Rose (New Poets of America) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this outstanding first book of poems, Lee is unafraid to show emotion, especially when writing about his father or his wife. "But there is wisdom/ in the hour in which a boy/ sits in his room listening," says the first poem, and Lee's silent willingness to step outside himself imbues Rose with a rare sensitivity. The images Lee findssuch as the rose and the appleare repeated throughout the book, crossing over from his father's China to his own America. Every word becomes transformative, as even his father's blindness and death can become beautiful. There is a strong enough technique here to make these poems of interest to an academic audience and enough originality to stun readers who demand alternative style and subject matter. Rochelle Ratner, formerly Poetry Editor, "Soho Weekly News," New York
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Always A Rose
Ash, Snow, Or Moonlight
Between Seasons
Braiding
Dreaming Of Hair
Early In The Morning
Eating Alone
Eating Together
Epistle
Falling: The Code
From Blossoms
The Gift
I Ask My Mother To Sing
Irises
The Life
Mnemonic
My Indigo
My Sleeping Loved Ones
Nocturne
Persimmons
Rain Diary
Visions And Interpretations
Water
The Weepers
The Weight Of Sweetness
-- Table of Poems from Poem Finder®

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Product Details

• Paperback: 71 pages
• Publisher: BOA Editions Ltd.; First Edition edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0918526531
• ISBN-13: 978-0918526533
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #213,078 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best living poets, sublime writing, March 7, 2001

By	Rebecca Lowell "Rebecca in Wedgwood" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

Mr Lee is one of my favorite poets, period. The Rose is a wonderful collection, and I think I like it a tiny bit better than The City In Which I Loved You. The way that Mr. Lee captures love & longing, subtle forms of love, nuances of parental relationships, and the physical world is amazing.

The first time I read 'Persimmons' it was in a Pushcart Prize Anthology, and I had never seen anything by Lee. It was years ago, and with no access to a printer or computer (stuck on holiday) I hand wrote at least 5 copies to immediately put in the mail to friends because I loved the poem so. Every poet resonates differently, it happens that Mr. Lee echoes some voice that I really understand and appreciate. If you love words, and how they can move together into something magical, he is one to read.

I wanted to include an excerpt, but I'm not sure that's right. Do a web-search on him if you want to see what sort of writing style it is. It's difficult to take a stanza out of context, and it's too hard to pick one. :)

p.s. If you happen to agree with my taste, and you don't know about The Weight of Oranges by Anne Michaels, that's another rewarding read.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lee's quiet precision is powerful poetry, December 8, 1999

By	David P. Ryan (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Like a child who possesses a sensual, adult relationship with the world, Li-Young Lee radiates with an open gentleness and delicate sensitivity that seems, at times, almost too fragile to allow him to walk the streets alone. Nothing escapes his keen eye and, as he so poignantly illustrates, the greatest art is all around us, in glimpses that, when combined with memory, produce a renewal of the spirit. Lee's poetry results in a clarification or awakening of feelings that summon the reader's desire to examine his or her feelings, and by examining them, express them. Thus, by reaching into our own self-awareness, we are able to seek redemption. We forgive ourselves. Li-Young Lee is at the leading edge of what is good about contemporary, American poetry. After devouring all his works, my only complaint is that there is too little of it. More, please.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Li-Young Lee uses imagery to evoke emotion., December 9, 1998

By A Customer

Li-Young Lee works as a commercial artist, and in his poetry, he paints masterful pictures in the readers mind. I believe that the "stand-out" poem from this selection is "From Blossoms."

The idea of "taking what we love inside, to carry within us an orchard" brings a new sense of gratefulness for the memories and knowledge we have, and a profound sense of regret for the experiences, emotions, and knowledge we have missed.

Don't miss the emotions that these poems will evoke in you. Read them, love them, and take them inside.