Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
21(21%)
4 stars
39(39%)
3 stars
40(40%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I had high expectations and thought I would like this a great deal more.

When it comes to a Frost poem that I truly appreciate, I have a profound and intense liking for it.

However, unfortunately, in this rather lengthy collection, there were only approximately 30 or so such poems that really caught my attention.

The remainder of the poetry, I found, was either inaccessibly abstract, with a dogpile of allusions that made it difficult to understand, or, to be honest, it was kind of long and rather boring.

It was a bit of a disappointment as I had hoped for a greater number of poems that would resonate with me on a deeper level.

But perhaps this is just a matter of personal taste and what I was looking for in the collection didn't quite align with what was presented.

Nonetheless, those 30 or so poems that I did like will still hold a special place in my heart and continue to be a source of enjoyment.
July 15,2025
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Of course, this book is filled with all the old favorites, those timeless great masterpieces that have stood the test of time.

However, among them, one of my absolute favorite poems is the relatively obscure "An Old Man's Winter Night." This poem has a unique charm that never fails to amaze me every single time I read it.

The words seem to paint a vivid picture in my mind, of an old man alone on a cold winter night. I can almost feel the寒意 creeping in, and sense the old man's solitude and perhaps a hint of longing.

The poet's use of language is so precise and evocative, making this poem a true gem. It makes me think about the passage of time, the changing seasons, and the experiences that shape our lives.

Despite its obscurity, "An Old Man's Winter Night" has become a beloved part of my literary collection, and I look forward to reading it again and again, uncovering new layers of meaning each time.
July 15,2025
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I have a deep personal affection for Frost's nature poems. His works have a unique charm that allows readers to immerse themselves in the beauty and tranquility of nature. In his poems, Frost vividly描绘s the changing seasons, the landscapes, and the creatures that inhabit them.


For example, in "The Road Not Taken," he describes the fork in the road in a forest, which can be seen as a metaphor for the choices we make in life. The simple yet profound description makes readers think about their own life paths.


Frost's nature poems not only offer a visual盛宴of nature but also convey his profound thoughts and emotions. They make us appreciate the beauty of nature and realize the importance of living in harmony with it. Through his poetry, Frost invites us to slow down, observe the world around us, and find inspiration and solace in nature.

July 15,2025
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Robert Frost is widely regarded as a remarkable figure in the world of literature.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh once described him as "a simplifying genius." This accolade truly captures the essence of Frost's literary prowess.

Frost had a unique ability to take complex emotions, ideas, and experiences and present them in a simple and accessible manner. His poems often dealt with themes such as nature, human relationships, and the meaning of life.

Despite their simplicity on the surface, Frost's works were rich in depth and nuance. He used vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a masterful command of language to convey profound insights.

His poems had a universal appeal, touching the hearts and minds of readers from all walks of life. Whether it was the beauty of a snow-covered landscape or the struggles and joys of everyday life, Frost had a way of making us see the world in a new and meaningful way.

Overall, Robert Frost's status as a simplifying genius is well-deserved, and his works continue to inspire and delight readers to this day.
July 15,2025
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I was almost inclined to give this book three stars. However, how can one "down check" Robert Frost? It's simply that I have a preference for some of his poems over others. Nevertheless, this is indeed a collection of poems that have the power to speak to you and remain with you. So, I decided to give it four stars.

I don't believe I've ever read a poetry book from beginning to end. Instead, I open the covers and either search for a poem that I think I'll enjoy or engage in a sort of "lucky dip" by randomly selecting a poem.

I've had this book for a long time, and I don't take it down as frequently as I once did. This is because I don't often have the tranquility of mind required for that particular pastime. Life's distractions and busyness often get in the way, preventing me from fully immersing myself in the beauty and depth of these poems. But when I do manage to find a moment of peace, I know that this book will be there, waiting to transport me to another world.
July 15,2025
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Frost grapples with modernist doubts and looming meaninglessness. He is constantly challenged by the uncertainties and ambiguities of the modern world. Even as he pursues the romantic project of opening poetry to everyday language, he cannot escape the sense of disillusionment and loss that pervades modern life.


His poetry often reflects this inner turmoil, as he explores themes such as nature, human nature, and the meaning of life. He uses simple, accessible language to convey complex emotions and ideas, making his work both relatable and profound.


Despite his struggles with modernist doubts, Frost remains committed to the power of poetry to offer solace and inspiration. He believes that poetry can help us make sense of the world around us and find meaning in the midst of chaos.


Overall, Frost's work is a testament to the enduring relevance of poetry in the modern age. His ability to balance the romantic and the modernist, the accessible and the profound, makes him one of the most important poets of the 20th century.

July 15,2025
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This is a rather hefty book that I had to return to on several occasions, and I might even come back to it in the future. Even when I believed I had read all that was worthy of reading, I always found myself delighting in the musicality of some other poems.

Robert Frost's writing is replete with harmonious sounds, narrating tales about nature and the unfolding of time, and sometimes presenting thought-provoking words regarding life and human relationships.

It is a compilation of all of his poems, and as such, there are numerous poems to peruse and select from. Most of them did not resonate with me, but the few that did made the reading and searching process enjoyable.

Robert Frost appears to have experimented with many different voices throughout his life, alternating between poems in the form of theatre plays, longer, narrative poems, and shorter, reflective, and sometimes humorous ones.

The latter are my personal favorites, as they will leave you ruminating on their meaning some time after you have initially read them.

