This is wonderful poetry-moving and unforgettable. The two long, sectioned poems, "Learning the Mother Tongue" and "Questions of Mercy," explore what it means to have a German heritage in the United States. The poet's reflections and experiences as she explores and assimilates her late parents' life stories-they were raised in German-speaking families, although her mother was born in Michigan and her father in Chile-are fascinating. The elegiac tone of the poems makes them radiate a soft glow, even while they deal with tough and complex issues. The poet's active pursuit of knowledge of German culture and language is balanced by her memories of growing up within a translated culture.

The universal meaning of "family" merges with this particular family in these powerful poems, but they also engage the hard questions of guilt and innocence in World War II. I would say if you're buying one poetry collection this year, make it this one-you won't be sorry.

I thought that this book was one of a kind! I loved it I used it for a report on Ellen Barker for a Human Relations class and it was exackly what i was looking for!

This book challenges so many of the assumptions of white males who continue to attempt to keep Women from showing their work. So much courageous work is being done by Women that it simply can not be kept quiet!!!! As a white woman, I was especially pleased to see that Women of Color were included in the discussions in this book.