The Hurting Kind

The Hurting Kind by Ada Limón is a collection about interconnectedness between humans and nonhumans, ancestors, and ourselves, exploring themes of sensitivity, perception, and the relationships between us all. It incorporates other stories and ways of knowing, making surprising turns, and reaching startling insight. The poems honor parents, stepparents, and grandparents, and glimpse loss, but are filled with connection and the delight of being in the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Milkweed Editions

"The Hurting Kind" is a captivating collection by National Book Critics Circle Award winner, National Book Award finalist, and U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, delving into the profound interconnectedness between humans and nonhumans, ancestors, and ourselves. In her poignant words, Limón confesses, "I have always been too sensitive, a weeper / from a long line of weepers. I am the hurting kind." This exploration of sensitivity extends beyond mere awareness of the world's pain and joys; it encompasses the intricate connections woven between the natural and human realms, the divine revelation of relationships among us, and the ability to perceive ourselves within other beings.

Through her remarkable poetic prowess, Limón skillfully navigates these profound inquiries, incorporating diverse stories and ways of knowing, making unexpected turns, and ultimately arriving at moments of startling insight. These poems transcend the seasons, teeming with imagery of horses, kingfishers, and the mesmerizing gaze of fish. They honor parents, stepparents, and grandparents, acknowledging the sacrifices made, the distinct lives lived, and the tender care extended to a hurting child. Moreover, they celebrate the richness of having two families, recognizing the abundance that arises from the fusion of different traditions and experiences.

However, "The Hurting Kind" is not without its moments of reflection on loss. Flashes of the pandemic emerge, haunting us with unexpected memories and the enigmatic behavior of pets left behind. Yet, above all, "The Hurting Kind" is suffused with connection and the sheer joy of being alive in the world. Limón's vivid descriptions evoke a sense of wonder, as she observes a groundhog in her garden, "slippery and waddle thieving my tomatoes still / green in the mornings shade," resiliently striving to survive in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "The Hurting Kind" is a remarkable testament to Ada Limón's poetic prowess and her ability to delve into the depths of human experience. Through her poignant words and vivid imagery, she invites us to explore the complexities of interconnectedness, embrace our sensitivity, and revel in the beauty of the world around us. This collection offers a profound exploration of the human condition, reminding us of our shared humanity and the profound connections that unite us.

Weight: 306g
Dimension: 159 x 223 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781639550494