Begin Again: New and Collected Poems

Begin Again is a collection that combines poetry from Grace Paley's long career with previously unpublished works. The book spans decades of writing from the celebrated author known primarily for her short stories and political activism. The poems address life in New York City, family relationships, aging, social justice, and war through direct, conversational language. Many pieces center on observations of daily moments, from conversations with neighbors to reflections while gardening. The collection moves between personal and political themes, incorporating both intimate family narratives and broader commentary on Vietnam, nuclear proliferation, and women's rights. Paley's background as a peace activist and feminist shapes many of the works. These poems explore the intersection of private experience with public conscience, examining how personal choices connect to larger social movements. The writing demonstrates Paley's commitment to finding meaning and possibility in everyday encounters.

Readers find Paley's poems accessible and rooted in everyday experiences, with many appreciating her straightforward language and focus on family, aging, politics, and social justice. Reviews note her ability to combine humor with serious subjects. Likes: - Clear, conversational writing style - Integration of political themes with personal narratives - Strong sense of voice and authenticity - Short, memorable poems Dislikes: - Some poems feel repetitive in theme - Political messages can be heavy-handed - Collection's organization lacks cohesion - Several readers wanted more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (147 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) One reader on Goodreads wrote: "Her poems read like intimate conversations with a wise friend." Another noted: "The political poems sometimes overpower the more nuanced personal ones." LibraryThing users gave particular praise to her poems about aging and family relationships, though some found the collection uneven in quality.

Words Under the Words by Naomi Shihab Nye This collection weaves together personal narratives, family histories, and observations of daily life with the same attention to human connection found in Paley's work.

What Work Is by Philip Levine The poems speak to working-class experiences and social justice themes that mirror Paley's political consciousness and commitment to community voices.

Late Wife by Claudia Emerson These poems explore relationships, loss, and domestic life through clear narrative structures that echo Paley's storytelling approach.

Wild Iris by Louise Glück The collection combines personal reflection with broader social observation in a way that reflects Paley's integration of the intimate and political.

Red Suitcase by Mary Morris The poems document urban life, family relationships, and social concerns through concise, direct language similar to Paley's poetic style.

🌟 Grace Paley began her career as a poet but became famous for her short stories before returning to poetry later in life, making this collection a full-circle moment in her literary journey 📝 Though published posthumously in 2000, many of the poems in Begin Again were written during Paley's active involvement in the Vietnam War protests, reflecting her lifelong commitment to social justice 🎭 The collection includes both previously published works and poems found among Paley's papers after her death, offering readers a comprehensive view of her poetic evolution over several decades ✍️ Despite being known primarily as a fiction writer, Paley once said that poetry was her first love and that she wrote poems "in the middle of the night while my children were sleeping" 🏆 Begin Again was assembled with help from Paley's husband Robert Nichols and her close friend Vera Williams, who carefully curated the collection to represent both her political voice and her intimate domestic observations