On April 8, 2008, “Good Reads Columnist” Barbara Perlman-Whyman of the North Lake Tahoe Bonanza delivered a rave review of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Slam Poetry:
For a discussion of Slam poetry, let me highly recommend ‘The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Slam Poetry’ by Marc Kelly Smith and Joe Kraynak, both to budding Slam poets as well as any one interested in attending and/or knowing more about a Poetry Slam. Marc Smith actually invented Slam poetry in 1984 and has now taken the time to explain the concept and give really helpful pointers. As he stresses ‘Slam poetry attempts to invigorate poetry by giving equal weight and integrity to the poetry and the performance.’ No matter who wins the top prize, the poet/performers, the organizers and the audience all walk away winners. As you will discover, Slam Poetry equally involves the audience as well as the poet.
Unfortunately for the book (and for Marc and myself), this is a case of too little too late. The publisher has just informed us that the book is going out of print… so check that remainder rack at your local bookstore, because you could find a real bargain.
Perhaps Marc and I will acquire the rights to the book and come out with a new, improved incarnation. Stay tuned… we might just do that. We’d like to thank Barbara for her encouraging words!
