Why read Don't Call Us Dead?

Book cover of Don't Call Us Dead: Poems

Book description

Finalist for the National Book Award for Poetry
Winner of the Forward Prize for Best Collection

“[Smith's] poems are enriched to the point of volatility, but they pay out, often, in sudden joy.”―The New Yorker

Award-winning poet Danez Smith is a groundbreaking force, celebrated for deft lyrics, urgent subjects, and…

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Poetry

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Don't Call Us Dead as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Greg Hewett

Author

With pyrotechnical poetic skills, Danez Smith brought me into powerful ways of rethinking race, gender, sexuality, masculinity, and femininity. He brings the urban to the level of the pastoral.

You will thank this gifted poet for changing your world.

From Greg's list on The best books to fall in love with contemporary poetry.

Tina Cane

Author

I believe Danez Smith is an important voice. I find Smith's poems powerful, poignant, and relevant. This collection has irreverence and reverence, humanity, fury, love, and a deep sense of urgency. It speaks to our country's history and present and demands we consider where we are headed.

Smith also has another stellar collection called Bluff, which was just released and promises to be a crucial contribution to contemporary poetry.

From Tina's list on The best books for the living: not all poets are dead.