Arab American Poetry Anthology

Inclined to Speak: an Anthology of Contemporary Arab American Poetry, edited by Hayan Charara, from

The University of Arkansas Press.

At no other time in American history has our imagination been so engrossed with the Arab experience. An indispensable and historic volume, Inclined to Speak gathers together poems, from the most important contemporary Arab American poets, that shape and alter our understanding of this experience. These poems also challenge us to reconsider what it means to be American. Impressive in its scope, this book provides readers with an astonishing array of poetic sensibilities, touching on every aspect of the human condition.

You must read this book. So many great poets are in it, including my neighbor and teacher Elmaz Abinader, as well as Fady Joudah (translator of Darweesh, as seen in the New Yorker), Mohja Kahf, Etel Adnan, Lawrence Joseph, Khaled Mattawa... the list is long. Radio program here.

Comments

[cecile yazbek]

My daughter sent me this link: as a South African-born Lebanese writer who is learning Arabic, I am fascinated; esp as I had just ordered The Hakawati on Amazon!
I wish you well and thank you for your vivacious blog- cecile