I expected more from this collection but this was rather underwhelming. It has metaphors quite commonly used which are usually tough for me to understand, especially in poetry.

The theme of the poems were good as they talked about memories of grandparents. But I didn't felt connected to these poems.

<p>I continue my quest to better appreciate poetry. This one has the word <i>math</i> in the title. I like <i>math</i>. By transitivity ... </p>

<p>Yeah, poetry doesn't work like that. </p>

<p>Again, I struggle with my attempts to appreciate poetry. Do I simply not appreciate poetry? Is <A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/20519582/book/147258283">Math for Couples</a> not poetry to be appreciated? There are moments, little lines and turns of phrases that were like the snap of Lego pieces fitting together when I read it, but today, the day afterwards, I couldn't tell you what any of those lines were. I can tell you the first group of poems has lots to do with thinking about grandmothers; I think a lot of about my grandmother, so that was for me. There were also some poems that were more rhythmic, repeating syllables, mixing syllables up, getting somewhere new (i.e. <i>yatter</i> on page 77); poems like that remind me of playing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=recQMDVlW7U">Bartok on the piano</a>, going back between smooth and choppy, and I like the contrast. But none of the poems rhymed, and I'm realizing that in my louche, uneducated way, I really like rhyming poetry (like A.A. Milne). Like I can say I <i>like</i> certain rhyming poems (say <a href="http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/~ridge/local/disobedience.html">Disobedience</a> by A.A. Milne), but other than a second here and there with the vanishing Lego click moments, I don't know if I <i>liked</i> the entirety of a poem in <A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/20519582/book/147258283">Math for Couples</a>. Also, I didn't dislike one single thing either. I read the poems, I worked on appreciating the poems, but then I got to the end, still as befuddled about <i>good</i> poetry as I ever was.</p>

<p>And the eponymous Math for Couples poem: I saw what it was trying to do, but my math-brain shuddered at the lines with <i>1+1 > 2</i> and <i>1+1 <2</i>. Put numbers in and the literal part of my brain takes over. Another poem was in a table though. I thought that was interesting.</p>

<p><A href="https://www.librarything.com/work/20519582/book/147258283">Math for Couples</a> by Adele Graf went on sale April 1, 2017.</p>

<p><small>I received a copy free from <a href="https://www.netgalley.com/">Netgalley</a> in exchange for an honest review.</small></p>

A very beautiful collection of poems. The perfect book for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.

I found many favourites, the young granddaughter, who tries, concentrating hard, hands trembling, to sign for the first time a present with her name or the wonderful poem about discovering love anew during memopause years, where the woman offers heat for two, but Barrel Girl stood out the most for me.
I believe every woman will feel at one point in her life like the Barrel Girl.

I really enjoyed MATH FOR COUPLES. It was a compelling and interesting book of poetry. Adele Graf has a marvellous way with words, and it was a book of poetry that, overall, I really enjoyed reading.

I would definitely recommend MATH FOR COUPLES. I thought that it would be a book about love and, uh, math, but it was so much more than that, and I was delighted to discover that through reading it.

The continuation of life is celebrated in “math for couples” as grandparents and parents pass on and become memories. The shape of connections to the past, the present and future are formed—in thought, impressions, and actions. This thoughtfully written debut collection is authored by Canadian editor and creative writing teacher Adele Graf. Many of these poems have been previously published in several notable Canadian publications. Ms. Graf immigrated from NYC in 1968, and is lives in Ottawa, Canada.

In the opening poem, “Sorehenna: as her, none” and “Swee-Touch –Nee” Graf compares her start in life with Picasso’s “Woman in a Hat with Flowers”. The memory of her grandmother is treasured and preserved as she sets a tea service for her memory; or in the spirit returning to the earth in seasons blooming in new spring wildflowers, Vermillion poppies, yellow and white daisies. “Greek island legacy” and “tonic (for my grandmother)” are additional poems recall that her grandmother didn’t seem to mind the skipping of Yiddish tradition, and stuffed Christmas stockings with nuts and pears. Grandfather Frank rode horse back through Latvian pines: in “Attending a concert” he spent a nickel in cab fare to attend a concert (1900) at Carnegie Hall to hear Mischa Etman.

The ease of marriage Canadian style, no radio government rhetoric can proclaim seasoned marital love in “math for couples”. From a younger woman “snaring” an older woman’s lover, and “hot flesh”- which deals with the certainty of aging and menopause, with more following this theme: “notes on musical lines” music, movies, and a pink tulle prom dress that no longer fits in the waistline.
A time capsule identifies “outside quotidian time” brings up abstract concepts going back to October 5, 1957. “Vista” added in the same style—a troubling nightmare involving two faceless women, with a bag of horror stuffed under the bed. This section really illustrates the wide range of Graf’s skill, breaking away from the mundane routine of daily life.
Soaking in a claw foot tub, reading a novel -- “signature”. Ordinary life is featured in many uneventful poems: “Aristotle’s friend” (an interesting title)- “granddaughter, age 3”- “slightly up and over” - “Spring cleaning” the humbleness of home life. About the time thoughts turn away in distraction, Graf turns back to an emotionally complex relationship in: “glimmer” lovingly caring for her mother before she passed away. “Dear mother” a widow’s grief (over loss of a young husband) and a fatherless daughter that wished for a more positive relationship with her. In “Waiting Room” a mother and daughter relationship is casually observed in a public setting.

On a final note, “Moorside Blend” tea and jam was enjoyed in the air of autumn seasoned colors of maple leaves and the remaining “summer lush” of lavender petunias and pink begonias. As another memory formed silently, there seemed a gentle pleading not to be forgotten. ~ With thanks to Guernica Editions via NetGalley for the direct digital copy for the purpose of review.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32182062-math-for-couples" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="math for couples" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1474912049m/32182062.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32182062-math-for-couples">math for couples</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15857693.Adele_Graf">Adele Graf</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1957050031">3 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
3.5 STARS.<br /><br />Thanks to Netgalley.<br />"In midst of night<br />then my blue ballpoint pen, operating anywhere"<br /><br /><br />Poems are my favourite books in all the Genre, But I've been observing - Famine is follows in the world of poetry because of lack of simile and hyperbole.<br />Metaphor is there, Indeed.<br />But it could't contented the acceptability of poem.<br />Touchy and mathematical approach with poetry.<br />I like most the one " MY DIDO"<br /> Wonderful poems.
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