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Though there were some real gems in this collection and it is definitely of this time (oh, so of this time), I found the imagery mostly uncompelling and the rhythm unmoving.

I almost didn't check this out at the library because it came in after National Poetry Month but I'm so glad I did. I loved these poems! The subjects of borders and migrant workers and invisible populations are all even more relevant than a year ago when this came out. Timely that it should win the National Book Award for poetry.

"A more generous interpretation might be that their bodies are shared between the earth, the state and the bank."

2016 National Book Award Winner in Poetry. Nope. I couldn't do it. This book was grinding me to a pulp and, while I can usually handle that, I'm giving myself a pass today.

National Book Award Winner in #Poetry #pinkcover #riotgrams

Last poetry read of 2016 for me! I was super excited about this one but it went over my head a little bit. Maybe I read through it too fast? I have a hard time saying it was a "so-so" because the topics covered by the poems are so important! Definitely one I'll have to reread.

absolutely must read stuff right here

Damn.

This is an extremely literary collection of poems that are sometimes hard to wrap your mind around.

But then lines pack that punch.

And damn.

I see why this won the National Book Award.

This is due in a couple of days so I am going to spend the night with it. I have felt the desire to read poetry lately, so I am starting with this.

The longlist for the 2016 National Book Award for Poetry has been announced. Have a peek - you may find something you love! Links in the comments. (Photo: National Book Foundation.)