The Door, Margaret Atwood’s first book of poetry since her award-winning Morning in the Burned House, is a magnificent achievement. These fifty lu...
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Nov 15, 2011
Ryandake
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i listened to this book, thinking that poetry should be heard, you know? all those pretty things that poets put into their works--alliteration, assonance, rhythm, etc.
and i have to say that listening to it was pretty horrible.
the reader (CD included with the book) sounded like she needed some serious antidepressants. why do readers of poetry insist on being outliers, either (like this one) somnolent, or else shrieking at you? is there not some middle ground? or at least, can More...
and i have to say that listening to it was pretty horrible.
the reader (CD included with the book) sounded like she needed some serious antidepressants. why do readers of poetry insist on being outliers, either (like this one) somnolent, or else shrieking at you? is there not some middle ground? or at least, can More...
May 16, 2009
Elizabeth
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What do we know about Margaret Atwood?
Quite a bit, actually. She's written extensively about herself. She gives interviews. She's forthcoming. She writes intimately for mass consumption (she talks about how difficult it is to do this in Negotiating with the Dead). But did you know that she writes poems to her dead cat as if she were a fifteen year old virgin with bad skin and a habit of reading poetry by expressive (dead) men who yearned for things, whether women or opium?
More...
Quite a bit, actually. She's written extensively about herself. She gives interviews. She's forthcoming. She writes intimately for mass consumption (she talks about how difficult it is to do this in Negotiating with the Dead). But did you know that she writes poems to her dead cat as if she were a fifteen year old virgin with bad skin and a habit of reading poetry by expressive (dead) men who yearned for things, whether women or opium?
More...
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Jul 17, 2008
Philip
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Originally I had this down as 3 stars, but then I flipped through it again just to make sure, and thought it deserved 4. Atwood writes with an educated simplicity that make most of her poems readable and enjoyable, but not trivial.
I found a few poems annoying, (dead cats) but I would classify the book as a whole as a worthwhile read.
I found a few poems annoying, (dead cats) but I would classify the book as a whole as a worthwhile read.
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Feb 10, 2012
Kristilyn
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Trying to think back to my university years, I can’t recall taking a poetry class. I remember reading poetry at some point, but I had always felt that poetry was so cryptic and to take a whole course on it would be frustrating.
This year, however, I’ve been trying to convince myself to read more classics and more Canadian works — step out of my comfort zone. Poetry is definitely out of my comfort zone.
I’m not sure why I picked up Margaret Atwood’s book of poetry, The Door. I’m More...
This year, however, I’ve been trying to convince myself to read more classics and more Canadian works — step out of my comfort zone. Poetry is definitely out of my comfort zone.
I’m not sure why I picked up Margaret Atwood’s book of poetry, The Door. I’m More...
Jan 15, 2011
Jenny
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This book is divided into separate sections, and there's much to love about each of them. But my favorite, by far, is the second section which focuses on poetry--poems about poets and poems, very meta. The section is peppered with lines like this (sorta, I don't have the book in front of me): "the god of poets has two hands/the dexterous and the sinister". Goosebump territory for me.
However, some of the later sections drag a bit for me. Too wordy for poems. Poetry has to b More...
However, some of the later sections drag a bit for me. Too wordy for poems. Poetry has to b More...
Jan 13, 2010
X-ray
rated it:
I'm listening to the included CD: Oh, how I love to hear Atwood read her poetry.
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Jul 07, 2011
Jenny
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I recently finished The Edible Woman, and it was interesting to read Margaret Atwood at the other end - poems instead of novel, in this millennium instead of the 1960s.
Atwood is always so sharp, in the way where I think I know where she's headed and she grabs me, twists me around, and makes me hurt or laugh. God, I love having that kind of reaction to a poem. It is rare. These are perfectly measured in that way.
The surprise in this volume was the CD in back, with poe More...
Atwood is always so sharp, in the way where I think I know where she's headed and she grabs me, twists me around, and makes me hurt or laugh. God, I love having that kind of reaction to a poem. It is rare. These are perfectly measured in that way.
The surprise in this volume was the CD in back, with poe More...
