An Invitation to Poetry: A New Favorite Poem Project Anthology

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Summary: If Not For the Poet
Review: I must admit that I have yet to read this anthology of poems. Though I am familiar with the lispy former Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky, primarily from his frequent past appearances on the PBS/News Hour, I cannot say that he was ever inspiring to my ear, heart or mind. However, I come to write this "review" because the anthology does contain at least one poem from my personal poet laureate Polish-born, Nobel winner, Milosz. This poet's "You Who Have Wronged A Man" appeals as justification enough to obtain a copy of the "Invitation" to see its bretheren muses.

Rating:
Summary: How to entice poetry readers
Review: My 65 year old brother told me he had read the anthology all in one sitting and didn't remember any..I discovered the library issue of the book and DVD and plan to give it to him to show how to read poetry in order to savor it. Also called my daughter (High school English teacher) and suggested she use this book and DVD as a tool for her students since several of the participants are teenagers.

Highly recommend for pleasure, sharing and teaching.

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Summary: Attend a poetry reading.
Review: Robert Pinsky, past poet laureate and the instigator of the Favorite Poem Project, says that the poem doesn't happen on the page, but when it's spoken and heard. The real strength of this book and DVD is the DVD--it has about 30 five-minute interview/clips with readers and how/why their favorite poem struck a chord with them. We see some personal background of the reader with them reading the poem aloud (sometimes memorized!) Readings range from the whimisical ("The Sloth" read by a 5th grader) the serious ("Facing It" read by a Vietnam vet). I also disovered poems I had never heard of before, like Margaret Atwoods, "It Is Dangerous to Read Newspapers," a terrific poem. I first heard some of these readings on the Newshour ("The Song of the Banana Man") and wanted more. This book/DVD combination proves that poetry speaks to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: a great DVD with a fine book
Review: The book is a fine anthology, with some you will know and others that will be unfamiliar. But what makes it primarily worthwhile is the accompanying DVD: regular Americans talking candidly about why a poem matters to them, or how a poem has helped them during a challenging period, and then reading it. It may sound banal, but the result is spellbindingly gripping, reminding you that poetry is not an elite art form restricted to the few, but a source of solace and inspiration to your neighbor. Fabulous stuff.