Speaking solely as one who wishes to be considered "a poet", I am grateful to study what reviewers regard as negative aspects in a good (or bad) volume. I may or may not agree, depending on the book, the reviewer or the vehicle publishing it. But only a "critical" review that looks for and mentions the the good, the bad and the ugly is worth respect. I'm happy when friends get good reviews, I'm happy when the reviewer's opinion happens to coincide with mine, but where we (speaking for we poets not we author) learn most is not from buddy reviews on Amazon.
BTW, another good issue from NW.
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