In short, this is a book to ponder.

It is an extremely challenging task to review this book, considering that each section within it is so vastly different from one another.

Each and every section holds its own unique qualities and characteristics, which means that it truly deserves its very own individual review and rating.

The diversity within the book makes it a complex and multi-faceted piece of literature that requires a great deal of thought and analysis.

One cannot simply lump all the sections together and provide a single, overarching review.

Rather, a more in-depth and detailed approach is needed to fully appreciate and understand the essence of each section and the book as a whole.

As a result, this book presents a fascinating opportunity for readers to engage in a comprehensive exploration of its various elements and to form their own opinions and evaluations of each section.

I'm truly incapable of fully expressing just how much I love this book and this author. The moment I picked up the book, I was instantly captivated by its engaging storyline and the unique writing style of the author. Every page turn brought new excitement and anticipation. The characters in the book are so vividly described that they seem to come alive in my imagination. The author has a remarkable ability to create a world that is both believable and enchanting. I find myself completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down. It's not just a book; it's an experience that has touched my heart and soul. I can't wait to explore more of the author's works and see what other amazing stories they have to offer.

Carver's final collection is truly a remarkable one, filled with some extraordinary poems that he penned as he was confronting the reality of death.

A significant portion, specifically a fifth of the poems (fourteen in total), are what can be described as "found" poems, sourced from Chekhov stories. The true significance of these poems becomes evident in Tess Gallagher's introduction. Their placement within the collection is deliberately designed to reflect on the themes present in each section.

Among the many wonderful poems in this collection, two of my personal favorites are likely "Miracle" and "Lemonade." Not only are these poems beautifully crafted, but they also contain great stories within them. Additionally, the end of life poems "Gravy" and "No Need" are certain to be included in anthologies, given their profound nature.

Overall, while this collection has its merits, it is probably my least favorite among his final three collections. However, it still offers valuable insights and a unique perspective on Carver's thoughts and emotions as he neared the end of his life.

Carver's work is truly remarkable.

While his poetry may not shine as brightly as his prose, he is still an influential figure. The poems that conclude this volume are truly powerful.

It is truly incredible to read this man's acceptance of his own death.

That being said, if you are just beginning to explore Carver's work, it is advisable not to start with his poetry.

First, delve into his short stories and then gradually move on to his poetry.

This book had a profound impact on me, bringing me to tears.

It is a well-crafted piece of literature that showcases Carver's unique talent and perspective.

Overall, it is a must-read for any fan of literature or anyone interested in exploring the human condition.

Exceptional.

Poetry that is direct and forceful.

It is truly a delight.

This kind of poetry has the power to touch the heart and soul of the reader.

The words are carefully chosen to convey a specific emotion or idea with great clarity.

The directness of the poetry makes it easy to understand and connect with on a deep level.

It doesn't rely on flowery language or complex metaphors to make its point.

Instead, it gets straight to the heart of the matter and leaves a lasting impression.

Reading such poetry is like experiencing a burst of pure emotion.

It can make you laugh, cry, or simply think about life in a new way.

Overall, it is a wonderful form of art that should be appreciated and celebrated.

But at that moment, sitting there in front of his tidy desk, a sense of longing washed over him.

He was nagged by the memory of a poem he'd wanted to write for so long.

The words danced in his mind, elusive yet tantalizing.

As he stared at the blank page, he felt a connection to something deeper within himself.

Oh yes, this book of poems spoke to him on a profound level.

It was as if the verses were whispering secrets directly to his soul.

The rhythm and cadence of the words echoed in his heart, inspiring him to put pen to paper and let his own creativity flow.

With a newfound determination, he picked up his pen and began to write, eager to capture the essence of the poem that had been lingering in his thoughts.

He knew that this was his moment, his chance to express the emotions and ideas that had been churning within him.

And as he wrote, he felt a sense of fulfillment and joy that only came from creating something truly beautiful.

2.5 stars. The poems in this collection didn't quite resonate with me on a deep level. However, there were some good bits here and there.

One particular poem stood out. It was the author's account of hearing his lung cancer diagnosis from his doctor.

