RaveThe West ReviewA tender and expansive collection that refuses to shy away from the depth of human experience. With a particular focus on the grief that is inextricably tied to living, Tierney showcases his ability to describe even the darkest moments with vibrancy ... Tierney [has a] talent for depicting even the darkest subjects with poignant vulnerability and precise language. Certainly, this adept control over language permeates each poem ... This collection is ripe with descriptions that leave lasting impressions on readers, reminding us that...amidst our grief, there is still much beauty.
Natalie Shapero
RaveThe West Review\"With pervasive wit and swift movement, Shapero explores the sometimes mundane—but often complex and heartbreaking—nature of existence. These poems range in subject matter from death, to consumerism, to nostalgia, to grappling with the everyday as Shapero invites her readers into her world—one of nuanced humor and contemplation ... With a straightforwardness that weaves through the majority of her writing, the poet examines issues like life and death and Heaven and Hell with piercing wit. And, while much of this collection features this more comical tone, there are also moments of somber reflection ... Popular Longing explores universal concerns, including mortality, memory, and the difficulties of existence—and Shapero explores these themes in a way that is full of wit and freshness. With her distinct voice and the richness of the subject matter, she draws her readers in with her vivid storytelling and her dark yet relatable humor. This expansive collection serves as a reminder to us all of the complexity of life, but also of the humor and levity gleaned from our very human experiences.
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