Backpack Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Writing

by X.J. Kennedy, Dana Gioia

The smallest and most economical member of the Kennedy/Gioia family, Backpack Literature is a brief paperback version of the discipline's most popular introduction to literature anthology. Like its bigger, bestselling predecessors, Backpack Literature features the authors' collective poetic voice which brings personal warmth and a human perspective to the discussion of literature, adding to students' interest in the readings.

Genres: Reference, Poetry, Fiction, School, Textbooks, Short Stories, Literature

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Gia MarajaLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in my second semester of college, and it had so many thought-provoking short stories in it, stories that still float around in my head sometimes. In an over-zealous attempt to minimalise, I resold my textbook once the course was over and done, and I’ve regretted it ever since; there were so many stories undiscovered.

Thankfully, Mr. Stroup remembered what text I was talking about and referred me back to this book, which I’ll be on the lookout for now. Highly recommend. Amazing for studying writing methods.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a novel, but a great refresher of the canon. The introductions to concepts and authors provides nice, brief, overviews for class.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read for a lit class I taught. Good introduction to lit for students. Lots of hidden treasures.

[The Grimm Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate writing negative reviews. They bring down my ch'i (only partially kidding).
However I feel it necessary to say that this is the most disorganized, confusing, and unhelpful textbook I have ever had the displeasure of using. While it is nice that most of the selected literature is included in the book, there is basically NO analysis of it, or anything that might help you truly understand it or explain it. As a literary buff, this book was annoying at most. However, if I were taking a class as a novice to the field and in need of guidance, this book would hinder and downright confuse me more than help me.
Pearson should stick with math and stay out of the literary department. You (Pearson I am talking to you!) confuse people enough with the SATs; there is no need to follow them to college and make that a perplexing mess as well.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a handy anthology of assorted literature. For my Comm III class we only ended up reading a small sampling of them, but I enjoyed most of the pieces. It's a nice book with essays and short stories from a variety of authors and I would probably recommend as a good college textbook.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2009...

[Kiya · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate this book I was forced to read it for my English 102 class and I hated everything about it it was so boring half the time I was ready to tear my eyes out with the nearest fork or knife too bad I was in a class room there was none

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the best collection of short stories, and poetry from famous writers. This book also inspects the writing process and elaborates on writing techniques. Wonderful from page one, a great resource to have.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the variety. I had it for my Analyzing Literature class and we read through a lot of different short stories and poems. It's so nice to have everything in one place instead of having to either find them online and print them out or buy a bunch of different books.

[Bridger Hibbert]

NOTE: I believe I was using an updated copy of this book, so if there are any stories you never heard in this review, be sure to check the following texts:

-Death Has an Appointment in Samara


(I cannot rate this book since I never finished it)

[Loo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a terrific anthology. I found lots of poetry, short stories and plays to looooove. The overview of textual elements wasn't bad either.

[Janin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of classic short stories, poems and plays.

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good textbook; broad in scope and material presented but also very succinct in its explanations. I definitely didn't sell it back.

[Shivase · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good book

[Angelina Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes English Lit easy to understand.

[Amanda]

I'm reading this anthology for english class... only because it is mandatory :)