Las Vegas, Nashville, despair, the Midwest, “Bar-B-Q Heaven” and his family’s Louisiana home: these are the American places th... read full description
reviews
Feb 26, 2009
Andrea
rated it: 
A really lovely collection of poems, many of which circle around death in some way. Many, many odes—Young often uses odes as a way to memorialize a loved one (ode as entry point of elegy) and his language is crisp and sassy and right on.
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Jul 26, 2011
Ashley
rated it:
I heard Kevin Young read a few of the odes at AWP Atlanta and have eagerly awaited the release of this collection since then. I found it heartbreaking and brilliant. The mixture of odes to food as remembrances to a time past mixed in with the longing that comes from the death of his father are just amazing. Young has such a grasp with language. He knows how to make a poem sing, and these definitely do. I never wanted it to end.
Mar 05, 2011
Mairead
rated it: 
It gets three stars because Kevin Young is just one of the best people working, but the first poem was my favorite and it was downhill from there. I just liked what he did in Jelly Roll SO MUCH and wasn't in love here -- but maybe that's because I'm hardhearted and don't care about family/food writing.
Aug 14, 2011
Kristin
rated it: 
Liked it. It was a bit uneven as a collection when compared to _Black Maria_ or _Jelly Roll_: some poems were brilliant, others were so-so. But when he's good, he's very very good.
Feb 24, 2009
Lauren
rated it:
Odes and elegies to pepper vinegar, black-eyed peas, gumbo and boudin? I think that says it all. A heartfelt, playful, biting and elegant collection of poetry.
Feb 08, 2009
Ann Marie
rated it:
Where else can you experience an ode to chitlins, crawfish, and greens? Loved the poems about family and the 70s nostalgia of it all. A poem about riding your Big Wheel and hurrying inside so as not to miss The Love Boat and Fantasy Island is not to be missed. Poignant poems about family and loss as well.
Jan 23, 2009
Tracy
rated it:
Pretty good stuff. I didn't read all of them, but what I did read helped give me a feel for the poet's voice and the way he sees and feels.
Mar 04, 2009
Jeff
rated it:
Although individual poems, this is a beautiful memoir of his family - sights, sounds, tastes, and emotions. A great read some of which you'll return to for a second or third look.
Apr 17, 2010
Peter
rated it:
I really loved this book. I haven't read much poetry, much less modern poetry but I found this book delightful. I enjoyed the whimsical Odes to various Southern foods. I felt the emotion of the various refrains about the poet's late father. Together this collection of poems moved me.
Jun 02, 2009
James
rated it: 
I think I'm done with Kevin Young. This seemed like a book of poems that wouldn't fit in any of his other books.
Sep 27, 2009
Joseph
rated it:
Maybe not quite as good as his other books but still pretty great. Still my favorite modern poet.
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