I am a huge fan of Sarah Manguso, and I’ve passed through her books of essays, a memoir, and another book of poetry, before coming to the "Captain." I found this, her first volume of poetry, to be much stronger that her other poetry collection, "Siste Viator." Uniquely, her poems are generally longer than the abbreviated form she uses for her other writings.

The originality and eccentric nature of her writing style is on full display in her poetry, as she explores nostalgia, love, remorse, and the joys of new worlds of all kinds. She has the ability to dart off in any direction at any time, where she may surprise, even disturb, and likely amuse the reader. One minute you may be thinking how very weird her writing is, and then you will feel the strength of her honesty being very focused and straightforward. Her work is unique, intelligent, and always clever. I love how her mind works on the page; in whatever form it takes. ( )