Marie Howe

Marie Howe is an American poet and educator known for her deeply personal works exploring themes of loss, spirituality, and human relationships. Her most acclaimed collections include "What the Living Do" (1997), "The Kingdom of Ordinary Time" (2008), and "Magdalene" (2017). As the State Poet of New York from 2012 to 2014, Howe brought poetry into public discourse through readings, workshops, and educational initiatives. Her work frequently draws from personal experiences, including the death of her brother from AIDS, which became a central theme in "What the Living Do." Howe's poetry is characterized by its accessibility and conversational tone, often incorporating elements of narrative and Catholic imagery. She currently serves as a professor at Sarah Lawrence College, where she teaches in the MFA program in creative writing. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation, as well as the Lambda Literary Award.

Readers connect deeply with Howe's direct, conversational writing style and her treatment of grief, love, and daily life. Many note her ability to make complex emotions accessible without simplifying them. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward language that remains profound - Honest portrayal of loss and mourning, especially in "What the Living Do" - Ability to find meaning in ordinary moments - Religious imagery that appeals to both spiritual and secular readers What readers disliked: - Some poems feel too prosaic or lacking in metaphor - Religious references can be heavy-handed - Occasional repetitive themes Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - What the Living Do: 4.4/5 (2,800+ ratings) - Magdalene: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) - The Kingdom of Ordinary Time: 4.2/5 (900+ ratings) Amazon averages 4.5/5 across collections. One reader noted: "Her poems read like intimate conversations with a close friend." Another commented: "She transforms everyday moments into profound revelations without being pretentious."

What the Living Do (1997) A collection of poems dealing with the death of her brother from AIDS, family relationships, and daily life observations.

The Good Thief (1988) Poetry collection exploring religious imagery, childhood memories, and personal transformation through a contemporary lens.

The Kingdom of Ordinary Time (2008) Poems examining the intersection of mundane daily experiences with spiritual and philosophical questions.

Magdalene (2017) Poetry collection reimagining the biblical figure of Mary Magdalene in modern contexts while exploring femininity and desire.

From the New World: Poems 1976-2014 (2015) A comprehensive selection of poems spanning multiple decades of Howe's work, including both previously published and new pieces.

The Dream Handler: A Story (1996) A short story dealing with themes of grief, healing, and personal transformation.

Sharon Olds writes confessional poetry focused on family relationships and the female body. Her work, like Howe's, explores intimate moments and loss while maintaining accessibility to readers.

Louise Glück examines mythology and personal experience through spare, precise language. She shares Howe's interest in spiritual themes and family dynamics.

Mark Doty creates poetry centered on mortality, grief, and human connections. His work deals with AIDS and loss in a way that parallels Howe's exploration of her brother's death.

Jane Hirshfield writes poetry influenced by Zen Buddhism and everyday observations. She shares Howe's contemplative approach and focus on transformative moments in ordinary life.

Li-Young Lee explores family history, memory, and immigrant experience through lyric poetry. His work contains similar emotional depth to Howe's and deals with relationships between siblings and parents.