This month’s pick for the Borough of Manhattan Community College Book Club was The Invention of the Darling by Li-Young Lee. The collection offers a quiet and meditative exploration of love, memory, faith, and family, all expressed through Lee’s signature lyrical style.
Each poem moves with a gentle rhythm, inviting careful attention. Themes of longing, tenderness, and spiritual searching thread through the book, often grounded in personal memory and intimate reflection. The collection asks timeless questions—what it means to be loved, to be seen, and to endure loss. Rather than delivering answers, the poems allow space for reflection. Li-Young Lee’s voice remains calm and searching, even when the subjects are difficult.
Readers often find themselves returning to his lines, drawn by their quiet wisdom and emotional depth. His work speaks to those who value poetry that is both deeply personal and spiritually expansive. The Invention of the Darling offers a meaningful reading experience for anyone drawn to poetry that balances vulnerability with grace.
Contributed by Library Peer Ambassador Sara Hinduja Obregon
