Reader's Reviews
***
I'm so glad I found this book! I use it every time I'm struggling with a poem (which is quite often). Ted Kooser's advice is invaluable.
***
Kooser's book is a no-nonsense guide to all you wanted to know about writing poems. He is an expert and illustrates his advice with many poems including some of his own. The other book that you might find useful would be
The Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett
***
Kooser's book is aimed at the beginning poet, but anyone could pick up useful ideas about revision, metaphor and simile, and imagining an audience. Kooser's writing is warm and often funny, and his advice is realistic and practical. This is not a book to read if you're looking for a quick way to become a famous poet. But if you're interested in putting in the necessary hours (and hours and hours and hours) needed to turn out respectable writing, Kooser can help you use your time more productively and enjoyably.
Recommended.
***
Whether you are an avid reader of poetry looking to explore your gift, or are already a budding poet, Kooser provides much good and useful advice. Do not think that this is a kit of parts that you'll assemble and create great poetry. Instead, _The_Poetry_Home_Repair_Manual_ seeks to teach you to become a poet. You will learn how to look at the world and _see_ it. You will learn how to effectively assemble and present your experiences and thoughts, and then go back and revise them.
What surprised me was that he even discusses getting published and what kinds of journals, periodicals, etc, you might consider. Throughout, you are reminded that you should write poetry not for notoriety, nor for money, nor for any other reason than to please yourself and fulfill an inner desire to express your soul. If you seek to be a poet for any other reason, you will be disappointed.
Myself, being a poet in the nebulous space between novice and intermediate, I found this book to be both an excellent reminder and the source of new visions. If you have not read any of Ted Kooser's poetry, I exhort you to find the time to do so (I am particularly fond of _Delights_and_Shadows_). There are many mediocre and bad modern poets; but Kooser is a true genius.
***
I've been through the book twice and know I will pick up even more on the third. The book is a very fast read with practical and easy to understand advice. He covers everything from rhyming and metaphors to just plain good writing advice - poetry and prose. His advice makes great use of modern poems so you can see what has been getting published in the last few years. He only touches passingly on specific forms such as sonnets, but gives several recommendations for folks that want to dig deeper into specific forms.
This book is for those of us that like poetry - but don't know much about it.
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