Based On What I Know: America Could Stand A Chance To Look In The Mirror

by Derrick Brown

The book was specifically written to open America's eyes to the problems we have created for ourselves. As in most cases you usually don't know there's a problem until someone points it out, and that is the job of this book. We like to talk about these problems but no one ever wants to do anything to resolve the problem. This book takes a look at the issues including politics, corporate America, education, and the fallout from Hurricane Katrina, just to name a few. We have come to a time in history where each individual is only concerned about his/her well being. "If it isn't a situation that directly affects me, then I'm not concerned", that's how we think in today's age. The purpose of this book is to remind everyone that, if you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem!!

100 pages, Paperback

First published December 9, 2007

About the author

Derrick Brown, former paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne, gondolier, magician, and fired weatherman, now travels the world and performs his written work. From Long Beach, CA, he is dedicated to bringing American poetry into rock and roll status.

As a poet, he has toured or performed with Indie rock act, Cold War Kids, The Decemberists, Comedian David Cross, Richard Swift, Pink Mountaintops and at the All Tomorrow’s Parties festival with the Flaming Lips and Animal Collective. His work has been featured in books with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, Jeff Buckley, Jack Hirschman, Amber Tamblyn and poet laureate Ted Kooser. He has performed at the largest outdoor festival in the world, Glastonbury, as an author.

As one of the most original and well-traveled writer/performers in the country, Derrick Brown has gained a cult following for his poetry performances all over the U.S. and Europe. A poetic terrorism group has taken to tagging his metaphors across the globe. About.com called his latest collection, Scandalabra, one of the best books of 2009.

To date, Brown has performed at over 1500 venues and universities internationally including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, La Sorbonne in Paris, CBGB’s in NYC and a small Jewish youth group in Glendale. He is the host of the variety show, The Lightbulb Mouth Radio Hour. Lightbulbmouth.com

Known for a moving show that incorporates poetry, minimalist music, and sound fx, Brown is unique for being an outstanding performer but is foremost a page poet. He is the president of Write Bloody Publishing, the first indie press to be reviewed with favor by Forbes magazine.

Derrick is available for booking performances, workshops, Master of Ceremonies, Master of Puppets as well as Host for shows and motivational-ish commencement speeches.