zoom_in Click to enlarge

Calling a Wolf a Wolf

▲ ▼

description Calling a Wolf a Wolf Overview

Calling a Wolf a Wolf is a debut collection of American poetry exploring themes of spiritual crisis and addiction through stark imagery and unflinching honesty. The work examines profound personal struggles with vulnerability and directness, offering resonant reflections for readers grappling with similar experiences or seeking an understanding of human suffering. It’s notable for its raw emotional power and the poet's distinctive voice.

help Calling a Wolf a Wolf FAQ

Who wrote Calling a Wolf a Wolf?

Iranian American poet Kaveh Akbar wrote the collection. Alice James Books published it in 2017 as Akbar's first full-length poetry collection.

Is Calling a Wolf a Wolf mainly about addiction recovery?

Addiction and sobriety are central subjects, but the poems also examine faith, desire, language, shame, and wonder. Akbar repeatedly uses prayer-like address and vivid physical imagery rather than presenting recovery as a simple linear narrative.

What does the title Calling a Wolf a Wolf mean in the collection?

The title suggests naming a dangerous reality directly, especially the force of addiction. It also reflects the collection's larger concern with whether precise language can make suffering understandable or controllable.

What should readers pick up after Calling a Wolf a Wolf?

Akbar's next poetry collection, Pilgrim Bell, extends his interest in faith, identity, and the limits of language. Readers interested in similarly candid addiction poetry may also recognize themes shared with works by poets such as Mary Karr.

swap_horiz

Looking for Calling a Wolf a Wolf alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward