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Synopsis
This sixth collection of poems by Billy Collins touches on a wide range of subjects from jazz to death, from weather to sex. His language is contoured, self-aware and full of juxtapositions.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Billy Collin's latest collection, "Picnic, Lightning" is a smart, funny, moving glimpse into everything from a Victoria's Secret catalog ("Victoria's Secret") to an encyclopedia ("What I Learned Today"), personal relationships ("Paradelle for Susan," which introduced me to a whole new poetic form) to the joy of jazz ("I Chop Parsley...", "Jazz and Nature"). Casual in tone, Collins' poems don't make the reader struggle with poetic diction or unfamiliar vocabulary. Like quiet conversation in a coffee house, they offer a friendly intimacy in their simplicity of subject, and yet challenge the reader with the unexpected leaps Collins makes in his imagery and ideas. "I Chop Parsley..." for example, starts out as a narrative about preparing a meal, becomes a meditation on jazz and a nursery rhyme, and all the while is an examination of how we try to hide our own emotional vulnerability even from ourselves. This poem (one of my favorites in the book) is a wonderful illustration of how willing Collins is to usher his readers into his interior world, observed with a wry self-knowledge and a refreshing gentleness. This is a collection written for readers in the late 20th century who value honesty, humor, razor-sharp observation, and hard-earned wisdom. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
The first time I read a Billy Collins poem I literally cried with recognition of something he was able to capture in words...that has happened to me many times since. His poetry is like clear water flowing, it's healing and revealing, it's good for a headache, good for your sense of perspective. He manages to be really accessible without being anything like shallow, his poetic voice addresses the reader with respect, without sounding patronizing. You don't have to write poetry to love and to "get" Billy Collins' poems. So, buy the book already!!!
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I came across this poet by chance and was eager to read one of his collections. 'Picnic. Lightning' was a good choice, I enjoyed the work and will be reading more of Billy Collins as a result.
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4.2 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
If you have not heard of him, try him.
I bought this book last year after being introduced to his work by an American friend. I read bits of it and took to his work instantly - he has a subtle sense of humour, and an... Read more
Published on 15 Oct 2000 by jesjaspers
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best book of the summer
Billy Collins' Picnic Lightning has already become the best reading experience of this summer, for me at least. Read more
Published on 25 Jun 1999
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tightly focused little gems
What a pleasure reading Billy Collins' Picnic, Lightning. Each poem is precisely drawn, pulling you into these small moments of nature, life, beauty. A treat to read.
Published on 20 Jun 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
humor, humility, and an open wound
the humor and humility with which Collins approaches his poetry does not detract from its gunslinging effects - often leaving the reader on his back on the floor, feeling his... Read more
Published on 18 Jun 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is an outstanding book of poetry
How does he do it? Billy Collins takes everyday experiences and makes them his own, and then he gives them to us in perfect form and tone. An amazing book of verse. Read more
Published on 21 May 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
Collins makes the ordinary happenings of life memorable.
I bring Picnic, Lightning with me everywhere. The train, the laundrymat, the coffeeshop, the DMV (especially the DMV). Read more
Published on 13 Jan 1999
5.0 out of 5 stars
An extraordinary book, even for Billy Collins, Picnic Lightn
Picnic Lightning is an extraordinary book, even for Billy Collins. It dances well beyond the surface of things. Those who read Collins and think it ephemeral need look again. . Read more
Published on 31 Oct 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
well crafted, entertaining and insightful.
i never used to like poetry, but billy collins turned me on to it. cute isn't quite the right word to describe his poems, but they're definately entertaining. Read more
Published on 24 Jun 1998
5.0 out of 5 stars
Collins' sincerity speaks to the heart
Billy Collins is a very sincere and honest poet. He writes about whatever moment he happens to be experiencing; because of this, one could compare him to William Carlos Williams. Read more
Published on 12 April 1998
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