My favorite poem by Allison Adelle HedgeCoke is the first in this collection, "The Gift." The physicality and momentum of this poem astounds me and that is what I enjoy most about the rest of the poems as well. HedgeCoke uses rhythm to cohere and intensify the moments in poetry and braids it with narrative that horrific and moving, like "Year of the Rat." This poet packs a strong goddamn punch and I can't wait to read more of her work.