#academy-of-american-poets — Public Fediverse posts

9 Books t0 Spark Poetry Appreciation

Today is the last day of National Poetry Month, and I am here to share one last post to keep the celebration going. This morning, I started to peruse my poetry books and naturally, I saw books I loved and some I didn’t. I pondered the favorite poets I have “discovered” (Victoria Chang, Joseph Massey) and how these have become part of my personal poetry story, or journey- choose your preferred word!

I quick-chose the books in thisPoetry Will Save Your Life pile from many, because I can recall their significance or enjoyment to me as I explored a genre I came to, as one accidentally falling into the deep end of a pool struggling to swim my way back to the low end and find my footing. Poetry is such a misunderstood literary form, which also often seems rather exclusive…and snooty (not sorry). I’ve been wading in over my head for awhile now so I encourage you to jump in. The water is deep, but there is a lot to be gained, and enjoyed, if you are willing to swim where your feet can’t quite touch bottom.

The reason I am choosing nine books instead of ten is so, after reading these choices, you can share the tenth in the comments with me! I know there are many more good books and deeper books on this subject. I have a few. But these I chose by the memory evoked when I looked at them. Maybe it was the timing I received, the person who gave, or what I gained from the book- but these books, upon sight, brought a smile or sense of pleasure as I remembered them. I’d love to know the poetry books, or writing books that have been a pleasant addition to your understanding of poetry, writing, or just a favorite poet. Let’s jump in!

1. The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness and Joy edited by John Brehm- I recall picking this up one day at the bookstore- I read it in 2018. Its small paperback format drew me in as I was looking for a travel companion with appropriate proportions. This was a delight at the right time. I loved the biographical bits in this book, and found this to be a facet that fascinated me. The stories behind the lives of the poets is a recurring interest to which I am often drawn.
2. Poemcrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge- My bestie gifted me this book. She said it made her think of me. I read this in 2013, and it is a great inspiration written by a poetry teacher who leads writing workshops on the west coast. If you want to inspire your poetic life and expressive writing, read this book. Her teaching style comes through in out-of-the-box creative exercises shared with her groups, and with her readers. You will thank me for this one.
3. The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser- This book was suggested to me by a fellow poet, who was helping me with my poems. We worked together and she credited this book with her ability to critique and help me with my work. Well, it was a life-changing process she took me through, and it really helped my writing at the time. What I learned from her in our meetings, and Ted Kooser’s book have impacted my writing in significant ways. If you want to be a better at writing, and seeing your writing, or the writing of others from different angles I think this is a great resource!
4. Poetry 101: From Shakespeare and Rupi Kaur to Iambic Pentameter and Blank Verse, Everything You Need to Know about Poetry by Susan Dalzell- This was a fun read, as it suits my ADHD brain. This is a broad overview, and is very basic in introduction, but does cover in a general way a lot of poetic history. Not deeply. There is a lot I don’t love in this book (on the contemporary front) but I did enjoy it enough, and its presentation/format to consider it in my chosen nine (I am not a Rupi Kaur appreciator I confess but that said, I also have yet to acquire love for Shakespeare so there’s that- still learning).
5. The Poets’ Corner: The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family by John Lithgow- If you want to find the joy and learn to appreciate and understand poetry MORE- this is the book! I adore this book, by actor John Lithgow. What a treasure he has written in sharing these 50 poems. He gives a bit of background to them as well as brief biographical information or sketches of the poets. He leads us through as a brilliant guide offering insights and input, as well as holding each work up into his eye view to broaden our appreciation then holds it out to us to see. It’s as if he is touring you through each work. I got a used copy, but have heard rave reviews about the audio as well- Mr. Lithgow is an amazing reader, and has a few of his actor friends reading some of the poems as well. I mean to check that out, post National Poetry Month!
6. A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver- Do I even need to say anything here? Mary Oliver should suffice. However, I will say, I was blessed to take a poetry class at the local library. The leader used this book for our time, and it was another one of those moments that I felt all of my writerly muscles being stretched, growing, being challenged. “For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in hot pockets of the hungry. Yes, indeed.” It’s a short read. But you could make a meal out of it. The woman was a mine of diamonds for those who want to dig and make the most of what’s found. Not overwhelming, or comprehensive. But she doesn’t have to be. Because. Mary Oliver.
7. Poetry Will Save Your Life: A Memoir by Jill Bialosky- OK, so I loved this book when I read it, but can’t even tell you why. But I will say, I love memoir, and I am learning to love poetry. I don’t love all poetry. But I really like people who can communicate the value of something I am trying to grow an appreciation for…Bialosky is a poet, and renowned writer, but this one is for the people. So if you are a non-academic, everyday real person (that’s who I am) then, you might like this read. If you are more of an academic-oh heck, who am I kidding- you are not reading my post if so! I read this in 2018. So, maybe a re-read is in order.
8. Poems for Life: A Special Collection of Poetry Selected by: E. L. Doctorow, Allen Ginsberg, David Mamet, Tom Wolfe, Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen Sondheim, … More: Celebrities on the Poems they Love by The Nightingale-Bamford School- This is a wonderful book. Two fifth grade classes sent letters asking various public figures and celebrities to share their favorite poem. This book is a compilation of their responses. It is a great diverse collection of poems, and a surprising litany of characters who responded. An introduction by Anna Quindlen opens the book. The children were also fundraising for a chosen group by the book profits.
9. Poem-a-Day: 365 Poems for Every Occasion-Academy Of American Poets- I got this book in my efforts to increase my appetite for poetry. I took it like a vitamin. One-a-day. It works. I read through this one in 2023. I’m still learning, and I do not appreciate all poetry, yet. But, maybe I am on my way. How about you?
10. ?

