EDITORIAL REVIEWS:
"One of my gauges for enjoying a poetry book depends on my full engagement with all the selections, not just some pieces but all. There are plenty of good or great poets that sprinkle their volumes with a few shining verses, but in Ute Carson's new poetry book, Listen, the enchantment sings throughout."
--Kim Hazelwood, Amazon reviewer
"As promised by the striking cover of Listen, Ute Carson's latest collection is a poetic embrace of life cycles. Widely published over the years, the author blends new and previous gems in an impeccable arrangement. By the first two powerful entries, the reader, too, responds to Carson's touch-her nudge toward compassion in "Waiting for..." and self-reflection in "Then and Now." That these two pieces were first published quite recently speaks to Ute Carson's unflagging inspiration and productivity. Once you begin a book of hers, you cannot put it down. Later in Listen, "The Quotidian" has lines I want to read again and again, "...I glimpse an ordinary stone/glowing in the moon's watchful beams." Another wonderful poem, proof that there is nothing ordinary about Ute Carson."
--Judith Austin Mills, Amazon reviewer
"I loved reading and reading these poems! In Listen, Ute weaves a poignant narrative of what it means to be engaged with the world by drawing on her childhood influences, educational background, and experiences as a friend, lover, and grandparent. I enjoyed Carson's poetry because her desire for her readers to pause and engage with her words is evident within the lines such as when she writes: "How do we venture into the lives of others/and still remain true to ourselves." Furthermore, Carson's poems convey to her readers her enchantment with the world around us during every stage of our existence. I also loved her nature imagery such as in the poem "Bleeding Trees" when she writes: "The wind of mortality/sweeps through the woods/stripping away leaves/and downing limbs/Sap turns to bleeding tears." I highly recommend this beautiful book of poetry as Carson is able to relate seemingly specific experiences and transform them to resonate with a broader audience."
--Siobhan M, Amazon reviewer
"Ute Carson's writing speaks to the soul. Her poems have something that relate to everyone. Her books make the perfect gift! Her words hit you like the "quote" you need at that moment! If you have never read poetry try this book-it will surprise you and give you hope for tomorrow."'
--Jasmine Pantuso, Amazon reviewer
"Listen is a collection of engaging poems which invites one to read it again and again. The poetry evokes forgotten memories of naive youth, parental pressures, and the ever-present aging process. Carson's carefully chosen phrases prompt emotional responses from the reader as they describe her personal experiences. Her acute awareness of the beauty in nature is woven delicately into her verse which enhances our appreciation of how we live in harmony with our surroundings. This is an exceptional book which will give the reader pleasure, insight, and comfort."
--G. Merrell, Amazon reviewer
"Ute Carson and I have had very different life paths, but her poems are always relatable. Her words impact my thoughts, emotions, and give me much to ponder. They take me into a world I wouldn't otherwise get to expereience. Her poems are a gift to all.
--Melissa Weiner, Amazon reviewer
