I found the vignettes of his visits with his dying friends to be the most effective of the poetry here. A worthwhile collection. ( )

This is a quiet and powerful collection, full of the emotion and turmoil surrounding relationships and cultural history in the last few decades of the twentieth century. Focused specifically around AIDS at various points within the collection, Holland's work is subtle and understated, carrying an unusual power and wisdom for such accessable poetry. The beginning sections aren't as strong as the more subject-focused later sections in the book, but they serve to build the voice and tone of work that is breathtaking in the end. For readers interested in poetry or in AIDS related literature, or readers simply looking for a quiet and introspective escape, this is absolutely recommended. Without a doubt, I'll be returning and re-reading Holland's work more than once in the future. ( )