I liked Limón’s “Bright Dead Things” more than this collection, but nevertheless she continues to impress and move me with her work! I’m in awe of how Limón manages to capture experiences in ways I’ve never thought about, and with a kind of eloquence that is uniquely hers alone. ( )

Poetry is subjective, but taking ones time through this collection everyone can find something to connect with. As per usual Ada swings for the fences and it's gorgeous to watch the ball fade into the distance and instead of disappearing it becomes the setting sun on the horizon. ( )

I struggled through many of the poems in this collection, not often finding the essential connection that makes poetry work for me, when it does. And then I struggled to understand why. This collection will definitely speak to many readers in a vital way. The poet's talent is evident. Her recurring themes of the need to nurture, the ambivalence of a woman toward her own body, the import of the natural world---these are all proven winners in the literary race for my favor. What often wallops me when I read a Really Good Poem is a new perspective on a familiar thing. And yet, Limon's perspective is usually what puts me off. I don't see things the way she does, and when pointed in her direction, I'd rather not shift. Hers is not an opposing view, it's just cock-eyed to my view. I sought in vain for the "magic" in her language. There were three, maybe four selections I read and read again, with pleasure and understanding---"Of Roots and Roamers", "The Visitor", "Sundown and All the Damage Done". Still, I don't expect to remember them long. Poetry is first, last and always deeply personal. Two of Limon's poems will stick with me because while incredibly personal to her, they are still comprehensible to me despite being outside my own experience: "The Real Reason" touched me; "The Contract Says..." made me angry for all the right reasons. ( )

I do find it hard to create reviews for poetry, it is such a subjective form in regards to what you will like. Surfice to say that it is rare to find a volume that you like every poem in one way or another (Mark Doty’s work comes to mind for me), I loved this volume, and will be rereading it again soon. I say re-reading, but I read every poem 3 times anyway, which is my common practice with poetry. ( )

Rarely do I buy hardcover poetry, especially by unfamiliar poets, but I took a chance here because of the reviews and the few poems I read online. I was richly rewarded with this wonderful collection. The poems reflect so broad a range of sexual longing, grieving, loving, the importance of gardening and the natural world, and the power of family. Poetry is all about the words, and reading these poems aloud shows the beauty of her talent. ( )