Dear Editor,
This is a letter of appreciation for David Orr's reviews [August 2004 and June 2003]. He makes his subjects enjoyable to read about by writing with humor, clarity, and graspable examples. He makes it clear when he likes a book and when he doesn't, and he gives enough information to inspire further investigation if the poet in question—warts and all—seems interesting.
It's refreshing to read straight-ahead criticism that is intelligent, honest, and fun. Thanks, David Orr, for doing more than your part toward sorting out the current array of choices and voices in poetry books. And thanks, Poetry, for publishing these reviews.
This is a letter of appreciation for David Orr's reviews [August 2004 and June 2003]. He makes his subjects enjoyable to read about by writing with humor, clarity, and graspable examples. He makes it clear when he likes a book and when he doesn't, and he gives enough information to inspire further investigation if the poet in question—warts and all—seems interesting.
It's refreshing to read straight-ahead criticism that is intelligent, honest, and fun. Thanks, David Orr, for doing more than your part toward sorting out the current array of choices and voices in poetry books. And thanks, Poetry, for publishing these reviews.
Eugene, Oregon
Originally Published: October 30, 2005
Letter to the Editor