Adrienne Rich (Voice of the Poet)
Grade 9 Up-This entry in the Voice of the Poet series presents archival recordings of Adrienne Rich reading her own poems, which are arranged chronologically. Rich's body of work is accessible to high school students, many of whom will find that her words about friendship, political intolerance in the U.S., and feminism resonate at a personal as well as a literary level. The accompanying booklet includes an introductory essay about Rich's life, authored by series editor J. D. McClatchey, followed by a listing of the recorded poems in the order they play. While the splicing of recording sessions is nicely done, it is clear to listeners that Rich's voice ages. This makes the poet all the more immediate and the poems all the more compelling. Excellent for use in classrooms as well as a necessary purchase for school and public libraries.Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley Public Library, CACopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.