nataliedc's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
A reflective, emotional debut collection of poetry that gets at the heart of queer identity, community, and love. A few months ago, I had the privilege of virtually meeting Jenny Johnson and hearing her read some of her works, so I knew this collection of hers wouldn't disappoint. Sensual and oh-so-rich in its verse, each and every poem in this collection is packed with heart and never failed to pull me into its hypnotic language. My favorites from this collection include "Dappled Things," "In Full Velvet," and "In the Dream" - I can't wait to explore more of Johnson's works! <3
briesposito's review against another edition
4.0
As I reveled in the experience of this lovely book, I snagged heart on so many lines. Glad to have this one on my shelves.
janiceehernandez's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
alexandraidonea's review against another edition
5.0
Poetry has always been difficult for me - I love it but it's almost never quite what I want it to be. I was lucky enough to be brought to see Jenny Johnson by my boyfriend last weekend at the Word Barn in southern NH, and was blown away by her - performance? sharing? giving? - of her work to us. It was shattering, it was skipping, it was sneaking, and just at any moment when I thought "this poem is not for me" she would use a word, turn a phrase, drop her voice, lilt it up - and it was the perfect poem. I didn't hear her read it there, but the title poem is my favourite. I gave this collection to one of my best friends, who, like Jenny, loves women - but her poetry is for everyone, not only the community of which she is firmly a part. Her images of nature, the way she evokes forests and city bridges, snuggling birds and playing elephants - her delight in the world is evident, even if it is an imperfect and fragile world in which we live.
tallonrk1's review against another edition
4.0
Elegy at Twice the Speed of Sound has immediately become one of my favorite poems of all-time.
"A boom, my dear,
A boom."
8/10
"A boom, my dear,
A boom."
8/10
lindick's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful book -- the publisher/imprint is apparently all about making high-quality books, and it's true, the paper is thick and lovely and the cover is soft and beautiful. The poems inside are also pretty wonderful. A little too nature-y for me, because I'm a garbage city slicker, but still lovely.
bowierowie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0