I bought the book on a trip to Virginia, and started reading it while waiting for a table to become available at a pub in Williamsburg, and I pretty much started crying in the middle of the pedestrian mall. I cry every time. That, I believe, is the mark of a good poet. I'd go on about all the things that make Dickman's poems great -- their rawness, their honesty, their sharp imagery, the fact that their poesy sneaks up on you when you least expect it -- but it would never, ever do these poems justice. They are terrifying and tragic and so, so incredible. Ok, maybe I'm biased, but I really thought this book was great. Matthew Dickman is one of my favorite poets but as with any author/band/artist/etc I was a little concerned that his sophomore effort would not live up to the love I have for his first book. This book is certainly different from "All-American Poem," but it shows maturity, depth, and Dickman's signature humor. This book deals a lot with the death of Dickman's brother, among other topics. So, it will probably depress you, but it's totally worth it.
Do You like book Mayakovsky's Revolver (2012)?
"Can anything be better than 'All-American Poem'?" Yes. This.
—ramila
