Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, MyShelf.com
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"Edgewater" an Essential
and Mythical Place-Poetry at Its Best

Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, columnist and reviewer for MyShelf.com and author of "This is the Place"

Those readers who read my MyShelf.com column, "Back to Literature," know that I love poetry but prefer it to be accessible. Edgewater, a new book of poetry, is absolutely accessible. It is also essential, hopeful and exquisite.

The author, Ruth L. Schwartz, takes the tiniest experiences-even those some might consider disgusting or depressing-and turns them into poetry. More than that, she molds them into joy. This is a book that those who think they don't like poetry might consider as a starter book for exploring a fine poet's heart. Start with the poem near the back called "Dog on the Floor in the Pet Food Aisle."

There is nothing that cannot benefit from Schwartz's eye: Read "After Columbine" or "Pondering the President's Semen on the Intern's Dress While the Screen Door Creaks." There is something for everyone here. Nothing is sacred, but then again, everything is.

Schwartz was selected by Jane Hirshfield for The National Poetry Series in 2001; each winner is assured publication and Edgewater appears under the Perennial imprint of HarperCollins this year. It is a well-deserved honor.

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Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of "This is the Place"