Becoming Light: Poems New and Selected

Rating:
Summary: Something to keep
Review: Jong's poetry is smart, sassy and shocking. Historically her directness informed the poetry world of the previously unspoken subjects that was only hinted at with whispers and sweet metaphors, instead Jong shouted it out stories of pain, love, secrets and periods for all to read.

I have had this collection for about five years now, and still on a rainly afternoon, I will occasionnally pick it up and flip through it. Each time I do, I find something new, something honest, and something funny.

Unlike Slvia Plath and Anne Sexton, Jong is hunourous about the life and painful parts of being a woman. Her poetry reminds us that each person has their own secrets, but does not have to be ashamed and yes, you can laugh about it.

I love the way she references people, facts, and things we can relate to. In some ways, these poems are a series of essays about women, life, and the time it was written because it is a collection, you can also feel and see the changes of the times through it.

Sometimes Jong's work can seem sloppy if broken down under scrutiny, yet the essence of the poem is alway fresh and creative.

I highly recommend this collection.

Rating:
Summary: inspiration for the soul
Review: This book of poetry has brought me such peace. Jong's words mesmerize the soul. She tangles you in her web of sex and pain. I've never read anything like it before. She is truly one of my favorite poets because of her connection to the human soul.

Rating:
Summary: Sensual Poetry
Review: This was the first time I read Erica Jong's poetry. What is most evident after reading this collection is that she is a woman who truly celebrates and experiences life, particularly the sensual things of the world. She presents the knowledge she has gained through relationships with men both tragically and beautifully. These poems are essentially about love: love of poetry, love of men, love of her life as a woman, and love of nature. Certain poems seem perfect in their construction, as if each word falls exactly where it should. My only misgiving is Jong's use of more crude language, at times, when discussing sex acts. In a different context I might find such words appropriate and necessary to relay a point, but in this collection, I found her choice of rough language as tiny rips in the symmetry of the poems. I know such language is characteristic of her work, but still felt the poems would be stronger without this harsh element. My criticism should not prevent others from reading this collection though, since most of the poems are passionate and amazing without the harsher tone.