Suzanne R Harvey

"Acerbic, erudite, heartfelt, stylish and witty, the poems in this impressive late career collection confirm Suzanne R. Harvey as an American poet we should all be reading. Her intelligent way of fusing formal control and emotional candour allows this poet to make poems that startle, move, and amuse, with their brilliant clarity of vision."--Todd Swift, author of Seaway: New and Selected Poems and editor of Nthposition (UK)

"The cadence of Harvey's poetry carries her work toward accessible events in everyday life, as well as to the realms of mythic history and literary allusion. As each poem is absorbed we become woven into the threads and are taken to ancient places that are exotic yet modern and just next door."--David Fraser, editor, Ascent Aspirations Magazine (Canada)

"There is a depth of reflection and an honesty of emotion in Harvey's work that draws the reader in and repays the attention given. Her control of mood and precision of vocabulary are remarkable."--Graham Nunn, editor SpeedPoets Magazine (Australia)

"Suzanne R. Harvey's poems speak with both honest experience and a profound sadness that resonates through each verse. They are a gift to the poetry world."--Karina Bowman, editor, Thick With Conviction (USA)

"Suzanne R. Harvey ... exhibits a great grasp of imagery, movement and that finished, professional tone that is so hard to achieve. Particularly well-written. I will certainly read more of her work."--F. James Hartnell, editor, Current Accounts (UK)… (mer)

June 24, 1999; USA Today book review

"Most everyone recognizes the importance of a college education for earning a living; fewer acknowledge the importance of college in learning how to live a life," the authors write. College is about "discovering who you are." Includes musings on alcohol and sex, dealing with peer pressure and respecting diversity.

Author credentials: The parents of three adult sons, the Harveys, each with multiple academic credentials, served as resident fellows in an all-freshman dorm at Stanford University from 1988 to 1997.

Style: Philosophical, with liberal doses of personal and poignant reminiscences.

Sample tip: There are more words of wisdom than practical advice, but tips include "Don't let yourself or your parents use grades as a basis for identity or self-definition."

Handy features: Includes a short section on gaffes parents should avoid on move-in day, such as "When confronting the challenge of meeting (daughter) Carol's roommate, try not to appropriate every square inch of space for Carol's refrigerator, Carol's microwave, Carol's television, and Carol's VCR, particularly if Carol's roommate has not yet arrived."… (mer)