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marginaliant's review against another edition
2.0
Mostly this style of writing about what “you” should do is that it feels like I am being lectured by the poet. Not something I personally seek out. Favorite poems: The Long-Distance Traveler, Missed Time, The Last Wish.
lauren_endnotes's review against another edition
▪️A DISTANT CENTER by Ha Jin, 2018 by @copper_canyon_press
"Keep in mind your talent also includes patience and endurance. Get up, move quietly, and leave all the clamor behind." (from 'Talent', pg 14)
"Although every day seems the same, love resides in the ordinary" (from 'Surprise', pg 30)
This was my first time trying Ha Jin's poetry after I've read some of his novels. The poetry was more in aphorism style, sharing instructive tidbits. There was a simple grace to some poems, while others felt a too didactic in tone. Will check out his other collections too.
"Keep in mind your talent also includes patience and endurance. Get up, move quietly, and leave all the clamor behind." (from 'Talent', pg 14)
"Although every day seems the same, love resides in the ordinary" (from 'Surprise', pg 30)
This was my first time trying Ha Jin's poetry after I've read some of his novels. The poetry was more in aphorism style, sharing instructive tidbits. There was a simple grace to some poems, while others felt a too didactic in tone. Will check out his other collections too.
dreesreads's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Much of this collection focuses on China vs the US in the author’s life. He immigrated in 1985 (as an adult).
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