So here we are at the fastest list ever written by human type-writing fingers! Give me your favorite poetic writing inspiration, favorite poet or book by or about a poet, will you?

How can #nationalpoetrymonth be over? We are just getting started! There is always next year. In the meantime, a little poetry daily will do you.

Keep reading, writing, and living!

Enthusiastically, Dawn

9 Books t0 Spark Poetry Appreciation

Today is the last day of National Poetry Month, and I am here to share one last post to keep the celebration going. This morning, I started to peruse my poetry books and naturally, I saw books I loved and some I didn’t. I pondered the favorite poets I have “discovered” (Victoria Chang, Joseph Massey) and how these have become part of my personal poetry story, or journey- choose your preferred word!

I quick-chose the books in thisPoetry Will Save Your Life pile from many, because I can recall their significance or enjoyment to me as I explored a genre I came to, as one accidentally falling into the deep end of a pool struggling to swim my way back to the low end and find my footing. Poetry is such a misunderstood literary form, which also often seems rather exclusive…and snooty (not sorry). I’ve been wading in over my head for awhile now so I encourage you to jump in. The water is deep, but there is a lot to be gained, and enjoyed, if you are willing to swim where your feet can’t quite touch bottom.

The reason I am choosing nine books instead of ten is so, after reading these choices, you can share the tenth in the comments with me! I know there are many more good books and deeper books on this subject. I have a few. But these I chose by the memory evoked when I looked at them. Maybe it was the timing I received, the person who gave, or what I gained from the book- but these books, upon sight, brought a smile or sense of pleasure as I remembered them. I’d love to know the poetry books, or writing books that have been a pleasant addition to your understanding of poetry, writing, or just a favorite poet. Let’s jump in!

