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8th out of 23 books
—
10 voters
The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets
by
Ted Kooser
Recently appointed as the new U. S. Poet Laureate, Ted Kooser has been writing and publishing poetry for more than forty years. In the pages of The Poetry Home Repair Manual, Kooser brings those decades of experience to bear. Here are tools and insights, the instructions (and warnings against instructions) that poets—aspiring or practicing—can use to hone their craft, perh...more
Paperback, 170 pages
Published
March 1st 2007
by Bison Books
(first published 2005)
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Ted Kooser is a nice man. I knew from the minute I saw his photo on the back cover- an avuncular figure in a cable-knit sweater smiling blithely into the camera, a mug of something in his hand- that this would not be elitist, it would not be condescending and it would not be highflown.
This is a book for the intimidated and the uncertain, for the simple and the popular. There are the sorts of people who like poetry as poetry; not because it seems like they ought to like it, or because it fits int...more
This is a book for the intimidated and the uncertain, for the simple and the popular. There are the sorts of people who like poetry as poetry; not because it seems like they ought to like it, or because it fits int...more
Kooser's book is so welcoming from the warm tone to the straight-forward, unassuming language, and the pragmatic advice. Kooser writes, "The Poetry Home Repair Manual advocates for poems that can be read and understood without professional interpretation. My teacher and mentor, Karl Shapiro, once pointed out that the poetry of the twentieth century was the first poetry that had to be taught. He might have said that had to be explained. I believe with all my heart that it's a virtue to show our a...more
This slim little treatise offers some of the most practical, applicable advice on writing that I've come across yet. Kooser puts less emphasis on technical aspects of form and rhythm in favor of solid poetry that's written to be read, pointing out that the music is a less conscious process. It's friendly and encouraging - I found myself nodding in recognition of mistakes I make, proud to see things I already work on, and reaching for the highlighter often.
A couple months ago I was struck with an urge to read, write, and enjoy poetry. It was a convergence, I'm sure, of a variety of outside influences. I'd heard, for example, that writing poetry could infuse a person with almost magical writing power. Likewise, that reading it could open one's third eye and allow the seeing of truths, telepathic conversations with John Keats, psychokinesis, telekineses, force lightning, and mindsex.
So I said, "why not?" and set about writing one poem every day (alo...more
So I said, "why not?" and set about writing one poem every day (alo...more
So, if Immersed in Verse is the funny childish love of poetry and awesome inspiration bit--then this baby is the "we're all-grown up, and now have settled down to work on art . . . but we haven't quite given up our sense of humor" bit.
The advice is absolutely indispensable, and ought to be required reading for every aspiring poet. It's also a delight to read--just delicious.
Please, oh please, read.
The advice is absolutely indispensable, and ought to be required reading for every aspiring poet. It's also a delight to read--just delicious.
Please, oh please, read.
I borrowed this book from the local library, but I will likely buy it. What did CS Lewis say? "Don't waste your time on a book you wouldn't read again and again?" Or, something like that.
This book, at bottom, is an apologetic for Kooser's own philosophy of poetry. One I'll bet you'll agree with: the writer should serve the reader, love them even. He quotes Seamus Heaney to this effect - "The aim of the poet and the poetry is finally to be of service, to ply the effort of the individual work into...more
This book, at bottom, is an apologetic for Kooser's own philosophy of poetry. One I'll bet you'll agree with: the writer should serve the reader, love them even. He quotes Seamus Heaney to this effect - "The aim of the poet and the poetry is finally to be of service, to ply the effort of the individual work into...more
Since I did not get into a very elite nursing grad school program, my next goal was a poetry class, and since Denver apparently does not have any right now that are for non degree students, I turned to a former Poet Laureate who impresses me with his solid, midwestern, genuine advice about poetry. One of his more powerful poems that resonates with me:
Father
Today you would be ninety-seven
if you had lived, and we would all be
miserable, you and your children,
driving from clinic to clinic,
an an...more
Father
Today you would be ninety-seven
if you had lived, and we would all be
miserable, you and your children,
driving from clinic to clinic,
an an...more
It's an unpretentious book with some good basic reminders about poetic tools. There were moments that I found enlightening, but for a seasoned reader/writer of poetry there may be little new information. Regardless, it was nice to read his thoughts on the intrinsic value of writing poetry. Kooser makes an aim of only using contemporary examples to explain his points, and I discovered some new poets I really liked. In creating a casual tone, though, he uses way too many analogies and can go on fo...more
It was sold for a dollar, hardbound, and the inclusion of Home Repair Manual on the title I found totally inappropriate and not that witty, so I started with unhigh hopes. My patience was enough for the first four chapters, then soon felt stupid because I kept waiting for just one unique, indispensable advice that never came.