He wrote, "I wish I had some other kind of news to give you. I said Amen and he said something else. I didn't catch and not knowing what else to do and not wanting him to have to repeat it and me to have to fully digest it. I just looked at him for a minute and he looked back. It was then I jumped up and shook hands with this man who'd just given me something no one else on earth had ever given me. I may even have thanked him, habit being so strong."

This moment was both poignant and strange. The author's reaction of shaking hands and perhaps thanking the doctor, despite the devastating news, shows the complexity of human emotions in the face of such a life-altering event. It makes you wonder how we would all react in a similar situation.

Overall, while the collection may not have been a complete hit for me, this one poem definitely left an impression.

Carver is ripping out my heart.

It feels as if he is using a pair of cruel hands to tear at the very core of my being. The pain is excruciating, like a thousand knives stabbing me simultaneously. I can't seem to catch my breath, and my world has suddenly turned upside down.

I don't understand why he would do this to me. We had something special, or so I thought. But now, it all seems like a lie. Every moment we shared, every word we spoke, it all meant nothing to him.

I'm left here, broken and alone, with a gaping hole in my chest where my heart used to be. I don't know how I'm going to pick up the pieces and move on. But I know that I have to try, because I can't let him destroy me completely.

Breathtaking! This description perfectly encapsulates the entire experience, from Tess's introduction all the way to the very end. The story unfolds with such captivating charm that it leaves the reader spellbound. Tess, a character of great depth and complexity, is introduced in a way that immediately grabs our attention. As the narrative progresses, we are drawn deeper into her world, sharing in her joys and sorrows. Every moment is filled with anticipation, as we wonder what will happen next. The end, when it finally arrives, is both satisfying and poignant, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. It is truly a remarkable journey that takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, and one that we will not soon forget.

Love Carver. Hands down, he's my favorite author.

His works are a source of inspiration and entertainment for me. I'm particularly drawn to his funny reflections on his former life of heavy drinking. It's as if he's able to find humor even in the darkest of times.

However, it's a pity that he never quit smoking, which ultimately led to his death. But perhaps that's what makes his writing even more powerful. Since it was written by Carver when he knew he was dying, there's a sense of urgency and authenticity in his words.

The article also includes my favorite poem by Carver. It's simple yet profound, and it captures the essence of his life and experiences. The line "No other word will do. For that's what it was. Gravy." really speaks to me. It makes me think about how we often take the good things in life for granted, when in fact they are precious and should be cherished.

Overall, I believe that Carver's writing is a testament to his talent and his ability to connect with readers on a deep level. His works will continue to be read and loved for generations to come.

A nice variety of poems awaits you within these pages.

Each poem offers a unique perspective, a different mood, and a distinct style.

The collection is like a colorful tapestry, woven with words that paint vivid pictures in the mind.

The last part of the collection is particularly emotional, tugging at the heartstrings and evoking deep feelings.

It is a testament to the poet's skill and ability to connect with the reader on a profound level.

This is a poet worth exploring, someone who has the power to transport you to different worlds and make you feel a range of emotions.

Whether you are a lover of poetry or just starting to discover its beauty, this collection is sure to delight and inspire.

So, take a deep breath, open the book, and let the words wash over you.

You never know what treasures you might uncover.

A collection of poetry was assembled towards the end of Carver's life.

Interspersed between his own writings are selected poems from other writers, with a particularly sizeable collection from Chekov.

At first, I didn't feel that the collection was having much of an impact on me. However, as I reached the last third of the book, things changed.

The reflections on Carver's life, his sickness, diagnosis, and acceptance of death are incredibly moving.

The poems regarding his decision to marry Tess are simply gorgeous. By the end, I was struggling to hold back my tears.

It is beautiful writing, just as I had expected. But as far as Carver's works go, this isn't his absolute best. Nevertheless, it is certainly a beautiful send-off.

It offers a unique glimpse into the mind and heart of a great writer during the final stages of his life.

The combination of his own poetry and the selections from others creates a rich and poignant tapestry that is well worth exploring.

Overall, while not his magnum opus, this collection is a valuable addition to Carver's body of work and a must-read for any fan of his writing.