Avidly Reads Poetry

Poetry has broken out of its shell and entered the world, as seen by Amanda Gorman's "The Hill We Climb" at Joe Biden's inauguration and the viral popularity of poems on social media. Avidly Reads Poetry is a celebration of poetry and the worlds it creates, combining literary and cultural criticism with the author's personal relationship with the form. It explores how poems come to us, how they make us feel, and who they are for, showing how they are embedded in our lives, loves, education, politics, and social media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2022
Publisher: New York University Press

Poetry has transcended its boundaries and entered the realm of the world, captivating the hearts and minds of individuals across diverse cultures and generations. In recent times, poetry has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, with notable examples such as Amanda Gorman's powerful performance of "The Hill We Climb" at Joe Biden's presidential inauguration, as well as poems regularly going viral on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. This increased engagement with poetry indicates a growing interest and appreciation among Americans for the art form.

Avidly Reads Poetry is a captivating exploration of poetry and the worlds it engenders. This book blends literary and cultural criticism with the author's personal and intimate connection with poetry, offering a fresh perspective on the art form. By delving into various genres, from alphabet poems to Shakespearean sonnets and contemporary Instapoetry, Avidly Reads Poetry breathes life into poems of all kinds. It raises thought-provoking questions about the origins, effects, and purposes of poetry, exploring how it touches our lives, emotions, thoughts, and actions. Through its interconnected sections, the book connects reasons for reading poetry with specific types of poems, encouraging readers to contemplate the profound impact of poetry in various aspects of our existence, including love, education, politics, and social media.

As part of the Avidly Reads series, this concise book offers a unique way of examining American culture. With its distinctive blend of personal reflection and cultural critique, Avidly Reads Poetry breaks down the barriers between poetry and the broader society, inviting readers to engage with the art form in a more profound and meaningful way. By exploring the diverse voices and perspectives found within poetry, this book provides a deeper understanding of the human experience and fosters a greater appreciation for the power of words to inspire, connect, and transform.

In conclusion, poetry has truly leapt out of its world and into the world, captivating the hearts and minds of people worldwide. Avidly Reads Poetry is a testament to the power of poetry to transcend boundaries, engage diverse audiences, and inspire personal reflection and cultural understanding. By delving into the worlds that poetry creates and exploring the profound impact it has on our lives, this book offers a fresh perspective on American culture and encourages readers to embrace the beauty and power of poetry in their own lives.

Dimension: 178 x 111 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479813582