Posted by Candice on Tuesday, Nov 6, 2012
First off: I am not an expert in poetry. I don't consider myself, by any means, to be especially well-read in poetry. I often don't understand it. Many of my favorite poets and poems are probably considered to be classic or popular, or--dare I say it--easy. I like Robert Frost. I like Shakespeare's sonnets. I can fully throw my support behind a good limerick just as easily as a multiple-page epic or short, profound haiku.
That being said, I do actually enjoy poetry. More than that, I appreciate it: I like the succinctness of it, the necessity of well-chosen words, the play of sound and meter, and how a poem can show the power and connection of the word and imagination in ways that other written forms often don't. Such is the case with a new book of poems I've recently come across, which has quickly become the shining star in my poetry world.
Behold, I Could Pee On This: and other poems by cats.
I don't really want to spend too much time giving you my impression of these works, because I feel that can often ruin a good poem for other readers--so much of the impact of a poem is in the individual reading of it, of letting the words call out something of yourself. I'll just say that these poems are really, really, REALLY about cats. Because they're written by cats. Or, if you can't suspend your disbelief, they could be written by cats. All the emotions and experiences that say 'cat' are there--curiosity, energy, sleep, ruined furniture, demands, disdain, pride, loyalty, mistrust...even a little love. And so much more. If you're a cat lover, pick up this small tome and gain a little insight into your beloved feline companion.
About the Author
I work at the Info Desk on the second floor, and I select books for the adult nonfiction collection. I have a degree in anthropology, which really helps in selecting...well...almost anything. I also manage the Art To Go collection of framed prints and original art, and the nonfiction DVDs.
What do you like to read?
In no particular order:... more
As a reader of thriller/mystery, I find myself perplexed as I say that this is the first C.J. Box book I have ever read or listened to...Box is well-regarded and a prolific author in the genre, and while they may not be my regular go-to, sometimes you just want a 'does what it says on the tin' type of book. At least, that's what I was expecting when I downloaded this, but to my surprise, there's a whole lot more going on here than I expected. The setting is unique, and the author rightly spends a fair amount of time highlighting the beauty and environmental aspects of the big sky state. There's a double mystery going on here as well (unless they merge at some point...), and both are engaging and fitting for where the action takes place. All of the characters are, if not entirely fully realized, fleshed out enough to be interesting and believable (even honestly menacing) even those that fill a sometimes well-worn role (the bad cop, the odd-but-loveable relative, the quirky outsider). Christina Delaine is a fine narrator, and voices all the characters really well. I'm enjoying this book much more that I thought I would, and this won't be the last for me. -Candice