Also, for a poet he was unnecessarily verbose. He yakked a lot of times, which frankly didn't help. He also kept saying something about poetry losing possible followers beca...more
Also, for a poet he was unnecessarily verbose. He yakked a lot of times, which frankly didn't help. He also kept saying something about poetry losing possible followers beca...more
This little powerhouse of a how-to has some outdated publishing and submission information in it--written before the explosion of Internet publishing and duotrope.com, but for craft advice, it can't be beat. Accessible for beginners and good reminders for those more advanced writers, Ted Kooser has given the world of poetry a generous gift. If you've ever had questions on how to break your lines, whether to use a metaphor or simile in a particular context and how and where to sprinkle those adje...more
Loving this line, I'm paraphrasing his quote from John Fowles: You don't get the audience from preaching and philosophizing, but from the baser tricks of the trade - from wooing the reader into the palm of your hand.
A great book for writing basics, whether in prose or in poetry. Good for me to see the poetry equivalent to the prose I've been teaching my students - and his added insights on controlling metaphors and similes. In this world where we rush to crank out a novel in one month, good to...more
A great book for writing basics, whether in prose or in poetry. Good for me to see the poetry equivalent to the prose I've been teaching my students - and his added insights on controlling metaphors and similes. In this world where we rush to crank out a novel in one month, good to...more
I really loved this book, with just a few small reservations. For the most part it was fantastic: casual and funny, with useful, straightforward advice about poetry writing. I loved how he used examples of specific poems, then carefully walked you through how they did what they did, and why that worked. I got some great ideas, and even learned a new poetic meter (syllabic!) at this late date.
The parts I found less useful were where he got overly prescriptivist about writing only the Ted Kooser A...more
The parts I found less useful were where he got overly prescriptivist about writing only the Ted Kooser A...more
I actually got this book a few years ago, intending to use it to help me work on and revise a collection of my poems. For various reasons (bottoming out, rehab, recovery, etc.), I wasn't in a space to follow through at that time, or for some time after. Last year, I once again got motivated to put together a poetry collection, so I dusted off this book and cracked it open. I'm glad I did! Ted Kooser, former Poet Laureate, has written a wise, personable and above all, practical guide to the nuts...more
Since I've never had formal instruction in poetry composition, unless you count poetry units in middle and high school, this was very helpful. Mr. Kooser has a very accessible writing style. Even though he's the Poet Laureate, he writes like a colleague or maybe a professor in a small seminar where he already knows the students.
Lots of good and some new ideas. LOTS of examples, mostly from unfamiliar 20th-century poets. This was a library read but would absolutely be worth the price for me.
Lots of good and some new ideas. LOTS of examples, mostly from unfamiliar 20th-century poets. This was a library read but would absolutely be worth the price for me.
This book, intended for beginning poets, is part how-to and part commentary. But it's also a manifesto. Ted Kooser insists that poetry is communication, yes, even communication with other people. I suspect there are lots of poets who either hate this book or wouldn't give it the time of day. I'll let Kooser speak for himself:
"I've been reading poems for many years and should be altogether comfortable with them, but still, when I turn a page in a literary journal and come upon a poem, I jump back...more
"I've been reading poems for many years and should be altogether comfortable with them, but still, when I turn a page in a literary journal and come upon a poem, I jump back...more
This would have been a better book to read back when I was just starting to write poetry. I liked the numerous illustrative poems that Kooser worked into his analysis, although some of it seemed a bit too folksy for my tastes. Kooser is clearly knowledgeable and a generous poet, but I must admit that knowing he was Poet Laureate during the Bush years gave me pause. Still, I found the final chapter, "Relax and Wait," quite helpful.
A fantastic book for beginning poets, definitely. Much in here will be old hat if you've been writing for a while, but there's still plenty of good reminders and tips for the more experienced. And many of the poems Kooser chooses to include to illustrate his points are gems. In addition, his tone is that of an old and wise friend, never overbearing, just frank and gently humorous. A wonderful addition to any poets' library.
A delightful book by Ted Kooser, former Poet Laureate. This is a books which accomplishes what it sets out to do.
His discussions about the art and work of writing are worth the time to get to know. I felt the books was more a collection of related essays rather than a stepped theme. Which curiously enough would go along with the title's namesake - Home Repair Manuals, those wonderfully compact instructions where each section or chapter is a whole unto its own.
