This is a short collection of three series of poems the explore relationships. The first uses cliche after cliche that you hear parents trying to use as leverage to get kids to do what they wish. They also are used in adult relationships also, The third series evokes a split between adults and the hurtful things that are said to gain an upper hand against someone we once loved but now but now want to hurt. The book was a finalist for the National Book Award and I believe was chosen not for the triteness of the phrases but for a realistic look some of the things people say to get their point across with or without knowing the cumulative affect (Many times hurtful) it has on people in out lives. ( )