The reason I had to read this book was for a school poetry project. I had to write many explications on Elizabeth Macklin's poems, and it was a long and confusing process. I enjoyed her book greatly, and if you like poetry, Macklin is someone to consider reading.

I first read Macklin's poetry in issues of the New Yorker about 10 years ago. I was impressed by her use of emotionally-laden language while keeping the poem perfectly grounded and vivid. Her work is sharp and graceful and absolutely lovely.

'One time I sat down / on the steps of a ladder, holding a cup of black / coffee that nearly woke the world...'

This particular collection has many of my favorite Macklin poems: "Foolishly Halved, I See You," "Given The Questions," and "You've Just Been Told."