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
... Show More
Recommended by the school librarian! :) Who, by the way, miraculously didn't comment on my library card's status as “DELINQUENT” for not returning books in time.



  

    Devotion
The heart can think of no devotion
Greater than being shore to the ocean—
Holding the curve of one position,
Counting an endless repetition.

  




"Man," my creative writing teacher said as she flipped through the pages of my copy, "Robert Frost must have written a poem for every day of his life." She placed it back on the table. "And yet the only one people know is that one. Bit sad, isn't it?"


She was talking about "The Road Not Taken," but I agree to a degree. Regardless... finally! This beast of a volume I can now leave in peace and it me.


Robert Frost, as I gather him from this compilation of his published books, is a poet with a paintbrush. He dips his instrument in eloquence and paints his words in expert artistry. Nature is the obvious centrepiece of his works, which is a fitting specialty. However, I found I admired more the everyday life, youth and loss of innocence aspects in his writing.


Now, for all my praise, don't get me wrong. I loved the poems but loved only some and definitely not the whole volume. More than often, I slugged through various parts and the process became tedious. I felt intimidated several times by the sheer size, although I'm never one for longer tomes of poetry. I admit I skimmed the biographical and textual notes, just because I didn't read this book with the intent of noting Frost's textual changes or E.C.L.'s annotations. They seemed to offer not a great deal more than pieces' first appearances anyway.


Either way, I'm happy to say I've read the person widely regarded as America's greatest poet.



  

    Lines Written In Dejection On The Eve Of Great Success
(...)
He answered her back, "Well, who begun it?"
That's what at the end of a war
We always say—not who won it,
Or what it was foughten for.

  

July 15,2025
... Show More
I really liked the poems that were about taking a walk. To be quite honest, these kinds of poems actually make up the majority of his works.

His descriptions of the simple act of walking were so vivid and engaging. It was as if he could transport the reader right into the scene, making them feel the gentle breeze, see the beautiful scenery along the way, and experience the peace and tranquility that comes with a leisurely stroll.

Each poem seemed to tell a unique story or convey a different emotion related to the act of walking. Some were filled with joy and wonder, while others had a more reflective or melancholy tone. But regardless of the mood, they all had a certain charm and appeal that made them a pleasure to read.

I found myself coming back to these poems again and again, losing myself in the world that he had created through his words. They truly were a testament to his talent as a poet and his ability to find beauty and meaning in the simplest of things.
July 15,2025
... Show More

Probably the best English poetry I’ve ever read is truly a remarkable piece of literary work. It has the power to transport the reader to a different world, filled with vivid imagery and profound emotions. The words seem to dance on the page, creating a rhythm that is both enchanting and captivating. It makes me wonder how the poet was able to craft such beautiful lines.


P.S. Newborns evidently also enjoy the Frost’s poetry. This is an interesting fact that adds another layer of charm to the already wonderful work. It shows that the beauty of poetry is universal and can touch the hearts of people of all ages. Even those who are just starting their journey in this world can appreciate the magic of Frost’s words. It makes me think about the importance of exposing children to good literature from an early age.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I'm truly sorry, everyone, but I simply do not have any affection for his poetry whatsoever.

I have read the majority of this book. I slogged through the shorter poems with great effort, but I must admit that I skipped over the narrative poems.

To be honest, I was not in the least bit moved or impressed by anything within its pages.

The words seemed to lack the power and depth that I expect from great poetry. They failed to touch my heart or stir any emotions within me.

Perhaps it's just a matter of personal taste, but for me, this collection of poems fell far short of my expectations.

I had hoped to find inspiration and beauty in his words, but unfortunately, that was not the case.

Maybe others will have a different experience with his poetry, but for now, I can only say that I do not like it at all.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Let me say that he is one of the poets who have truly awakened me from my long slumber in the "comfortable bed of uniformity and stagnancy."

I used to firmly believe that being among the crowd was the safest way to live. Uniformity was my "template," and I thought that was the way to go. However, now I have come to learn that being myself - which might mean being different from all of you - is actually the safest mode anytime and anywhere. And, I am certain that I will never be sorry for being uniquely ordinary as I am.

Of course, "The Road Not Taken" remains a uniformly favorite of mine, just like it is for most of Frost's readers. To me, Frost is a prodigy for being able to take his readers into his realm of extraordinary style while presenting ordinary ideas.

Let me share with you three of his poems that I believe are utterly spellbinding.

The first one is "The Road Not Taken." In this poem, Frost描绘了两条在黄色树林中分叉的道路. He is sorry that he cannot travel both as he is just one traveler. He stands there for a long time, looking down one road as far as he can see, to where it bends in the undergrowth. Then he takes the other road, which seems just as fair and perhaps has a better claim because it is grassy and less worn. But in reality, the passing there has worn them both about the same. And both roads equally lay in leaves that no step had trodden black that morning. He keeps the first road for another day, yet he doubts if he will ever come back. He will be telling this story with a sigh ages and ages hence, saying that two roads diverged in a wood, and he took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

The second poem is "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." Frost starts by saying that he thinks he knows whose woods these are, but the owner's house is in the village. He stops here to watch the woods fill up with snow, and his little horse must think it strange to stop without a farmhouse nearby, between the woods and the frozen lake on the darkest evening of the year. The horse gives its harness bells a shake to ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound is the sweep of the easy wind and the downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, but Frost has promises to keep and miles to go before he sleeps.

The last poem is "Nothing Gold Can Stay." Frost begins by saying that nature's first green is gold, and it is the hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf is like a flower, but only for an hour. Then the leaf subsides to a regular leaf. Just like Eden sank to grief and dawn goes down to day, nothing gold can stay.