His discussions about the art and work of writing are worth the time to get to know. I felt the books was more a collection of related essays rather than a stepped theme. Which curiously enough would go along with the title's namesake - Home Repair Manuals, those wonderfully compact instructions where each section or chapter is a whole unto its own.
This a book about how to write poetry--it's fantastic; good example poems, and you find out how to read poetry. Kooser is a former US poet laureate and teaches at U. Nebraska. I highly recommend this book if you are at all interested in poetry--it's very approachable. In real life, Kooser is a retire insurance executive--who would know.
A book I turn to over and over again for inspiration in writing my own poetry and creating prompts for my blog. Kooser, former US Poet Laureate, advocates poetry that is understandable without sacrificing the creative freedom poets so love. I strongly recommend this to those interested in reading or writing poetry.
Kooser's guide did not change my life, it did however encapsulate pretty much everything I tell beginning poets in a neat, understandable way supplemented by mostly excellent examples. Also, Kooser's voice is gentle and wise and the author picture has him in a big sweater with a cuppa something. Maybe the latter doesn't matter so much but if I'm giving a book five stars, I try to take everything into account.
Feb 19, 2009
Courtney
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all writer
Recommended to Courtney by:
Mark Letcher
Shelves:
writing-resources
Kooser conducts a straightforward discussion of the role of poetry and devices beginners can employ to get started writing. Although this text is an informative, easy read, it's geared more towards the individual rather than a classroom setting. He doesn't attempt to 'teach' poetic styles; he presents poetic advice.
This would be an excellent text for a creative writing/poetry class. Kooser covers all the basics with great gentleness and wit and accompanies his points with relevant poetic examples. This slim books is pretty much as advertised: practical advice for beginning poets and writers. Good stuff.
This was a condescending offering from a poet laureate who no doubt has something to say. This book certainly didn't include it, though. There are many worthy, thoughtful, and respectful books written for poets interested in developing craft. Don't bother looking for help here.
This is a favorite. The book is "as advertised" in the title, but is also much more in that it explains a lot about how poetry works, without taking away any of the magic. Another great book along these lines is How to Read a Poem and Start Poetry Circle by Molly Peacock.
Excellent. Very helpful and realistic about writing poetry. He took a lot of the mystery out of it--which was great for me, because I am not much for mystery and it was relieving to hear that accomplished poets can have the same attitude! I will be referring back to this often.
This is a wonderful little volume on writing and revising poetry, written in the same straight-forward voice as Ted Kooser's poems. The only thing I object to is the word "beginning" in the subtitle. I think this would be useful to more than just beginners.
An excellent book, all in all; one I hope to revisit for its excellent suggestions and ideas.
I was a bit concerned at first due to a small overuse of universalisms in the first couple of chapters but they disappeared. I also do not like the font face used for italics. It isn't truly an italic face but more of a wavy version of the regular face.
I was a bit concerned at first due to a small overuse of universalisms in the first couple of chapters but they disappeared. I also do not like the font face used for italics. It isn't truly an italic face but more of a wavy version of the regular face.
A great book for the beginner poet: I may use it when I teach the Intro Poetry Seminar. Clear, concise, without ego, funny at times, and using strong examples, this book can be very helpful for young writers.
Really very good, and encouraging. Kooser's emphasis on considering the reader and making your poems as transparent as you can, particularly for newer poets, should be taken to heart by more of us.
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Ted Kooser lives in rural Nebraska with his wife, Kathleen, and three dogs. He is one of America's most noted poets, having served two terms as U. S. Poet Laureate and, during the second term, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for his collection, DELIGHTS & SHADOWS. He is a retired life insurance executive who now teaches part-time at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The school board...more
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“Considering the ways in which so many of us waste our time, what would be wrong with a world in which everybody were writing poems? After all, there’s a significant service to humanity in spending time doing no harm. While you’re writing your poem, there’s one less scoundrel in the world. And I’d like a world, wouldn’t you, in which people actually took time to think about what they were saying? It would be, I’m certain, a more peaceful, more reasonable place. I don’t think there could ever be too many poets. By writing poetry, even those poems that fail and fail miserably, we honor and affirm life. We say ‘We loved the earth but could not stay.”
—
11 people liked it
“At the other side
of the galaxy, a star thirty-five times
the size of our own sun exploded
and vanished, leaving a small green spot
on the astronomer’s retina
as he stood in the great open dome
of my heart with no one to tell.”
—
2 people liked it
More quotes…
of the galaxy, a star thirty-five times
the size of our own sun exploded
and vanished, leaving a small green spot
on the astronomer’s retina
as he stood in the great open dome
of my heart with no one to tell.”
Nov 27, 2012 05:15pm