Collected Poems (1976)

An incredible collection of poetry. Auden, from the start, demonstrates talent, skill, and acuity and varies the subject matter, content, style, and composition to ensure that one is never bored with what he presents to the reader. I was thrilled reading this. It particularly picks up at the 1/4th mark and delivers a relentless series of poems that truly make you stop and think, to consider, to observe, and to dream. What a great collection- worth reading for all lovers of poetry.

4.25 stars! ( )

Review to follow. ( )

The novela The Death Factory was my introduction to Natchez Burning and it gave me a good overview of the principal characters and a lead into the storyline. It didn't quite prepare me for the scenes of lurid sex and sadistic violence, though, and, thankfully, those didn’t occur too frequently. Overall, this was a fast paced thriller, tying cold cases from the Civil Rights era together with present day family drama. One warning: there are more than enough loose plot threads left at the end to bait the hook for the next installment of this series. ( )

One of my favorite writers!! However, this book would have received 5 stars had it ended differently!! I'm hooked, I enjoy your books!! Don't end them on a cliffhanger ensuring I read the next installment!! I will regardless! ( )

This book was very well written with dynamic characters and an exciting plot. However, the subject matter got under my skin in a way that made me profoundly uncomfortable. You know how there are some things that you just can't "unsee"? Well, I can't unread this and I sort of wish that I could. Human nature can be profoundly ugly and dark and this shines a light on some of the absolute worst of it. ( )