American Melancholy is the title of Joyce Carol Oates’ latest collection of poems. These poems have appeared over the last couple of decades in top-name publications where we mortal poets wish we were published. While there are a few obviously personal poems, most of the poems are political, or political in a personal way, and have a lot to say about what America has become. My favorites include “Doctor Help Me,” a poem about abortion, “Hatefugue,” and “To Marlon Brando in Hell.” Oates is a skilled writer and worth studying if you’re a poet looking to learn how to write effectively.

Here’s what Publishers Weekly says:

https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-303526-3