Wild Kingdom by Jehanne Dubrow
This new collection by acclaimed poet Jehanne Dubrow (her ninth book), published by LSU Press, beautifully explores the intricacies of academia, its politics, its students, and the role of the professor and administrator. The college honor board, one of the books recurring themes, is rendered lyrically and expertly: "I saw how we judge / the worth of lamentation--the men,/ with their shuttered eyes, their bodies / unbreachable, we place their tears / in bright decanters on a mantlepiece." Wow.
Why I Loved It: I've always loved Jehanne's work, and this new collection is no exception. She writes accessibly, deftly and thoughtfully, exploring deep themes through gorgeous imagery and pitch perfect word choice.