Crush (Volume 99) (Yale Series of Younger Poets) Paperback – April 11, 2005

CRUSH is an exceptional book of poetry that does not lose in depth of artwork and mastery when compared to other historical masterworks. Despite this, it is still very approachable. Unlike many other collections of poetry, it can still be appreciated on an experiential level by those who do not have extensive prior knowledge about poetry.However, it is not light reading. The main themes are personal reflection on the experiences of living as a gay man, using the medium of film as a tool throughout to address stereotypes, storytelling, and the way we transition between different stories that we tell about ourselves. Despite this, the book also has humorous elements and is very witty.With time and discussion, greater depth can always be found in the poems. After taking the time to sink into Siken’s style, this collection becomes a treasure trove of lyricism, confrontation with reality, and heartfelt reflection. This is one of the few books that really inspired me to continue writing poetry.His style is unique and well-developed throughout. Siken is a master of phrasing and incorporating colloquial language into his poetry. Overall, on a stylistic level and content-wise, this is a really exceptional book. I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in poetry, but especially people who have lost interest and are looking for something to ignite their imagination again. For those people who wish to appreciate the genre and are looking for a more accessible way into poetry, this may not be the first book to go to, but it could be one of the first few.

Richard Siken's Crush is a visceral collection that plunges readers into the depths of desire and obsession with a cinematic urgency. Each poem is charged with raw emotion, blending themes of love and violence that leave a lasting impact. Siken’s confessional style and vivid imagery create a compelling and immersive experience that is both unsettling and enthralling.

Crush is a three part collection of poetry. The first two parts are almost flawless while the third has some moments of weakness. That said, the first two parts are so good that the third part can not detract from their power.Part One establishes several motifs that wind their way through the poems of parts two and three effectively binding them together. The mood of part one also throws the reader into a sense of claustrophobic grief and yearning that pervades the poems.While at times difficult to read, the poems are strikingly honest and immediate. The sexual undertone is both symbolic and explicit at once: in The Torn-Up Road, Siken provides the powerful metaphor of "a boat slamming into the dock."Siken frequently uses "You" turning the reading experience into a conversation between the reader and the poet. Although the poems are often tragic they are also filled with surprising humor. "We clutch our bellies and roll on the floor...When I say this it should mean laughter, not poison."Part Two is similar to part one but the poetry is even wilder and more tightly focused on the crush. "Boot Theory" is a spectacular opening poem and "Saying Your Names" provides an equally exquisite closing.The final section is the most philosophical and at times the meaning becomes opaque as in the mammoth poem "You are Jeff" it is unclear what emotional argument Siken is trying to capture with his extended metaphors.However, the final poem "Snow and Dirty Rain manages to summarize the emotional journey of the collection and brings a sense of closure. Siken hits several helpful notes and provides a thesis for the entire collecion: "We can do anything. It's not because our hearts are large, they're not, it's what we struggle with."Part

Loved them

“Crush” by Richard Siken is a chapbook of poems that work perfectly together. What is it like to be a boy that falls for another boy? They both love each other, but they aren’t supposed to voice it. All set against a backdrop of hallucinatory dreams, obsession, maybe murder, & a crushing world none of us really fit in. Siken has a truly great way of creating images with his sometimes violent, sometimes beautiful, & sometimes both words. The poems also feel like a serial, asking you to devour them in one sitting. & then read them again. I’ll definitely read again. 💜“I Had a Dream About You” is probably the poem I like best, though “You Are Jeff” is the poem I’ll continue to think about.Also, from Louise Glück’s forward, “And the triumph of ‘Crush’ is that it writhes and blazes while at the same time holding the reader utterly: ‘sustaining interest’ seems far too mild a term for this effect. What holds is sheer art, despite the apparent abandon.”

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You won't find m any books like this one! Its a wild ride but fascinating. I read it through in one sitting then read it again.