Corner Stores in the Middle of the Block: The Urban Look

by Brad "BLUE" Bathgate

Corner Stores In The Middle Of The Block places you in the slums of an amusing yet painful intersection, where the color blue remains the color on all streetlights and seat belts don't exist. Poetry becomes the air bag when you crash into his emotions. --Chris Slaughter, Author of Hear My Cries...

Genres: Poetry

112 pages, Paperback

First published December 28, 2001

About the author

Blue was born in Harlem, but raised as a military brat between New York, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Germany. Upon returning to the states from Germany as a teenager, he experienced culture shock and quickly developed a discerning eye, which lends to his writing today.

Blue is the author of “Corner Stores in the Middle of the Block,” a collection of original poetry and short stories. In the winter of 2006, he was published in “Essence Magazine.” He has performed at the Nuyorican Poetry Cafe, the Bowery Poetry Club, The Poetry Project at St. Mark’s Church in association with Cave Canem Poets.

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't swap the book b/c its a book I go back to. I was fortunate enough to see Mr. Blue perform a few pieces and had to pick up the book. A must read for poetry fans or any fans of the written word.

[Jamey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Blue read in Brooklyn in about 1995 and bought this book. I love it.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great cos I wrote it

[Joyqd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blue's book is hip, humorous, and mischievously salty sweet at times. His work makes you say, "Hhhmmmmmm....okay." I met him while he was self-promoting his book in the Starbucks on 125th St. in Harlem. Cool guy!

[Marsha Altman · Rating 3 out of 5]

You don't get a voice any more raw than this. The author writes about living in modern Harlem (and other neighborhoods) in his own distinct voice.