1. The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness and Joy edited by John Brehm- I recall picking this up one day at the bookstore- I read it in 2018. Its small paperback format drew me in as I was looking for a travel companion with appropriate proportions. This was a delight at the right time. I loved the biographical bits in this book, and found this to be a facet that fascinated me. The stories behind the lives of the poets is a recurring interest to which I am often drawn.
2. Poemcrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge- My bestie gifted me this book. She said it made her think of me. I read this in 2013, and it is a great inspiration written by a poetry teacher who leads writing workshops on the west coast. If you want to inspire your poetic life and expressive writing, read this book. Her teaching style comes through in out-of-the-box creative exercises shared with her groups, and with her readers. You will thank me for this one.
3. The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser- This book was suggested to me by a fellow poet, who was helping me with my poems. We worked together and she credited this book with her ability to critique and help me with my work. Well, it was a life-changing process she took me through, and it really helped my writing at the time. What I learned from her in our meetings, and Ted Kooser’s book have impacted my writing in significant ways. If you want to be a better at writing, and seeing your writing, or the writing of others from different angles I think this is a great resource!
4. Poetry 101: From Shakespeare and Rupi Kaur to Iambic Pentameter and Blank Verse, Everything You Need to Know about Poetry by Susan Dalzell- This was a fun read, as it suits my ADHD brain. This is a broad overview, and is very basic in introduction, but does cover in a general way a lot of poetic history. Not deeply. There is a lot I don’t love in this book (on the contemporary front) but I did enjoy it enough, and its presentation/format to consider it in my chosen nine (I am not a Rupi Kaur appreciator I confess but that said, I also have yet to acquire love for Shakespeare so there’s that- still learning).
5. The Poets’ Corner: The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family by John Lithgow- If you want to find the joy and learn to appreciate and understand poetry MORE- this is the book! I adore this book, by actor John Lithgow. What a treasure he has written in sharing these 50 poems. He gives a bit of background to them as well as brief biographical information or sketches of the poets. He leads us through as a brilliant guide offering insights and input, as well as holding each work up into his eye view to broaden our appreciation then holds it out to us to see. It’s as if he is touring you through each work. I got a used copy, but have heard rave reviews about the audio as well- Mr. Lithgow is an amazing reader, and has a few of his actor friends reading some of the poems as well. I mean to check that out, post National Poetry Month!
6. A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver- Do I even need to say anything here? Mary Oliver should suffice. However, I will say, I was blessed to take a poetry class at the local library. The leader used this book for our time, and it was another one of those moments that I felt all of my writerly muscles being stretched, growing, being challenged. “For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in hot pockets of the hungry. Yes, indeed.” It’s a short read. But you could make a meal out of it. The woman was a mine of diamonds for those who want to dig and make the most of what’s found. Not overwhelming, or comprehensive. But she doesn’t have to be. Because. Mary Oliver.
7. Poetry Will Save Your Life: A Memoir by Jill Bialosky- OK, so I loved this book when I read it, but can’t even tell you why. But I will say, I love memoir, and I am learning to love poetry. I don’t love all poetry. But I really like people who can communicate the value of something I am trying to grow an appreciation for…Bialosky is a poet, and renowned writer, but this one is for the people. So if you are a non-academic, everyday real person (that’s who I am) then, you might like this read. If you are more of an academic-oh heck, who am I kidding- you are not reading my post if so! I read this in 2018. So, maybe a re-read is in order.
8. Poems for Life: A Special Collection of Poetry Selected by: E. L. Doctorow, Allen Ginsberg, David Mamet, Tom Wolfe, Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen Sondheim, … More: Celebrities on the Poems they Love by The Nightingale-Bamford School- This is a wonderful book. Two fifth grade classes sent letters asking various public figures and celebrities to share their favorite poem. This book is a compilation of their responses. It is a great diverse collection of poems, and a surprising litany of characters who responded. An introduction by Anna Quindlen opens the book. The children were also fundraising for a chosen group by the book profits.
9. Poem-a-Day: 365 Poems for Every Occasion-Academy Of American Poets- I got this book in my efforts to increase my appetite for poetry. I took it like a vitamin. One-a-day. It works. I read through this one in 2023. I’m still learning, and I do not appreciate all poetry, yet. But, maybe I am on my way. How about you?
10. ?

So here we are at the fastest list ever written by human type-writing fingers! Give me your favorite poetic writing inspiration, favorite poet or book by or about a poet, will you?

How can #nationalpoetrymonth be over? We are just getting started! There is always next year. In the meantime, a little poetry daily will do you.

Keep reading, writing, and living!

Enthusiastically, Dawn

Renee Nicole Good: Who was the woman killed by ICE in Minneapolis? – BBC News

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Who was Renee Nicole Good, the woman killed by ICE?

1 day ago, By Tiffany Wertheimer

The woman shot dead by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis has been identified as Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who had just moved to the city.

