New and Selected Poems
Thomas Lux wrote poems that look simple on the surface and then turn, mixing wit, grief, and a clear-eyed view of ordinary life. This selection gathers work from across his career, including the love poem I Love You Sweetheart, which Bill Murray named a favorite, saying it vibrates the insides of his ribs. Lux favored short lines, conversational language, and a willingness to be funny and serious in the same breath. The collection is a good entry point to a poet who could make readers laugh and then catch them off guard with feeling.
What you might want to know about New and Selected Poems
The questions readers send us most often, answered without spoilers.
A career-spanning collection from Thomas Lux, the American poet known for dark humor, plain speech, and sudden tenderness.
Bill Murray chose Lux's poem I Love You Sweetheart for O, The Oprah Magazine, saying it vibrates the insides of his ribs where the meat is most tender.
New and Selected Poems was written by Thomas Lux, published in 1997 by Mariner Books.
New and Selected Poems is 240 pages in standard print editions, though page counts vary slightly between hardcover, paperback, and large-print formats.
At an average reading pace of about 250 words per minute, New and Selected Poems takes most readers 4 to 5 hours to finish.
New and Selected Poems is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats from Amazon, Bookshop.org, ThriftBooks, and most major bookstores.
