A Book Review of Erin L. McCoy's, Wrecks, conducted by Jenna Polich

Erin L. McCoy’s Wrecks is a powerful and intellectually rich debut poetry collection that transforms historical tragedy into a deeply reflective and emotionally charged experience. Published by Noemi Press in October of 2025, the collection draws inspiration from the extinction of the great auk, a flightless seabird which became extinct in 1844, and uses this tragic event as a lens to delve into human systems of violence, control, and dehumanization.

One of the most striking aspects of Wrecks is how McCoy connects the fate of the great auk to broader themes of dehumanization and the divide between humans and nonhumans. The poems challenge readers to consider how labeling something as less than human creates justification for violence towards animals and their environment as well as other individuals, for McCoy touches on “categorization ambiguity. If it is too hard to determine whether a thing is human, the result is a negative emotional valence. This is uncomfortable.” This depth gives the collection a powerful intellectual foundation, allowing it to feel both timely and significant. McCoy actively questions and brings attention to the systems of colonialism and power that has allowed such destruction to occur.

Stylistically, the collection is lyrical, visceral, and experimental as McCoy blends historical research with imaginative elements, creating poems that feel multidimensional. In the collection, McCoy references many scientists and other researchers and their findings but the two who are repeatedly brought forth are John Wolley, an ornithologist whose work with eggs and nests made great leaps in his field, and Shanawdithit, the last living member of the Beothuk people who drew and documented the culture of her people, and her drawings are included throughout the collection. The imagery is vivid and sometimes unsettling, reinforcing the emotional intensity of the subject matter. At the same time, her use of form and voice keeps the reader engaged, allowing each poem to stand alone while also contributing to a cohesive narrative

Another strength of Wrecks is the personal dimension that McCoy weaved into the collection. McCoy used her own personal experiences with the dehumanization and othering of others as she had grown up in the conservative southern United States, adding an intimate layer to the collection’s broader critiques. This blend of personal reflection and historical questioning makes the work feel both grounded and expansive.

Wrecks has been recognized and earned acclaim, for the poetry collection has won the Florida Book Award and was a finalist for the Noemi Press Book Award. As a whole, this collection is a bold and thought-provoking debut that demonstrates McCoy's ability to merge poetic beauty with critical analysis, making it a standout work in contemporary poetry.

Jenna Polich is a junior majoring in English and Creative Writing and minoring in History. She plans to work in publishing after Waldorf. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, listening to music, and muddling her dog, Mouse.