In Cemeteries and Galaxies, John Koethe weaves through childhood moments, long-ago conversations, and cosmic scale questions, always returning to that familiar mix of wonder and doubt.

I love anything that makes me think about how small we are in the scope of time and everything that came before us. This stuck with me: “It’s odd how each of us / Is everything, and yet there’s nothing there for us to talk about.” That quiet ache runs through the whole collection. These poems will be on my mind.

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for the ARC.

I’ll start by saying this isn’t quite my kind of poetry collection. I tend to gravitate toward poems that stand on their own, each with a distinct voice or shape. In Cemeteries and Galaxies, many of the poems felt quite similar in tone and structure, often beginning with quotations from other sources—which just isn’t my personal preference.

That said, this is for someone!

Thank you Farrar, Straus and Giroux and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own!

This collection was an interesting and contemplative read. The poetry was meandering and philosophical and reminded me Louis MacNeice with a touch of Walt Whitman. Poetry can be so subjective, and I think I generally prefer something a bit more immediate and imagery-based, but Cemeteries and Galaxies interesting to dive into.

Oh, rating poetry is always so hard! I found John Koethe's poems both beautiful and complicated. He poses so many deeply philosophical questions, veiled in his own conversations with his artistic friends. It's a truly unique perspective! I found myself highlighting many lines to ponder deeper for myself and my own experiences.

I wanted to like this, but the poetry just didn’t work for me.
While the messages being explored are interesting, the style of writing wasn’t my personal favourite.
Overall, an interesting collection that will have you thinking.

Cemeteries and Galaxies was a poetry collection that I feel would have worked better for me if I heard the poetry recited rather than reading. I enjoyed most of the poems, but, personally, wasn't able to connect with them the way I would have liked. My favorite was "The Divinity Within," and the title poem "Cemeteries and Galaxies." I did enjoy the narrative structure of the poems and the reflections on existential questions they posed. I would recommend this title for anyone who enjoys poetry.

Thank you for NetGalley for an eARC.

An insightful and thought provoking collection. Whilst reading these I paused to really take in the words. So many relatable questions are put forth. Each poem leaves a lasting impression.

Loved how this was laid out! One of my first poetry books and I was honestly really into it. I enjoyed how I was able to feel the words