Queen for a Day: Selected And New Poems

What an incredible book of poems! Denise Duhamel's book is really a must-read for any poetry lover, especially those of the feminine sex. She has the ability to discourse on a variety of subjects in a way that is conversational, at times funny, at times serious, and extremely witty. She highlights simple, but realistic problems in the lives of women and portrays them very personally, making them ring true. My particular favorites in this collection were "Him-Whose-Penis-Never-Slept", "How the Sky Fell", and the entire section entitled "Kinky." Ladies, you need to read this section if you recall anything at all about your Barbie doll days. I have a feeling that men may not get as much out of this book as women will because of it's heavily feministic themes but I thought is was wonderful and well worth the read. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book!

Upon reading her poem Nick at Nite, you will understand just why I like Ms. Duhamel's work. It's crass, frank, funny, and altogether moving. The only question I would pose her if I did have the chance is whether her play on the words Nick at Nite was intentional or not. Either way if you enjoy witty poems with a bit of sentimentality to it this book is for you.

I am a student at Bowling Green (Ohio) and I got to hear Denise Duhamel read from her book last night on our campus. Her work is hilarious but also vey touching and human. Like all the jokes and criticism aimed at society implicate herself as well. I bought her book and she signed it for me! But I recommend this book highly, even if you can't get her to sign it. Her work is informative, challenging, and fun. Oh yeah, and she writes about Barbie dolls too.

It is a real joy to have so many of Duhamel's poems under one roof. Her development in narrative voice is amazing to watch--the book is arranged in chronological order. The newest poems are big and fat and full of fun! Duhamel is the new Queen of the New York School. She rules!

Denise Duhamel's poems amuse the muse. She can make you laugh; she can astound you with the turns her mind takes. She knows the difference between day and night, between Pepsi and Coke, and between Pepsi and Pope. In David Lehman's words, "With her cunning ingenuity she can talk on almost any subject, and this conversational ease as much as her celebration of culture and her good humor and deadpan funniness make her an excellent example of New York School poetics."