Everything Comes Next: Collected and New Poems Hardcover – Illustrated, September 29, 2020

Poignant, insightful, longing, heartaching, reflective, joyful, aware...these words and more describe the Collected and New Poems of Naomi Shihab Nye. She has paused in these works to grasp the human experience. She takes time to explore actions we take for granted and observations that upon reflection contain level after level of meaning. Mostly, though, she simply connects to the human soul. Take your time to savor this offering. And like art of any kind beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, yet please make sure to love the Burning House, and Mohammad Zeid of Gaza, age 15 about stray bullets; and if that moves you then try Everything in Our World Did Not Seem to Fit; then check Shoulders; and Gate A-4 for those who enjoy sacraments; and then, of course, on page 222, Kindness.

I’ve never tried to read a complete book of poems—only poems here and there that caught my attention. But in this book almost everything caught me, made me aware, entertained me. Thank you Mrs nye.

I've shared many of these poems with friends, other readers. All were happy to read her work and shared them with others. We were moved by the considerate vision through which she enabled us to see our place in this world with increased understanding.

Have admired this poet since I heard her at Chautauqua years ago.

Beautiful collection of poetry!

Everything Comes Next is A beautiful children’s book full of poetry to encourage thoughts, kindness, inclusion, and embracing life. Some poems are fun thoughts that kids will identify with. Other poems are more abstract and will require deeper explanations.At times the book reads like a children’s diary of moments in time. Some are beautiful reflections of life, culture, cheer, family, loss, and adventures. I did get stuck in a few places where I wasn’t sure what type of prose the author was reading. Still, the book is full of inspiration to talk and daydream about with the children in your life.

I love Naomi Shihab Nye's work when I love it. Do you know what I mean? She is one of those brilliant writers whose work, when it touches me, slices me to the core. On the other hand, some of the poems leave me feeling distant. I just can't find a way in. Maybe it's because I'm not knowledgeable enough in history and politics. I love her poems that take on these topics (and many others) and make them personal and universal at the same time. But some of them feel locked away, like I don't have the secret key I need to read and really FEEL them. I'm always grateful to read one of her books, because I know there will be gems for me to find. I highlighted many lines and whole poems to come back and revisit.Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Before looking at this collection of her works spanning her career (including a few new ones), I had not heard of this poet before. Her take on the world is a fascinating one, as she has lived the life of a first-generation Arab American. The book is broadly divided into three sections that have poems that relate to childhood, her father and the immigrant experience, and the interesting people she has met along the way. Some are prose poems while others are shorter forms. Some give insight into the minutest aspect of life while others look at the universal that can be understood through one person’s perspective or bring up broader themes. Even though the author is the Young People’s Poet Laureate, some poems might be a little too raw for some children. However, I did find this book of poems from the entirety of one poet’s career an insightful read.I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.