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bubblebuttjesse's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Enlightening, and a joy to read.
vtranreads's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Is it a crime to not include a poem, germinated from all that I have absorbed on the subject from this handbook?
The answer is no, and I only feel so sure and relieved to say so because Mary reveals that it could take nearly 50 revisions and a great amount of time and work before a poem is complete.
That is only one of the many takeaways I have gotten from this book which I intend to revisit again and again.
Though it's primary purpose was to be instructional, there were such beautiful phrases Mary used to convey her technical knowledge, insights, and opinions (which at times could be unflinching blunt). I feel so lucky to be able to read the words of a master on the subject. It underlined all the respect and love she has for the craft and those that practice it well. Even if I never write a poem that I feel embodies the virtues elucidated in this volume, I'll carry these ideas with me as I am encouraged to be more patient and to see better.
The answer is no, and I only feel so sure and relieved to say so because Mary reveals that it could take nearly 50 revisions and a great amount of time and work before a poem is complete.
That is only one of the many takeaways I have gotten from this book which I intend to revisit again and again.
Though it's primary purpose was to be instructional, there were such beautiful phrases Mary used to convey her technical knowledge, insights, and opinions (which at times could be unflinching blunt). I feel so lucky to be able to read the words of a master on the subject. It underlined all the respect and love she has for the craft and those that practice it well. Even if I never write a poem that I feel embodies the virtues elucidated in this volume, I'll carry these ideas with me as I am encouraged to be more patient and to see better.
bohdankinal's review
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Chipped away at this one over the course of a month. Intended to be a supplement to some of the poetry I was (and have been) reading and not quite grasping. Mostly covers the basics; a lot that I recall from upper-level high school courses. Some good bits of wisdom though, many of which are applicable to other arts as well. Her points about copying other artists’ work as a sort of exercise and her advice on diction were especially informative.
bananabell's review
3.0
Helpful and concise!! Didn’t know poetry was so much about motion!!!! But it makes sense. Favorite part was about the line/meter actually and how she related it into the English language and speech at large. Favorite chapters were the bookends- intro/end where she talks not about poetry but the habit of writing it and the impetus and why that drives it all. Least favorite part was the sound part because I think it’s difficult to read about it. Also this is random but I would really like to see a book on poetry & rap— rap really is one of the best examples.
karalynnmyers's review
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Used this book for my capstone and it was a pleasure to pick up again.
“But the natural world is the old river than runs through everything, and I think poets will forever fish along its shores.”
“But the natural world is the old river than runs through everything, and I think poets will forever fish along its shores.”
jcampbell's review
informative
fast-paced
5.0
a fast and beautiful guide to poetry focused on feeling and engaging with poetry rather than learning the technical terms.
One ot come back to again and again to remind you of the key values of writing brilliant poetry.
One ot come back to again and again to remind you of the key values of writing brilliant poetry.