Earthborn

by Carl Dennis

A timely new collection that sounds themes about the fragility of life and our duty to respect the planet in a time of climate change, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet whose work “begins in delight and ends in wisdom” (Carrie Fountain)

The work of Carl Dennis has won praise for its “integrity, its substance, and its seemingly effortless craft; and for its embodiment of passionate inquiry” ( Times Literary Supplement ). The title of his new collection, Earthborn , helps to point the way to its two central how to find meaning, as creatures of the earth, in lives that are short and frail and destined to be forgotten; and how, as stewards of the earth, to address the need to protect our home from ourselves, from the menace to life posed by our own species. The book succeeds in braiding together a recognition of our limits and of our responsibilities in ways that are deeply moving and revealing.

Genres: Poetry

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially enjoyed the middle sections.

I don’t usually read poetry and had mostly forgotten how. Once I slowed down, I got a lot out of this book. I especially appreciated the poems that further threaded our connection to the natural world by putting words to it.

This review does not do it justice. Just read it.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book of poetry by Carl Dennis. I prefer to read 2-3 poems a day so I can savor them.

[Sandra Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this. The first half especially resonated with me. The poetry flowed into everyday life, a nice way to appreciate the little thinks and slow down.

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked "Bottle of Wine" and "Guest List," but not much else.

[Catherine Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed these poems, my favorite is "Guest List".

[Awoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of the poetry in the book. It is short enough to read in one night.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice mix of poems about finding meaning in life and nature. I came in expecting more about the environment, but I still enjoyed it for what it was. 3.5 stars rounded up.

[Rachel Vardeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet book of poems. Dennis writes with authentic and genuine humility, his words a reminder to be a little kinder and more patient with each other and our planet.

[Regine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemplative. Reading Earthborn is like conversing with a gently observant friend who finds unexpected connections and meanings wherever he looks… and shares them.

[Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Adam Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carl Dennis is kind of like an alternate ending for someone like the unabomber.

[Ashley McMullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up Earthborn when my husband and I were visiting Talking Leaves . . . Books in Buffalo, NY. A friend of mine has inspired me to pick up a book about local interest or by a local author when I visit bookstores in other areas of the country, and this was that book.

I went in with low expectations and was surprised by how much I enjoyed Dennis's work. I didn't realize he had won a Pulitzer Prize in poetry either! This collection was all about climate change, our roles as humans on this planet with finite resources, and the fragility of both of those things. His poetry was easy to read and understand while also being beautifully written and beautifully descriptive. I'm glad this was a collection I read for National Poetry Month!