Apr 27, 2008
El
rated it:
Oh, Margaret Atwood, I do love thee.
With that said, I am ashamed to say that I have not read any of her poetry previously. I am not much of a poetry reader; or, more specifically, I'm a serious poetry snob and find myself turning my nose up at anything that leaves me feeling anything remotely similar to indifference, which is my opinion on a lot of modern poetry. So the poets I do like are ones I hold near and dear because they made me feel something in a handful of poems, and even More...
With that said, I am ashamed to say that I have not read any of her poetry previously. I am not much of a poetry reader; or, more specifically, I'm a serious poetry snob and find myself turning my nose up at anything that leaves me feeling anything remotely similar to indifference, which is my opinion on a lot of modern poetry. So the poets I do like are ones I hold near and dear because they made me feel something in a handful of poems, and even More...
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Apr 09, 2009
Kayla
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I have only read two books by Margaret Atwood, not including this one. I read Alias Grace a long time ago but never finished and I have read the Penelopeaid. I enjoyed both books and thought that I might also enjoy some poetry written by this author. And I did. What I loved most about this authors poems, aside from her unique story telling style, was that each poem fitted with the one after. They all flowed together. This effect made her writing all the more beautiful and haunting.
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Oct 17, 2009
Sheila
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Poetry comprehension is not always easy for me (it's the spatial visualization of literature), but I love Atwood because I always understand her stuff the first time through, and sometimes I get the deeper meaning on further reading.
My favorites in this are probably Year of the Hen, War photo, and, sadly, My mother dwindles... I thought the ones about being a poet were over-meta for me, so they worked the least.
My favorites in this are probably Year of the Hen, War photo, and, sadly, My mother dwindles... I thought the ones about being a poet were over-meta for me, so they worked the least.
Jul 21, 2009
Lawrence
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Margaret Atwood is just one of those entirely comfortable but entirely original writers who speak to me in the voice of the Mother, which is to say I can just curl up with anything of hers - poetry or novel, essay or treatise, strident or soothing - and feel completely at home.
The poems here speak to the urgencies of our lives today with verve and wit. You won't be bored for a minute.
The poems here speak to the urgencies of our lives today with verve and wit. You won't be bored for a minute.
Sep 21, 2009
Chelsie
rated it:
Extraordinary poems about ordinary things! This book was delightfully humorous, truthful, thoughtful, brief but not forgettable. It is divided into five sections, and is a real treat written by a literary treasure.
Some of my favorite poems were:
Year of the Hen
Resurrecting the Doll House
White Cotton T-shirts
War Photo
War Photo 2
The Hurt Child
and especially The Nature of Gothic
Some of my favorite poems were:
Year of the Hen
Resurrecting the Doll House
White Cotton T-shirts
War Photo
War Photo 2
The Hurt Child
and especially The Nature of Gothic
Nov 08, 2009
Bryan
rated it:
'SECRECY
Secrecy flows through you, / a different kind of blood. / It's as if you've eaten it / like a bad candy, / taken it into your mouth, / let it melt sweetly on your tongue, / then allowed it to slide down your throat / like the reverse of uttering, / a word dissolved / into its glottals and sibilants, / a slow intake of breath -- / and now it's in you, secrecy. / Ancient and vicious, luscious / as dark velvet. / It blooms in you, / a poppy made of ink. / You can think of nothin More...
Secrecy flows through you, / a different kind of blood. / It's as if you've eaten it / like a bad candy, / taken it into your mouth, / let it melt sweetly on your tongue, / then allowed it to slide down your throat / like the reverse of uttering, / a word dissolved / into its glottals and sibilants, / a slow intake of breath -- / and now it's in you, secrecy. / Ancient and vicious, luscious / as dark velvet. / It blooms in you, / a poppy made of ink. / You can think of nothin More...
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Oct 27, 2011
Annie
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What a delightful book of poetry to close out National Poetry Month! I think I enjoy Atwood's poetry even more than her fiction. The writing is beautiful, and there is a definite "voice" behind the poems - passionate, thoughtful, observant. I especially like the poem "Dutiful."
