Octopus

by Tom C. Hunley

Number three in the Holland Series. The Holland Prize originated in 2005 to recognize the best unpublished book of poetry in American English.

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Sherry Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Rattle e-review, Michael Meyerhofer says:

Tom Hunley’s Octopus is the kind of book that feels like the poet had just as much fun writing it as I had reading it. . . . Here is a poet of sharp wit, integrity, and bittersweet intellect. He is also a fine craftsman of sharp imagery.

That just about sums it up for all of Hunley's work that I've read. Hunley's poems are often a hoot to read, and yet, you find, they've touched your heart.

Tom, an associate professor of English at Western Kentucky University, is the author of several books, including The Tongue (Wind Publications) and Octopus (Logan House Press), 2007 winner of the Holland Prize. He is also founder and director of Steel Toe Books.

Oh, and he's also book review editor of Poemeleon.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't many poetry books about which I could say that I couldn't put it down, but that's what happened with this one--I honestly couldn't put it down and stayed up late one night finishing it. It was riveting and including some simply amazing poems, including "The Dental Hygienist," "Best Wishes," "Ism-Ism," and many others.