not an easy read, but definitely a good read. ...more
Once again, Ted Kooser is an amazing poet and shows us the common world in uncommon light. Simple things like garage sales and neckties and fishing reOnce again, Ted Kooser is an amazing poet and shows us the common world in uncommon light. Simple things like garage sales and neckties and fishing reels bring us face to face with eternity and mortality. My favorite in this collection I think was "Casting Reels," talking about fishing reels and how men fish on weekends because they work when they are young, then when they are older, the line grows slack, and they got away instead of the fish getting away. Turns what we expect on his ear and shows us the poignant truth. Bittersweet in that truth. I love it though. I wish I could write half as well as he does. A great collection....more
Once again, Kooser amazes me with his poetic form. From leaky faucets to book clubs to death of a coworker, he takes the ordinary and spins it to makeOnce again, Kooser amazes me with his poetic form. From leaky faucets to book clubs to death of a coworker, he takes the ordinary and spins it to make you stop and think and see it from a different angle. He is amazing. Definite must read....more