Mar 26, 2009
Chris
rated it:
Poetry is a struggle for me, but I do my best with it. I enjoyed this read, and this edition comes with a CD of the author reading. That is pretty awesome. Atwood's poems are short and not too obtuse to hurt my brain. I like that. A couple of them I really liked.
Sep 09, 2011
Michael
rated it:
There were some beautiful images here, but not a terrible lot of surprise. The sections each had an overriding theme or two (My Dog Died; I Am Aging) and only a few of the poems got more than a tiny bit inside my brain: Another Visit to the Oracle, String Tail, and The Door were most effective.
It's nice that there's a CD of Atwood reading a few dozen of the poems, but not nice that she sounds bored.
It's nice that there's a CD of Atwood reading a few dozen of the poems, but not nice that she sounds bored.
Sep 12, 2008
Venessa
rated it:
"The world becomes one huge deep vowel of horror, while behind those mildewed flags, the slogans that always rhyme with dead, sit a few old guys making money."
from "Owl and Pussycat, Some Years Later"
Atwood can do it all: her fiction is amazing, her non-fiction is inspirational, and her poetry is beautiful, even when it's just as dark and sometimes morbid (a poem describing a beautiful dead woman) as her other works. (It's real, though, which is the best thing about it.) Some More...
from "Owl and Pussycat, Some Years Later"
Atwood can do it all: her fiction is amazing, her non-fiction is inspirational, and her poetry is beautiful, even when it's just as dark and sometimes morbid (a poem describing a beautiful dead woman) as her other works. (It's real, though, which is the best thing about it.) Some More...
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Nov 04, 2009
Paul
rated it:
A solid collection of poetry reflecting on old age and mortality, nature, and the challenges of the poetic vocation. Enjoyable without any real stand-out works or revelations.
Mar 24, 2009
Joe
rated it:
poetry from my favorite Canadian. always good. her writing is fresh and honest, approachable and astounding.
Apr 04, 2009
Jennifer
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Some great stuff in here. It also includes a CD of her reading the poems, if anyone is interested in that.
Jun 24, 2011
Yeva
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Stealing the hummingbird cup... where in the world does she go? So deep inside her head? Or no? Just the impulse of the moment.
Feb 15, 2008
Amy
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I'm bummed out. I have been hearing Margaret Atwood's voice in my head lo, these many years since I began reading her books. Turns out this voice is nothing like her actual voice, which you can hear if you listen to the CD that comes with the book. Does everything have to have special features now?
Jan 26, 2008
tom
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My first real foray into reading poetry. While I'm sure there was a lot that was beyond my comprehension, I still enjoyed it, nonetheless. Also being the first work by Atwood that I've ever read, I'm not sure how it compares to her fiction.
Mar 17, 2008
Lindsay
rated it:
I didn't love this anthology, but Atwood's poetry is accessible and simple, so it is a good recommendation for the average Patron. But it is all free verse, so not the greatest recommendation for those who enjoy structured poetry.
Nov 12, 2009
tree
rated it: 
apart from a handful of poems, i found this collection very disappointing.
Apr 27, 2011
There were some good ones in here but as usual I've not come away from an encounter with her poetry feeling very satisfied or like I've read something that will stick with me for awhile. Just not my taste.
Feb 16, 2009
Panteha
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I love Atwood!!! My favorite line so far is from Owl and Pussycat, some years later. It reads:
In ten years, you'll be on a stamp,
where anyone at all can lick you.
In ten years, you'll be on a stamp,
where anyone at all can lick you.
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Aug 27, 2008
Caroline
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I don't usually read poetry, maybe I should. I really liked this and was right with the author as she explored life's essentials.
Mar 22, 2008
Lisa
rated it:
As time progresses, her prose becomes stronger while her poetry weaker.
Nevertheless, she remains one of my favorite authors...
Nevertheless, she remains one of my favorite authors...
Jan 30, 2009
Juliet
rated it:
Didn't finish. It was boring to me.
This is too bad, because I have very much enjoyed some of Atwood's earlier collections.
This is too bad, because I have very much enjoyed some of Atwood's earlier collections.
