SOURCE: A review of Connecting the Dots, in Publishers Weekly, June 3, 1996, p. 73.

Below, the reviewer notes themes similar to those in Kumin's previous work, in particular examining relationships among people, animals and nature; and "observing the moral responsibility of daily life."

The process referred to in the title—and final—poem of Kumin's 11th collection [Connecting the Dots] is the ability to take care of one's businesses, personal and metaphysical. Here, the poet is aware that her grown children, on their visits home, gently assess her ability in this regard. Kumin is indeed still taking care of the same business that has absorbed her throught her career: noting the connections among family members; tracking the relations among people, animals and the natural world; and observing the moral responsibility of daily life. Her customary candor and irony are still present, as in her recollection of her youthful religious imagination...