Kim Addonizio

If you expect lyrical poetry, look elsewhere. Addonizio's language is rough, almost vulgar in places. Some of the poems sound autobiographical; some seem to draw from real experiences to draw a fictional picture; most of them are liberally watered with alcohol. There are powerful images and emotions and yet... they left me almost cold.

In her autobiography, Addonizio compares herself to Bukowski and this collection proves that - Bukowski's style had always been alien to me and Addonizio's work reminded me of some of his - more feminine, more contemporary, more relatable but still a bit away from the style of poetry I like.

I am still happy that I read it - some of the images she created were worth working through the language but I am not sure that I will be looking for any more of her collections.… (más)

I checked this book out of the library and liked it so much I went and got my own copy. I knew about the two authors from their poems but did not know about this book based on their classroom experience with beginning writers until I just stumbled across it. It is packed with a number of practical tips and exercises to stimulate the writer. They really emphasize the importance of breaking preconceived ideas of how far a poet can go, giving lots of examples of some boundary breaking idea or technique which they then encourage their readers and students to try out for themselves. Most of these were new to me and quite inspirational in a practical fashion. Although it dates from a number of years ago it doesn't feel dated, though I am sure if they revised it they would be able to come up with numerous new examples and techniques to talk about.… (más)