Kevin Young is an American poet whose work draws deeply from the legacy of Langston Hughes and the visual art of Jean-Michel Basquiat. His poetry delves into the intricacies of the African American experience, weaving personal and historical narratives with a rich, resonant language. Young's writing often explores themes of identity, heritage, and the complexities of memory, offering readers a thought-provoking and poignant perspective. His literary impact is evident in his impressive ability to connect contemporary issues with a broader cultural landscape.
Exploring the depths of grief and the beauty of new beginnings, this collection captures the author's emotional journey a decade after his father's death. Through poignant two-line poems, Young conveys the haunting silence of loss and the transformative power of life events, particularly the birth of his son. His vivid imagery in "Crowning" stands out as a remarkable celebration of life. The concluding sequence emphasizes acceptance and the importance of embracing both sorrow and joy, offering profound insights into the complexities of existence.
The blues-a musical tradition uniquely American-has had a powerful influence on American poets, and this scintillating anthology offers a richness of poetry as varied and vital as the music that inspired it.
Set against a film noir backdrop, this collection features a "soft-boiled" private eye, A.K.A. Jones, and the enigmatic femme fatale, Delilah Redbone. Their journey through Shadowtown is filled with intrigue, aliases, and a cast of colorful characters, including The Killer and The Snitch. Young's five poetic "reels" blend detective lingo with dark glamour, creating a playful yet poignant exploration of passion and mystery. The work showcases his signature originality and stark lyricism, making it a captivating read.
This collection delves into the South's legacy, exploring themes of African-American grief and resilience. The poet's distinctive voice, characterized by flexible and blues-inflected lines, offers a unique perspective on cultural and personal passages. Celebrated for its liveliness and depth, the work reflects the profound emotional landscape of the African-American experience, showcasing the author's ability to stand out in contemporary poetry.
The collection showcases the African-American experience through vibrant and engaging language, blending strength and sophistication. Kevin Young's poetry is both accessible and profound, capturing the essence of life with a unique voice. Selected by Lucille Clifton for the National Poetry Series, this work stands out as a significant contribution to contemporary American poetry, highlighting Young's potential as an emerging literary talent.
Exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience, this collection showcases Kevin Young's inventive language inspired by music. Each poem, with titles like "Stride Piano" and "Gutbucket," captures the essence of blues, oscillating between celebration and lament. The verses reflect a journey from devotion to heartbreak, ultimately embracing the bittersweet nature of overcoming challenges. Young's work resonates with both humor and depth, making it a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions and experiences.
Focusing on the life and art of Jean-Michel Basquiat, this unique "remix" transforms the original 350-page double album into a dynamic exploration of his work and legacy. The book highlights the artist's innovative style and the impact of his brief but influential career, offering readers a fresh perspective on his contributions to the art world.
The narrative unfolds through a haunting chorus of voices, capturing the experiences of African Americans involved in the Amistad rebellion. It explores their captivity, education, and struggles for language and freedom, highlighting their hopes and dreams amidst adversity. This powerful account delves into the fight for liberation and the resilience of those who endured this historical injustice.
**SHORTLISTED FOR THE T.S. ELIOT PRIZE 2021** A book of loss, looking back, and what binds us to life, by a towering poetic talent, 'one of the poetry stars of his generation' (Los Angeles Times). 'We sleep long, / if not sound,' Kevin Young writes early on in this exquisite gathering of poems, 'Till the end / we sing / into the wind.' In scenes and settings that circle family and the generations in the American South - one poem, 'Kith', exploring that strange bedfellow of 'kin' - the speaker and his young son wander among the stones of their ancestors. 'Like heat he seeks them, / my son, thirsting / to learn those / he don't know / are his dead.' Whether it's the fireflies of a Louisiana summer caught in a mason jar (doomed by their collection), or his grandmother, Mama Annie, who latches the screen door when someone steps out for just a moment, all that makes up our flickering, precarious joy, all that we want to protect, is lifted into the light in this moving book. Stones becomes an ode to Young's home places and his dear departed, and to what of them - of us - poetry can save.
In this lyrical picture book from an award-winning poet, a young boy cherishes a neighborhood field throughout the changing seasons. With stunning illustrations and a charming text, this beautiful story celebrates a child's relationship with nature. There was a boy named Emile who fell in love with a field. It was wide and blue-- and if you could have seen it so would've you. Emile loves the field close to his home--in spring, summer, and fall, when it gives him bees and flowers, blossoms and leaves. But not as much in winter, when he has to share his beautiful, changeable field with other children...and their sleds. This relatable and lyrical ode to one boy's love for his neighborhood field celebrates how spending time in nature allows children to dream, to imagine...and even to share.
