Calling a Wolf a Wolf

by Kaveh Akbar
Calling a Wolf a Wolf cover
Good Books rating 4.52
Poetry
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3581
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780141987989
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2018-02-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Calling a Wolf a Wolf is the debut poetry collection by award-winning poet Kaveh Akbar, exploring themes of addiction, desire, inheritance, and faith. The collection delves into the struggles of addiction, the search for knowledge, and the complexities of human relationships, all while maintaining a lyrical and evocative style. The poems in this collection are both deeply personal and universally relatable, capturing the intensity of human emotion and the ongoing struggle with desire. Akbar's work has been praised for its eloquence and passion, with endorsements from notable figures such as Fanny Howe, Roxane Gay, and John Green. This collection is a significant contribution to the literature of addiction and personal struggle, offering readers a raw and unflinching look into the human experience.

Reviews
The Poetry School · Nasser Hussain · 2018-03-23
powerful 4.50

The collection is deeply personal, with the poet's struggles with alcoholism being a central theme. It is a raw and honest exploration of the self.

Nasser Hussain highlights the deeply personal nature of Kaveh Akbar's work, noting that the collection is heavily influenced by the poet's struggles with alcoholism. This isn't just a book about addiction; it's a raw and honest exploration of the self, filled with vulnerability and introspection. Hussain appreciates the boldness with which Akbar confronts his demons, making the collection a powerful read. The reviewer finds the poetry to be a testament to Akbar's ability to turn personal pain into something universally resonant.

Quick quotes

    Calling a Wolf a Wolf is certainly all about Akbar.

    It's hard to find a review or blurb of this book that doesn't mention the poet's struggles with alcoholism,

    Akbar accepts our verdict.

The Georgia Review · 2018-01-21
remarkable 4.75

The collection is remarkable and stands out as a notable debut. The poet's vulnerability and lyricism are particularly praised.

The reviewer from The Georgia Review finds Kaveh Akbar's debut collection to be remarkable, noting that it stands out in the literary landscape. They appreciate the poet's vulnerability and the lyricism that permeates the work. The collection is seen as a bold exploration of personal and universal themes, making it a significant addition to contemporary poetry. The reviewer is particularly struck by Akbar's ability to lay bare his experiences and emotions, creating a deeply moving reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Laid out before us as he is in this collection, Akbar accepts our verdict.

    Whether this is his best or not, Calling a Wolf a Wolf is a remarkable debut.

    Akbar's vulnerability and lyricism are particularly praised.

Goodreads · 2017-09-12
compelling 4.30

The collection is highly anticipated and boldly confronts addiction and recovery. It is praised for its raw and emotional depth.

Goodreads reviewers highlight the high anticipation surrounding Kaveh Akbar's debut collection, noting its bold confrontation of addiction and the strenuous path of recovery. The collection is praised for its raw and emotional depth, capturing the wilds of the mind and the journey towards healing. Readers appreciate the honesty and vulnerability that Akbar brings to his poetry, making it a compelling and moving read. The collection is seen as a powerful exploration of personal struggles and the human condition.

Quick quotes

    This highly-anticipated debut boldly confronts addiction and courses the strenuous path of recovery,

    beginning in the wilds of the mind.

    A beautiful book full of touching, eloquent poems written from the heart.

Appears in Lists