These three poems by Robert Frost are truly masterpieces that touch the hearts of readers and make them think about life, choices, and the transient nature of beauty.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Read: A Boy's Will, North of Boston, and Mountain Interval. Some of these poems are truly excellent.

One of the benefits of growing older for me is the capacity, as time progresses, to value artists whom I once dismissed as "unworthy of my interest" and vice versa.

For instance, although today I can no longer listen to Zeppelin III from start to finish, I wholeheartedly adore Forever Changes.

There surely exists a connection between sixties rock bands and Robert Frost. I simply haven't uncovered what it is as of yet.

Perhaps the emotional depth and the exploration of the human condition present in Frost's poems have some parallels with the themes and sounds of the sixties rock bands.

Maybe the way Frost uses language to paint vivid pictures and evoke strong emotions is similar to how the rock bands used their music to create a unique atmosphere.

I am eager to continue my exploration and discover the hidden link that lies between these two seemingly disparate art forms.

It could be a fascinating journey that leads to a deeper understanding and appreciation of both poetry and rock music.

July 15,2025
... Show More
This book has been sitting by my bedside for the past ten years.

As an occasional night-time routine, I would pick it up and read a few pages of poetry before going to sleep.

After I adopted my lovely pup Lucy, she became my new listening companion, and I would read the beautiful poetry to her.

Now, I have finally reached the end of this wonderful book.

It has been an extremely pleasant experience reading poetry out loud.

Reading the entire canon of Mr. Frost's work from start to finish has felt like embarking on an autobiographical journey together with the author.

I have witnessed his growth and development, from his young adulthood filled with dreams and aspirations to his final years, when he had accumulated a wealth of life experiences.

This journey through his poetry has not only enriched my understanding of his works but also deepened my appreciation for the power of words and the beauty of literature.

I will always cherish this experience and look forward to exploring more wonderful works of literature in the future.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Robert Frost is a renowned poet, and some of his ideas are truly captivating.

His exploration of the interaction between man and nature is both profound and thought-provoking. He constructs an identity from a seemingly blank landscape or tabula rasa, which adds an element of mystery and intrigue to his works.

In addition, his use of tongue-in-cheek doublespeak in the otherwise clichéd "The Road Not Taken" is quite remarkable. It shows his ability to take a familiar concept and turn it on its head, making the reader think twice about the meaning behind the words.

However, not all of his poems resonate with me. I couldn't quite get into the ones about mowing grass and abandoned log piles. Maybe it's because I don't have the same personal connection to those themes, or perhaps they don't speak to me on an emotional level.

Nevertheless, Frost's body of work is extensive and diverse, and there is much to discover and appreciate within it. Whether it's his unique perspective on nature or his clever use of language, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the poetry of Robert Frost.
July 15,2025
... Show More

Easily my favorite poet. His words have the power to touch my soul and transport me to different worlds. The way he weaves together emotions and images is truly remarkable. Every time I read his poems, I feel a sense of peace and inspiration.


However, now I need to move on to someone else for my morning poem. It's not that I don't love my favorite poet anymore, but I want to explore new voices and perspectives. There are so many talented poets out there, each with their own unique style and message.


I'm excited to see what new discoveries I'll make as I venture into the world of other poets. Maybe I'll find a new favorite who will touch my heart in a different way. Or perhaps I'll gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity of poetry and the many ways it can speak to us.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Robert Frost was indeed a truly rare person in the annals of literature.

His works are filled with profound insights and unique perspectives on life, nature, and human relationships.

Frost's poetry has the power to touch the hearts and minds of readers, transporting them to a world of beauty, mystery, and reflection.

His use of language is masterful, with simple yet evocative words that paint vivid pictures in the reader's imagination.

Whether it's the snowy woods in "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" or the fork in the road in "The Road Not Taken," Frost's poems have become iconic and continue to be studied and loved by people of all ages.

Anaya D. was right to describe Frost as a rare person, for his contributions to the world of literature are truly invaluable.

His poetry will continue to inspire generations of readers and writers alike, and his legacy will live on forever.
July 15,2025
... Show More
An anthology of Frost's best poems is truly a treasure trove. Among all of them, my favorite is In A Disused Graveyard.

The living approach with a grassy tread to read the gravestones on the hill. The graveyard still has a certain allure for the living, but it never welcomes the dead anymore. The verses inscribed in it repeat over and over: “The ones who living come today to read the stones and go away, tomorrow dead will come to stay.” The marbles seem so certain of death as they rhyme, yet they can't help but notice all the time how no one dead appears to come. What is it that men are shrinking from? It would be easy to be clever and tell the stones that men hate to die and have stopped dying now forever. I think they would believe this lie.

Frost's poem in this anthology makes us ponder deeply about life and death, and the complex emotions and thoughts that surround them. It invites us to look at the graveyard not just as a place of the past, but as a reflection of our own fears and uncertainties.
July 15,2025
... Show More
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

These classic lines are truly music to my ears. They paint a vivid picture in my mind of a fork in the road within a dense wood.

The narrator is faced with a choice, and instead of taking the more commonly traveled path, they bravely choose the one less traveled.

This simple decision has had a profound impact, making all the difference in their journey.

It makes me think about the choices we all face in life. Do we follow the crowd and take the easy way, or do we have the courage to step out and take a different path?

Often, it is the choices that are less obvious or more challenging that lead to the greatest rewards and personal growth.

Just like the narrator in the poem, we too can make a difference by choosing the road less traveled.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.