Voices In the Air: Poems For Listeners

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

In this collection of poetry, Nye reminds us to listen to the world. The poems cover topics such as racism and war; mentioned specifically are Gaza, Aleppo, and Ferguson. She pays tribute to Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Bruce Springsteen, Lucille Clifton, Walt Whitman, Jack Kerouac, Henry David Thoreau, and Robert Louis Stevenson. Together these poems feel like a collection of musings on the world through Nye’s eyes. She is often critical of the world, but overall this collection also offers a sense of hope. Biographical notes provide insight and background to the people mentioned in the book. Individually these poems would make great conversation starters and introductory lessons in classrooms. This is a recommended purchase for school libraries.

Overall Book Score: very good