Recent review of America Zen
America Zen: A Gathering of Poets (Bottom Dog Press, 2004) features the work of thirty Zen-inspired poets, from veterans Seido Ray Ronci, Jane Hirshfield and Andrew Schelling to newer faces on the scene, such as Shin Yu Pai and Paul Skyrm. Editors Larry Smith and Ray McNiece include a selection of four or five poems by each contributor, a biographical sketch and a personal statement from the author about his or her relationship to Zen Practice. The poems, with tiles like "on the galloping cusp of the new now" and "Old Monks Drinking" are evocative and witty, often filled with a sense of the poignancy and sensuality of the present moment. The introduction provides a brief overview of Zen Buddhism in America and describes the American Zen poetry as a movement of poets--beginning with the Beats--who experimented with a Japanese aesthetic and were inspired by Buddhist truths.
- Holly Gayley, in BUDDHADHARMA (winter 2004).
"A beautiful book, from beginning to end. I especially love the cover." -Bree // "The book is terrific! I'm savoring it, rereading some of the poems that I love. I like the format, the pictures, the bios, and the Zen statements, and the overview at the beginning. The good part is I haven't finished it yet, so I look forward to more wonderful poems."-Linda Goodman Robiner / /
"The book looks great!" -Diane di Prima //
"I have been reading AMERICA ZEN with pleasure, gazing up (in my inner mind) from time to time timelessly. Very glad to be part of this book. While neighbors rake lawns and cars honk their horns, this book will hold us."-William Heyen /
"What a wonderful addition to the literature of Zen and American poetry. I am proud to be in the book." -Mary Sue Koepple /
"Great book Larry. This is the first poetry book I sat down and read cover-to-cover in a long time. I thought the personal statements really strengthened it." -Paul S. Piper /
"Anthology looks excellent. I been carrying it around. Good work," -Andrew Schelling /
"My wife, who's not that fond of poetry, has read AMERICA ZEN from cover to cover." -Seido Ray Ronci/
