Reviews

Commons by Myung Mi Kim

zigwammy's review

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1.0

This is the worst thing I have ever read.

theodoralang's review

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5.0

incredible. like shakespeare. i will never figure out everything there is in this book.

qingyigeshu's review

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

Having read two of Kim’s books now, I think I can safely say that good theory (articulated sometimes very cloudily in “Pollen Fossil Record”) does not necessarily make good poetry. Some of these poems were quite sad, but the majority are very muddled, in Kim’s own words “illegible” for the purposes of subversion. Personally I am of the opinion that subversion works best when the people you want to awaken can understand what’s going on.

robhendricks's review

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5.0

Dazzling in the way it tempts and resists closure; stunning in its deployment of mysterious hybridizations of languages, disciplines, registers, typography; heart and eye-opening in its keening lamentation over history's arc of casualties; a difficult spread of remains; a breathtaking performance of indeterminacy with a frank and supportive epilogue of intent. My hat is off.

lodisparate's review

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5.0

not common at all. refined and impartial to readers understanding/sentiment. ball buster. her segment on language and the loss it can evokes, i swooned.

janecakemaster's review

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4.0

great book of poetry
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