3.5
A quick and enjoyable poetry collection. I enjoyed reading these poems, and while for me they didn't quite stir the emotions I'd hoped for it to be a standout poetry collection. I am glad that I read it.

These poems confounded me a bit. I went in really expecting to enjoy them, given the off center premise and the idea of slightly alien agrarian (llamas!) and family dynamics. But I couldn't connect with them. Maybe it was that the whiplash between (farm and interpersonal) violence and the day to day was handled too matter of fatly for my cultural perspective to understand? Whichever, I had a very difficult time connecting with these poems, which probably says more about me than it does the poetry.

I truly thought this was terrible. I didn’t enjoy even one of these poems. Each poem felt like the author took a bunch of different puzzles, put all their pieces in a bag, and pulled them out randomly to construct some random collection that didn’t fit together in any way. I don't recommend this collection of poetry.

I enjoyed this collection, the poems are hopeful but also show the hard work and endurance which goes into this country life. An easy and pleasant read.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection. Raw, authentic, interesting and finally for once in the world of poetry today, original. 'Taking in the Stray' is when I realized this was great work. The imagery is visceral, the language is perfected -there isn't a line that can be changed. Extremely recommended for anyone who appreciates poetry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Michigan State University Press for the opportunity to read this and provide my honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4129035618?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

I am not very fond of the book. Few important points would be poor formatting of the kindle version which is very difficult to read followed by excessively lengthy poems which couldn't keep me intrigued throughout the entirety of the book

trigger warning
<spoiler> mention of suicide </spoiler>

I had this theory that I don't get on with poetry because what I came across, especially in school and through popular names, is love poetry and I am aro-ace. A while back I read and enjoyed Mary Oliver's Dog Poems, so I jumped at the opportunity to read llama poems.

This is an autobiographical collection by a poet who grew up on a farm, where llamas lived for a long time.

I liked it. The flow of words, the rhythms. The topics discussed.
For some reason, I feel as if I had listened to chickens clucking while feeding.

The arc was provided by the publisher.