Leadbelly by Tyehimba Jess

leadbelly written by Tyehimba Jess is a collection of poems inspired by the life and music of folk and blues artist Huddie William Ledbetter.  The book title is taken from Ledbetter's stage name.  Jess used historical documents, Leadbelly's recorded songs and lyrics, several biographies, and his own genius imagination to craft the poems found in his book.

Taken from Wikipedia: Huddie William Ledbetter (/ˈhjuːdi/; January 20, 1888 – December 6, 1949) better known as stage name Lead Belly was an American folk and blues singer, musician and songwriter notable for his strong vocals, virtuosity on the twelve-string guitar, and the folk standards he introduced.



The poem, for trouble's sake, is one of my favorite's because of it's grittiness and poetic charm. While I don't know if the character thought of himself in this way in real life, giving the life circumstances he had, I can empathize with him if he did.

Another favorite, because of the raw emotion behind it.  I'm thinking, it took much courage for a Black man to even think he could initiate a conversation with a White politician in such volatile times, let alone write to one.

The book contains a notes page, Leadbelly's life timeline, a reference page, as well as an acknowledgments page.

This book can be purchased on Amazon for $11.10
https://www.amazon.com/leadbelly-National-Poetry-Tyehimba-Jess/dp/0974635332/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9780974635330&qid=1568395604&sr=8-1

Pelvis with Distance by Jessica Jacobs

Pelvis with Distance written by Jessica Jacobs contains a collection of biographical poems from the life of Georgia O'Keefe.  Jacobs drew inspiration to write this collection from multiple sources including letters written between O'Keefe and Alfred Stieglitz.

In the opening pages, Jacobs references her inspirations.

The book also contains an acknowledgments page, bibliography, and a notes page.

This book can be purchased on Amazon for $16
https://www.amazon.com/Pelvis-Distance-Jessica-Jacobs/dp/1935210661/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9781935210665&qid=1568390900&sr=8-1

Greenhouses, Lighthouses by Tung-Hui Hu

The book Greenhouses, Lighthouses by Tung-Hui Hu houses a collection of lyrical poems written in first-person. 

Book description from Copper Canyon Press: "Weaving between the personal and cosmic I, Hu’s lyrics seek the “greenhouse” (a place of saturation, growth) as a poetic space to cultivate new modes through which our common language can once again illuminate and guide (lighthouse) existence and experience. The collection is full of longing for connection with others and something greater than our referential selves, while refusing to name or define what exactly is sought or how to reach it."

Hu's sense of connection, desire, and passion can be found throughout each poem, specifically the poem Windfall Apple, which is poetic eroticism at its best...at least that's how I read it.

Pictoral maps and a Notes page can be found within the book to help navigate readers as they journey through the book.

This book can be purchased on Amazon for $16

https://www.amazon.com/Greenhouses-Lighthouses-Lannan-Literary-Selections/dp/1556594062/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9781556594069&qid=1568388494&sr=8-1

Shale Play by Julia Spicher Kasdorf and Steven Rubin

Shale Play by Julia Spicher Kasdorf and Steven Rubin is a collection of poems by Kasdorf accompanied by a collection of photographs by Rubin. These poems and photos capture the daily realities of people living small industrial and rural town across the Appalachians, and the implications of changing political and environmental shifts.

Both Kasdorf and Rubin vividly capture images of nature and industrial artifacts along with stories of everyday Americans doing their best to adapt to an everchanging world.

Where to buy:

https://www.psupress.org/books/titles/978-0-271-08093-2.html

https://www.amazon.com/Shale-Play-Photographs-Fracking-Keystone/dp/0271080930

About the author:

http://english.la.psu.edu/faculty-staff/jmk28

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/julia-kasdorf

https://poets.org/poet/julia-spicher-kasdorf

About the photographer:

https://www.stevenrubin.com/about/

Photographer website:

https://www.stevenrubin.com/

Refuge by Adrie Kusserow

Refuge by Adrie Kusserow is a collection of poetry that center around refugees—both past and present—who were/are victims of the crises in South Sudan.

Many of the poems in this collection are set in real times and place. Some of the poems such as “Bus Station, Kampala, Uganda” are dedications to real refugees.

Kusserow’s poems are free-verse and contain very beautiful detailed images which contrast the often severe and dire circumstances in which her subjects must endure.

Where to buy:

https://www.amazon.com/Refuge-American-Poets-Continuum-Kusserow/dp/1938160088

About the author:

https://www.smcvt.edu/pages/get-to-know-us/faculty/kusserow-adrie.aspx

https://winningwriters.com/people/adrie-kusserow

Book review:

http://greenmountainsreview.com/review-of-refuge-by-adrie-kusserow/