Review (PDF) Fuel: Poems (American Poets Continuum Series)
Poems that find meaning in a world where we are "so tired of meaning nothing."
Series: American Poets Continuum Series (Book 47)
Paperback: 65 pages
Publisher: BOA Editions Ltd.; First Edition edition (June 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1880238632
ISBN-13: 978-1880238639
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #321,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #85 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Regional & Cultural > Middle Eastern #231 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Women Authors #1029 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Poetry > Themes & Styles
It is quite difficult to get through the work of many contemporary poets. So many write of themselves only, and have a tendency to go on and on...writing from the heart is one thing, but to rant incessantly is quite another. As a children's poet, I teach the importance of observing, valuing, cherishing the world around, to see it with "new eyes", and to feel free to share what you discover. It was always apparent to me that the poet's job is to "make new" what is usually thought of as ordinary, to help us to reconnect with the world and each other. This may sound idealistic, but these are the poets/the poetry I find to be most effective (effective in stirring emotion). And Ms. Nye's poetry is so effective...she finds the sublime, the painful, the curious in everything and everyone around her. THAT is poetry! I am so happy that she is around to remind us of it!! We need more poets/teachers like her...
Naomi Shihab Nye is still able to find greatness in the small things. Her new book of poems, "Fuel,"reminds the reader that there poetry is all around us, on our street, in our children and even in a garden of beans. Nye's poetry is a work of surprising images and deceptive simplicity. In "Alphabet" we watch as older residents of her neighborhood who are "going up/into the air." Her writing is poignant and clears the air of stuffy, undecipherable, ego poetry. It is obvious with poems like "Messenger" and "Hidden" is that Nye's goal is to write accessible and enjoyable poetry for her readers. Nye mixes humor with clarity and subtle observations to create a grounded book of poems about life and living. "Fuel" shows us that Nye still has many stories left to tell and she has done so exquisitely in this collection.
Naomi Shihab Nye's poetry is truly great. I had the pleasure of doing a workshop with her at the Kentucky Women's Writers Conference last year, and I can tell you she really inspired the poet in me too. This is fine collection.
Naomi shibab nye is one of my favorite poets and poetry editors. I was shocked to see the one very mean spirited review here. Nye has contributed to poetry and literature in innumerable ways and for all ages. A fine poem does not have to confuse readers to inspire and move them. There is room in the world of poetry for both accessible poets and poets in the vein of language poets who challenge us and subvert their text in complex ways. Nye's imagery astounds and a simple subject provides a mental feast. I share her poetry with fellow writers and my poetry students and find her work touches many.
This is a lovely poet. And these are moving poems. Unpretentious and direct.
These poems have a depth and rhythm that a person who has not studied or enjoyed poetry would enjoy immensely. I read this book in one sitting and will undoubtedly return to them again and again.
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