Poetry Out Loud: The Year's Best

by Robert Alden Rubin

Introduction by James Earl Jones. Now in paperback, here are over 100 lyrics, limericks, clerihews, ballads, raps, and other poems--famous and infamous, celebrated and obscure--that come alive when read aloud. Accompanying each poem are notes, introductions to basic poetic terms, and hints on reading them aloud. James Earl Jones, one of America's greatest living actors, introduces the book and tells how reciting poetry as a child helped him overcome a speech impediment and discover his own voice again."A timeless selection . . . Each poem, read aloud, reverberates in the reader."--Writer's Digest "Poems that simply sing when you read them aloud."--The Hartford Courant. A BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB, QUALITY PAPERBACK BOOK CLUB, and WRITER'S DIGEST BOOK CLUB selection. Now in its 8th printing.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

About the author

Robert Alden Rubin was born in 1958, in Roanoke, Virginia, and grew up in Chapel Hill. His education includes a B.A. in Studio Art from Kenyon College, an M.A. in Creative Writing from Hollins University, and a Ph.D in English Literature from UNC-Chapel Hill. He has worked as editor of Carolina Quarterly and as senior editor at Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill. Professionally, he’s been a journalist, editor, and writing teacher at The George Washington University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and Meredith College. Published creative work by him includes two edited anthologies of poetry (Poetry Out Loud [1993] and Love Poetry Out Loud [2006]), a book of literary nonfiction (On the Beaten Path: An Appalachian Pilgrimage [2000]), and a smattering of poetry in literary magazines. He won the 2015 Allen Tate Poetry Prize from Sewanee Review. He presently works as a freelance writer/editor, and lives in Fuquay-Varina, NC, where he serves on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church.

Reviews

[Julia Rix]

Introduction by James Earl Jones presents an inspiring personal revelation through poetry. Some of my favorite poems are here.

[Ellen Church · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually not a great collection of read aloud poems. Good, not great. I would have included Poe`s Bells, Nash's Tale of Custard the Dragon, and Sarah Cynthia Silvia Stout by Shel Silverstein, too.

[Samantha Lazar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover of this book really caught my attention. The guy is performing poetry for his dog. I also like the quote on the cover. It says, "Read to your love, dramatize for your children, perform at a party, or sing in the shower." Poetry is something that intimidates me a little bit, but this quote made me smile and realize that there is so much more to poetry.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked it okay, and there were certain poems I superliked, such as "The Trees" by Larkin and "Concord" by Robert Lowell and "Devolution of the Nude" by Lynee McMahon. However, I didn't like as much as I thought I would. I think if I was just starting out with poetry or I taught it, I might care more. But alas, no. So, ennnhh.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

During a three-day blackout in NYC, my best friend and I read this by candlelight. One of my favorite (and dorkiest) memories. An amazing collection, though.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly comprehenive collection of anthologized-to-death poems--the sort that every American middle and high school student reads. Annotations are limited, but useful.

[Tandava Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice broad selection of poetry. Do read it out loud -- it's more fun that way. :-)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are always fun to read.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend reading this in the bath tub