Robert Frost's style remains classical in the sense that his poems adhere to classical rules. They are well-structured, with classical rhyming patterns in each verse (such as AABB, ABAB, or ABBA). The lengths of the lines are almost equal most of the time, resulting in a very harmonious aspect of the poem, often with classical stanzas of four lines.

He sometimes deviates from these classical poetry standards through theatre play-like poems that did not leave a lasting impression on me, and some longer poems with only one stanza, making it more difficult for me to follow through until the end.

Out of the entire collection, I would say that less than 10% stuck with me or had a significant enough impact for me to remember the poem later in my daily life. The vague impressions that lingered from reading him were structured harmony, the musicality of words, descriptions of nature, and fun yet easily forgotten short stories.

I believe his style lacks the depth and thought-provoking nature that I prefer. Most of his poems will not assist you in navigating life, making you relate to the difficult times you may be experiencing, nor remind you to savor the moment. They serve more as narratives, almost like pictures of scenery tinged with some thoughts. I found that his style remained on a superficial level most of the time, descriptive and harmonious; perhaps the classical form impeded the emergence of greater depth.

All in all, if you wish to explore Robert Frost's poetry and get a sense of his style, I would recommend purchasing an anthology of Selected Poems or his individual books. I think these Collected Poems are probably targeted at scholars or Robert Frost enthusiasts - and I am neither of the two.

Some poems and a quote that I enjoyed:

A question

A voice said, Look me in the stars

And tell me truly, men of earth,

If all the soul-and-body scars

Were not too much to pay for birth.

The Door In The Dark

In going from room to room in the dark,

I reached out blindly to save my face,

But neglected, however lightly, to lace

My fingers and close my arms in an arc.

A slim door got in past my guard,

And hit me a blow in the head so hard

I had my native simile jarred.

So people and things don't pair any more

With what they used to pair with before.

“Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on Thee

And I'll forgive Thy great big one on me.”
July 15,2025
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At times during this book, I could clearly sense that I was delving into the work of a true master. Some of the poems are exquisitely written, profound in meaning, and yet often laced with wit. I would estimate that this constitutes approximately 10% of the book, perhaps even less. The vast majority, however, consists of silly and seemingly simplistic poems. Occasionally, these are just as great as the deeper, more philosophical ones. They seem to be random thoughts that occurred to him as he sat in a garden or strolled through the woods. It is truly refreshing to witness a master of his craft playing around with such random observations. There is about 15% of his writings that meander too much or a few free verse poems that often span 10 to 20 pages. For the life of me, I cannot fathom why they qualify as poetry rather than just short stories. I'm certain I'm just being overly critical, but I felt that these short sections were undoubtedly the weakest parts of the book. It was very enjoyable to read it chronologically, as I could actually perceive the progression in his writing.

July 15,2025
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Robert Frost, Reiner Maria Rilke, and Richard Siken are often regarded as the holy trinity of poems.

Robert Frost's works are known for their simplicity and profound wisdom. His poems often explore themes of nature, human nature, and the passage of time.

Reiner Maria Rilke, on the other hand, is renowned for his intense and spiritual poetry. His works delve deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

Richard Siken's poetry is characterized by its raw emotion and vivid imagery. His works often deal with themes of love, desire, and the pain of living.

Together, these three poets represent a diverse range of styles and themes, yet they all share a common passion for the written word and a deep understanding of the human experience. Their works continue to inspire and influence generations of poets and readers alike.
July 15,2025
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An old favorite I've returned to many times is like a trusted companion that never fails to bring joy and comfort.

It could be a book that I've read countless times, each reading revealing new details and insights. Or perhaps it's a song that always manages to lift my spirits and transport me to a different time and place.

Maybe it's a movie that I can watch over and over again, never getting tired of the story or the characters.

Whatever it is, this old favorite holds a special place in my heart and I know that I will continue to return to it for years to come.

It's a reminder of the good times and a source of inspiration and motivation when I need it the most.

I cherish this old favorite and am grateful for the memories and emotions that it has evoked in me over the years.
July 15,2025
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Robert Frost is widely regarded as one of the most significant and influential poets in American literature. He can be compared to Thomas Kinkade in some ways. Just as Kinkade's paintings are known for their beautiful and idyllic scenes, Frost's poetry often描绘了the simple yet profound aspects of nature and rural life.

Frost's works are filled with vivid imagery and a deep understanding of the human condition. His poems explore themes such as love, loss, and the meaning of life. Like Kinkade's art, Frost's poetry has the power to touch the hearts and souls of readers, transporting them to a world of beauty and reflection.

However, it is important to note that Frost's poetry is not just about creating a pretty picture. It also contains a great deal of complexity and depth. His use of language and meter is masterful, and his poems often require careful reading and analysis to fully appreciate.

In conclusion, while the comparison between Robert Frost and Thomas Kinkade may seem unusual at first, it highlights the beauty and power of both art forms. Frost's poetry continues to inspire and delight readers today, just as Kinkade's paintings have brought joy to countless people over the years.
July 15,2025
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“Not my cup of tea but I knew that before I started it.” This simple statement holds a certain truth. Sometimes, we embark on something with the premonition that it might not be to our liking. Maybe it's a new hobby, a job assignment, or a social activity. Despite this initial awareness, we still give it a try, perhaps out of curiosity or a sense of obligation.



However, as we progress, we find that our initial assessment was correct. It just doesn't click with us. But that doesn't mean the experience is wasted. It can still teach us something about ourselves, our preferences, and our limits. It can also help us make better choices in the future.



So, even though it may not be our cup of tea, we should still be open to trying new things. Who knows, maybe one day we'll discover something that we never thought we'd like, but that ends up becoming our passion.

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