A review by toniclark
Theories of Falling by Sandra Beasley

5.0

I already knew, from having read Beasley's work online, that I was a fan before reading this collection. But really, this is an astonishing and accomplished first book.

While I very much liked the "Allergy Girl" sequence, I thought that the poems later in the book (especially the third section) were more accomplished.

The speaker is educated, intellectual, wise perhaps beyond her years. Truly an artist.

Strong voice and beautiful language, effective images, and stellar endings. So what else could you ask for? I'm bowled over. And I should add, I found this inspiring to read as a poet. It make me want to push the books aside and get back to writing.

Oh! Just found out that she has another collection out. Hurray. I'm all over it. . . .


My only carp. Here we go again:
"Do you know that when I lay down, the loosening muscles // cause me to grow an inch taller?"

Here are some poems available online:

"Drink"

"You"

"The Angels," "My Los Alamos," and "Fireproof" from Coconut. ("The Angels" is one of my favorites from Theories of Falling.

And there are a lot of poems to read and hear (as well as some Q & A with Beasley) at From the Fishouse.

Here are links to 3 poems not from this volume, but published in Poetry Magazine.