Many writers seek out reviewers for their written works for a variety of reasons ranging from affirmation to advice, yet some written works are easier to review than others. Reviewers know how to review fiction, non-fiction, and audiobooks, yet when it comes to poetry many reviewers struggle with what to write in their review and what to focus on. This issue is often caused by a lack of understanding of poetry, not knowing poetry terms to use in the review, and not knowing how to review a collection of poetry when each poem can be on a different topic.

Lack of Understanding of Poetry and Poetry Terms

For those who do not understand poetry, sometimes the best thing to do is simply review poems as a lack of understanding can lead to a negative review of content undeserving of such a review. However, for the persistent and determined reviewer, a lack of understanding can be resolved by seeking assistance from those who do understand poetry. If such a person is not available to the reviewer then literacy resources available, as most libraries can prove an invaluable resource for furthering one's understanding of poetry.

In order to be able to successfully review poetry, it is important that the reviewer understands or gains an understanding of poetry terms like rhythm, verse, and a basic understanding of the different types of poems. This knowledge can be found at https://www.poetryfoundation.org which provides clear definitions on various terms and can provide an idea of certain poetry terminology that a reviewer can include in their review in order to provide specific feedback to the writer.

How to Review a Collection When Each Poem is on a Different Topic

First, the reviewer should begin by summarizing the collection in the first paragraph of the review. When each poem is on a different topic, the best thing a reviewer can do is to start by discussing the main theme or themes of the collection. Then the reviewer could continue by mentioning how many poems are in the collection and writing a few of the different topics that the poetry collections features. The reviewer might then end the summary with a question to the reader. Here is an example of this summarizing technique:

This collection holds more than sixty different poems with each being on the topic of a different aspect of a raising a child. Playdates, co-parenting, handling tantrums, and the first day of school are but a few of the topics that are explored in poetry verses in this collection by the author. Are you ready to explore what child raising truly is through this collection of humorous poems written by a mother of three?  

When it comes time to write the review part of the actual poems themselves, the reviewer should focus on the writing style, rhythm, organization, emotional effect, and enjoyment of the collection. The reviewer should single out their favorite poem or the best poem of the collection for a more in-depth review.