The Poet's Companion: A Guide to the Pleasures of Writing Poetry

I picked up this book after hearing Kim Addonizio give a reading at my college when I was an undergraduate. Creative Writing and poetry were my areas of emphasis and although we used a different textbook in my poetry class, I came to love this one. It won't give you the formal training in meter and poetic forms that another textbook might, but I love the examples and the prompts for inspiration. It's my favorite book to turn to when I feel the creative well is running dry. It's warm and funny and you feel a real presence from the authors as if you have teachers with you. I haven't met Dorianne Laux, but I have chatted with Kim Addonizio twice after readings and she was lovely. (Her readings are fantastic, by the way, and I highly recommend them!)If you are familiar with Kim Addonizio'ss poems then you shouldn't be surprised to find a section on erotic poetry in this book. Erotic poems have a long tradition in poetry and they are not "porn" as one reviewer suggested. Sexuality and sensuality are part of life and the artistic expression of such is a special skill set. I think it's fantastic that this book doesn't sensor that.I love the examples chosen for this book--many beautiful, contemporary poems that utilize vivid and unexpected imagery. I find them inspiring. They make me want to write and they make me want to be a better writer.I do believe that if you are a beginner or if you are considering this book as a textbook for a class you should consider it as a supplement to a book that goes into a little more depth in certain areas, such as Writing Poems (see if you can get an older edition, if you are lucky, as I see this book has become quite expensive). But this is a fantastic little book and I love having both a hard copy to underline and put notes in and a Kindle copy to keep with me on my phone so I can have a little inspiration with me for easy access.No matter where you are in your journey as a poet, I believe this is a wonderful book to have in your library.

Got the book, plain simple. In tact, no blemishes or damage, no broken spine, nothing. Thank you!!

I love this book. After reading the first chapter early one morning I went outside to feed and water my cats and came in and wrote a poem about flowing water, tangled morning glories and memories of my mother. It's one of the most inspiring, practical and encouraging books about writing poetry that I've ever read, and trust me, I've read them all. It has technical information and poems to illustrate each chapter, which is very helpful. The suggestions at the end of each chapter are down to earth and do-able, unlike some books that are just too high-minded for the average person. If you love to write poems and just need some inspiration and a little advice and encouragement, then definitely buy this book. It's worth its weight in gold!

The revised part of my review:I do agree with a reviewer; Thomas "Should Have Been Better" Especially his paragraph here: [Unless (like the authors) you think that Sharon Olds' "passing blood and feces and water" and her "stool black with iron pills" (page 234) are high points in the world of modern poetry, you may resist their suggestion to "read all five of her books, for pleasure first, of course, but secondly to examine how she goes about her difficult task" (page 47).]As I have read more, I am reevaluating my own opinions of this book. I still feel it has been helpful, although much of it I would have preferred to have never read! Poor choice of examples to a student indeed!This, is my original review:I thought it was going to be a bunch of lame assignments, well there definitely are some assignments so to speak. I haven't even made it through half of the 1st chapter and I've written 6 or 7 new reflections (which some call poetry)! It digs deep, at least it did for me...pretty personal when you open yourself up to it. Good challenge and good lessons to glean from and grow as a writer. I still plan on keeping this around, probably with a few pages removed.

Update (7/22/20):I must elaborate more on my intention for this book, for had my previous brief update felt vague. By practicing writing, I meant understanding and placing down the basic conventions of poetry because I am critical when it comes to writing. As I explore through the pages in this book, involving just the underlining, the structure of each topic in this book makes for ease of learning. Near the end of each topic contains ideas for writing, allowing one to utilize the content for practice. After all, I'm not an expert, just one who has the curiosity for crafted writing. Maybe this book may be sufficient enough to hone in the skills of poetic writing; for me, exploring other poetry books invites more perspective and this is a starting point.(Book condition)I have just started reading this book, so there is not much input I can include. For now, my review is not based on the content, but rather the condition of the book. I was bummed that this book came in damaged on the lower spine, and had to order another copy, so I can return the other copy later. It is disappointing, books that have been returned have not been inspected. Even if we cannot contact the representatives, I decided to slip a note about it, so others do not receive the copy I returned.end of rant.I will update on this book, once I have immersed myself in this book. I am a beginner and even though I learned poetry in high school, I wanted to delve into this book, so I can practice writing.

Perfect quality, and I love this author!

Great condition. Fast delivery and on time for when I needed to have it. Great value and quality product

Very didactic in terms of explanation of poetry devices. I found the text especially useful for writing prompts.

A great deal of helpful advice and activities to enhance the poet's craft. Also, a very good confidence booster that encourages the poet to explore new subjects and techniques. It would be a useful text to support workshop groups, too.

I was lucky to be in a presentation that Kim made at the 2015 Aldeburgh Festival. She is a wonderful teacher and terrific poet. That's why this is my choice, among all the how to books.

An excellent, and lively companion I frequently return to; does what it says and more and now use it as my go-to manual.

This book is twenty years old and still an awesome resource for learning about and writing poetry.