Best Native American Poetry
Lines from a Mined Mind brings together lyrics and musings from the twenty-five-year recording career of John Trudell, an internationally acclaimed poet, musician, and leader of the American Indian Movement. John Trudell is an acclaimed poet, national recording artist, actor, and activist whose international following reflects the universal language of his words, work, and message.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Always an inspiration to awakening, brother Trudell's wisdom lives on."
"Thanks John, you're an inspiration for this Urban Indian RIP."
"Poetry with a live band and a Native American traditional singer backing him made his "lines" all the more poignant. I think everyone should seek out John Trudell, read his work, listen to his music and check out Thunderheart."
"See the Woman. She has a young face. An old face. She carries herself well. In all ages. She survives all man has done. In some tribes she is free. In some religions. She is under man. In some societies. She’s worth what she consumes. In some nations. She is delicate strength. In some states. She is told she is weak. In some classes. She is property owned. In all instances. She is sister to earth. In all conditions. She is life bringer. In all life she is our necessity. See the woman eyes. Flowers swaying. On scattered hills. Sundancing calling in the bees. See the woman heart. Lavender butterflies. Fronting blue sky. Misty rain falling. On soft wild roses. See the woman beauty. Lightning streaking. Dark summer nights. Forests of pines mating. With new winter snow. See the woman spirit. Daily serving courage. With laughter. Her breath a dream. And a prayer. John Trudell “See the Woman”. I read an article about a woman. A woman living in the war. In Central America. A woman lost her family. A woman the only survivor. A woman goes to sleep one night. A woman waking up. A woman not a mother anymore anymore. A woman held on she could not scream. A woman not submitting to the enemy. A woman praying for women. On the other side. A woman rebuilding her life. A woman in the Middle East. A woman in Europe. A woman in Africa. A woman in Asia. A woman in North America. A woman in different situations. A woman all the same. A woman pays for man’s war. John Trudell “About a Woman”. She’s not guilty not guilty not guilty. She’s a rosebush. Treat her beauty gently. Sweet love her fragrance without thorns. Don’t hurt her don’t chop her down. She can’t live as decoration in a vase. She needs to continue. Continue to bloom continue to bloom. John Trudell “Restless Situations”."
"I haven't read many poetry books since poetry isn't really my thing, but I bought this book because I have heard quite a bit about John Trudell's activism and personal life."
"Realities of love, oppression, joy and sadness, ancient grounding in the land, song, ancestors weave through the terse rich lines of each verse."
"The collected writings of the late, great Native American Philosopher, Poet, Actor and Activist."
"I love John Trudell's gut-level magnificent meaningful poetry!"
Between these pages she has gathered the warehouses of the unsaid, and weaved together the voices that have remained silent in our heartbroken hotels. They cling to dusty shelves, tucked into darken chambers among past wreckage; longing to be given life. She has cleaned house and opened musty windows, letting pulsing words breathe and transform into poetic release. The focus of these writings is to give the heart and soul permission to ache after love and loss.The author is unapologetic about her realistic take on heartache and grieving. She touches on the past, trying to make sense of her experiences, to move forward.This book is filled with timeless and vintage feeling poetry. It will touch every individual that reads it -as we have all experienced heartache throughout life... no matter the age group. Since publishing her first poem online January of 2015, A l f a - has amassed a social media following of nearly half a million fans.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Alfa. Has such an amazing way to make the reader feel as if she's known you, walked with you, hurt with you, and that ladies and gentlemen is talent."
"Every now and then you'll find a writer who seems to write like it's straight from your own heart and life."
"Her book, her typed quotes, her bookmarks...each is a work of art worthy of being treasured."
"This work is simply gorgeous."
"I follow Alfa on Instagram and I love everything that is written."
"I came across Alfa on Facebook a while back and I fell in love with her writing!"
"Such an amazing collection of raw emotion !"
"She explains my soul in such beautiful words."
The stories and poems of Sherman Alexie, an enrolled Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian from Wellpint, Washington, have appeared widely, in such publications as Caliban, Esquire, The World, Beloit Poetry Journal, Red Dirt, Zyzzyva and Story. Reading this latest offering of poetry and short prose pieces from Native American writer Alexie ( The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven ), it's easy to see why his work has garnered so much attention. "After 500 years of continuous lies / I would still sign treaties for you," he says in one of this volume's many love poems--a love so powerful it threatens to engulf readers as well.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"My favorite book of poems."
"I feel Alexie is an excellent writer and fun to read."
"Sherman Alexie is a careful thinker, with intelligent and well-considered insights not only into the American Indian but into the human experience."
"Sherman Alexie is a GREAT read."
"I enjoy a good book and have enjoyed all of Sherman Alexie book I have read and was happy with this one."
"Sorry if that sounded gushy, but throughout the pathos and humor, I coulldn't help but marvel at this man's spirit-- and his literary skills."
"First Indian on the Moon is a great introduction to the poetry of Sherman Alexie."
"I wish all the pieces in this book ended like the piece "Split Decision"."
Best Asian American Poetry
Following the success of her breakout poem, "B", Sarah Kay, in collaboration with illustrator Sophia Janowitz, releases her debut collection of poetry featuring work from the first decade of her career. "Sarah Kay is a fearsomely open and generous talent. In this collection she will give you moments so intimate and beautifully rendered you will come to know them as your own.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"From the wife: Finally something worth reading!"
"I loved this collection."
"I bought this book because of Sarah Kay's Ted Talk, and I do not regret this purchase."
"The poems are enchanting and though soft in tone, still challenge the reader to view their world just a little bit differently - usually in a better light."
"This book is absolutely beautiful! If you've ever heard her live, (if not you absolutely must remedy that because she's a joy to experience on stage) this book is a reflection of that."
"I cannot count the number of times I have read and reread the poems in this collection."
"An excellent book written by an amazing poet."
"Not sure what this is about as it was a guft, but the person who received it seemed to enjoy it, so 5*."
Best Hispanic American Poetry
He promised he would write him a few words after he failed to complete the task while his brother was alive. Robert M. Drake is an American author known for his bestselling books BEAUTIFUL CHAOS and BLACK BUTTERFLY, among others.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Reading his writing has gotten me through rough times and I always catch myself going to his writing just to read his continuous."
"I love this book."
"Haven't read it yet, but anything by this author is good!"
"I liked it and was easy to read."
"I love this book."
"The shipping time was correct on when I was expecting it and the book was in perfect condition."
"Really enjoying all the poems.. My cup of tea 🙏."
"His words are so relatable and just get me to a place!"