She was a prize-winning poet and a hobby guitarist, who city leaders have said was there as a legal observer of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities.

But the Trump administration has called her a “domestic terrorist”.

Good’s death has sparked protests across the country, with many people holding signs that read “Justice for Renee”.

Her mother, Donna Ganger, told the Minnesota Star Tribune that her daughter was “probably terrified” during the confrontation with officers that saw her fatally shot and that she was “one of the kindest people I’ve ever known”.

“She was extremely compassionate,” Ganger told the daily newspaper. “She’s taken care of people all her life. She was loving, forgiving and affectionate. She was an amazing human being.”

Her father, Tim Ganger, told the Washington Post that “she had a good life, but a hard life”.

A fundraiser for Good’s family, which was set up with a target of $50,000 (£37,000), raised more than $500,000 in 15 hours.

Follow updates on this story

US immigration agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis

In what appears to be Good’s Instagram account, which has now been made private, Good described herself as a “poet and writer and wife and mom”, who was “experiencing Minneapolis”.

A US citizen, Good was originally from Colorado Springs and had moved to Minneapolis just last year from Kansas City.

The Minnesota Star Tribune reports that she used to host a podcast with her second husband, Tim Macklin, who died in 2023. They had a son together, who is now six years old, Macklin’s father told the newspaper.

She had two other children with her first husband, who spoke to US media on condition that his name was not used. He said that Good was not an activist and that she was a devoted Christian who went to Northern Ireland on youth missions when she was younger.

She had previously worked as a dental assistant and at a credit union, but had mainly been a stay-at-home mum in recent years, according to the Associated Press.

Good studied creative writing at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and in 2020 she won an undergraduate prize from the Academy of American Poets for her piece entitled On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs.

“When she is not writing, reading, or talking about writing, she has movie marathons and makes messy art with her daughter and two sons,” her biography from the prize reads, as quoted in US media. It seems to have now been removed.

Good graduated the same year from the university’s College of Arts and Letters with a degree in English.

Its president said in a statement that her sudden death was “yet another clear example that fear and violence have sadly become commonplace in our nation”.

“May Renee’s life be a reminder of what unites us: freedom, love, and peace,” Old Dominion University president Brian Hemphill wrote.

Several state leaders have said that Good was at the scene of an ICE raid in the south of Minneapolis as a legal observer – a volunteer who monitors police and security forces at protests and operations.

Good’s mother told the Minnesota Star Tribune that her daughter was “not part of anything” that involved challenging ICE agents.

But White House officials, including the president, have said Good was not simply observing, but also interfering in the officers’ work.

US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Good had been “stalking and impeding their work” all day by “blocking them in” with her car and “shouting at them”.

Good “weaponised her vehicle”, Noem told reporters, and then tried to run over one of the officers “in an attempt to kill or cause bodily harm to agents, an act of domestic terrorism”.

The ICE agent feared for his life, Noem said, and “fired defensive shots”.

This account was backed up by Trump, who wrote on Truth Social that “the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting”.

He called her a “professional agitator” who “violently, willfully, and viciously” ran over an ICE officer.

But the city’s mayor said the agent who shot Good had acted recklessly.

“Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly: that is bullshit,” Jacob Frey said. “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying, getting killed.”

Good reportedly lived just a few blocks from where she was killed, and the scene is about one mile from where George Floyd was murdered in 2020 by a city police officer, sparking worldwide anti-racism protests.

In pictures: Protests held in US cities after woman shot dead by immigration agent

Continue/Read Original Article Here: Renee Nicole Good: Who was the woman killed by ICE in Minneapolis?

When Events Overtake What You Intended to Post

…
https://writerunboxed.com/2026/01/09/when-events-overtake-what-you-intended-to-post/

#conflict #REALWORLD #Writinglife #AcademyofAmericanPoets #AmandaRipley

When Events Overtake What You Intended to Post

…
https://writerunboxed.com/2026/01/09/when-events-overtake-what-you-intended-to-post/

#conflict #REALWORLD #Writinglife #AcademyofAmericanPoets #AmandaRipley