Review: Peck & Peck by Bonnie Garmus

The story’s originality is refreshing, the themes are so relevant to today’s audiences, and Bonnie found a delightful blend of mixing humor with heart. So readers have been eagerly anticipating her next novel.

And instead of taking place in the same Lessons in Chemistry world, Bonnie goes in a completely different direction: following a man’s journey who loves poetry.

While the stories are as different as can be, what remains the same is Bonnie’s signature wit, creating a vivid sense of place and memorable characters. I so enjoyed this ride into the actually wild world of poetry.

BTW, I selected Peck & Peck as a must-read book club pick for 2026!

What’s the Story About

Batter was named after his mother’s beloved dog, so he has a lot to live up to. His twin died at birth, and the loss is something that carries with Batter everywhere he goes. But he finds solace in poetry, something that no one in his life understands.

His parents hope that in college, he’ll be motivated to take on a “real” major. His best friend Paul is ready for Batter to snap out of his poetry fog. After all, who actually works in poetry? But Batter is all in on poetry, and dreams of working for the acclaimed poetry journal, Peck & Peck.

Batter’s ambition eventually takes him to New York City, where, after working a series of odd jobs, he’s able to secure a position at Peck & Peck. Just in the basement making printed copies.

What seems like a dream soon descends into a bizarre experience that will force Batter to grow in ways that he never could anticipate.

The World of Poetry

So the story starts with Batter in prison. Immediately, I thought, how could a guy who worked for a poetry magazine somehow be in prison? Well, of course, you have to read the story to find out.

But what a clever way to start out the novel. Especially as the world of poetry isn’t always the easiest sell for a novel. To be honest, I’m not sure of the last poem I’ve read. I liked it more in high school and such, but it’s one of those art forms that eventually faded away for me.

So when I read that Peck & Peck takes place at a poetry literary journal, I definitely had a bit of a pause, as I wasn’t sure if I wanted to read a story dedicated to this area. But whew, so glad I still read it; this was an unexpected gem of a story.

It pokes fun at poetry and poets a lot; they have a security guard at Peck & Peck, as poets don’t handle rejection well. But it does highlight the beauty of poetry too. So it’s a lovely balance of acknowledging poetry’s standoffish reputation, while also appreciating what poetry can do for one when it’s done right.

Batter’s Journey

Batter is lacking in confidence and seems somewhat imprisoned by the loss of his twin brother. While he finds comfort in poetry, he’s met with so much resistance from all that he tends to hide it.

He does find a way to eventually work at the acclaimed Peck & Peck, and this is where he finally finds his backbone. Batter gets a firsthand experience of what’s right and wrong, but also how many live in the grey. There’s betrayal, drama, suspense, but of course, a lot of humor and lighthearted moments too.

Who Batter is at the start is widely different from who he is at the end of the novel. It’s a great arc.

Verdict

I truly love Bonnie Gramus’ writing style, and I enjoy how much humor is in her novels. It’s somewhat rare for me to actually laugh out loud at parts, and wow, I did a ton in this one, even while reading on the plane.

I feel you can’t really compare Lessons in Chemistry to Peck & Peck, as they are as widely different as can be. Both are truly great, entertaining novels. I actually had a bit lower expectations for Peck & Peck due to the poetry aspects, but I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed it. She made the poetry world very readable and engaging.

A very enjoyable story that is well worth your time. And it might motivate you to check out a poem or two again.