Behind My Eyes

I first heard the author reading his poetry on the radio and decided to buy the book. The book includes a CD of his readings and I still enjoy hearing him read it more than reading it myself. Many of his poems I don't understand but I pick up more as I go back to them and read them again.

There are very beautiful poems in this collection. I have always admired Li-Young Lee's early work, and I see how he has grown here. He has always been a champion of the power of memory within; he continues exploring this theme, interfacing it with his very nimble imagination. I taught several of these poems to my students and they described the work as "soft", "naked" and "grasping", which I think is a lovely characterization of his work. The breadth of his imagination is extraordinary, and makes these poems works that can be read over and over, and still be deeply satisfying. I found the CD to be excellent, as the intimacy of his voice extends the intimacy of the poems. A great tool for teachers of poetry; Lee reads his work serenely, and with quiet and inviting emotion.