The Golden Gate Bridge and Other Natural Wonders

Han-Jae Lee’s first book of poetry in English begins with “Travel” and offers an immigrant’s perspective on San Francisco, New York, and other quintessentially American cities. Lee does not take for granted the luxuries that big cities in the United States provide. However, Lee looks deeper than face value as he probes the underside of life here: the emotions of the inhabitants as they go about the daily routines of their lives, oftentimes uncovering contradictions and complexities. Section two, “Love and Other Objects of Desire,” gives a whimsical and romantic vision— entering the minds of objects and things as varied as dogs and filing cabinets. And the last part of the book reveals the ruminations of someone who has spent much time in nature. “Seasons” brings us the awareness of a deep thinker, observing snow, flowers and trees, bringing the reader to a reverence and exuberance for the natural world.