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mary_soon_lee's review
This anthology contains the contenders for the 2021 Dwarf Stars award for best short-short speculative poem (10 lines or fewer). By my count, this year there are 51 poems contained in 18 pages, ranging from science fiction to fantasy to horror. I found the selection uncommonly good: perhaps half of the poems being ones that I might have shortlisted (for voting purposes) in typical years.
As it was, I ended up with eight poems on my short list, all of which I loved, written by Robert Borski (two poems), Nick Hoffman, Ngo Binh Anh Khoa, Deborah P. Kolodji, Lauren McBride, Kimberly Nugent, Noel Sloboda. As ever, especially with such short poems, it was very subjective. Certain themes resonate with me (aliens, robots, space) and that undoubtedly had an effect. In any event, I highly recommend this short anthology of shorter poems.
P.S. One of my poems is included in the anthology, but, as per my policy, I will neither vote for it, nor comment on it.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. In the case of poetry books, for various reasons, I often omit an overall star rating.
As it was, I ended up with eight poems on my short list, all of which I loved, written by Robert Borski (two poems), Nick Hoffman, Ngo Binh Anh Khoa, Deborah P. Kolodji, Lauren McBride, Kimberly Nugent, Noel Sloboda. As ever, especially with such short poems, it was very subjective. Certain themes resonate with me (aliens, robots, space) and that undoubtedly had an effect. In any event, I highly recommend this short anthology of shorter poems.
P.S. One of my poems is included in the anthology, but, as per my policy, I will neither vote for it, nor comment on it.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. In the case of poetry books, for various reasons, I often omit an overall star rating.
divadiane's review
5.0
Another thoroughly delightful volume of short short speculative poetry. The decision of which poem should win, which get 2nd and 3rd places is going to be very, very difficult. When the winners have been announced I will revise my review and include my short list.
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