I read this collection of poetry in its entirety, but most of the work didn't catch my attention. A lot of it seemed shallow. Maybe I just wasn't doing a good job of analyzing or reading, but I didn't experience a thorough enjoyment of this work. It was a bit bland for my taste.

Rose McLarney writes compelling poetry about Appalachia, environmental impact, conservation, home and heritage. There is a lot of food for thought in each poem and several stuck with me after reading. My favorite poems were "admiring audubon's carolina parakeets", "many kinds make the crowd", "and still i want to bring life into this world", and "before the first bell" - each powerful on its own.

I remember hearing Rose McLarney read from Its Day Being Gone when it first came out, and I was struck by her singular observations of the natural world in all its beauty and brutality. Forage resonates with me in the same way. Ranging and introspective, this collection is a fine addition to her oeuvre.

A couple of hours ago, poet Tara Skurtu tweeted:

"How do you describe your poetry?"

me: "I don't describe my poetry."

That particular sentiment sums up my feelings well when the topic is reviewing my favorite poetry collections. I want people to read the poets I love, but I rarely have the words to describe exactly what it is that excites me about a particular collection. There are skilled reviewers who can do this, and do it well, and for those I am grateful. However, the best I can usually do is say, "I love this one, and I think you will, too."

That is certainly the case with Forage, by Rose McLarney. Not only did I enjoy this book immensely, I am excited about reading her other books which had escaped my attention before now. A good sign for me when discovering a new (to me) poet is how much I look forward to seeking out their previous published works. Read this one. I loved it, and I know you will, too.

A raw compendium of emotion and excellent points. I wasn't sure what to expect going in and was hooked immediately. This is the kind of book that you can either binge or pick up and put down as you like.

Forage was a beautiful and heartbreaking work of art. This poetry collection stayed with me long beyond my finishing it and I ended up purchasing a physical copy for my own collection because I wanted to read this over and over and over again. I cannot wait to read more of her poetry.