How could a book of poetry offer less than this? Everything here follows the tried-and-false formula of American poetry from the 1980s--except that this book came many years after these experiments had calcified. If you're looking for intriguing language, psychological or intellectual depth, gorgeous or strange imagery, or anything of any interest whatsoever--look somewhere else. Somewehere far, far from here.

Ms. Masini's book is dense and honest. Each word and line is exactly sculpted to open up a kalidescope view of being a woman, being working class and being a New Yorker. She shocks the reader with her forceful courage in every poem. She is the classic New York writer. Don't expect to finish reading even one poem without discovering a dark and sordid corner of yourself you haven't yet exposed to the sun. Her poems are crafted with old school expertness. There are no errors; only quivering, precise rockets.

Donna Masini is truly gifted. Her fine novel, "About Yvonne" led me to her poetry. You don't have to be anything like Masini to enjoy Masini. She's that good. Hoping to own and entire shelf of Masini books one day...

Donna Masini's "About Yvonne" is one of the best books that I have read. I actually became absorbed in Terry's world never quite knowing what she would do next yet feeling that we shared the exact same emotions. Donna Masini is one of the most gifted American writers that I have come across in the past few years. Though the characters' language can be coarse, Masini's writing never loses its flowing, beautiful quality. Terry Spera is a unique literary creation in that she is a stalker who knows that she hunts her husband's possible lover, knows its wrong and yet in clandestine rebellion she is proud of her actions. I cannot wait until her next novel or next book of poetry is published, and I am sure that I will devour it the same way that I have "About Yvonne".

After reading "about yvonne" I was interested in Donna Masini's poetry and purchased that book also--EXCELLENT! As far as the comments about the artist/art galleries not being "realistic" that person has not been to a variety of NYC galleries--what can pass for a gallery here is mind numbing--I've seen it all, from expensive clown paintings selling on the upper east side to student shows that were so tired-- more penis paintings... to great stuff in unexpected places But anyone truly into art, doesn't really judge so I won't judge Masini's gallery. It's a personal experience thing, when you write, and Masini writes so personally that you feel you are her--someone famous once said that to be really into reading a novel, you have to be able to live inside the novel as you read it-- I was right there, eating Pastina and listening to Dylan with Masini--and altho I am not Catholic I was there with her and the priest and was scared. I felt thrilled and scared to be inside Yvonne's apartment too--her writing is that great When does her next book hit the stores?????????

This novel was recommended by a friend of mine who said it was "great." I have to differ--it's AMAZING!! I haven't laughed so hard while reading a novel since "This Side of Paradise." The narrator's voice is funny, smart, urbane, and totally REAL--a tour de fourth! Don't miss this one.