This book is for those of us who want to read more poetry but are frequently stopped by its–what is it? Its chilly self-seriousness? Its unwillingness to hold our hand every so often, while cracking an easy joke? Either way, Sarah Manguso, like her spiritual siblings David Berman and Tony Hoagland, is a friendly kind of savior and guide. Her writing is gorgeous and cerebral (imagine Anne Carson) but she doesn’t skimp on the wit (imagine Anne Carson’s ne'er-do-well niece). Poetry-fearers, don’t back away from this beautiful book; these might be the pages that bring you back into the form. –Dave Eggers