The reviewer admires Richard Blanco's latest poetry collection, Homeland of My Body, which blends new and selected works. They appreciate Blanco's ability to merge profound philosophy with everyday experiences, highlighting his humor and emotional depth. The collection is praised for its relatable themes and beautiful line breaks.
The reviewer has a personal connection to Richard Blanco, admiring his humility and generosity. They found Homeland of My Body to be a delightful mix of new and previously published poems, each re-examining themes of home, love, family, identity, and art. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the new poems, such as 'MUSIC IN OUR HANDS,' which introduces readers to new artists and plays with words and silence. The collection's blend of profundity and everyday experiences, along with Blanco's signature humor, makes it a treasure to read and re-read. The reviewer also appreciates the thoughtful arrangement of the poems and suggests classroom activities to explore the collection's structure.
Quick quotes
…all the music of our lives played out in silence.
still searching this sea, still facing this same/ mute horizon, I ask again: Who am I? What/ should I do? The answer, as always: Everything.
A masterful poet who is clear-eyed and full of heart, Blanco explores the country’s haunted past while offering a bright hope for the future.