In her poems built from transcriptions of everyday speech, Notley doesn’t tend to choose bits of conversation that capture drama, or that illustrate historical or cultural circumstances. For example, she doesn’t gravitate toward fights over money, tantrums, or bitter words; she’s more interested in banter and rest. While the dialogue is often fast-paced, moving quickly between subjects (literature, children, gossip) and tones (playful, frustrated, tired), the overall effect is relaxed, glazed with contentment, sprinkled with jokes. Conversations between parents and children and friends are recounted with a lightness that suggests the truth of these relationships can be found in moments of offhand intimacy. Much of Notley’s poetry deals with anxiety and conflict and psychological frustration—but when she transcribes the words of friends and family, she’s more interested in letting their happiness be, in holding onto daily flashes of interpersonal peace.